Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is one of the major Ionian Islands – a mesmerizing archipelago located along the western coast of mainland Greece. Due to its spectacular white cliffs, hidden coves, as well as the famous Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos became one of the most popular islands in Greece.
We recently visited the island and had a wonderful time, but also learned a lot of things that we wish we knew before our trip. So we decided to put together a guide that will come in very handy for those who want to visit Zakynthos independently.
Table of Contents
- How to Reach Zakynthos from Mainland Greece
- When to Visit the Island
- Best Way to Explore Zakynthos
- Renting a Boat in Zakynthos
- Boating on the Northside of the Island – Best Attractions
- Boating on the Southside of the Island – Best Attractions
- Other Things to Do in Zakynthos Besides Boating
- Visit Cameo Island
- Go Swimming at Porto Limnionas
- Stroll Along the Port Promenade
- Walk to the Navagio Beach Viewpoint
- Swim at Dafni Beach
- Walk Around Zakynthos Town
- Xigia Beach (“Sulphur Beach”)
- Step Inside Agios Dionysios Church
- Visit the Old Venetian Fortress
- Go Wine Tasting
- Enjoy Dinner at the Windmill Taverna
- Where to Stay When Visiting Zakynthos
- How Many Days to Spend in Zakynthos
How to Reach Zakynthos from Mainland Greece
Zakynthos was one of the five islands we visited during our Ionian Sea itinerary. We rented a car in Athens , crossed the Peloponnese peninsula and then embarked on ferry. From mainland Greece you can reach Zakynthos either by ferry or by plane.
Ferry crossings to/from the island are available throughout the year and depart daily from the port of Killini, a seaside town on the western side of the Peloponnese. The journey lasts about an hour. During the high season, there is also a local ferry that connects Zakynthos with Kefalonia island.
In summer, during the months of July and August, there are also direct ferry connections between Zakynthos and the towns of Bari and Brindisi, in Italy. But this route is 17 hours long, so it’s not very popular.
If you want to fly to Zakynthos, there are direct flights from many European cities as well as from Athens, Kefalonia and Corfu, in Greece. The flight from Athens takes 50 minutes. The three main airlines operating this route are SkyExpress, Olympic and Aegean.
When to Visit the Island
The peak season in Zakynthos is in the summer (June, July and August) when the weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. At this time of year you’ll get almost permanent sunshine and virtually no rainfall, but temperatures can be very high sometimes, reaching 39º-40ºC (100ºF). But summer is also the busiest time of the year, when hotels fill up to capacity and prices are at the peak.
The low season is from late fall to early spring (November to April). Although the weather stays nice for the most part, the water is too cold for swimming (around 60ºF). Because not many people travel to Zakynthos during the low season, most hotels and restaurants shut down from late fall to spring.
Autumn on the other hand offers the best of all worlds. In September and October the weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing with daily highs reaching 26ºC (78ºF) and water temperatures going as high as 28ºC (82ºF). Also, prices are lower and tourists are fewer on the Greek Islands in fall. Because fall in Greece is generally warm and pleasant, those who travel regularly to these islands consider September and October the best months for visiting Zakynthos.
Best Way to Explore Zakynthos
Zante is mostly known for its breathtaking coastline with white pebble beaches and turquoise waters. Many of these beaches can be reached by land, but because the island is surrounded by colossal limestone cliffs many can only be accessed by boat.
The best way to visit the island is by car and by boat. Although there is a local bus service (called KTEL) that goes to some of the tourist sites, buses do not serve the entire island. So without a car, a scooter, or a quad you won’t be able to get around in Zakynthos.
Renting a Boat in Zakynthos
Hiring a boat in Zakynthos is the only way you can see its magnificent white cliffs and hidden coves. Depending on your goal and budget, you can either rent a boat for the day and drive it yourself (you don’t need a boating license), or you can hire a boat with a captain.
We did both. On our first day in Zakynthos we hired a boat tour with a skipper who took us on the north side of the island. On the second day, we rented a boat and drove around the Southside by ourselves. So here are the pros and cons for each option:
Renting a Boat with a Skipper
Renting a boat with a skipper can cost anywhere from €200 to €350+ depending on the kind of watercraft you want. The tour lasts roughly 4-5 hours. Skippers are usually locals who have a lot of experience of sailing the area.
