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Zakynthos, Greece

Destination guide

Zakynthos

Greece

Zakynthos (Greek: Ζάκυνθος), also called Zante (its Italian name), is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece. The island is named after Zacynthos, son of legendary Arcadian chief Dardanos.

AI insights

AI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and the video stats on this page

  • Avoid 'turtle spotting' boat tours, which distress nesting loggerheads; instead, support the island's conservation efforts by keeping your distance and staying off nesting beaches in the south during the spring and summer.

  • Rent a car to explore the island on your own terms, as public bus services are infrequent and unreliable; prioritize a 4WD vehicle to safely navigate the hilly terrain and unpaved roads leading to more remote attractions.

  • View the Navagio Beach shipwreck from the dedicated clifftop viewing platform near the Agios Gergio Kremnao monastery rather than attempting to land; the beach itself is strictly off-limits to visitors due to rockfall risks.

  • Seek out family-run tavernas that do not use printed menus, such as those near Porto Roma or Gerakas, where you will be served whatever fresh, traditional dishes were prepared that day.

  • Combine your visit to the Venetian Castle in Zakynthos town with an evening walk through the nearby Bochali quarter to enjoy the best panoramic views of the harbor.

How we vet these picks

Every pick is drawn from real sources — YouTube creators, Wikivoyage, and Wikipedia. We only surface sources that actually exist and that we've checked for authenticity — no filler, no dead-end searches.

Best time to go

Best window: February–September and December

Kind weather all year — there is no month to avoid.

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IdealGoodOkayOff-season

Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.

Getting around

By public transport

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 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.

By private boat

Visit the famous shipwreck "Navagio", the blue Caves, the Keri Caves, Marathonisi island, the Mizithres Rocks and many hidden beaches by renting a private boat.

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.

Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.

What to see

Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.

Shipwreck Beach viewpoint (Navagio)

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet and 1 other

A rusting cargo ship run aground in the 1980s sits on a wedge of white sand between sheer cliffs, viewed today from the clifftop platform above since the beach itself is closed.

Vetted sources

Blue Caves

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

Sea caves at the island's northern tip where morning sunlight bounces off pale limestone walls and turns the water shades of sapphire and turquoise.

Vetted sources

Gerakas Beach

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

A protected arc of sand that is one of the Mediterranean's key loggerhead turtle nesting grounds, off-limits after dusk in nesting season to protect the hatchlings.

Vetted sources

Bochali

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

A hilltop district above Zakynthos Town crowned by a Venetian castle, with the best sunset view over the town and coastal plain below.

Vetted sources

Keri Lighthouse

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

A candle-shaped lighthouse on dramatic cliffs at the island's southern tip, famous as a sunset-watching spot above the Keri sea caves.

Vetted sources

Dionysios Solomos Museum

Zaknthos town

If you are interested in Greek modern history, visit the in, dedicated to the national poet of the Greeks, who wrote the nation's national anthem.

Skip the line — book tickets

Shipwreck on Navagio Beach

Built as a smuggler ship, it lost its engines in 1981 and was washed ashore in a magnificent small bay. Featured in Greek tourist ads, it is on the west coast and best visited by going there from Porto Vromi.

Venetian Castle and Bochali

The partially ruined Venetian fortress occupies a pine-covered hill above the town, with surviving gates, walls, church ruins and views over the harbour.

Church of Agios Dionysios

The major church of Zakynthos’ patron saint, whose relics are kept here. Its tall bell tower is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks, and it is an important place of worship rather than simply an architectural stop.

Cape Skinari

The very northern edge of Zakynthos

Here you can get a panorama view of the sea, having both the calm waters of the east and the windy of the west within view. Here there are also some ruins from the great earthquake of 1953.

What to do

Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

A turtle-shaped islet inside the Zakynthos Marine Park, reached by small boat for snorkeling and a chance to spot loggerhead turtles offshore.

Vetted sources

Xigia Beach

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

A small cove where sulphur springs seep into the sea, turning the water milky and giving it a mineral smell locals swear is good for the skin.

Vetted sources

Grampsas Winery, Lagopodo

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

A family winery inland from the coast pouring Zakynthian varietals, a low-key alternative to the beach crowds recommended for shoulder-season visits.

Vetted sources

Turtle Spotting

The endangered loggerhead turtle uses the beaches for its nesting and a marine reserve has been established in the south around the Laganas Bay to protect these (although it appears to be completely ignored outside tourist season) Many…

Vetted sources

Round the Island Circuit

Due to the small size of the island, with a rental car it's perfectly possible to drive a complete lap of the island stopping at some interesting places on the way.

Vetted sources

Scuba Diving

Although, like the rest of Greece, the area is devoid of fish due to massive overfishing, the south of the island has a few decent sites such as "The Arch" and Keri Caves. Numerous dive operators work out of Laganas, Keri, and elsewhere.

Vetted sources

What to eat

Mikri Plateia

from the main road from Vassilkos to Gerakas Beach, go left to Port Roma, at the first corner, you'll find it on your right

Many restaurants on the island claim they are authentic and traditional. This one just is, without claiming so. A trip back in time. Run by a very kind and hardworking family who makes delicious homemade food. There is no menu.

Vetted sources

Nikos Beach Bar

just before Porto Roma go left (follow the sign), past the big house on your right hand; if you want to go through the beach, follow the beach to the left and find it above you on your left

The server comes to your table and, almost too fast to comprehend, tells you with a strong Greek accent what you can eat and drink. At the same time, he kindly, but unwaveringly, tries to convince you to order something specific.

Vetted sources

The Clear Horizon

Amoudi, in the north of the island, towards Alikes

Restaurant with a friendly owner who serves traditional Greek fare: baklavas, stifado, briam, at very reasonable prices in large portions, with an unrivaled view of the Ionian Sea and Kefalonia rising from the mist in the background.

Vetted sources

Mermaids

in the resort of Kalamaki

Serves a good variety of Greek and international food.

Vetted sources

Where to stay

Daphnes Villas and Apartments

100 m from Porto Roma beach at the very end of Vasilikos peninsula· Pricey

10 self-catered cottages sleeping 2-7 people. Air-con, Internet, library, playroom, playground, maid service, bed linen, bicycles, BBQ all included in the price. Walking distance to beach, supermarket, taverns and car rental.

Emerald Deluxe Villa

Agioa Nikolaos Volimes

Hillside setting with fabulous coastal views, private pool and gardens a family friendly property. 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, (comfortable for up to 8 people) kitchen, dining area, living area, private pool with hydro massage, children's…

Edelweiss Zante Hotel

Argasi

The Edelweiss complex is in the beautiful seaside village resort of Argassi with the magnificent Mt Skopos as its backdrop.

Lilly Villas

Georgiou V, Zakynthos Town

6 different villas, some as close as 200 metres from the beach, and free Wi-Fi.

Bozonos Villa

Akrotiri

Bozonos Villa covers an area of 450 m² and occupies a 1,600 m² property.

Blue House

Vasilikos

Apartments and studios 50 m from the beach.

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Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Encyclopedic context from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.