Zakynthos is a green Ionian island where the best beaches sit under white limestone cliffs and many of the best swims happen from a boat. It suits couples after quiet coves, families who want calm water, and anyone happy to rent a car and wander. You'll also hear it called Zante, the island's Italian name.
The shape of the island explains most of the planning. Most beaches and towns line the south and east coasts, where the sand is easy and the resorts are lively. The north and west are extremely mountainous, with cliffs dropping many hundreds of feet into the sea. That side is dramatic, wild and a little harder to reach.
Where should you stay in Zakynthos?
Pick your base by the kind of evening you want.
Zakynthos Town
The capital is the practical choice, and it works for first-timers, couples and families alike. It was rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake, though a few Venetian buildings survived. Today it has a harbor lined with cafés, several museums and a good spread of restaurants. Daily buses run from here to Tsilivi, Laganas, Kalamaki and the other resorts. Boat tours leave from the harbor, and the airport is a short drive away.
Tsilivi and Alykes
For families, this is the easy answer. Tsilivi has a beach and a main street of bars, tavernas and shops. It also has a bowling alley, which is a rarity on the island, and easy access to town for the evening. If you'd rather take tours and stick to easy beaches, this is the base that needs the fewest drives. On the east coast, Alykes runs straight into Alykanas. Together they offer plenty of beaches, lots of places to stay and a good run of bars and tavernas. Tsilivi Water Park is a popular option if you're traveling with kids.
Laganas and Kalamaki
Laganas is the center of the island's nightlife. Clubs and hotels fill the Laganas area, and the shops and supermarkets stay open from early morning to late at night. Sections of that beach belong to the National Marine Park and are protected for nesting sea turtles. Kalamaki, between Laganas and town, shares the same sand at a calmer pace, with hotels, car rentals and restaurants along its main street. Choose Laganas if you want to stay up late, and Kalamaki if you want the beach without the noise. With young children, skip Laganas.
Argassi
Argassi is an under-the-radar resort about 2 miles (3 km) from town. It has dozens of tavernas, ice cream parlors, minimarkets and souvenir shops, and the food is excellent and varied. Skopos Mountain rises nearby for a long hike before dinner, with the centuries-old Panagia Skopiotissa monastery at the top.
Vasilikos and Limni Keri
Vasilikos is for beach hoppers. Plan on a car, because the days here are about moving from cove to cove. The area has both quiet and lively corners, so look at where a property sits before you book. Limni Keri, near the southwest tip, is a small, quiet resort with a few tavernas and a handful of shops. It draws couples and families after tranquility, and it has beach access and boat hire. The sunset spots around Keri are close by.
Agios Nikolaos and the north
The north is the slow side of the island. Agios Nikolaos is a fishing village with tavernas, a minimarket, clear water and boat rentals, and it's the best base for the Blue Caves. Secluded coves sit a short detour off the main road. For a romantic or private stay, this is where villas and small hotels cluster. Rooms can often be scarce: Nobelos Seaside Lodge, for one, has only four, so book early. Plan on a car, since no public bus serves the port.
Agalas
Agalas is a small inland village of old stone houses, with hiking and biking trails starting at its edge. It suits travelers who want peace and don't mind driving to the beach. Nearby, the two-story Damianos cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites.
What are the best things to do in Zakynthos?
Start with a boat day, because many of the island's loveliest swims are tucked into coves that are easiest to reach from the water. Tours from the Zakynthos Town harbor are the simple option. Smaller tours from Agios Nikolaos focus on the Blue Caves and draw fewer crowds. Go in the morning, when the light makes the water inside the caves glow. If you'd rather steer yourself, rent a small motorboat from Agios Nikolaos for the north coast or from Keri Beach for the south.
The south is the quieter, less windy route. It runs past limestone cliffs and the Keri Caves to Mizithres, the rock formations rising out of the sea, and you may spot turtles and dolphins along the way.
