Alykes Zante

island beach report and Alykes map

Alykes beach Zante

ALYKES or ALIKES beach carves out a long swathe of decent sand about 18km from Zakynthos Town on the Greek island of Zante and next to Alykanas beach.
Alykes beach sweeps along the bay just west of Alykanas - its bigger and noisier neighbour. Alykes beach has a reputation for being the more friendly and welcoming of the two.
There are plenty of tourist facilities in Alykes - snack bars and beach tavernas as well as the usual long ranks of sunbeds. Despite the increasing numbers each year, Alykes remains a fairly quiet beach holiday resort.
The beach at Alykes is of fine sand that shelves gently into the sea and it is shallow for quite a long way out, so it's a favourite with families. The resort does have its run-down bits but there are plenty good stretches to be found.
Alykes takes its name from the desolate salt flats that pan out behind the village. Many holiday apartments have been built round the salt flats, making for a 5-10min walk to the beach.
The flats at Alykes are a breeding ground for mosquitos so the wise will cream up before venturing out at night.
In Alykes holiday resort proper there is the usual selection of tourist shops, a handful of mini-markets and plenty of bars and tavernas. Visitors recommend carrying plenty of cash as the ATM is not always reliable.
There is not much else to do in Alykes in the evenings othere than have a meal in taverna and a drink in a bar. Those who enjoy walking can head for the hills where there are plenty of paths and walking trails.
The walk to Alykanas is popular and takes about 20min. There are regular holiday boat excursions to the notable sites such as the Blue Caves and to Shipwreck Beach. A popular tourist train runs between Alykes and Alykanas