Zakynthos travel guide

About Zakynthos

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands, with an area of 405.55 km2 (156.6 sq mi), and a coastline 123 km (76 mi) in length. In Greek mythology, the island was said to be named after Zacynthus, the son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus.

Places to visit in Zakynthos

1. 

   Navagio Beach

   Beach · 16 mi from centre

   A cove of white pebbles and turquoise water surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, with a rusting shipwreck on the sand. Visit by boat, and check whether landing is allowed, since rockfalls sometimes close the beach.

2. Blue Caves

   Nature

   A series of sea caves on the northern tip of Zakynthos where sunlight turns the water a glowing blue. Boat tours leave from Agios Nikolaos, and morning trips give the best light for swimming.

3. 

   Marathonisi

   Nature · 7 mi from centre

   A small island in Laganas Bay shaped like a turtle, with beaches where sea turtles nest. Respect the nesting zones marked on the sand, and only visit with licensed boat operators.

4. 

   National Marine Park of Zakynthos

   Park · 5 mi from centre

   A protected area around Laganas Bay that safeguards loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches. Follow the park's rules about speed limits and beach access, and do not use beaches at night during nesting season.

5. 

   Keri Cliffs

   Viewpoint · 9 mi from centre

   Sheer limestone cliffs on the southwestern tip of the island, near a lighthouse and the village of Keri. Stay for sunset, and be careful near the cliff edges, which have few railings.

6. 

   Laganas

   Beach · 4 mi from centre

   A long sandy beach and resort town on the island's south coast, known for its nightlife. Part of the beach is a turtle nesting area, so follow signs and avoid umbrellas in marked zones.

7. 

   Zakynthos Town

   Neighborhood

   The island's main town, with a harbor, Venetian-style squares and churches rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake. Stroll Solomos Square in the evening, when locals come out for a walk along the waterfront.

8. Bochali

   Viewpoint

   A hillside village above Zakynthos Town with views over the harbor and coast, near the ruins of a Venetian castle. Come for sunset or dinner at one of its terraced tavernas.

Things to do in Zakynthos by type

11 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

• Day Trips & Excursions 4 experiences Discover Zakynthos: Off Road by Closed Jeep
• Cruise & Water Tours 3 experiences Caretta-Caretta Turtle Trip
• Outdoor activities & Adventure 2 experiences Off Road Zakynthos Jeep Safari

Top experiences in Zakynthos

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.

Travel Services

European eSim Data Card

• 1 day
• Free cancellation

From $12 per adult

Best time to visit Zakynthos

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Zakynthos is May, when average daytime highs are around 78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Zakynthos weather forecast

• Wed 21 Oct 74° 64° 25%
• Thu 22 Oct 73° 68° 38%
• Fri 23 Oct 74° 60° 10%
• Sat 24 Oct 71° 57° 1%
• Sun 25 Oct 67° 59° 56%
• Mon 26 Oct 68° 58° 61%

Know before you go

Currency

Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89

Language

Greek

Calling code

+30

Driving

On the right

Time zone

Europe/AthensUTC+3

Capital

Athens

Upcoming public holidays in Greece

• Wed 28 OctOchi DayΤο Όχι
• Fri 25 DecChristmas DayΧριστούγεννα
• Sat 26 DecSt. Stephen's DayΣύναξις Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Μαρίας
• Fri 1 JanNew Year's DayΠρωτοχρονιά
• Wed 6 JanEpiphanyΘεοφάνεια
• Mon 15 MarClean MondayΚαθαρά Δευτέρα

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Zakynthos

These are the airports closest to central Zakynthos. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

• ZTH Zakynthos International Airport2 mi (4 km) from the city centre
• PYR Andravida Air Base23 mi (38 km) from the city centre
• EFL Kefalonia International Airport32 mi (51 km) from the city centre

Getting around Zakynthos

There are buses that go between the most crowded areas of the island. Ask around and there will be no pain in finding the bus stops. However, bus services on the island are rather infrequent and sometimes unreliable. Taxis, however, are not too expensive.

By car

The best way to get around is by rental car. There are literally dozens of rental agencies on the island besides the big ones. Preferably get a 4WD car, as some attractions are off the main roads. Beware of the condition of some of the roads. The smaller roads may well have pot holes and even the "better" roads are extremely slippery. Also beware of other drivers. If you assume everyone else on the road is out to get you and drive accordingly it's probably the best way of dealing with it.

By motorbike/scooters

Rental agencies abound. However, scooters may be somewhat painful to ride around the island, because it is very hilly, so get something with a little bit more power.

By bicycle

Cycling is a pleasant way of navigating the southern and central parts of the island, if somewhat impractical in the rougher, hillier terrain of the north. Bike hire is available in all but the smallest of resorts, costing around €4-8 per day, with discounts available for multi-day hire periods. A basket and a lock will usually be included but hire shops are very unlikely to rent helmets, so bring your own if required. Bike Ride Zakynthos offers tours of the island if you don't fancy doing it alone.

Zakynthos travel FAQ