Overview
Zakynthos — also known by its Italian name Zante — is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, administratively part of the Ionian Islands region. The island covers roughly 406 square kilometres and sits west of the Peloponnese mainland. Its population is concentrated in Zakynthos Town, the island's capital, which was largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1953.
The island divides naturally into two landscapes: a fertile eastern and central plain dotted with olive groves and villages, and a rugged limestone plateau to the northwest that drops into sheer cliffs above vivid turquoise water. This contrast defines much of what visitors come to see and do.
Zakynthos is one of the primary nesting habitats in the Mediterranean for the loggerhead sea turtle. The southern bay of Laganas is a designated National Marine Park, and conservation obligations shape how and where tourists can access parts of the coast during nesting season (roughly May through October). Understanding this context before you arrive makes for a more responsible — and ultimately richer — visit.
Zakynthos Town itself retains a grid street plan and a handful of Venetian-era churches and museums that survived or were reconstructed after 1953. It functions as the island's commercial and cultural hub, with the main ferry port, the primary hospital, and the bulk of the island's year-round services.
Before You Go
Visas
Zakynthos is part of Greece, a Schengen Area member state. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for current entry rules before booking.
Health
No specific vaccinations are required for Greece beyond routine immunisations. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its successor (GHIC for UK residents) is accepted at the public hospital in Zakynthos Town, though coverage is limited — travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Pharmacies are plentiful in Zakynthos Town and larger resort villages.
Sea Turtle Conservation Rules
If you plan to visit Laganas Bay or surrounding beaches during nesting season, familiarise yourself with the rules set by the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ). Certain beach sections have restricted access at night, no sunbeds are permitted in designated zones, and boat anchoring is controlled. These are not suggestions — violations carry fines. The NMPZ website publishes current regulations; verify before your visit.
Practical Prep
- Earthquakes are a geological reality in the Ionian Islands. Minor tremors occur periodically; know standard safety procedures.
- July and August are peak season: accommodation prices rise, Navagio viewpoint becomes very crowded, and boat queues are long. Book accommodation and car hire well in advance if travelling then.
- The island has one main road circuit, and some northwestern cliff roads are narrow. Confident drivers only for those sections.
Getting There
By Air
Zakynthos International Airport 'Dionysios Solomos' (ZTH) is located approximately 6 km south of Zakynthos Town, near the Laganas resort area. It receives scheduled flights from Athens (Aegean Airlines and Sky Express operate this route; verify current schedules) and numerous seasonal charter and low-cost flights from European cities, primarily during the April–October tourist season. Year-round connectivity outside of peak season is limited; travellers arriving off-season may need to connect through Athens.
By Ferry
Ferry services operate year-round between Killini on the Peloponnese mainland and Zakynthos Town port. Journey time is approximately one hour. Additional seasonal ferry links may operate from Patras and Kefallonia. Operators and frequencies change seasonally; check current timetables via Greek ferry booking platforms or verify locally on arrival.
Getting from the Airport
Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. There is a public bus connection between the airport and Zakynthos Town, though frequency is limited — verify the current schedule with KTEL Zakynthos locally or online before relying on it. Many accommodation providers in resort areas offer or can arrange transfers.
Getting Around
Car and Scooter Hire
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore Zakynthos beyond the main resort strips. Multiple hire firms operate in Zakynthos Town and at the airport. A standard driving licence is accepted for cars; check licence category requirements for scooters and quad bikes, which are popular but carry higher injury risk on the island's uneven rural roads. Roads in the northwest, including the approach areas near Navagio viewpoint, can be steep and narrow.
Public Bus (KTEL)
KTEL Zakynthos operates bus routes connecting Zakynthos Town with major villages and resorts including Laganas, Argasi, Tsilivi, and Alykes. The central bus station is in Zakynthos Town. Timetables and routes are limited compared to a major city; verify current schedules at the station or locally, as they change seasonally.
Taxis
Taxis are available in Zakynthos Town and outside major hotels. Agree on the fare or confirm the meter is running before departure. For airport or port transfers, consider pre-booking through your accommodation.
Boat Trips
Reaching Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach requires a boat — there is no road access to the beach itself. Organised boat excursions depart from several northern and western ports, including Porto Vromi and the fishing village of Agios Nikolaos. The Blue Caves near Cape Skinari are also accessible primarily by boat. Multiple operators offer these trips; compare offerings and verify seasonal availability locally.
Things to See & Do
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
Perhaps the most photographed beach in Greece, Navagio sits in an enclosed cove on the northwest coast, accessible only by boat. The rusting hull of the MV Panagiotis, which ran aground in 1980, lies on the white pebble shore. The clifftop viewpoint above is accessible by road and is free; reaching the beach itself requires a boat trip. The site is genuinely spectacular but very busy in peak season — morning departures tend to be less crowded.
Blue Caves (Galinari)
A series of sea caves near Cape Skinari at the island's northern tip, where light refracts through the water to create vivid blue reflections on the cave walls. Best visited on a calm day in the morning when light conditions are optimal. Accessible by small boat from Agios Nikolaos village.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle Watching
The beaches of Laganas Bay — particularly Kalamaki and Sekania — are among the most important loggerhead nesting sites in the Mediterranean. Sekania is a strictly protected beach with no public access. Organised, licensed turtle-watching tours operate at night during nesting season. Choose only operators authorised by the National Marine Park of Zakynthos to ensure the experience is conducted without disturbing nesting turtles.
Zakynthos Town
- Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians: Dedicated to Dionysios Solomos, who wrote the Greek national anthem. Verify opening hours locally.
- Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos: Houses post-Byzantine icons and artefacts rescued from island churches destroyed in 1953. Located on Solomos Square.