Navagio, or Shipwreck Beach, is the island's most famous image: a rusted smuggler's ship, beached since the early 1980s, on white pebbles under towering cliffs. For safety reasons, the beach itself is closed to visitors, swimmers and boats until October 31, 2026, so check whether the closure has been extended before you plan around it. You see it from the viewing platform, which is crowded for most of the day. For elbow room, go around 8 a.m. or earlier, or late in the evening. Just know the cove isn't in full sun until after 11 a.m., so an early visit trades light for space. Drinks are sold at the viewpoint. Afterward, look for a swim at a quieter beach nearby.
Zakynthos Town rewards a morning. The Venetians built the castle on Bochali, the hill above town, in the mid-17th century, and the winged lion of Saint Mark still marks the main entrance. The views run over the town, the sea and out to the mainland. In the 2026 summer season, the castle is open Wednesday to Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and closed Tuesday. Admission is €5, or €3 reduced.
Down on Solomos Square, the Museum of Zakynthos costs €10, or €5 reduced. In 2026 it's open Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the summer season. As of 2026, the winter hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free admission days in 2026 are March 6, April 18, May 18, October 28 and the last weekend of September. The town is also where Greece's first philharmonic orchestra was founded, and you can still hear it play in the streets at Christmas, Easter and other celebrations.
For sunset, three places stand out:
- Keri lighthouse is the classic stop, with Mizithres below. Eat at the restaurant there for the view, not the food, and arrive at least 30 minutes early for a good spot.
- The Kambi area in the west is known for dramatic sunsets.
- For a calm last evening, watch the sun go down from Bochali above the harbor, a spot that is also great for photos in late afternoon.
If you have a spare day, take the ferry to Kefalonia, the island just to the north. The crossing from the port of Agios Nikolaos to Pesada, in the south of Kefalonia, takes about an hour. Kefalonia is known for some of Greece's loveliest beaches, and Myrtos Beach is among the most photographed.
Loggerhead turtles nest on the protected beaches from May to August. During nesting season, Gerakas, Dafni and Kalamaki close from sunset to sunrise. Follow the posted signs, give turtles plenty of space and keep flash photography to a minimum. Early-morning boat trips to Marathonisi, the turtle-shaped islet in Laganas Bay, give the best odds of a sighting. Pick an operator that keeps its distance and avoids glass-bottom boats. To learn more, visit the Thematic Exhibition Center of the loggerhead sea turtle in Dafni, in the Vasilikos area.
What are the best beaches in Zakynthos?
Gerakas
Gerakas is a golden arc of sand on a slender headland in the southeast, inside the National Marine Park. Turtles come here to nest, and with luck you'll see one. There are no tavernas, bars or sunbeds, but a minimarket nearby sells snacks and drinks.
Kalamaki and Alykes
These two are the family beaches. Alykes and Alykanas share shallow water, plenty of facilities and water sports, so toddlers get calm water while older kids and teenagers have activities to try. Kalamaki is wide and sandy, with gentle water that suits young children.
Porto Roma
Porto Roma has soft sand and shallow water on the southeast tip, with views across to the Peloponnese. Niko's, a laid-back boho beach bar, is open all day for drinks and great local food. It's easy to spend hours here sipping, snacking and swimming.
Xigia
Xigia is small, and natural sulfur turns its water a milky turquoise. It photographs beautifully and fills quickly, so go early. There's a place to eat a short walk up from the sand.
Porto Limnionas and Korakonissi
Porto Limnionas, on the west coast, is more swimming hole than beach. It's a rocky inlet with sunning spots on the rocks, cliff jumping and a taverna with views. Go earlier in the day, while the water is calm.
Korakonissi, nearby, is good for snorkeling around rocks, underwater caves and a natural arch. Its panoramic bar is the place for a drink at sunset after a late-afternoon dip. Together the two make an easy half day. Bring water shoes for the rocks.
Makris Gialos and Plakaki
For more space, head for the smaller coves. Makris Gialos is a tiny pebble beach under cliffs, with clear water for snorkeling. Plakaki is one of the island's most remote beaches. It's reached by a challenging clifftop path with handrails, and it rewards the effort with excellent snorkeling and near-total solitude.
