Zakynthos Greece (also called Zante Island) is a small, gorgeous island that bobs within the Ionian Sea of western Greece.
With superb lodging choices, improbable eating places, welcoming locals, and a few of the finest seashores in Greece, it’s no shock why this island is among the fastest-growing vacationer locations within the nation.
After travelling round Greece for almost 3 months in complete, we nonetheless think about Zakynthos considered one of our favorite islands to go to. We spent 10 days there, exploring by renting a automotive and a ship, and bought to see lots of the island’s highlights.
A Full Zakynthos Journey Information
Although the south of the island is dominated by principally mundane resort seashore cities providing the everyday inclusive vacation packages, the north and heart of Zakynthos remains to be an thrilling place to discover.
The craggy, cliff-strewn coastlines that encompass Zakynthos bless it with some breathtaking white sand seashores tucked in secluded coves and sheltered by dramatic skyscraper cliffs. For those who’re searching for a seashore vacation, that is considered one of your finest choices in Greece, however don’t be fooled into considering that’s all Zante has to supply.
On this information to Zakynthos Greece, I’m going to interrupt down all the things it’s worthwhile to learn about travelling to this fascinating Greek island.
About Zakynthos Greece
Zakynthos Greece is also called “Zante” and “the Flower of the Levant”. Positioned within the Ionian sea about 250 kilometres west of the capital of Athens, it’s maybe most well-known for Navagio Seaside, a panoramic cove surrounded by dramatic 200-meter excessive cliffs.
At the moment there are round 40,000 individuals residing on the island, however throughout the excessive vacationer season, as many as 2.9 million vacationers descend on Zante and the opposite Ionian islands.
The capital is Zante city, a captivating seaside metropolis with many eating places, bars and historic websites. After we visited, Zante was a quiet place to be, however I’m positive that within the excessive season this port metropolis could be bustling.
See Additionally: The Final Information to Greek Journey
The place Is Zakynthos?
Zakynthos is situated within the southernmost a part of the primary Ionian island chain round 20 kilometres west of the Greek mainland and 249 kilometres from Athens. The island of Kefalonia is 50 kilometres north of Zakynthos. There are additionally a couple of small islets round Zakynthos together with Marathonisi and Kalonisi to the south.
How Huge Is Zakynthos?
The island of Zakynthos Greece is round 40 kilometres (25 miles) lengthy and 20 kilometres (12 miles) in width. The entire space of the island is simply over 400 kilometres² and its highest level is atop Vrachionas Mountain at a complete elevation of 758 meters.
Zakynthos boasts about 123 kilometres (76 miles) of gorgeous shoreline, however not all of it’s gorgeous white sand like that discovered on Shipwreck Seaside (Navagio). A lot of the coast is craggy cliffs and dramatic rock formations.
The entire inhabitants of Zakynthos is 40,759, however as I discussed earlier, this quantity is far greater throughout the peak tourism season when vacationers outnumber the locals 10 to 1.
The Finest Time to Go to Zakynthos Greece
You’ll be able to just about go to Zante at any time of the 12 months, however our favorite time to go to is within the spring (March to Could) or fall (September to November) when it’s not too scorching and there are fewer vacationers. The costs of lodging are additionally a lot decrease presently with financial savings of as much as 50% in our expertise.
For those who don’t thoughts being round crowds, then summer season (June to August) can be a good time to go to. For those who get too scorching, you may at all times head to one of many many seashores to chill down.
We final visited Zakynthos within the spring and it was stunning. The times have been scorching, however the evenings tended to chill down sufficient that we have been comfy whereas sleeping and the ocean was nonetheless heat sufficient for a (chilly) swim.
Easter, Christmas and July & August are absolutely the peak customer instances for Zakynthos and through these instances the costs can skyrocket.
Winter (November to March) is an okay time to go to as effectively, however don’t anticipate to go swimming as the ocean temperature can dip to 12°C (54°F) in January and February. You may additionally discover that many eating places and inns are closed presently.
