The Complete Zakynthos, Greece Travel Guide

Last updated April 2026

Zakynthos Island, also known as Zante, is one of the most diverse Greek islands I’ve visited. The southern tip near Vasilikos is lined with sandy beaches and local restaurants tucked among groves of trees. The main port, Port of Zakynthos, where most visitors arrive by boat or plane, is lively and packed with shops and restaurants along the coast. Inland, around Volimes, you’ll find sprawling olive groves, winding roads, and quiet traditional Greek villages. Meanwhile, the north, near Agios Nikolaos, offers a slower pace—secluded coves and charming tavernas just a short detour from the main road. We chose to stay in the north.

While Zakynthos is best known for Navagio Beach (or Shipwreck Beach), I was more drawn to the island’s hidden swimming coves and quiet, tucked-away beaches. Unlike other Greek islands, many of Zakynthos’ most beautiful beaches are best reached by boat. If I had just one recommendation to give you when visiting: plan at least one boat day. The most unforgettable swims happen in those secluded, boat-access-only spots, where you’ll have crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs all to yourself. So pack a Greek lunch, grab your hat, and let’s dive in!

Looking at the Greek Islands for 2026? If you want everything mapped out, including ferry routes, hotel picks, and realistic day-by-day itineraries, don’t miss my Greek Islands Digital Guide, designed to help you choose and plan your dream trip. View the guide.

4-7 DAYS

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BEST TIME TO VISIT – MAY THROUGH OCTOBER, LESS WIND & WARMER WATER LATER IN THE SUMMER

WEATHER – MILD, RAINY WINTERS & WARM, SUNNY SUMMERS

GETTING AROUND – MOTORCYCLE, ATV OR RENTAL CAR

CURRENCY – EUROS, MOST PLACES TAKE CREDIT CARDS

LANGUAGES – GREEK, MOST PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH

NEARBY AIRPORT – ZAKYNTHOS AIRPORT ‘DIONYSIOS SOLOMOS’ (ZTH)

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Where to Stay in Zakynthos

As the north shore is centered around the quieter fishing village of Agios Nikolaos and not far from some of the island’s most notable spots, we opted to stay at Nobelos Seaside Lodge.

Hotels in Zakynthos

Lithies Farm Houses – $ – for a charming stay that’s affordable and unique, consider this family-run farm stay on the southern tip near Vasilikos.
The Bay Hotel & Suites – $$ – for direct beachfront access and umbrellas, this modern hotel on the southern shore is nearby plenty of food options and activities.
Nobelos Seaside Lodge – $$$ – with a private beach, views overlooking the water and arguably the best homemade Greek food on the island, Nobelos is a clear winner. They’re limited to only four rooms, so book early. Where I stayed & where I’d stay next time.
Aliv Stone Suites & Spa – $$$ – a collection of stone suites with private hot tubs and pools makes up this retreat in the northern hills of Zakynthos. The views are incredible.
Akron Luxury Suites – $$$ – traditional meets modern in these immaculate suites perched in the northern shore of the island. Each has a private pool and views of the ocean.
The Peligoni Club – $$$$ – nearby Nobelos, this gorgeous series of family-run villas is perched on the water and caters to couples and families alike. Where I’d splurge.

Houses in Zakynthos

Oceanis Suites – $$ – beachfront apartments with a private pool and uninterrupted views of the Ionian sea.
Villa Verde – $$$ – a modern three-bedroom villa situated amongst olive trees, with a private pool and bbq set up.
Orfos Villa – $$$ – a choice of a two or three-bedroom traditional stone villa on the north shore of Zakynthos, complete with a private pool and bbq. This location is ideal.
Tramonto Villa – $$$ – a traditional stone house with a pool in a small town near Shipwreck Beach. Sleeps 8 people.
Villa Harmonia – $$$$ – a luxurious waterfront property with a pool, complete with traditional stone walls and in the middle of Agios Nikolaos in the north.
Vais Luxury Villas – $$$$ – these four immaculate villas are perfectly situated before Agios Nikolaos in the north, with private pools and accommodation for two or four people.

Airbnbs in Zakynthos

For families or groups, check out Villa Jogia and the charming Aria Villa;  both offer enchanting, traditional stone villas adjacent to Agios Nikolaos.