The roads down to some coves are steep and narrow, sometimes barely wide enough for two cars, so take your time or come by boat instead. Many west-coast beaches are remote and have no lifeguards, and currents can be strong, so check conditions before you swim and think twice about going in alone.
Nobelos stone beach
In the north, the pebbly shore in front of Nobelos Restaurant is a relaxed spot for a long meal. Order lunch or dinner, then spend the afternoon on a sunbed with a drink.
What should you eat in Zakynthos?
Eat by the water when you can.
- Nobelos Bio Restaurant, on the north coast, is a standout for dinner by the sea. Order the shrimp saganaki.
- Cave Damianos is built into a cave system, so dinner comes with cozy nooks and views of the mountains.
- To Diafokereiko is a family-run restaurant in a village setting that says it has been in business since the 1600s, with homemade food.
- To Petrino is an unassuming, affordable Greek taverna for a casual night out.
- L'ete Sunset Bar is the trendy choice, with 360-degree water views and good cocktails.
Don't leave without trying gyros: pork off a vertical spit, wrapped in pita with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki and fries. Souvlaki Greek Tavern near Zakynthos Town comes recommended.
The island's traditional products are olive oil, thyme honey, currants and wine, sold at roadside stalls and in village shops. On a drive, stop at the tiny cliffside stand that squeezes fresh orange juice. The beers of choice are Mythos, Alfa and Fix, with Amstel a close second.
How many days do you need in Zakynthos?
Three or four days will cover the highlights, but you'll feel rushed. Five to seven is the right amount. Five days covers the essentials: one boat day, two beach days, one day for viewpoints and villages, and one day to repeat whatever you loved. The plan below follows roughly that shape, with two extra days if you can stay a week.
Day 1
Start at the castle on Bochali, then come down to the museum on Solomos Square before it closes. Have lunch on the waterfront and wander the town. In the late afternoon, climb back to Bochali for sunset over the harbor.
Day 2
Take the boat day in the north. Leave Agios Nikolaos early and swim your way along the coast. Come back for a late lunch, then dinner at Nobelos.
Day 3
Spend a beach day in the southeast. Go to Gerakas first, while the sand is quiet and a turtle might be nearby. Then drive to Porto Roma for a long lunch at Niko's and an afternoon in the shallow water.
Day 4
Take on the west coast. Swim and snorkel at Porto Limnionas and Korakonissi in the morning, while the water is usually calmer, then enjoy a relaxed lunch. Then drive to Keri village for a stroll and finish at Keri lighthouse for sunset over Mizithres. The mountain roads are narrow and winding, so allow extra time and take them slowly on the way back in the dark.
Day 5
Go inland. Exo Chora, in the southwestern hills, is one of the few villages that came through the 1953 earthquake largely intact. It has Venetian-era houses, a field of 33 wells and a 2,000-year-old olive tree. Volimes, near Navagio, is quieter and a little melancholy, with earthquake-damaged buildings that make for striking photos. Pick up honey and olive oil at a roadside stall. In the afternoon, return to the beach you enjoyed most.
Days 6 and 7
Rent a boat for the south coast: the Keri Caves, the limestone cliffs and Mizithres, with an eye out for turtles. On the last day, you can still make the Kefalonia ferry if you have not already gone.
When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?
The season runs from May to the end of October.
- May is quiet, with near-empty beaches and fresh evenings.
- In June the sea is just right and the beaches begin to fill.
- July and August are peak season. The island is full, the beaches are busy by day and the clubs by night, and prices climb.
- October still offers warm water and a relaxed pace.
- From November to April many tourist businesses close.
For July and August, book boats, rental cars and any small, sought-after hotel well ahead.
How do you get to and around Zakynthos?
Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) is named for Dionysios Solomos, the poet who wrote Greece's national anthem. Its single terminal sits a short drive from town, usually 10 to 15 minutes. In 2026, daily flights from Athens take 45 minutes, and seasonal flights arrive from major European cities. A bus to town stops outside the arrivals area, and taxis and rental cars are easy to find.
