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Whether you call it Zakynthos (its Greek name) or Zante (a throwback from the days of Venetian rule), this southerly Ionian island is a holiday heavyweight that comes alive in summer with boat trips, beach days and balmy nights for indulging at traditional tavernas. Don’t be put off by its reputation for mass-market package holidays — away from the built-up resorts of Laganas, Kalamaki and Tsilivi, there’s an abundance of authentic charm. Moreover, recent years have welcomed heaps of upgrades and developments such as luxury villas, fancy restaurants, boutique hotels and beach clubs — all of which have catapulted the island to a more sophisticated state. It’s not as jet-set as Mykonos, but that in itself is its charm, alongside a huge diversity of landscapes, attractions and fun things to do.

From the pine-topped cliffs of the west and north to the central plain’s ancient olive groves, and the east and south coasts’ sandy shores, Zakynthos is blessed with natural beauty and feels greener than your average Greek island. Even in busy Laganas, the waters of the Ionian Sea are sublime, with gently shelving sands that are perfect for family holidays. Between here and Kalamaki, an undeveloped sandy beach forms part of a marine park that protects the nesting grounds of loggerhead sea turtles. These incredible creatures lay their eggs on six of Laganas Bay’s beaches, including Marathonisi — a turtle-shaped isle that’s popular for day trips.

Main photo: Navagio beach, often referred to as Shipwreck beach (Alamy)