The advantage of hiring a boat with a captain is that you get to kick back and relax as your captain takes you from spot to spot along the coast. These guys know the coastline like the back of their hand, so thy will show you hidden spots and glide the boat smoothly through hidden obstacles. They will also tell you stories about these places that you may not hear anywhere else.
The disadvantage of hiring a boat with a skipper is that you won’t have much privacy and you’ll only get to spend 4-5 hours at sea. But for most people this will be enough.
Renting a Boat without a Skipper
On the other hand, renting a boat without a captain on Zakynthos can be cheaper and more enjoyable. Depending on the season, you can expect to pay between €120 – €180/day for a small boat. The advantage of driving the boat yourself is that you get to spend an entire day at sea, stop wherever you want, swim in crystal clear water and sunbathe on secret beaches.
And don’t worry about getting lost. Most boats have trackers, so if you wander off the right path they soon come out and get you back on track.
The disadvantage of renting a boat without a captain is that you get A LOT more stress! The relatively shallow waters along the coast often have unexpected obstacles, so if you don’t keep your eye on the water surface constantly, you may hit a huge rock and ruin the boat. Also, you’ll only get a limited amount of gasoline, so you can’t really go quite as far as you’d like.
Where to Rent a Boat in Zakynthos
There are plenty of different companies offering boat rentals all around the island of Zakynthos, but the biggest concentration of rentals is around the northern and the southern part of the island.
If you want to visit Navajo Beach and the Blue Caves (in the north) your best bet would be around Porto Vromi, or Alykes/Alykanas up to Cape Skinari. You’ll see the rental booths along the beach.
For Keri Caves and Marathonisi Island in the south, you should go down to Laganas or Keri Beach.
Boating on the Northside of the Island – Best Attractions
It’s difficult to say which side of Zakynthos is more spectacular. Both are unbelievably scenic offering spectacular views of the cliffs, secret coves and crystal clear waters. Here is what you can see on the north side of the island:
The Shipwreck/Navagio Beach
There is no land access to this beautiful beach which is surrounded by vertical white cliffs. However, until recently you could anchor down in Navajo Bay and swim to the shore to see the shipwreck upclose.
But in September 2022 a 5.4 magnitude earthquake occurred between Kefalonia and Zakynthos causing a big rockfall next to the beach. Some rocks from the wall caused a big wave, which in turn flipped several small boats in the bay. Although no human life was lost, the beach remains closed due to the high risk or landslides in this area.
The Hidden Cave
Just on the other side of Navagio Beach you’ll find a beautiful cave called the Hidden Cave. At low tide, a little opening forms in the wall from where you can swim inside the cave. Once you pass through the narrow entrance you’ll find yourself in a 20 meters high cave. It’s nice to swim in the turquoise-blue water, especially if there are no other people around!
• Blue caves – The Blue Caves are located on the northern coastline of Zakynthos, east of Cape Skinari. They can only be accessed by the sea, so you’ll need to rent a bot to get here. The serenity and beauty of these limestone arches and caves is incredible! Gliding in and out of them with the boat or swimming in the turquoise waters around is an experience you won’t soon forget.
• Hidden coves/beaches. There are so many beaches like these around this part of the island, with white sand, turquoise waters and vertical cliffs above. Stop to as many of them as you can to enjoy a good swim and some quiet time.
Boating on the Southside of the Island – Best Attractions
The southern side of Zakynthos is equally spectacular and quite easy to navigate. But you should keep your eyes on the water for hidden rocks that may hide right beneath the surface. This side also has a lot of small, friendly beaches on which you can stop for a quick swim. Here is what you can see when boating on the Southside:
• Marathonisi, aka “Turtle Island”
Marathonisi is a tiny uninhabited island just 3 km off Keri Beach. This seemingly insignificant isle provides one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the endangered Loggerhead turtles in Zante (scientific name: Caretta Caretta). We weren’t able to see turtles near this island, but that’s probably because we didn’t know where to look. But if you rent a boat with a captain you may be able to see some as the locals usually know where to find them.
• Keri Caves
Keri Caves took me by surprise and ended up being my favorite spot of the day. We went inside many of them through keyholes in the cliffs, swam around a bit and had a great time.
