I have a confession to make. Before I went to Zakynthos, I didn’t have particularly high hopes. I had images of sunburnt Brits downing cheap drinks in soulless all-night bars. But wow, was I wrong! We booked on a whim for a long birthday weekend and Zakynthos was, and remains, one of the most beautiful places I have visited.
Lying to the west of the Greek mainland, it is the most southern of the Ionian islands. The Ionian Islands were under the control of the Venetians between the 14th and 18th centuries, and although firmly Greek, the Venetian influence is still in evidence across the island today. Indeed, many people still know the island by its Italian name – Zante.
If you want the all-night partying, Zakynthos Town has clubs and bars in abundance. But as soon as you step away from the main drags, the island’s pristine beaches, hidden coves, and delicious array of tavernas offer a genuine slice of Greek paradise.
Don’t Miss!
Porto Limnionas – idyllic cove for an afternoon snorkelling, dozing and delicious Greek food in the sun dappled taverna.
Secret coves – the entire coast of Zakynthos is dotted with little coves. Use Google Maps satellite mode to find your own private beach.
Navagio Beach – a total insta-cliche but it is beautiful. Walk in the hills above the beach for a gorgeous – and quieter – view.
All the food – mountain top tavernas and beachside bars offer the most fantastic seafood and Greek classics.
Need to Know
Language Greek
Currency Euros
Banks/ATMs Outside of Zakynthos Town ATMs are more limited, so get some cash at the airport.
Nearest Airport Zakynthos (ZTN)
Getting Around Car, quad bike or boat
Weather Hot, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters. We went in June and it was perfect – hot but not crowded or sweltering, and covered in wildflowers.
GETTING THERE
In the summer season Zakynthos Airport is well served by budget European airlines, meaning you can book a cheap break from many places in Europe. Zakynthos Town is about fifteen minutes drive from the airport, or the northern port of Agios Nikolaos takes about 50 minutes. If direct flights are not running to the island, you will need to catch an internal Aegean Airlines flight from Athens.
If island hopping is your thing, you can catch a 1 hour ferry to Zakynthos from the port of Killini on the Greek mainland (about 3.5 hour bus trip from Athens). The route is operated by Levante Ferries (€9.50 for a foot passenger, or €37 for a car).
Ferries between Agios Nikolaos port and the neighbouring island of Kefalonia run frequently and only take 1 hour 45 mins, making it doable for a day trip. Schedules and ticket prices can be found on the Ionian Pelagos Ferry website. Fares are €9 per foot passenger, and €32 per car. You can book online, but must just turn up on the day and pay at the booth.
GETTING AROUND
We hired a car from the airport (via Autohellas-Hertz) which I would really recommend. We were able to get to more remote beaches, and carry endless picnic supplies with us. Hiring from the airport was very straightforward, and cost around €30 per day (including insurance).
Renting a quad bike is a very popular way to get around. There are some very rocky, unpaved roads in Zakynthos so they are potentially a very practical option. They also have small trunks to carry your beach gear and picnic. However, be aware that riding around all day with no cover can get baking.
There are also a number of tourist buses and tours that cover the island if you wish to go without your own wheels.
Whilst you can easily find some lovely beaches by exploring on foot, the most secluded bays are only accessible by boat. The calm waters of the Ionian offer the perfect base from which to find yourself a really hidden away gem. You don’t need a boating license to hire in Zakynthos. There are lots of rental companies across the island, depending on whether you want a luxurious yacht, or a small boat to potter around in. Feeling lazy and bit too full of delicious Greek food we opted for the simplest option!
THINGS TO DO
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) – let’s do the famous one first. For anyone familiar with TripAdvisor’s homepage, ‘that’ photo was taken here. I was therefore prepared to be disappointed when it didn’t look quite as expected… but the water really is that blue, and the pebbly beach really that white!
The viewing platform is easy to access from the car park – just follow the stream of people. Please, please, please do not step over the barriers to try and get a better photo. Not least as no Instagram post is worth plummeting off a cliff for, but also as it contributes to the erosion of the cliffs and destroys the vegetation. If you want a photo with no one else in it, you need to be here by 08:30am at the latest.
There is a path off to the other side of the carpark that winds its way down to directly above the beach. It was a really lovely walk along an unspoiled hillside, with none of the crowds packed into the carpark. Towards the end it got slightly steeper and the path was pretty seriously eroded – I definitely wished I had plimsols or trainers on instead of sandals! – but manageable unless you really hate heights.
You can also take a boat trip to the beach itself – although even very early in the summer the boats looked super busy, so we gave it a miss.
Not just the shipwreck…
There is so much more to Zakynthos than Navagio Beach. In fact, the locals aren’t keen on it at all. They regard the shipwreck – a freight container scuttled for insurance fraud – as an eyesore on the beautiful beach. The coves and beaches of Zakynthos are beautiful, and the hillsides of the interior were alive with wildflowers when we visited. So once you have your (undeniably beautiful!) photo of the shipwreck, get out exploring.