By sea, ferries from the mainland leave from Kyllini in the Peloponnese. There are no sailings from the Athens ports of Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio. KTEL runs daily buses linking Zakynthos with Athens (about 5 hours) and Patras (about 2 hours). Levante Ferries makes the crossing from Kyllini in about an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half.
In 2026, a one-way ticket costs:
- €13.50 for an adult
- €7.50 for a child ages 5 to 10 (children under 5 ride free)
- €38.40 for a car
- €10 for a motorcycle
From October 1, 2026 through April 28, 2027, departures from Kyllini are at 7:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 4:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Return sailings leave Zakynthos at 5:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. On December 25, 2026, January 1, 2027 and Easter Sunday, May 2, 2027, there is one departure each way: 11:00 a.m. from Kyllini and 9:00 a.m. from Zakynthos.
From May 5 to September 30, 2027, the schedule shifts later, with Kyllini departures at 7:45 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sailings back leave at 5:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 3:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. From July 23 to September 6, two extra sailings run each way. Times can change with passenger traffic, so confirm a few days before you travel.
On the island, a car is the best way around, and you'll want one for west-coast swims and the northern coves. Buses leave Zakynthos Town every day for:
- Tsilivi (10 runs)
- Laganas (14)
- Argassi (11)
- Kalamaki (14)
- Alykes (5)
- Vasilikos (4)
- Limni Keri (3)
- Volimes (1)
The buses will get you to the resorts, but not to the cliffs and coves. Validate your ticket, since riding without a valid one can bring a fine of up to 60 times the fare. Roads are not always in good condition, so drive carefully and buckle up. Motorcycles and ATVs work for short hops, but the island is mountainous and spread out.
What should Americans know before going to Zakynthos?
U.S. citizens can enter Greece without a visa for up to 90 days, and your passport should have at least three months of validity beyond your planned departure date. Carry your passport or another photo ID at all times.
To drive, Greek law requires a valid U.S. driver's license, and insurance companies may require an international driver’s permit. Talking or texting while driving is illegal, police run random alcohol tests, and motorcyclists must wear a helmet.
Greece is generally safe, but petty crime is common in popular tourist spots. Thieves also target rental cars to steal passports, valuables and luggage, so it's wise to take your belongings with you. Forest fires are common in the dry summer months and occasionally close roads.
The hospital is in Zakynthos Town, a few private clinics and English-speaking doctors practice in the city, and most villages have a pharmacy. Many care providers accept only cash. Major credit cards work for hotels, restaurants and rentals.
Sources
- finduslost.com (https://finduslost.com/zakynthos-greece-travel-guide/), checked October 18, 2026
- thethinkingtraveller.com (https://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/blog/the-best-things-to-do-in-zakynthos), checked October 18, 2026
- thethinkingtraveller.com (https://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/blog/7-day-zakynthos-itinerary), checked October 18, 2026
- thethinkingtraveller.com (https://www.thethinkingtraveller.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-zakynthos), checked October 18, 2026
- plumguide.com (https://www.plumguide.com/journal/where-to-stay-in-zakynthos), checked October 18, 2026
- U.S. Department of State (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html), checked October 15, 2026
- zantecalinica.gr (https://www.zantecalinica.gr/blog/first-time-in-zakynthos-a-5-7-day-itinerary-with-beaches-villages-viewpoints/), checked October 15, 2026
- zanteisland.com (https://www.zanteisland.com/en/information-zakynthos.php), checked October 15, 2026
- levanteferries.com (https://www.levanteferries.com/en/routes/kyllini-zakynthos/), checked October 15, 2026
- welcometozante.com (https://welcometozante.com/en/where-to-stay-in-zakynthos/), checked October 15, 2026
- zanteisland.com (https://www.zanteisland.com/en/timetable-bus-ferry-zakynthos.php), checked October 15, 2026
- zanteisland.com (https://www.zanteisland.com/en/museums-zakynthos.php), checked October 15, 2026