• Mizithres Cliff Rock
This fabulous limestone cliff is as impressive to see from above as it is to see from the water. Technically the rental boats are supposed to turn around from this point, but we ventured a little past the rock to catch a better view of it in the afternoon sun.
• Small Beaches
Just like the north shore, the southern part of Zakynthos has a large number of small beaches tucked between the limestone cliffs. The water around them is calm and clear, so be sure to stop at as many of them as you can.
Other Things to Do in Zakynthos Besides Boating
Trust me when I say that Zakynthos is one of Greece’s most unique islands. Yes, all the Greek islands are beautiful and worth visiting, but Zante is truly special! Not only does it have a magnificent coastline dotted with gorgeous beaches, hidden coves and impressive white cliffs, but it also has a great deal of inland attractions.
So here are some of the best things you can do on your holiday in Zakynthos:
Visit Cameo Island
This beautiful small island located off shore of Laganas was once part of Zakynthos, but in 1633 a big earthquake separated this piece of land from the main island. Cameo Island got its name from the church on it, which has been there sixteen centuries. Today the small island is easy to reach on foot via a short wooden bridge.
Because it’s a private island they charge a small entrance fee, but that comes with a souvenir or a free welcome drink at the beach bar. The island is often used for wedding receptions and other parties
Go Swimming at Porto Limnionas
If you were to visit just one spot on the island of Zakynthos, I’d say go to Porto Limnionas. This is one of the beautiful but most hidden places on the entire island. To get there you have to pass through the mountain village of Agios Leon and from there drive down down to the sea, following the signs. The road ends in a small square where you can park. Next to the parking you’ll see a picturesque taverna below which are two terraces with loungers and umbrellas.
From there a few steps carved in the rock lead you to the stupefying cove with turquoise, translucent waters. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom from high up, on the cliff. Except for the restaurant and a small improvised dive shop, there are no other facilities here.
Even though it’s pretty well hidden, Porto Limniona is packed during the summer months. But if you come off season, or very early morning, you may have this place all to yourself.
Stroll Along the Port Promenade
Right next to Agios Dionysios Church starts a lovely walk of roughly a mile along the seafront. There are loads of cafes and pubs along the promenade, a few small fishing boats moored here, fishermen selling their catch to passers by and quite a few benches where you can sit and admire the view.
Navagio is one of the most beautiful and photographed beaches in the world, so no wonder visitors flock to visit it. While the beach itself can be accessed only by boat, the best view of the beach and the shipwreck is actually from the vertical cliffs that surround it. But it takes a little work to get to the viewpoint where those iconic Navagio images are captured.
The viewpoint is about an hour away from Zakynthos Town, on the road to Anafonitria Monastery. The route is marked with signs for Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach. There is a small parking lot next to the signs and right beyond that you’ll see a suspended platform surrounded by railings. However, the best views of the beach are not at this point. If you continue to the right of the platform, you’ll see a narrow trail that goes along the cliffs’ edge. If you continue on it, you’ll get to a small promontory from where you’ll have a much better view.
The hike is considered pretty dangerous as in some places it gets pretty close to the edge of the cliff. Since accidents happened here in the past, the local authorities closed the access to the trail with a wire fence. But eager visitors managed to cut an opening into it, so you can proceed at your own risk. If you decide to venture on it, be very cautions and make sure you wear good hiking shoes, NOT flip flops!
Swim at Dafni Beach
This is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters is located in the southeastern part of Zakynthos. If you visit the beach off season chances are you’ll find just a few people here, but in summer this place is packed.
Access to the beach is on a narrow dirt road that that is kind of difficult to drive on. At the end of the road there is a free parking lot from where you’ll descend to the beach. Next to the beach entrance there is a nice restaurant that serves food and refreshments.
Daphne is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Vasilikos Peninsula and one of the places where Loggerhead Sea Turtles come for breeding.
Walk Around Zakynthos Town
Zakynthos Town is the capital of the island and the best way to experience it is to walk around. The most popular part of the city center is the area between Alexander Roma Street and 21st Maiou Street up to San Marco Square. Here you’ll find a series of shops of various kinds, bars and restaurants. In the evenings, the city center comes alive with tourists looking for places to eat, have a drink or just buy souvenirs.
Zante Town has a few beautiful squares the largest of which is Dionysios Solomos square. Here you’ll see the Byzantine Museum and the statue of the poet Dionysios Solomos, who wrote the national anthem of Greece.