Getting There & Away
Zakynthos Greece is a comparatively straightforward island to get to due to its shut proximity to mainland Greece. You’ve got a couple of choices for attending to Zante and leaving the island when your trip is completed.
By Sea
The ferry from mainland Greece (Kyllini, Peloponnese) has scheduled departures seven instances per day beginning at 5:30 within the morning and the final sail is at 22:30. The journey takes round 1 hour and quarter-hour and the worth varies primarily based on season nevertheless it’ll often price you round €47-56 per individual every means.
By Air
To get to Zakynthos shortly, you’ll possible wish to fly, both from Athens with Olympic or Aegean airways, or typically you could find direct flights from main European cities like London, Amsterdam, Prague, Edinburgh and Rome. These direct worldwide flights often solely join Zante to the remainder of Europe throughout the summer season months.
Test Ryan Air, Volotea, British Airways, Jet2, Ellinair and different finances airways for direct flights to Zante in June via September.
By Automotive
Lots of people select to hire a automotive in Athens and drive over to the Ionian Islands. If you wish to do that you then’ll must pay the automotive price on the ferry to convey it to Zakynthos.
After we have been on Zakynthos Island, we rented a automotive and it’s an effective way to get round, so whether or not you wish to hire it in Athens and drive all the best way to Kyllini to catch the ferry, or fly to Zakynthos and hire it there, it’s value having a automotive.
The place to Keep When Touring Zakynthos
There are a lot of totally different areas to remain on Zakynthos Island with the preferred seashore locations clustered collectively on the south and jap coasts of the island. Listed here are one of the best locations to remain in Zakynthos.
Zakynthos at a Look:
- The South: Busy resort cities like Laganas and the favored Turtle Island make this essentially the most visited a part of the island. Whereas different locations have higher seashores, that is the place you’ll discover essentially the most eating places, inns, bars and nightlife.
- The North: Principally abandoned mountains, olive groves, pine forests and dramatic cliffs alongside the coast, you received’t discover as a lot occurring up north apart from essentially the most well-known sight on the island, Navagio Seaside. Whereas there are a couple of luxurious resorts and villas up right here, most don’t keep lengthy within the north.
- The East: Other than the small however bustling port of Zante City, the east is a collection of developed seashore cities that stretch on both aspect of the capital.
- The West: Empty and mountainous, most individuals solely come to the west on a visit across the island with a cease on the well-known sundown spot of the Cliffs of Keri.
Zante City
The capital metropolis of Zakynthos is a superb little city proper on the ocean. That is the biggest metropolis on the island, however in our opinion, it’s not one of the best place to remain. There are many vacationer inns and eating places right here, nevertheless it’s not on the nicest seashore and it’s extra of a bustling port metropolis than a vacationer attraction.
Learn Extra: A Full Journey Information to Zante City
Laganas
Most individuals who go to Zante will keep in Laganas. That is the primary vacationer heart well-known for events and well-liked with younger vacationers and European college students on brief holidays. There are many nice lodging choices right here together with low-cost residences, good resorts and funky boutique inns.
Learn Extra: A Full Journey Information to Laganas Seaside
Agios Sostis
Simply 2 kilometres west of busy Laganas is the extra laid again Agios Sostis. This can be a walkable distance from Laganas, so it typically will get busy with day trippers, significantly those that come for the picturesque Cameo Island which is linked to the mainland by a stunning little bridge (you’ve most likely seen the images), in addition to close by Turtle Island.
Tsilivi & Planos
Tsilivi and Planos are one other one of the vital well-liked seashore locations in Zante. The family-friendly, calm, shallow, 2 kilometre lengthy “Blue Flag” seashore of Tsilivi is among the most stunning and most secure to swim in. There are a lot of lodging choices in each cities and nice eating places alongside the ocean right here as effectively.