For couples, The Sall Suites Complex offers sea views and modern amenities, while Akron Luxury Suite just above Korithi on the northern tip of the island makes for a romantic retreat.

For hilltop seclusion, Roussa’s Private Hilltop Villa is a standout, and Kavo Seaside Luxury Apartment in Argassi is also a great pick if you want to be by water.

Where to Eat in Zakynthos

Nobelos Bio Restaurant – hands down our favorite spot on the island for dinner by the sea. The shrimp saganaki is to die for!

Cave Damianos – a great dinner spot with picturesque nooks and views of the mountains.

To Diafokereiko – this traditional family-run restaurant has delicious homemade food and has been in business since the 1600’s.

L’ete Sunset Bar – a newly-opened, trendy restaurant with stunning 360 degree views of the water and tasty cocktails.

To Petrino – for a casual night out, this unassuming and affordable Greek taverna hits the spot.

Bassia Restaurant – this beautiful and highly-rated restaurant was recommended to us for a date night, but we unfortunately didn’t make it this time.

Keri Lighthouse Restaurant – go for the incredible view of Mizithres, not the food.

What to Do in Zakynthos

Rent a boat – if you only plan one experience in Zakynthos, make it a boat day. The island shines most for its undiscovered coves and beaches, and off-the-beaten path swimming spots. We hired a boat ourselves from Agios Nikolaos to explore the north shore, and Keri Beach to see the south shore (no boat license required). You can also rent a private boat from nearby Laganas for the south shore. I much preferred the south over the north: the limestone cliffs and Keri Caves made for jaw-dropping backdrops. Plus, we spotted turtles and dolphins on the way to Mizithres, and it was less crowded and windy compared to the north side. If you prefer not to hire your own boat, I highly recommend checking out this small group boat tour of the south side and this boat tour for the north side, with Shipwreck Beach included.

Stop for local products – a favorite pit stop was the Fresh Orange Juice Bar, a tiny stand for orange juice on the cliffside. We also pulled over to buy local honey, olive oil, and sundried tomatoes from farm stands around the island.

Explore little towns – the small towns of Keri and Volimes come to mind first. Keri is en route to Mizithres and worth a stop for lunch and exploring. Volimes shows up in a few recommended guides and is located near Shipwreck beach, but it’s not exactly lively. An earthquake in 1953 has rendered many buildings unusable and collapsed, which makes for interesting photos but a somewhat depressed feel.

Visit Navagio ‘Shipwreck’ Beach – you can currently experience this beach both from the viewpoint above and by boat. Expect crowds here unless you’re willing to plan an early morning (think 8am or before) or late evening visit. As of 2020 the path to more uninterrupted views is closed due to it being a dangerous cliff edge. Venturing off on your own isn’t worth it; you’re likely to be yelled at by the local guards, who also track your license plate and will ticket you.

Watch the sunset – a few great spots to catch the sunset are Porto Limnionas, L’ete Sunset Bar, Keri Lighthouse, and Navagio Beach. You will get the best view of the sun over the water from the west side of Zakynthos island.

Day trip to Kefalonia – this is the one activity we didn’t plan for on our trip that I wish we had. Kefalonia is a Greek Island just north of Zakynthos that’s about 1.5 hours away by boat. It’s known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece; namely the often-photographed Myrtos Beach. I would’ve loved to do the day trip here to see the best of the island, including caves and secret swimming spots. Here’s a day trip tour that includes both, plus round-trip ferry tickets. Or, you can plan your own day trip (or multi-night trip) by checking out the ferry schedule.

Planning More Than Just Zakynthos?

If you’re island hopping within your Greek Island itinerary, don’t miss my Greek Islands Digital Guide. Inside, I’ve mapped out realistic multi-island routes, hotel shortlists by region, and day-by-day itineraries that take the guesswork out of planning. It’s designed to help you choose confidently and make the most of your time. View the guide here.

The Best Beaches to Visit in Zakynthos

Xigia Sulfur Beach

The natural sulfur at this small beach makes for beautiful photos as the water takes on a milky turquoise hue. Go early, it fills up.
Food options nearby: yes, there’s one a short walk up from the beach and within a short drive away.

