Why go?
These are a low-key collection of 11 pretty villas, each with their own private garden and safely fenced-off pool, glorious gardens to explore, and top-notch club for kids from six-months to 10 years. There’s also a communal pool, kids’ pool and poolside bar to congregate around.
There’s no denying Periyali’s cliff top location and spectacular sea views are something special, or that the villas, with their pared-down nautical loveliness, are a cut above too. The villas have air-con, stereo, TV and DVD player (there’s an onsite DVD library); plus parenting essentials, from safety gates to bottle sterilizers. And apart from the kids’ clubs, for parents there’s also a visiting masseur.
Facilities: Supermarkets and the bustling nightlife of Zante town are a 30-minute drive away, but local mini-markets stock most essentials and there are decent tavernas nearby, several within walking distance.
Best of all, beach access is a doddle – the famous Gerakas is a short stroll away and has a long, sweeping bay of golden sand and gently shelving waters making it perfect for little ones to paddle and to take their first steps across the sand.
Don’t miss: Boat trips taking in the Bay of Laganas, which is the nesting ground of Caretta loggerhead turtles who return annually to lay eggs.
The lowdown
Price: Simpson Travel offers seven-night holidays for a family of four; from £2,016. Price includes car hire and flights from London Gatwick to Zakynthos.
Travel time: A flight from London to Zakynthos takes 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Useful links: Caretta loggerhead turtles
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