The gorgeous island of Zakynthos Greece has develop into well-known for its picturesque shipwreck seashore, however there are additionally many different issues to do and see on this scenic island within the Ionian Sea.
Zakynthos options steep limestone cliffs, white pebble seashores, and among the most colourful blue water you’ll ever see in your life. You possibly can discover the island by boat or by land, and it’s comparatively simple to get to Zakynthos from Athens.
To be honest, this island has develop into a highly regarded and crowded summer time vacationer vacation spot in Greece these days, nevertheless it’s nonetheless price a go to for the bucket checklist sights and photograph ops.
This journey weblog will clarify what to do in Zakynthos, how one can get there, the place to remain, greatest transport choices and tour packages, and among the high sights to see. I’ve additionally included a useful Zakynthos island map for journey planning!
Greatest Zakynthos Tour Packages
The shoreline of Zakynthos is stuffed with sea caves, seashores, and different great sights that may solely be seen with a ship tour.
We advocate GetYourGuide for boat excursions in Zakynthos! They’ve excessive rated excursions for the entire greatest sights like Navagio Seashore, Blue Caves, Turtle Island, and extra. These excursions normally embody free lodge pickup and drop-off from a lot of the widespread areas in Zakynthos.
We’ve used this firm for plenty of day excursions and actions all over the world, they usually’re nice! Extremely really helpful.
Guide Now: Zakynthos Island Tour
The place Is Zakynthos?
Zakynthos (also referred to as Zante) is an island situated within the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece. The gap from Athens is about 240 kilometers (150 miles) because the airplane flies.
There are a complete of seven Ionian Islands in Greece, and Zakynthos is probably the most well-known of those, however the different close by islands like Kefalonia are additionally very scenic and value a go to you probably have time.
How To Get To Zakynthos
Zakynthos island could be reached by flight or ferry.
Flying to Zakynthos is the simplest, quickest, and most costly (however really helpful) approach to get there. The Zakynthos airport (ZTH) is served by each day nonstop flights from Athens, in addition to some worldwide cities like Amsterdam, Rome, and Warsaw.
The flight time to Zakynthos from Athens is 1 hour, and it prices about 75 Euros for a a method ticket with Aegean/Olympic Air or Sky Specific.
One of the best airline to make use of is Aegean (or its subsidiary Olympic Air) as an alternative of Sky Specific you probably have a alternative, however any of them are effective. Free checked baggage is normally included within the ticket worth.
Taking the ferry to Zakynthos from Athens is cheaper than flying, nevertheless it’s slower and a bit extra difficult.
You first must take a 4 hour bus trip from Athens to Kyllini (which prices 25 Euros), after which hop on the ferry there. The boat trip from Kyllini to Zakynthos takes round 1 hour and prices about 12 Euros.
For those who’re curious about doing a little island hopping in Greece and also you need to see extra than simply Zakynthos, it’s also possible to combine up the itinerary a bit.
For instance, you may fly into Zakynthos for a couple of days, take the ferry to Kefalonia, after which fly from Kefalonia again to Athens. That’s what we did, and it labored out nice!
Transport: How To Get Round On Zakynthos Island
Zakynthos city correct is sufficiently small to be walkable by foot for eating places and most different issues, however if you wish to do some exploring outdoors of city you’ll want transport.
The principle approach to get round on Zakynthos island is by renting a automotive or ATV (4 wheeler). There are a lot of firms providing automotive leases on the island, however we advocate DiscoverCars! For brief distance journeys close to city, there’s no Uber however you may rent a taxi or guide an airport switch.
Driving in Zakynthos is slightly tense, however not too laborious, and a lot of the roads are in good situation. The west aspect of the island is extra mountainous, so that you’ll often have steep roads with loads of bends, however these are normally properly paved.
A couple of distant roads on the west aspect of the island should still be gravel with occasional potholes, however even these roads are rapidly bettering because the island turns into extra accessible and widespread with vacationers.
The principle problem is driving in Zante city, the place there’s extra visitors and the roads are slim, with plenty of automobiles parked on either side. Drive slowly on the town and keep alert. When you get out of city, the roads are clean crusing for probably the most half.
Greeks drive on the best aspect of the highway, just like the US and Canada. The locals wish to drive quick, they usually ceaselessly ignore velocity limits and move on double yellow traces. Simply concentrate on this, and transfer over to allow them to move.
For the reason that regulation was modified in 2021, international vacationers from Australia, Canada, UK and United States don’t want an Worldwide Driving Allow (IDP) to drive in Greece anymore.
