Tragaki lies ten kilometres from Zante Town on the north east coast of the island. It is a charming village built on a hill looking down on the startling blue of the Ionian Sea. Surrounded by verdant hills, Tragaki offers peace and relaxation that is so hard to find our busy world today. Within walking distance of a sand and shingle beach and with other sandy beaches in the vicinity, it is possible to enjoy both the delights of countryside and seaside. It also benefits from its close proximity to Zante Town.
Tragaki offers peaceful relaxation in an attractive area with good accommodation. It is one of the best places to go if you are looking for a holiday with an authentic Greek flavour, where the pace of life is far removed from the everyday bustle of home. Unlike many of the dwellings on Zante, much of Tragaki survived the devastation of the 1957 earthquake and its traditional houses are a delight to see. There are tavernas and restaurants both in the village and down by the beach and there is one shop providing all your holiday essentials.
Tragaki 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. Ramblers and hill walkers are attracted to Tragaki with its many tracks and trails up into the hills and along the coastal route.
The most popular time to visit Tragaki is in the summer, although the season extends from Easter to the end of October. The temperature range is from 20 to 30 degrees.
Tragaki is a sleepy little hamlet lying in an area of great natural beauty. Built on a hill, the views over the sea and across the valley to Kypseli are stunning. 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 local beach, within easy walking distance, is comprised of sand and shingle and shelves gently into the clearest of water, offering safe bathing for children and less confident swimmers. There are also a number of sandy beaches in the vicinity including at Tsilivi.
Tragaki’s range of hotels, villas, farmhouses and small apartments accommodates most budgets. The tavernas serve mainly traditional menus with fish being a predominant feature. Tragaki is as relaxed by night as it is by day and the tranquillity of the village remains undisturbed by loud music and flashing lights.
Those who like walking will find many delightful tracks and trails in the surrounding countryside. Here you can stroll among the olive groves and vineyards or wander along the coastal paths.
It is worth taking a trip 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 Tragaki 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.
Tragaki nightlife is very low-key and is centred round the hotels and tavernas Evenings are spent in a warm friendly atmosphere eating and drinking in the company of friends. For livelier evenings and also a greater choice of venue make the short journey to Tsilivi.
Tragaki shopping is limited to one mini-market that appears to sell all your holiday essentials including a small variety of souvenirs. 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.
Tragaki has a number of restaurants and tavernas providing a range of delicious food both in the village and by the beach. 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.