Porto Limnionas – this was probably my favourite spot on Zakynthos. A gorgeous rocky bay tucked between tall limestone cliffs, with the clearest crystal blue seas I have seen. Forsaking the sun loungers dappled in shade from the olive trees, we spent the afternoon snoozing and reading on the hot, flat rocks that surround the bay. There was big cave across the bay, which made for some great late afternoon snorkelling. There was also a small, friendly diving operator by the water, if you are looking for something a little more energetic.
Korakonissi – another gorgeous cove, but much rockier so super for snorkelling. It is less busy than Porto Limnionas, even in the height of the summer. There is limited shade and no facilities so bring lots of water and a picnic.
Plakaki Beach – requires a bit of a hike down some uneven stone steps to get here, but it is worth it. The less accessible access route means it is often quiet even in the peak tourist season.
Agios Nikolas – this tiny little port town is charming. We stayed nearby and loved the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. There are a selection of good tavernas, and a sweet bakery. A small pebble beach runs between the piers.
Mizithres Viewpoint – two huge rocks – known as Big and Small Mizithres – sit underneath the lighthouse of Keri in the south west tip of the island. You will need to trust the map to get here, there are no signs. Park up at the bottom of the dirt track, and walk about half a kilometre to the viewpoint.
If you are feeling more energetic, there is a hiking loop to the viewpoint from the village of Keri. It should take you about one and a half hours, and would be a lovely sunset trip.
Don’t miss the world’s largest Greek flag (670 square metres, weighing a mighty 80kgs) by the Keri lighthouse and Sunset Cafe!
The Blue Caves – there are caves all around the coastline in Zakynthos, and the deep blue water reflects back upwards to given them an eerie blue colour. The most popular are just to the north of Navagio Beach. Boat trips leave from Port Vromi, and many stop near the caves for swimming and snorkelling.
Discover your own private beach – the entire coast of Zakynthos is dotted with little coves and beaches to be explored. More often than not you will find several paths leading away from the parking spots, and if you go in the opposite direction to everyone else you can find your own private slice of paradise. This is exactly what we did on the morning of my birthday, and picked our way down to a little beach we spotted on google maps just south of Xigia Beach.
WHERE TO STAY
The type of trip you want will really influence where you stay – if you want a lively, party holiday then Zakynthos Town or Laganas is the place for you. Beyond that, the rest of the island is much more laid back – and the north in particular is gorgeous and unspoilt.
We stayed at Emerald Villas near Agios Nikolas in the north of the island, and our little suite was one of the most idyllic places I have ever stayed. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and the whole place was spotless. It was hard to tear ourselves away to go sightseeing. You can read my full review here.
If secluded villas with private pools and spectacular views aren’t your thing (really?!), there are a number of lovely accommodation choices across the island.
Olea All Suite Hotel – serious boho chic, with an epic restaurant and gorgeous spa. The views from the rooms are to die for, and the swimming pool irresistible.
Peligoni Club – the perfect place for a genuinely laid, old fashioned holiday. Variety of private villas, with lots of activities to take the small ones off your hands. We ate at their deli a couple of times (more yumminess below) and I’d love to come back to try one of their villas with a big group of friends.
Nobelos Seaside Lodge – just look at that setting! Traditionally decorated rooms, with wonderful food and excellent cocktails.
Potamitis Windmill – perhaps not as picturesquely Greek as its famous white cousins on Mykonos, but still a lovely spot. Two enterprising brothers have turned the windmills into apartments, and I think it would be a wonderful place to stay. You can book accommodation online, and they also offer boat trips.
WHERE TO EAT
There are some excellent restaurants on Zakynthos, and we had some of the best Greek meals we have ever eaten during our trip.
Peligoni Deli – all of your Greek Instagram and Pinterest dreams come true! Beautifully decorated, and the food is scrumptious to match! The Greek salad was so tasty we came back several times to take it away for a picnic.
Mikro Nisi Taverna – serving traditional Greek seafood dishes at reasonable prices, with the loveliest view over the sparkling water… what more can you want?!
Porto Limnionas Tavern – traditional restaurant next to my favourite cove in Zakynthos. You can eat on the terrace under the pine trees, or in the air-conditioned restaurant. We had quite the Greek feast of saganaki, fried aubergines and tomato bruschetta and all were delicious. The grilled seafood is excellent.
Ionio Taverna – come here for dinner to enjoy the gorgeous sunset views over the ocean in Vasilikos. The seafood platters are enormous, and everything wonderfully fresh. Fish is grilled traditionally over wood.
Lofos Restaurant – on top of one of the highest hills in Meso Gerakari, this little restaurant has amazing views over the east of the island. Family-run and friendly, the roast lamb was delicious. Given the killer views, the menu is amazingly good value. Come for sunset and a cold Mythos beer.
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What a kind comment, thank you! So glad you found it useful.