The precise textual content of the brand new regulation (in Greek language) could be present in Legislation 4850, artwork. 25, par. η, web page 10697, and it’s additionally been confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Greece.
With that mentioned, it nonetheless doesn’t harm to have an IDP for Zakynthos in case there’s confusion from the authorities or your native automotive rental firm. Many individuals in Greece nonetheless appear to be unaware of this variation.
The shoreline of Zakynthos is stunningly lovely, and lots of the greatest sights on the island are price touring by boat. You possibly can lease a ship or be part of a shared tour at one of many many harbors on the island, or you may guide tour packages on-line that embody free lodge pickup and drop-off.
What To Do In Zakynthos Greece
This well-known shipwreck seashore is what first put Zakynthos island on so many vacationers’ bucket lists. It’s most likely one of the crucial well-known journey photos on this planet!
Navagio is a lovely secluded seashore surrounded by turquoise water and dramatic, winding cliffs. Within the heart of the seashore sits a smuggler ship that ran aground throughout stormy climate in 1980.
For those who’re primarily eager to see the enduring postcard view and take photographs of it, you are able to do that from a viewpoint on the cliffs excessive above the seashore.
You possibly can drive to the Navagio viewpoint your self, or guide a tour bundle that features the perspective together with a number of different sights in Zakynthos.
Take into accout, it’s not attainable to succeed in the seashore itself from the perspective. There’s no path to go all the way down to the seashore, as a result of the cliffs are too steep. The one approach to stroll on the seashore is with a ship tour, and that’s defined under in additional element.
Nevertheless, the perspective continues to be among the finest sights in Zakynthos, so you need to positively add it to your itinerary!
Guide Now: Navagio Seashore & Viewpoint / Non-public Tour
Although the perfect photos of Navagio shipwreck are literally taken from the steep cliffs above, it’s additionally enjoyable to get in a ship and go see the seashore at eye stage, should you’re prepared to courageous the crowds.
Boat excursions to Navagio Seashore usually depart from the close by harbor at Porto Vromi. You possibly can present up there and attempt to organize a ship rental on the spot, nevertheless it’s usually higher to guide a tour bundle on-line.
This seashore will get very crowded and chaotic throughout the daytime, when it’s bombarded with vacationers and boats. In the course of the summer time, the one time you may keep away from the crowds at Navagio Seashore is by arriving earlier than 8 AM or after 6 PM.
However, it’s nonetheless a really good seashore and the rusty shipwreck is enjoyable to see up shut!
Guide Now: Navagio Seashore & Blue Caves / Non-public Tour
• Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon
It is a small monastery that you simply’ll move on the way in which to the Navagio viewpoint. In truth, it’s only a 5 minute drive from the perspective!
The Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon was based within the sixteenth century, and it’s nonetheless a functioning monastery, with monks dwelling and dealing there. Keep in mind to decorate appropriately if you wish to go inside, though loads of good photos could be taken from outdoors.
It’s free to go to the monastery, they usually have slightly workshop the place they make mosaics and different artwork. You should purchase their wares if you need, however they aren’t pushy about it. The mosaics are very good.
Behind the monastery, there’s a strolling path that takes you to a cross with great views of the Ionian Sea, and it’s additionally an important sundown spot.
• Mizethres Rocks
This is likely one of the most spectacular and underrated locations in Zakynthos Greece, with dramatic white rocks and personal seashores on either side of the rock.
The Mizethres Rocks are situated on the southwest nook of Zakynthos island, and you may view them from the cliffs above, or take a ship from Keri Harbor.
There’s a viewpoint and a restaurant on the cliffs above, referred to as Keri Lighthouse Restaurant. It’s slightly overpriced, though the views are unbeatable. Afternoon till sundown is the perfect time to dine there and take photos.
You may also stroll additional up the highway and benefit from the view of Mizethres Rocks with none individuals, however watch out to not get too near the sting, as a result of the cliff could also be unstable.
Guide Now: Mizethres Viewpoint Tour
• Marathonisi Island
Often known as ‘turtle island,’ Marathonisi is a small island close to the south coast of Zakynthos. A part of the island is a protected breeding floor for loggerhead sea turtles.
The entrance aspect of this island has a pleasant seashore with clear water, and the south aspect has a few caves you may enter with a small boat. It’s a improbable island, nevertheless it’s changing into fairly crowded.
You possibly can go to Marathonisi Island on a half day tour from Keri Harbor together with different sights such because the Keri Caves (under), or it’s additionally attainable to take a ship taxi there from close by locations like Laganas Seashore.
