Gathering the gems worth your time…
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.
Introduction quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Sources gathered & checked 4 days ago
At a glance
- Best time to go
- February–September and December
- Getting around
- Public transport · Motorbike/scooters · Bicycle
- Vetted picks
- 26 places to see, do, eat, and stay
- Real coverage
- 5 vetted creator sources
AI insights
Computed from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and YouTube view counts on this page
The most-viewed guide here is "Τι πρέπει να δεις στη Ζάκυνθο!TIPS ΓΙΑ ΝΑ ΠΕΡΑΣΕΙΣ ΑΞΕΧΑΣΤΑ!" by Stelakis Backpack (14K views) — a solid first watch.
Stelakis Backpack is a creator from here, not a visiting channel — worth watching for what the guidebooks skip.
Getting around: by public transport, by motorbike/scooters, by bicycle and 2 more — the section below has the details straight from Wikivoyage.
How these 26 picks are sourced
9 of 26 are named by a second, independent source — Lonely Planet, Experience Luxury Travel and Condé Nast Traveler — and each card names its own. The remaining 17 rest on the reference article alone: we list them because Wikivoyage or Wikipedia documents them, not because anyone else vouched for them. We also watched 5 creator videos, 1 of them from local channels rather than visiting ones. 18 of the 26 descriptions are quoted word for word from Wikivoyage under CC BY-SA rather than written by us, as is the introduction above — each of those cards says so. What we add is the checking, the corroboration above, and the choice of which places are worth your time at all.What we can't promise is that it's still true. Venues close, hours and prices change, and we don't re-check them — a place here closed for good and sat on this page for a year before anyone noticed. The insights are AI-written from these sources and can be wrong too. Confirm anything you'd be sorry to be wrong about before you set out. Terms.
Watch first
Ranked by views and how well each landed with the people who watched it, judged against the other coverage of this place — plus a local creator where we found one.
Τι πρέπει να δεις στη Ζάκυνθο!TIPS ΓΙΑ ΝΑ ΠΕΡΑΣΕΙΣ ΑΞΕΧΑΣΤΑ!
Stelakis Backpack · 14K viewsLocalel
ZAKYNTHOS 4K | Ultimate Travel Guide to the Island’s Top Attractions (Greece)
Luxury Travel Expert · 112K views
Top Places & Things To Do in Zakynthos - Travel Guide
Ryan Shirley · 71K views
ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE Travel Guide - 10 Best Things To Do
Experience Luxury Travel · 91K views
✅ TOP 20 Things to Do in Zakynthos island, Greece 4K ► Best Beaches to Visit ►
JoyOfTraveler · 61K views
Best time to go
Best window: February–September and December
Kind weather all year — there is no month to avoid.
Jan
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Dec
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. Single source means the opposite, said plainly: the reference article lists it and nothing else we checked does.
Shipwreck Beach viewpoint (Navagio)
Worth itAlso 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 itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet and 1 other
Stopped here on camera: Experience Luxury Travel
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 itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet and 1 other
Stopped here on camera: Experience Luxury Travel
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 itAlso 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 itAlso 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
Single sourceZaknthos 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.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Shipwreck on Navagio Beach
Single sourceBuilt as a smuggler ship, it lost its engines in 1981 and was washed ashore in a magnificent small bay.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Venetian Castle and Bochali
Single sourceStopped here on camera: Experience Luxury Travel
The partially ruined Venetian fortress occupies a pine-covered hill above the town, with surviving gates, walls, church ruins and views over the harbour.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Church of Agios Dionysios
Single sourceThe major church of Zakynthos’ patron saint, whose relics are kept here.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Cape Skinari
Single sourceThe 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.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
What to do
Turtle Spotting
Worth itAlso recommended by Experience Luxury Travel
Stopped here on camera: Experience Luxury Travel
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…
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
Worth itAlso 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 itAlso 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 itAlso 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
Round the Island Circuit
Single sourceDue 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.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Scuba Diving
Single sourceAlthough, 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.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
What to eat
Mikri Plateia
Single sourcefrom 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.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Nikos Beach Bar
Single sourcejust 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.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
The Clear Horizon
Single sourceAmoudi, 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…
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Mermaids
Single sourcein the resort of Kalamaki
Serves a good variety of Greek and international food.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Where to stay
Daphnes Villas and Apartments
Single source100 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.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Emerald Deluxe Villa
Single sourceAgioa 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…
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Edelweiss Zante Hotel
Single sourceArgasi
The Edelweiss complex is in the beautiful seaside village resort of Argassi with the magnificent Mt Skopos as its backdrop.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Bozonos Villa
Single sourceAkrotiri
Bozonos Villa covers an area of 450 m² and occupies a 1,600 m² property.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Blue House
Single sourceVasilikos
Apartments and studios 50 m from the beach.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Lilly Villas
Single sourceGeorgiou V, Zakynthos Town
6 different villas, some as close as 200 metres from the beach, and free Wi-Fi.
Description quoted from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA
Vetted sources
Build your day
Pick the places you want in Zakynthos, Greece and we will put them on a map in an order that does not cross the city twice.
Where to next
Nearby cities in Greece we’ve vetted too.
- KefaloniaThe largest Ionian island, known for the turquoise waters of Myrtos Beach and the Melissani cave lake.
- DelphiThe ancient Greeks' sacred 'navel of the world,' with the Temple of Apollo set dramatically on Mount Parnassus.
- NafplioRomantic Venetian-era port town beneath the Palamidi fortress, widely called one of Greece's prettiest towns.
- CorfuVenetian-Italian old town on the Ionian Sea, greener and lusher than the Cyclades, with a UNESCO-listed fortress skyline.
- MeteoraUNESCO-listed Byzantine monasteries perched atop sheer sandstone pillars in central Greece.
- HydraCar-free Saronic Gulf island of stone mansions climbing from a horseshoe harbor, reached by donkey and water taxi.
Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Encyclopedic context from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.