The island of Zakynthos or Zante is a great holiday destination if you choose your destination and places to visit carefully. Consider also the time of year, check out what time of year Zante is overcrowded and when there is the most and least rain and sunshine.

Zante town is the islands capital and is reached easily and cheaply on the local bus. It had a different feel, to the resorts and there was good architecture, shopping, a harbour and was a better location for a traditional Greek night out.

The island tour which took in a lot of the north of the island showed Zante's diversity. If you hired a car you could see all of this at your own pace.

Resorts in the East such as Argassi, Tsivili and Alikes have a good mix of traditional and modern features. They all have a beach.

Smuggler's Cove must be one of the most photographed beaches in all of the Greek Islands. It is in the North East region of Zante and the beach is only accessible by boat. There is a precarious viewing platform where you can look down and take photographs, but it is not for the fainthearted.

Not far from Smuggler's Cove there are some blue grotto caves which are worth the boat trip.

Overall there is something for everyone on the Island of Zakynthos if you look closely. The flora and fauna, and the general feel of the place is relaxing but be careful when you book your holiday and pick the right place for YOU.

Laganas Bay has a long stretch of sandy beach. In fact it is possible to walk for miles and end up in Kalamaki which is a quieter resort. However this resort has low flying aircraft almost constantly flying over in high season.

Laganas Bay itself has a family friendly beach as it has very shallow water in which you can walk out quite a long way. The beach is lined with restaurants and tavernas and most serve some traditional Greek Food and plenty of English foods and drinks.

Zante is not expensive but with the Euro currently in a strong position your pound will not go as far. Bus fares are good value but the local buses from Laganas will only take you to the Islands capital, Zante Town. From there though you can take other buses to resorts. Probably organised coach trips will be a better means of travelling around the Island unless you want to higher a car. The area in Laganas Bay is flat and you can also hire bicycles.

Laganas has many pubs, clubs and bars mainly gathered around the main drag or strip. This long road has shops and all things tourist. For a less commercial feel travel to nearby Aghios Sosti or Zante Town or just on the outskirts of Laganas.

The locals are generally friendly but with the resort becoming rowdy in high season many are a little hostile.

The centre of Laganas Bay is only really suitable for those wanting a noisy nightlife and a lot of commercialism. There is flora and fauna to be found but you will need to look for it.

The airport is only about a 1/2 hour drive from the airport and the flight from Manchester was about 31/2 hours.

Looking back, through rose coloured glasses, it was a good holiday and I would like to visit again. However next time it will be somewhere such as Alikes or Argassi.

There are seven main Ionian Islands and a fair few smaller ones, situated of the Western Coast of Greece. They all are fairly lush as these Islands receive more rain than Greek Islands such as Lesbos.

Zakynthos is the third largest Ionian Island and is named after the son of a legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus. Zakynthos is a beautiful Island but tourism has taken its toll on both the Islands and its people. You will find that the locals are a little jaded and wary of tourists. All speak fluent English but the occasional Yassoo or Calimera will go down a treat.

• If you are visiting in low season take an umbrella.
• Pack plenty of insect and mosquito repellent.
• Take a switch card that will not charge you excessively for transactions abroad, as there are plenty of cash machines. It will be cheaper than travellers cheques.
• Only drink bottled water, not tap water.
• Wear plenty of sunscreen as when the weather is hot it is really hot.
• Take some English money with you as you may get a better exchange rate.
• Do not buy souvenirs in the traditional villages. Most of these goods are cheaper in the larger resorts and are the same goods.
• Learn a couple of Greek words.
• Remember that the star rating for Greek accommodation can be deceptive. What is labelled four star may be more like a two or three star elsewhere.