Guide Now: Marathonisi Island & Keri Caves Tour
• Keri Caves
The Keri Caves are normally visited on a half day boat tour that features Marathonisi Island (above) and generally the Mizethres Rocks.
Inside these caves, the water appears to glow blue, giving it a gatorade-like coloration that nearly doesn’t look actual. It’s laborious to seize with a digital camera. Small boats can float into the caves see them up shut.
There are additionally a handful of pebble seashores and two rock arches on this shoreline that your boat captain can drive by way of if he’s feeling adventurous! General, it was one in all our favourite locations in southern Zakynthos.
Guide Now: Keri Caves & Marathonisi Tour
• Blue Caves
It is a group of small caves on the northern tip of Zakynthos island, reachable by boat from Agios Nikolaos harbor.
As you would possibly guess from the title, these are among the most colourful caves in Zakynthos, and little boats can move by way of the caves and are available out the opposite aspect. Often you are able to do some swimming right here too, if there’s sufficient time.
The Blue Caves tour is usually shorter than any of the opposite boat excursions in Zakynthos, nevertheless it’s additionally cheaper, so it’s properly price it!
Guide Now: Blue Caves & Navagio Tour
• Plakaki Seashore
This viewpoint continues to be sort of a hidden gem in Zakynthos, with wonderful views of the shoreline and that darkish blue water the Mediterranean Sea is known for.
Calling it a seashore is sort of a stretch, however on the backside of the cliff there’s a pleasant swimming spot that may be reached with a little bit of quick, intense mountaineering. The trail continues to be unfinished rock, and there are some steep sections, so it’s not good for teenagers or older people.
When the entry improves, I’m certain this place shall be one of many highlights of Zakynthos island. It positively has a few of our favourite views.
• Potamitis Viewpoint
Potamitis is one other viewpoint with a pleasant restaurant, a windmill, and quick access by highway. It’s situated on the north finish of Zakynthos island.
There’s a photogenic winding staircase that takes you all the way down to the seaside, the place you may watch the tour boats coming and going from the close by Blue Caves. It’s a very nice view, and there are additionally sunbeds if you wish to keep and calm down.
We had heard the restaurant asks you to purchase one thing earlier than taking photos on the viewpoint, however in our case they didn’t ask for something. The restaurant has good rankings, so I’m certain it’s price a go to!
• Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa
It is a medieval church that sits on the high of Skopos mountain in southeast Zante, at an elevation of 543 meters (1,782 ft). Surrounding the church are the ruins of a monastery that’s even older. It’s like a visit again in time.
To achieve the church you may drive or hike, however the highway is tough gravel all the way in which to the highest of the mountain. We made it there in a rental automotive, nevertheless it wasn’t a really comfy drive. For those who hike, convey a hat and many water.
For those who drive, it’s greatest to come back from the northeast aspect, as a result of apparently the highway from Kalamaki is worse and requires a 4×4 car.
The environment on the monastery is quiet and particular. For those who come within the daytime, they open the monastery for guests, and the within has frescoes and a guestbook.
There’s a pleasant breeze and you’ve got panoramic views of a lot of Zakynthos island, with Kefalonia seen within the distance. I’m certain it’s an important spot for sundown too, though we didn’t keep that late.
Behind the monastery, there’s a rocky summit you may climb for even higher views of the entire space! The trail for this climb begins on the southeast aspect of the rocks, and there’s a rope that can assist you go up.
All in all, this place is a real hidden gem in Zakinthos, and most of the people nonetheless don’t learn about it!
• Pelagaki Seashore
There are many seashores in Zakynthos, however this one stands out due to its snow white pebbles and good clear water. It’s just like among the scenic seashores in Kefalonia island.
This is likely one of the quieter and fewer touristy seashores in Zakynthos, with no music or sunbeds, though it’s often disrupted by noisy boats dropping off vacationers, in order that’s the one draw back. On the high of the hill, there’s a small canteen promoting meals and drinks.
The seashore itself is improbable from above or under, and you may attain it in about 5 minutes by mountaineering down a steep grime path. Although it doesn’t have the simplest entry, it’s lovely and nonetheless price a go to!
Greatest Zakynthos Picture Spot
There are a lot of lovely photograph spots in Zakynthos Greece, however I believe the winner must be the Navagio Viewpoint, adopted by the Mizethres Rocks in second place. Third place for me may be Plakaki Seashore.