Learn Extra: A Full Journey Information to Tsilivi & Planos
Psarou & Ammoudi
Sandwiched between the extra well-liked cities of Tsilivi to the south and Alykes to the north, Psarou is the place we stayed after we final visited Zante Island. I’ve to say that it’s undoubtedly not one of many primary vacationer scorching spots in Zakynthos, Greece. Nonetheless, we liked it there! We stayed in a stunning little fashionable condo and paid solely $22 / evening (due to shoulder season reductions).
For those who’re going to remain in Psarou, I’d undoubtedly advocate having a automotive as a result of it doesn’t have as many eating places and leisure choices as a few of the different, extra touristy cities in Zante.
Learn Extra: A Full Journey Information to Psarou
Argassi
Partway down the Vasilikos peninsula earlier than you attain the seashores of Banana Seaside and Porto Azzuro you’ll discover Argassi. Set conveniently between a few of the finest seashores on the island and the buzzing capital, this city has nice resort and condo choices, superb Greek eating places and first rate public transport hyperlinks due to its proximity to Zante City.
Vasilikos
The city on the peninsula of the identical title that stretches out of the southeastern a part of the island a couple of kilometres south of the capital, Vasilikos is a comparatively untrodden a part of Zante Island. That is the place you’ll discover some spectacular seashores like St. Nicholas, Banana Seaside and Porto Azzuro. There’s first rate lodging choices down right here and a few nice eating places.
Kalamaki
Slightly east of busy Laganas and a bit west of Zante City, Kalamaki is the goldilocks seashore city of the south on this respect. Because of the nesting turtles, there are not any inns proper on the sand and there are not any watersports, which give the sandy seashore right here a pleasant, enjoyable ambiance. Kalamaki is a superb place for {couples} and households.
Keri
There’s a Keri Village on the west of the island and Keri Seaside city on the southeast, that are a couple of 10-minute drive aside and each supply nice lodging choices. Keri seashore has a couple of good resorts and inns close to the sand, whereas Keri Village has dramatic views over the cliffs out in the direction of the Ionian Sea in addition to the picturesque lighthouse.
Learn Extra: A Journey Information to Keri Seaside & Keri City
Alykes
If the scent of sulphur on the seashore doesn’t trouble you an excessive amount of, Alykes is a lovely seashore in a secluded cove full with a free pure spa therapy. Geothermically heated mud pours into the seashore in between a few rocks giving the water a cloudy glow and your pores and skin a pleasant therapy. This can be a conventional Ionian seaside village and is far quieter than a few of the extra developed seashore cities in Zante.
Learn Extra: Journey Information to Alykes Seaside
Agios Nikolaos
As you cross Alykes and proceed north, you begin to see much less and fewer improvement and extra mountains and craggy cliffs, that’s till you attain the tiny port city of Agios Nikolaos (to not be mistaken for the seashore of the identical title on the south finish of the island). This as soon as scruffy fishing village is shortly being reinvented as a captivating little vacationer city. For those who plan to go to Kefalonia by ferry, you’ll come right here to catch it, nevertheless it wouldn’t be a mistake to linger right here for some time.
Issues to Do When Touring Zakynthos
There are such a lot of issues to do in Zakynthos that we even have a publish devoted to it. However for the sake of this Zante journey information, I’ll checklist a couple of of our favorite issues to do there.
Shipwreck Cove
After all, you may’t go to Zakynthos with out experiencing the astonishingly stunning Navagio Seaside (Shipwreck Cove). There are two methods to see the seashore, one is from the cliffs above the seashore wanting down for that iconic picture, and the opposite is to take a ship to see it (the one method to really get to the sand).
That is unquestionably one of the vital stunning seashores in all of Greece and is value a go to for positive. For those who’re checking it out from the cliffs, make sure you keep inside the blocked off space as many vacationers have fallen to their deaths from these harmful heights.
Study extra about visiting Navagio Seaside (Shipwreck Cove) in our detailed information right here. Additionally don’t miss our publish which lists the Prime 15 Finest Seashores in Zakynthos.
Hire a Boat
This was considered one of our favorite issues that we did in all of Greece and possibly in all of our travels. Renting a ship in Zante is comparatively inexpensive and simple to do. You’ll be able to both hire by your self, or rent a ship with a captain.
