Northern Zante Cruise with Cape Skinari and Xigia Beach

This cruise around the northern tip of Zante serves up plenty of camera-friendly scenery and swim stops in hidden coves. You'll see stretches of the island's most mesmerising coastline, including the Blue Caves and Smuggler's Cove – that famous Greek postcard of the rusting cargo ship on a pristine cliff-ringed beach. Chrissy, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The sea around the Blue Caves seems to glow electric blue because the white limestone underwater reflects the sun through the azure water.'

You'll get to catch Zante's top coastal draws in one relaxing boat trip. We'll scoot around Cape Skinari, famed for its lighthouse, cliffs, windmills and pastel-blue water. After about two hours at sea, we'll reach Smuggler's Cove. Back in the 80s, a ship carrying contraband cigarettes ran aground in this chalk-white, pebbly cove. Nowadays, in order to preserve the area, the beach itself is closed to visitors, however you'll still see the iconic views from the boat. Chrissy adds, ‘Zante's best-known beach is only accessible by boat and it's one of the most photographed spots in the whole of Greece. A crime gone wrong has left us with an unexpected treasure.'

After a dip, you'll continue to the shimmering Blue Caves, where we'll pause for a photo stop. Carved into the cliffs, the sea-smoothed walls form arches over the dazzling blue waters. You'll have Greek snacks and drinks on board, followed by some time anchored at Xigia beach. We'll end the cruise on a high note with some entertainment – Greek dancing – as we bob back to shore.