Zakynthos

Zakynthos or Zante

Summary

Zakynthos, also known internationally as “Zante”, or Fioro of Levante (= Flower of the East) according to the Venetians. An island in the Ionian Sea, which offers unspoilt nature for tranquility and relaxation. It also brings you a vibracy throughout day and night, a sense of fun and energy, radiating from many beach bars and clubs. The capital of the island is the town of Zakynthos. There you will find shops, supermarkets, hospitals, ATMs and banks.

Zakynthos has many accommodation options. If you want to party then book a room in Laganas, Argassi or Tsilivi.

Best Beaches

Navagio Beach: there are two ways to see this famous beach. I would recommend doing both. Either you take a day trip by boat to see the shipwreck up close, swim in the blue waters, relax and take pictures on the beach. Either go with an organized tour that knows exactly the route, or drive by your own car to admire this superb scenery from above. The beach is not organized, so it would be better to have water and a snack with you.

How to go: By a boat from Agio Nikolao, Skinari or Porto Vromi.

Mizithres-Keri: Another incredible beach for swimming and impressive photos that will make you remember your holidays with nostalgia is Mizithres or Keri Beach. The beach has been shaped only since 2018 after an earthquake, before that it didn’t even exist! Here you will find some sunbeds and tavernas.

How to go: By car

The Blue Caves: These caves are also very well known in Zakynthos. They form a network, with the largest cave called Megali Spilia and the smallest Mikri Spilia. You can explore them easily by renting a boat or going on an organized excursion with a captain.

How to go: By boat

Laganas Bay: The sandy beach here is big, there are many beach bars, tavernas, hotels and a very vibrant nightlife. Here you can do watersports as well. On one side of the beach is Kalamaki beach, on the beach the turtles hide their eggs and you are allowed to go at certain times and up to certain points. If you want to see the turtles, you can rent a boat or go on an organized boat excursion. As you will unconsciously make your way around, you will see huge turtles pass by you. From the other side of the beach you will find a bridge to the island of Kameo.

How to go: By car

Porto Limnionas: This beach is not  sandy but its large rock where you can spread your towel and enjoy your bath in the emerald waters! Suitable for diving from the rocks, exploring the caves and snorkeling. There are few sunbeds and umbrellas so it’s best to get there early. There’s a tavern at the top.

How to go: By car and walking

Argassi: Here there are many hotels and shops for food and drink. The beach is ideal for children, horse riding and many other activities.

Vasilikos: The area consists of many beautiful beaches with the most famous Agios Nikolaos, Porto Roma, Porto Zorro and Gerakas. There are many choices of hotels, tavernas and shops.

How to go: By car

Gerakas: This beach is sandy with clear and shallow waters. On one side there is a clay beach and you can do a natural exfoliation. The other side of the beach is protected for the turtles that lay their eggs, for this reason after the afternoon you can not visit it. The beach has some sunbeds with umbrellas.

How to go: By car

Porto Zorro: You will find a unique placw with the green of the pine trees behind and the rocky formations to the right of the beach.  It has two beach bars.

Marathonisi: It is a small island where many turtles live and hatch their eggs. Going there for swimming you will surely see the turtles  caretta caretta swimming next to your boat.

Tsilivi: This village is a destination well known to many tourists. It has a lot of taverns, beach bars and other shops. The beach is sandy, shallow, with frequent winds that make it ideal for windsurfing.

Cameo island: The island is connected with a wooden bridge from Zakynthos. It is a romantic place with very clear waters suitable for snorkeling. The entrance fee is 5 euros. I recommend you go early to find a good spot.

Xigia Sulfur Beach: Also known as Pelagaki beach. It consists of two beaches. The first one is a small rocky cove, which reaches the sea and has a canteen, while the second one has white pebble sand and a taverna above. The smell on the beach is characteristic, as there are plenty of metals and other elements that make it a natural beach for a spa that cures arthritis and other diseases.

Makris Gialos: The best beach in Zakyntho with crystal clear waters special for those who don’t like shallow seas!  There are few umbrellas so go early.

Restaurants/Taverns 

In the town of Zakynthos for food and drink I recommend Diethnes Cafe Resto Bar & Restaurant. You will enjoy in a romantic place incredible views and delicious food. Find more here: https://diethnescaferestobar.gr/

– The best option for a dinner in Zakynthos town is also Paradosiako Restaurant, the food is amazing and is located in a courtyard with very nice elegant decor. Find more here: https://paradosiako.com.gr/zakynthos-town

 – Stathmos Tavern: This small tavern in the small streets of the town of Zakynthos could only be recommended by locals as the best place to eat. Find more here:  https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=stathmos+restaurant+zante

A beautiful natural environment with a unique view for food and drink is the Target Taverna in Argassi’s hill. Find more here: https://targettaverna.com/

Casa Playa, on Banana Beach, near Vasilikos in the southern part of Zakynthos. I recommend this Beach Bar and Restaurant as you can combine food and swimming.  Find more here: https://casaplaya.gr/

If you love gourmet food you should go to Peppermint Restaurant Fresh Kitchen. Probably best to book as it gets quite busy. Find more here: https://pepper-rest.com/

Excursions – Activities

Boat tours and day trips: Laganas Bay.

Water sports: Agios Nikolaos, Argassi and Banana Beach.

Nightlife in Zakynthos: Laganas Bay.

Island’s natural beauty: there are several hiking trails and climbing areas.

All the churches of Zakynthos, even in the smallest villages, are artistically beautiful. Especially when it is the dominant one! This one is the church of Agios Dionysios.

Moving around with public transportation

If you want to take public transport, it is best to consult the specific site: https://ktel-zakynthos.gr/en/?option=com_content&view=article&id=2  where all routes are listed directly from the official website. Please be careful to be 5-10 minutes earlier at the station, also you may have to wait 10 minutes extra as public transport is not always on time.

Timetable and ferry tickets to Zakynthos 

In Zakynthos you can fly from many cities in Europe and of course Greece.

You can also go by boat from the port of Kyllini (Kyllini is the town and port of Ilia in the western Peloponnese). During the summer months, ferries from Kyllini to Zakynthos operate very frequently and the duration is approximately 1 hour.  You can also go to Zakynthos from Athens port.

From the island of Zakynthos you can easily go to other nearby islands or do island hopping. From the port of Agios Nikolaos you can find many frequent ferries to Kefalonia, the distance is only one hour.

Where can I book a ferry to Zakynthos?

Discover Zakynthos now. In the following link you can find ferry routes from different cities and islands to choose the one that suits you.

Phone numbers useful for your stay in Zakynthos: 

Zakynthos Port Authority: 2695028118

Zakynthos General Hospital 2695360500

Zakynthos Airport: 26950 29500