
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.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.
Best time to go
Best window: February–September and December
Kind weather all year — there is no month to avoid.
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 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
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
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
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.
Vetted sources
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.
Vetted sources
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.
Vetted sources
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.
Vetted sources
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.
Vetted sources
What to do
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
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.
Vetted sources
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…
Vetted sources
Edelweiss Zante Hotel
Argasi
The Edelweiss complex is in the beautiful seaside village resort of Argassi with the magnificent Mt Skopos as its backdrop.
Vetted sources
Lilly Villas
Georgiou V, Zakynthos Town
6 different villas, some as close as 200 metres from the beach, and free Wi-Fi.
Vetted sources
Bozonos Villa
Akrotiri
Bozonos Villa covers an area of 450 m² and occupies a 1,600 m² property.
Vetted sources
Blue House
Vasilikos
Apartments and studios 50 m from the beach.
Vetted sources
Travel essentials
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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.