The price for renting a ship can be round €100 for the day plus fuel. Properly value having the ability to discover the hidden coves of Zante island. Click on right here to study a few of the corporations.
For an expensive guided expertise you may go for a tour. This tour in a non-public boat not solely takes you to Navagio Seaside but additionally blue-water caves and hidden coves. Click on right here for more information.
Spot Turtles
The reefs round Zakynthos are wholesome and are residence to the peculiar loggerhead sea turtle. These stunning sea creatures may be discovered within the Zakynthos Marine Park the place they typically come ashore to put their eggs within the evenings.
If you wish to higher your probabilities of recognizing a Loggerhead, then I like to recommend becoming a member of a tour into the marine park, and particularly, visiting Turtle Island. Journeys begin at round $30 per individual and may be booked on the close by ports or on GetYourGuide. Simply make sure you select an organization with good critiques, and is eco-minded.
Try our publish all about how one can sustainably and responsibly swim with loggerhead turtles in Zakynthos.
See Additionally: 61 Issues to Do in Greece
Finest Seashores
The seashores in Zante are so breathtaking that you could be really discover it tough to peel your self away from the sand and discover the remainder of the island. Not all seashores listed below are created equal! Listed here are a couple of of one of the best seashores on Zakynthos.
Ensure you additionally take a look at our publish that lists the Prime 15 Seashores in Zakynthos You Gained’t Need to Miss.
Shipwreck Cove (Navagio Seaside)
I do know we’ve already included this on this publish as a factor to do, however it’s simply essentially the most picturesque seashores in Greece and possibly one of the vital gorgeous stretches of sand on the earth.
The water sparkles with unimaginable azure color and the sand is completely white. You could have to plan two days in your itinerary for Navagio Seaside in an effort to see it from the cliffs and really go for a swim within the water in addition to a part of a day journey by boat.
Learn Extra: Information to Visiting Shipwreck Cove/Navagio Seaside
Alykes Seaside
This chilled-out little seashore was undoubtedly considered one of our favourites on the island of Zakynthos. The stretch of powdery golden sand was additionally residence to our favorite seashore bar in Zakynthos, Porto Paradiso. The view from the restaurant out to the peerlessly blue water of the Ionian Sea is breathtaking (and the meals and cocktails are glorious as effectively).
Learn Extra: Alykes Seaside Journey Information
Xigia Seaside
One other extremely scenic seashore on Zakynthos Island, this quiet and secluded cove is sheltered on three sides by monumental cliffs. The water is gorgeous and there’s even a sulphur scorching spring right here (which explains the unusual scent).
Don’t miss our full Information to Visiting Xigia Seaside.
Gerakas Seaside
Pronounced (Yer-ak-as), this lengthy, stunning stretch of sand within the far southeastern finish of the island is the right place to loosen up for the afternoon. The sand here’s a reddish color and so are the encircling cliffs, however the water is crystal clear and it’s comparatively quiet right here.
Learn Extra: A Information to Visiting Gerakas Seaside
Finest Eating places
Greece is among the finest nations on the earth for delicacies, so it’s no shock that just about each island on this archipelagic nation has some superb eating places, and Zante is not any totally different. Listed here are a couple of of our favourites.
Porto Paradiso (Alykes Seaside)
📍Katastari 290 90, Zakynthos, Greece
This little place is about proper on the sand and simply has a cool vibe to it. Alykes Seaside is considered one of our favorite seashores anyway, however having this stunning little seashore bar there actually saved us coming again.
The service is great and the appetizers are significantly scrumptious. Don’t miss the dolmades and the fish fillet. Additionally, in the event you order meals right here, you get use of the seashore lounge chairs totally free.
Lofos Restaurant
📍Unnamed Roadd, Meso Gerakari 291 00, Zakynthos Greece
The meals right here is completely scrumptious, however what makes this restaurant considered one of our favourites is the spectacular view of Zakynthos’ rugged inside. A lot of the tables line the railing on the deck so you might have a full panoramic view of the island.