- Bochali Hill: A short drive or steep walk above the town, offering panoramic views over the harbour and the Peloponnese on clear days. The ruins of a Venetian-era kastro (fortress) are at the top.
Keri Lake and Mizithres Rocks
The southwestern cape features the Keri lighthouse, sea caves, and the distinctive twin rock formations known as Mizithres rising from the sea. Less visited than the northwest coast, it rewards those with a car.
Beaches Beyond Navagio
Gerakas (southern tip, within the marine park — access rules apply), Porto Zoro, and Xigia (with natural sulphur springs seeping into the sea) offer variety. Alykanas and Alykes in the north are family-friendly with shallow water.
Food & Drink
Local Cuisine
Zakynthos shares the Ionian culinary tradition, which shows more Italian influence than Aegean Greek cooking — reflected in the use of olive oil, slow-cooked meat dishes, and local pasta forms. Signature dishes to seek out include sofrito (veal or beef braised in white wine, garlic, and herbs), pastitsada (pasta with a rich meat sauce, more common across the Ionians), and skordostoumbi (courgettes with garlic and vinegar). Fresh fish and grilled octopus are staples at tavernas near the waterfront.
Where to Eat
Zakynthos Town's waterfront and the streets behind Solomos Square have the highest concentration of restaurants and cafés. Quality varies; places popular with local residents during lunch tend to offer better value and more authentic cooking than those with aggressive tourist-menu displays. Resort areas like Laganas and Tsilivi have extensive dining options catering primarily to international visitors.
Drinks
- Verdea: A dry white wine produced on the island from local grape varieties. Not widely exported; try it locally.
- Greek coffee (served in the traditional thick-grounds style) and freddo espresso/cappuccino are ubiquitous in cafés.
- Ouzo and tsipouro (grape pomace spirits) are available at most tavernas.
Practical Notes
Lunch is typically served from around 13:00 to 15:30; dinner rarely starts before 20:00 in local establishments. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — rounding up or leaving small change is the norm. Always check your bill; service charges are occasionally added in tourist-heavy areas.
Shopping
Zakynthos Town is the best place for substantive shopping. The main pedestrianised street (Alexandrou Roma) and the lanes around Solomos Square have a mix of souvenir shops, clothing stores, and local food purveyors.
What to look for:
- Local honey: The island produces good-quality thyme honey; sold in shops and at some farm stalls.
- Mandolato: A traditional nougat confection made with honey, almonds, and egg whites — a genuine Zakynthian product.
- Verdea wine: Bottles of local white wine make a distinctive gift unavailable elsewhere.
- Olive oil: High-quality extra-virgin oil is produced on the island; look for locally labelled products.
Avoid purchasing any product made from sea turtle shell or other protected marine species — such trade is illegal and damages conservation efforts the island actively depends on.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are available in Zakynthos Town and in major resort areas. Acceptance of cards has increased significantly but smaller tavernas, market stalls, and rural businesses may be cash-only. Carry some euros in cash.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is generally good across the island, though signal can drop in remote northwestern areas and some gorges. Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés and hotels.
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency (EU standard): 112
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 166
- Fire: 199
- Zakynthos General Hospital is located in Zakynthos Town — verify the current address and contact details locally on arrival.
Electricity
Greece uses Type C and Type F plugs, 230V/50Hz — standard across continental Europe.
Water
Tap water in Zakynthos Town is generally considered safe to drink, but many residents and visitors drink bottled water. In rural areas or smaller villages, verify locally.
Useful Resources
- National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ): Official site for turtle conservation rules and protected area maps — verify the current URL as government sites change.
- KTEL Zakynthos: Local bus operator for current schedules.
Safety
Zakynthos is generally a safe destination for travellers. Petty theft (bag snatching, pickpocketing) is the most commonly reported issue, primarily in crowded tourist areas and on busy beaches. Standard precautions — not leaving valuables unattended on beaches, using hotel safes, being aware of surroundings — are sufficient for most visitors.
Sea safety is a more significant concern. Navagio cove can have strong swell, and the cliff faces above it are subject to periodic rockfall — incidents have occurred. Follow guidance from boat operators and do not stand directly under the cliff faces. When swimming in caves or at less-frequented beaches, go with someone else and be aware of boat traffic.
Road safety deserves attention. Scooter and quad bike injuries are among the most common causes of tourist hospitalisations across Greek islands. Wearing a helmet is both a legal requirement and a genuine precaution. On narrow cliff roads in the northwest, drive slowly and use passing places.
The earthquake risk inherent to the Ionian Islands is real but should not deter travel. Familiarise yourself with basic earthquake response (drop, cover, hold on; move away from buildings afterwards and monitor aftershock risk). Your accommodation should be able to provide local guidance.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Zakynthos has a distinct cultural identity shaped by roughly four centuries of Venetian rule (1484–1797), which left a lasting imprint on local architecture, music, and cuisine. The island is the birthplace of Dionysios Solomos (1798–1857), who wrote the poem that became the Greek national anthem, and is also associated with the Heptanese School of painting, an important post-Byzantine art movement.
The local musical tradition of kantádes — polyphonic serenades with Italian roots — is still performed at festivals and cultural events, though it requires seeking out rather than stumbling upon. The island holds significant religious celebrations, particularly around the feast day of its patron saint, Agios Dionysios (12 December and 24 August), when processions and church services draw both locals and visitors.
Greek social customs apply: dress modestly when entering churches (shoulders and knees covered); greet shopkeepers and restaurateurs when entering; and note that mid-afternoon (roughly 14:00–17:00) remains a quieter period in local life, with some smaller businesses closing. English is widely spoken in tourist-facing contexts, but a few words of Greek — kalimera (good morning), efcharistó (thank you) — are always well received.