Navagio Beach

Easily the most famous beach on Zakynthos is Navagio. The best viewpoint is from above. As of 2021, there’s now a railed off platform for viewing. It’s crowded throughout the day and due to the sun’s path, you may not see it in full sun until after 11am. By boat your best chance of avoiding people is extra early (think 8am). You’re better off seeking out nearby beaches if you want a spot to yourself.
Food options nearby: no, but there are drinks for sale at the viewpoint.

Mizithres Beach

This stunning beach evolved from a landslide a couple years back that connected it to a large nearby rock. Perhaps one of my favorite spots on the island as it’s so unique. Note it’s only accessible by boat.
Food options nearby: no, but if you only want a view of the beach then head to Keri Lighthouse Restaurant.

Korakonissi

Not so much a beach as a swimming hole, this spot is best visited earlier in the day when the water is calm. There are cliff diving spots, but use caution as they are not marked.
Food options nearby: one restaurant next to the beach (closed during our visit).

Porto Limnionas

A local’s favorite, this beach has it all: crystal clear blue water, places to sun, cliff diving, a lively restaurant with views, and parking. Great to combine when visiting Korakonissi (above). I wish we discovered this beach earlier on in our trip, I simply loved the laid-back vibe here!
Food options nearby: Porto Limnionas tavern overlooks this beach.

Filippoi Beach

Towering cliffs surround this turquoise cove, with plenty of rocks to sun on. However, it’s not for the faint of heart! The drive down is steep, with one winding road that barely fits two cars. Best visited by boat if you’re not up for the task.
Food options nearby: no.

St. Nicholas Beach

A sandy beach at the very southern part of the island with sunbeds. Family-friendly, and there’s an option for water sports nearby.
Food options nearby: yes, there’s a bar on the beach.

Nobelos Beach

Not marked as this is the stone beach in front of Nobelos Restaurant. If you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, you can grab a sunbed here and easily spend the afternoon with a drink.
Food options nearby: Nobelos Restaurant.

My top 3 favorite Zakynthos photo spots

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Beaches near Mizithres by boat

Navagio Beach from above

Local restaurants

If you enjoyed this travel guide, I recommend checking out my Milos Travel Guide. Deciding on the best island to visit? I suggest taking a look at my Guide to Choosing the Best Greek Island. Finally, if you’re still deciding between islands or building a multi-stop itinerary, I break down exactly how to pair islands together for optimal Greek Island itineraries inside my Greek Islands Digital Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Zante and Zakynthos in the same place?

Yes, they’re the same. Zakynthos is the island’s official Greek name, while Zante is the Italian name often used by locals and visitors.

How do I get to Zakynthos, Greece?

Getting to Zakynthos is easy, and there are a few options depending on where you’re coming from:

By Plane: Fly directly into Zakynthos Airport ‘Dionysios Solomos’ (ZTH), with seasonal flights from major European cities.

By Ferry: If you’re already in Greece, you can take a ferry from the mainland at Kyllini Port, which is about an hour’s ride. It’s a great option if you’re traveling by car.

When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?

Zakynthos is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for:

• Summer (June to August): Perfect for sunny days at the beach, boat trips, and nightlife. Expect warm weather and buzzing crowds.
• Spring (April to May): Ideal for hiking, exploring, and avoiding the peak-season rush. Wildflowers are in full bloom, and the weather is mild.
• Fall (September to October): Enjoy warm waters, fewer tourists, and a relaxed vibe.
• Winter (November to March): While winters are mild, they’re often rainy, and many tourist spots close for the season.

What’s the weather like in Zakynthos?

How do I get around Zakynthos?

The best way to explore Zakynthos is to have your own transport:

• Car Rentals: Ideal for getting to beaches and exploring the island’s inland villages. Roads are generally in good condition.
• ATVs or Motorcycles: A fun and adventurous way to travel short distances and enjoy the views. It’s worth noting that unlike some of its smaller neighbors, Zakynthos is very mountainous and spread out so ATVs are less common here.
• Taxis: Convenient for short trips, but costs can add up.

What currency is used in Zakynthos?

Zakynthos uses the Euro (€). Most places accept credit cards, but it’s always handy to carry some cash, especially for smaller businesses and local markets.

What languages are spoken in Zakynthos?

The official language is Greek, but most locals speak English, especially in tourist areas, making it easy to communicate and get around.