For those who solely have time for 2 boat excursions in Zakynthos, do Navagio and the Keri Caves. These are on reverse sides of the island, so you could want two separate days to do them, however we thought the tour at Keri Caves was even higher than the Blue Caves! It’s additionally an extended tour, so that you get extra time to benefit from the surroundings.
For drone pilots, it’s attainable to take wonderful photographs on the west coast of Zakynthos island, which is all lined with steep limestone cliffs.
The locals in Greece aren’t strict about drones. EU rules aren’t actually enforced right here, and there are many quiet locations to fly with out disturbing anybody. If doubtful, simply ask earlier than you fly.
Greatest Zakynthos Seashores
To be sincere, Zakynthos seashores usually aren’t as good as those on say, Kefalonia, they usually’re very overrun with vacationers throughout the summer time months. For the perfect expertise, you’ll need to arrive early and discover a good parking spot earlier than the crowds get there.
If you would like sandy seashores in Zakynthos, take a look at Banana Seashore, Porto Zorro, or Alykanas Seashore. For those who’re primarily wanting spectacular views, go to Porto Limnionas or Plakaki Seashore. These aren’t sandy seashores, however the views are great they usually can nonetheless be nice spots for swimming and sunbathing.
The well-known Navagio Seashore additionally has wonderful views with good sand and water, though it’s normally crowded with boats and other people.
Zakynthos Island Map
Right here’s a Zakynthos island map you should use to plan your journey.
You possibly can click on the icons on this map to get extra information on every focal point, however bear in mind among the areas could also be approximate.
Points of interest to go to by land are marked in blue, whereas harbors (and close by points of interest to succeed in by sea) are marked in orange.
Greatest Sundown Spot In Zakynthos
Zakynthos island has a protracted west-facing shoreline, so naturally there are many good sundown spots to get pleasure from.
One of the crucial widespread locations to look at the sundown is on the Navagio Viewpoint (above the seashore), the place you should use a large panoramic photograph to seize the seashore along with the sundown.
For a extra quiet sundown, our favourite spot was the cross on the Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon, which can also be situated close to the shipwreck viewpoint.
To search out the cross for sundown, stroll alongside the quick path behind the monastery till you’ve gone about 150 meters down the hill. It’s a very nice spot, and also you’ll more than likely have all of it to your self!
If you would like dinner in Zakinthos with an epic sundown view to finish the day, take a look at Aeras Taverna, Porto Schiza Restaurant, Cross Taverna, or the Keri Lighthouse Restaurant.
All of those eating places and sundown spots are situated on the west aspect of the island, so a little bit of driving is required should you’re coming from city.
There are additionally some excursions accessible that can take you to one of many good sundown spots in Zakynthos and deal with the entire transportation for you.
Guide Now: Romantic Agalas Sundown Tour
What To Carry
Listed here are some packing solutions in your journey to Zakynthos Greece.
Many of the objects under can most likely be discovered on the island in a pinch, however the high quality of stuff you purchase on the road received’t be assured (personally, I’m not about to make use of a junky knockoff bag from a avenue vendor to guard my costly digital camera gear).
It’s greatest to purchase vetted merchandise on-line!
- Waterproof Bag: Important for holding your electronics secure on the boats. I introduced a 30 liter bag and was in a position to match my drone, pill, digital camera, telephone, and a bunch of different stuff inside. All the pieces was stored dry, even after I took the bag swimming a couple of occasions!
- Waterproof Telephone Pouch: Similar as above, however these are in your telephone solely. Nice should you don’t produce other electronics and simply want one thing small to guard your telephone with.
- Snorkeling Gear: Good for exploring the clear waters round Zakynthos, and generally you may even see turtles. Snorkels and masks could be borrowed or rented from the boat firms too, however should you plan to do a number of excursions it’s higher to convey your personal gear.
- Water Sneakers: Save your toes some grief and put on water sneakers! Lots of the seashores in Zakynthos have rocky shorelines, so water sneakers are very useful for getting out and in of the water.
Different Zakynthos Suggestions
- Credit score Playing cards: You possibly can pay by bank card for many accommodations, eating places, and different issues in Zakynthos, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to hold money (in Euros). Some smaller eating places solely take money, or the cardboard machines might go down. For those who present up on the harbor and need to guide a ship tour on the spot, then they’ll ask you to pay in money. That is a part of the benefit of reserving excursions on-line, that manner you may pay by bank card and save your money for these little household owned tavernas with high notch meals and low costs.