Xigia Beach (“Sulphur Beach”)
At first sight, Xigia Beach may not seem any different from other small beaches you may have seen. But what makes it special is the fact that the waters here contain a large amount of sulphur, which is very noticeable as you approach the beach. Hence the nickname Sulphur Beach.
The sulphur comes from the neighboring caves and has healing properties. Sulphuros waters have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can soothe and even help heal the skin. They are also good for arthritis pain. But Xigia Beach is nice to visit even if you don’t suffer from any of these conditions.
Step Inside Agios Dionysios Church
Located in Old town, just a few steps from the port, you’ll see the imposing building of Agios Dionysios – the largest church in Zante. Agios Dionysos is considered the patron saint and the protector of the island.
The first chapel to honor the saint was built on this site in the 18th century, but it was completely destroyed in an earthquake in 1893 and then rebuilt in the 20th century. The building survived the devastating earthquake of 1953, which is why the locals consider it a miracle.
Visit the Old Venetian Fortress
Above Zakynthos Town, on the hill of Bohali, stand the remains of an old Venetian Castle. During the Venetian rule, the Castle was the capital of Zakynthos island. The fortress was built on the ruins of an ancient acropolis, named Psofida. The date of the construction is uncertain, but it probably goes back to the 1480s, when the Venetians occupied the island.
Sadly, not much is left of the Venetian Castle that once stood guard over the city below. The strong earthquakes that have frequently struck the island destroyed the fortification almost completely. But whatever traces remain, will still give you an idea of how beautiful this castle once was.
Go Wine Tasting
Wine tasting may not be your first priority when you visit Zante, but don’t miss the opportunity to taste the island’s famous wines if you are here. There are over 19,000 acres dedicated to growing vines on Zakynthos and dozens of different grape varieties.
The island is famous for its red Avgoustiatis (which has been grown here since the 14th century) and yellow-gold Robola, so be sure to taste them.
Enjoy Dinner at the Windmill Taverna
Zakynthos has plenty of restaurants, cafés and tavernas serving fresh, local specialties. We eat in quite a few places but were particularly impressed with the Windmill Taverna. The restaurant is located on the southern part of the island, in the Vasilikos Peninsula. We loved the view of the sea and of the Marathonisi Island from the restaurant’s terrace!
On the menu you will find many choices and we suggest you to try the bruschetta with aromatic oil, cherry tomatoes and parmesan, the mixed salad of young salad leaves with Greek prosciutto, gruyere cheese and balsamic dressing and the fresh fish. They serve delicious Greek dishes cooked with the purest ingredients. The service was also very prompt, so I can highly recommend this place
Where to Stay When Visiting Zakynthos
You’ll find plenty of hotels all over the island of Zakynthos. Whether you choose to stay in the northern or southern part of the island, you’ll find excellent lodging everywhere. Most first time visitors however choose to stay in Zakynthos Town, which is known for its boutique hotels nestled in the hills overlooking the Ionian Sea.
$$ Avalon Palace Hotel. This is a mid-range hotel located above the port of Zakynthos. We stayed here in October and because it was off-season they upgraded us to a suite with a private pool overlooking the sea. However, all the rooms are comfortable and modern, and breakfast is served up on the highest floor, on a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea.
$$ Palatino Hotel. This is a nice hotel located near the beach in Zakynthos, just a few minutes walk to Solomos Square. The hotel offers sea view rooms, free breakfast, free parking and has a good restaurant on the premises.
$$$ Lesante Classic – Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This is a luxury hotel located at Tsilivi Beach. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast and parking and features a nice swimming pool. Rooms are spacious and elegant. The hotel is kids friendly and has a playground and a playroom.
How Many Days to Spend in Zakynthos
Most people visit Zakynthos as part of an island hopping itinerary and therefore wonder how much time to allocate to each island. When building your itinerary you should take into consideration the time you will use for your transfers between the islands.
Between checking in/out of hotels, going to and from the ports and the actual time used for the journey, you’ll spend the best part of one full day on the road. My suggestion is to plan around 3-4 days in Zakynthos to properly enjoy all its beautiful sites. Keep in mind that you’ll need two full days just for boating around the Northside and Southside. Conservatively, you should spend at least 3 full days on the island.
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