Find information on Kypseli in our Travel Guide covering sights, foods and nightlife plus more...
Kypseli lies on the north east coast of the island, twelve kilometres from Zante Town The village is situated a short distance from the coast in an area renowned for its beauty. It is a traditional village that has remained largely untouched by tourist development and offers a holiday retreat undisturbed by intrusive sights and sounds. The nearest beach is sand and shingle which is washed by the clearest of waters and there are also a number of sandy beaches in the vicinity including Tsilivi and Amoudi. There are tavernas serving mainly traditional food and shops supplying basic provisions.
Kypseli offers peaceful relaxation in an attractive area with good accommodation. It is the place to go if you want a holiday with an authentic Greek flavour, where the pace of life is far removed from the everyday bustle of home. The family run tavernas serve a variety of wholesome food and the shops provide essentials.
Kypseli is especially popular with couples who are looking for a pretty resort where they can relax in the sunshine. Families with young children would probably prefer to be closer to a sandy beach.
The most popular time to visit Kypseli is in the summer, although the season extends from Easter to the end of October. The temperature range is from 20 to 30 degrees.
Kypseli is a charming village, in beautiful countryside, where the narrow streets are filled with colourful flowers. Lying twelve kilometres from Zante Town on the north east coast, Kypseli offers complete relaxation. A short walk takes you to the beach, a mixture of sand and pebbles, and the sea is the clearest blue. The waters are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. If soft sandy beaches are wanted, there are some close by, including at Tsilivi and Amoudi.
There is a range of accommodation from small family run hotels to apartments and from villas to farm houses. The Tsamis Spa Hotel offering a wide range of facilities is situated on the pebbly beach. It runs a shuttle bus to nearby sandy beaches. The tavernas in the village offer a friendly homespun service and provide mainly traditional menus. Kypseli shopping is rather limited and restricted to essential provisions and the occasional craft and gift shop where you can purchase the obligatory souvenirs.
Those who like walking will find many delightful tracks and trails in the surrounding countryside. Here you can stroll through olive groves and vineyards or visit the Vardiola Fortress nearby.
It is worth taking a trip further inland to the picturesque villages with their whitewashed houses swathed in climbing blossom and fertile vineyards where the authentic spirit of Greece is found. The tavernas here serve good wholesome food and wine.
A Kypseli holiday would be incomplete without a trip to Smuggler’s cove. It is the most photographed cove in the whole of Greece with its tall cliffs, golden sands and wrecked ship half-buried in the sand. Although it can be viewed from above, the best place to see it is from out at sea.
Kypseli nightlife is very low-key and is centred round the tavernas and a small number of bars. Evenings are spent in a warm friendly atmosphere eating and drinking in the company of friends.
Kypseli shopping is limited to essential provisions and gift and souvenir shops. Those looking for a greater variety can make the short journey to Zante Town where its maze of streets are filled with shops of every description. Popular souvenirs include leather goods, jewellery, ceramics and embroidered linens.
Kypseli has a number of restaurants and tavernas providing a range of delicious food. As in all Greek islands, fish features prominently on menus and locally caught fish, simply cooked, is always satisfying. Moussaka is another Greek favourite made from minced lamb, aubergines and a béchamel sauce. A good way to try traditional food is to order Mezedes, the Greek equivalent of the Spanish tapas, which includes a variety of bite-sized fish, meat and vegetables.
Local wines are inexpensive and very palatable.
Children are always made very welcome in restaurants and their tastes and portion size are usually accommodated.