- ATM: There are ATMs inside attain of each nook of the island. We normally pulled 200 Euros at a time, and by no means had any points. One factor to notice is that the ATMs will give you their very own conversion price (which is a extremely dangerous price), or you may proceed in Euros. Be sure you select Euros with out their foolish conversion price. It is a well-known rip-off at ATMs in Greece, nevertheless it’s simply prevented if you recognize what you’re doing.
- Cell Service: Telephone reception is powerful throughout most of Zakinthos island, though you could lose service in some locations whereas driving round due to the hilly terrain of the island.
- WiFi: Web high quality in Zakynthos isn’t the best, nevertheless it’s bettering, particularly in the primary city areas. Don’t anticipate WiFi speeds on par with Athens (or different European nations), nevertheless it’s usually ok for emails, looking, and perhaps slightly little bit of streaming.
- Language: The native language in Zakynthos is Greek, after all, however virtually everybody speaks and understands sufficient English for dialog. A lot of UK vacationers go to the Ionian islands, so the locals are accustomed to talking English with vacationers.
- Mosquitoes: We had only a few encounters with mosquitoes in Zakynthos, and the island isn’t recognized to be dwelling to the West Nile Virus, so it’s not likely a major concern right here.
- Water: The faucet water in Zakynthos is meant to be secure to drink, nevertheless it doesn’t style good. It’s higher to drink bottled water, which is reasonable and could be discovered at any mini market. You should use the faucet water for cooking or brushing your enamel.
Is Zakynthos Secure?
Sure, Zakynthos is a really secure place to go to!
Greece has one of many lowest murder charges on this planet. Simply take regular precautions and also you shouldn’t have any points with crime.
The locals in Zakynthos are very pleasant, particularly should you get out of the busy city and go to among the quiet villages within the countryside.
Is Zakynthos Price It?
For those who nonetheless can’t make up your thoughts, then sure, Zakynthos is certainly price it!
It is a lovely Greek island with nice meals, individuals, and surroundings. You possibly can get pleasure from a sundown dinner by the cliffs, or discover a sea cave by boat. Well-known bucket checklist views like Navagio Seashore are additionally icing on the cake.
Regardless of the summer time vacationer crowds, Zakynthos is undoubtedly one of many quintessential Greek islands in my view. It’s additionally pretty simple to succeed in from Athens, and the infrastructure is bettering day-after-day.
How Lengthy To Keep
There are a great deal of good issues to do in Zakynthos Greece. One of the best highlights will take not less than 3 days to see, however one week is extra supreme.
We spent two weeks in Zakynthos, and simply might have discovered extra actions to do if we had stayed longer.
Zakynthos Itinerary
Right here’s what a pattern 4-day itinerary for Zakinthos island might appear to be, assuming you’ve rented a automotive:
- Day 1: Northwest Zakynthos. Go to the Navagio Seashore viewpoint and see the well-known shipwreck from above. Make a fast cease on the close by monastery, after which drive to Porto Vromi, the place you may take a ship to the shipwreck seashore and in addition tour among the close by caves. Calm down at Porto Limnionas Seashore or Korakonissi, after which have dinner at San Leon Tavern or one of many different nice eating places within the space.
- Day 2: North Zakynthos. Drive to Agios Nikolaos Harbor and lease a ship to go to the Blue Caves for surroundings and swimming. Subsequent, drive to the Potamitis Viewpoint and stroll down the steps by the ocean. Lastly, calm down at Pelagaki Seashore or Xigia Sulfur Seashore.
- Day 3: Southwest Zakynthos. Drive to Keri Lake Harbor, after which lease a ship to go to Marathonisi Island, Keri Caves, and Mizethres Seashore. Subsequent, drive to Plakaki Viewpoint and hike all the way down to the seashore (should you’re match and ready). Lastly, go see the Mizethres Rocks from above and benefit from the sundown at Keri Lighthouse Restaurant.
- Day 4: East Zakynthos. For those who’re feeling adventurous, hike or drive up the steep gravel highway to Monastery Panagia Skopiotissa, and benefit from the historic buildings and panoramic views of Zakynthos island. Carry loads of water. Afterwards, calm down at Banana Seashore, Porto Zorro, or one of many many different seashores within the space. When you have further time, take a look at the Cameo Island Seashore Bar.
I hope this pattern itinerary offers you some concepts in your personal journey to Zakynthos! As at all times, be happy to ask any questions you probably have them.
Extra Greece Journey Guides
Thanks for trying! I hope you loved this journey information for Zakynthos island in Greece.
We’ve extra journey guides for the Greek islands coming quickly, so don’t overlook to examine again!
Blissful travels!
