When it comes to take-your-breath-away beaches, this Ionian isle comes up trumps. But with so many spots to choose from, picking the right patch is no easy to task. Here are some of our sunbathing standouts…

Kalamaki Beach

Shared by the neighbouring resort of Laganas, Kalamaki Beach delivers a dreamy dose of fun in the sun. The water here is clear and shallow – perfect for tiny tots. If you get peckish, make a beeline for the beachfront taverna, which serves up all the usual Greek treats.

Laganas Beach

Welcome to one of the island’s longest beaches, stretching for 9km along Zante’s southern shores. You’ll find plenty of sunloungers and parasols dotted around and there are lots of bars and restaurants nearby. It’s also a nesting place for the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles, so look out for them snoozing in the sun.

Alykes Beach

Alykes Beach is known for its soft sands and impossibly turquoise waters. You can do as little or as much as you like, with water sports on offer, coves and caves to explore and tonnes of fab swimming spots. You won’t be short of places to grab a drink or bite to eat here either.

Argassi Beach

What this beach lacks in size, it more than makes up for in activities. Turn up the tempo with some water sports or keep it leisurely and hire a pedalo. The twinkling sea calls for refreshing dips and there are a handful of traditional tavernas on hand when you need to refuel.

Agios Sostis Beach

Ready for some R&R? This dinky delight, with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, is just the ticket. Surrounded by cliffs and pine trees, it’s the ideal place to while away an afternoon in the rays. Stay until sundown then head across to Cameo Island Beach Club for cocktails with a view.

Porto Limnionas

Encircled by chalky white cliffs, Porto Limnionas is a hidden gem well worth seeking out. The sea here is at its clearest, making it a must-visit for snorkellers. There’s no sand to sprawl on but you can hire loungers from the taverna or do like the locals do and pick a spot on the rocks.

Gerakas Beach

This is the most southern beach on the island and also one of the least developed. It’s part of the National Marine Park as it’s a nesting site for loggerhead turtles, so at some points in the year certain areas are roped off. You’ll want to get down early to snap up a sunbed, as it gets busy here during the summer months.

Tsilivi Beach

A Blue Flag beauty which boasts everything you could need for a beach day… what’s not to love? For thrill-seekers, there’s windsurfing, water skiing, pedalos to hire and so much more. The beach is split into two sections, with sun loungers and parasols at one end and space for towels at the other.