Beers are round €2.50 and appetizers are simply €4 every so it is a place that’s good for any finances. Normally, at a spot with a location like this, you’d must pay additional for meals, however Lofos retains their costs very reasonable. Plus, the homeowners are very pleasant.
Try our full evaluation of Lofos and don’t miss this restaurant.
Limnionas Tavern
This little restaurant is about on the cliffs over Limnionas Bay and is effectively value a go to, if not only for the spectacular view. The sunbeds aren’t free right here (€4 even in the event you purchase meals), however the restaurant is surprisingly fairly priced given its location.
The meals isn’t improbable right here, however its the one place to eat round Limnionas so give it a strive in the event you’re right here round mealtime.
Learn Extra: A Information to Visiting Porto Limnionas
Zorbas
📍Fundamental Road of, Planos 291 00, Zakynthos Greece
Positioned in Tsilivi, this Greek restaurant serves up tasty, homely meals resembling rooster souvlaki with roasted potatoes, pita bread and salad, or piping scorching stew. Wash all of it down with a carafe of the home wine and also you’re all set.
The Nightlife in Zakynthos Greece
If you wish to get pleasure from one of the best of the nightlife in Zakynthos you then’re going to wish to keep in Laganas. That is the place a lot of the late-night bars and golf equipment are situated. Don’t anticipate as loopy events as these present in Rhodes or Crete, however the nightlife in Laganas isn’t dangerous.
Try bars like Rescue Membership, Zeros Membership and Pure Zante for some late evening events and in addition verify for ads round city that checklist upcoming occasions.
Our Expertise Touring in Zakynthos Greece
After we visited Zakynthos we have been really actually stunned by how a lot we liked it. Earlier than we began planning the journey we hadn’t even heard of this tiny island within the Ionian Sea, however after leaving it, it’s now considered one of our favourites in all of Greece.
The one difficulty we had with Zante was the rubbish downside. It could be getting higher now, however after we have been there the island had piles of rubbish on each nook and after we requested locals what was occurring, they instructed us that it’s a comparatively new downside however the authorities was engaged on fixing it.
However the rubbish didn’t deter us from exploring the island and actually falling in love with it. We felt protected, welcomed and safe and getting round by automotive was straightforward.
We will certainly be returning to Zakynthos someday quickly. Learn extra about our final expertise touring Zakynthos Greece right here.
FAQs About Touring Zakynthos
Nonetheless have some questions after studying this Zakynthos journey information? Learn on for solutions to some incessantly requested questions on touring Zakynthos.
Zakynthos is understood for its stunning nature, resembling pristine seashores, blue water, sea turtles and seals. It’s additionally well-known for the extremely picturesque Shipwreck Cove (Navagio Seaside).
Completely! It’s considered one of our favorite islands in Greece. We particularly preferred the north and central components of Zakynthos, away from the extra touristy south.
Not in our opinion. Though the island will get an enormous quantity of vacationers throughout excessive season, and tourism is effectively developed within the south of the island, there are many locations within the north and heart to get away from all of it.
We spent 10 days there and will have simply stayed longer. That mentioned, you may see all of the highlights in 2-3 days.
Many individuals are drawn by the attractive views of Zante’s shoreline, with its steep cliffs, white-sand seashores and deep blue water. The inside of the island has rather a lot to like too, with fairly villages and wonderful pure areas.
Now You Know About Touring Zakynthos
Thanks rather a lot for studying this Zante journey information. Zakynthos is a shocking island to go to with improbable seashores, a dramatic shoreline and loads of issues to do.
You will get low-cost residences on Reserving.com and Airbnb, significantly within the shoulder and low season and getting round is straightforward when you might have a rental automotive (extremely advisable).
Attending to and from the island is straightforward as effectively due to first rate worldwide direct flight connections and loads of public transport choices from Athens and different locations on the mainland.
Briefly, Zakynthos is among the finest islands in Greece and we are able to’t wait to return and discover it some extra.
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