Beste Reisezeit
May to June, September to October
Währung
Euro (€)
Sprache
Greek
Zeitzone
EET (UTC+2)
Discover Zakynthos
Zakynthos, also called Zante, is the southernmost of the main Ionian islands, a place of white limestone cliffs, sea caves and water in impossible shades of blue. Its most famous image is Navagio Bay, where a rusting ship lies on a cove enclosed by sheer cliffs, but the island has far more to offer than one postcard view.
The north and west coasts are wild and dramatic, with the Blue Caves at Cape Skinari and cliffs that fall straight into the sea at Keri. The south is home to Laganas Bay, part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, where endangered loggerhead turtles nest on the beaches in summer. In between, the interior is dotted with olive groves, vineyards and traditional villages.
Zakynthos Town, rebuilt after the devastating 1953 earthquake, has a lively waterfront, squares and churches, while resorts range from party-focused Laganas to quiet villages. It is an island best explored by boat and by car.
Why Visit Zakynthos?
See Navagio Bay from above, one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
Take a boat through the Blue Caves at Cape Skinari.
Spot loggerhead turtles in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
Watch the sunset from the Keri Cliffs.
Swim in turquoise water off Marathonisi, the island's 'Turtle Island'.
Explore traditional villages and taste local olive oil and wine.
Zakynthos ist Bekannt für
Bereit, Zakynthos zu entdecken?
Zakynthos Neighborhoods
Zakynthos Town
The island's capital and port, with a long waterfront, cafés, the church of Agios Dionysios and views from Bochali hill.
Highlights:
Best for:
Tsilivi
A family-friendly resort north of the town, with a sandy beach, water sports and restaurants.
Highlights:
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Vasilikos Peninsula
A green peninsula in the south-east with some of the island's best beaches, including protected turtle beaches.
Highlights:
Best for:
Agios Nikolaos and the North
The north coast around Agios Nikolaos and Volimes, gateway to the Blue Caves and boat trips to Navagio Bay.
Highlights:
Best for:
Top Sehenswürdigkeiten
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Access to Navagio Beach itself has been restricted since 2022 because of rockfall risk; check the current rules before booking a boat trip that promises to land there.
- •The viewing platform above Navagio Bay is best in the morning before tour groups arrive.
- •Rent a small boat in the north to explore the Blue Caves at your own pace.
- •Turtle nesting beaches have rules: no umbrellas in marked zones and no access at night.
- •Laganas is a party resort; stay elsewhere if you want quiet.
- •Rent a car to explore the west coast and villages.
- •Bring cash for small tavernas and boat hire.
- •Visit Keri Cliffs at sunset but arrive early for parking.
- •Book summer accommodation and car hire well ahead.
- •Choose turtle-spotting tours that respect distance rules in the marine park.
Zakynthos Food Scene
Zakynthian food is Ionian Greek with Venetian influences, featuring olive oil, local wine, rabbit stew, fresh fish and sweets like mandolato nougat.
Must-Try Dishes
Village Tavernas
- • Sofigado
- • Grilled meats
- • Local cheeses
Inland villages often have the most authentic food at better prices.
Seafood
- • Grilled fish
- • Octopus
- • Calamari
Fish tavernas in small harbours like Porto Roma and Korithi serve fresh catch.
Local Products
- • Olive oil
- • Honey
- • Mandolato
Buy olive oil directly from local producers and mandolato in Zakynthos Town.
Wine
- • Verdea white wine
- • Avgoustiatis red
Visit a local winery to taste Zakynthian wines.
Beliebt bei
Best Time to Visit Zakynthos
Spring
Spring brings wildflowers and green landscapes, with pleasant temperatures but cool sea.
Pros:
- + Quiet
- + Green landscapes
- + Good for walking
Cons:
- - Cool sea
- - Some businesses closed
- - Boat trips limited
Summer
Summer is hot and busy, with warm seas and all boat trips running.
Pros:
- + Warm sea
- + All excursions available
- + Lively resorts
Cons:
- - Crowds
- - High prices
- - Very hot
Autumn
September and October offer warm seas and fewer visitors.
Pros:
- + Warm sea
- + Lower prices
- + Pleasant weather
Cons:
- - Some rain in October
- - Resorts wind down
- - Shorter days
Winter
Winter is mild but rainy, with most tourist facilities closed.
Pros:
- + Authentic local life
- + Very low prices
- + Green countryside
Cons:
- - Rain
- - Most hotels closed
- - Few flights
Günstige Anreise nach Zakynthos
Vergleiche Preise für Züge, Busse und Flüge nach Zakynthos
Gib deine Abfahrtsstadt ein, um Preise zu sehen
Aktivitäten in Zakynthos buchen
Warteschlangen überspringen mit vorgebuchten Touren und Attraktionen
Day Trips from Zakynthos
Kefalonia
About 1-1.5 hours by ferry from Agios Nikolaos
The larger neighbouring island, with Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave Lake and colourful Fiskardo.
Olympia (Mainland)
About 3 hours by ferry and car
The ancient site of the original Olympic Games in the Peloponnese, reached via the ferry to Kyllini.
Cape Skinari and Volimes
About 1 hour by car from Zakynthos Town
The island's northern tip, with a lighthouse, cliff swimming spots and nearby traditional village of Volimes.
Zakynthos Budget Guide
Zakynthos is affordable to mid-priced, with package-resort deals common and prices rising in peak summer.
Budget
€45-75 for budget travelers (studio, tavernas, buses)
per day
Mid-Range
€90-150 for mid-range (hotel, car hire, boat trip)
per day
Luxury
€250+ for luxury (villa or luxury hotel, private boat)
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Share boat hire with friends to cut costs.
- •Stay outside Laganas for better value and quieter nights.
- •Eat in village tavernas.
- •Visit in June or September for lower prices.
- •Book tours directly in harbours in shoulder season.
Zakynthos Hidden Gems
Xigia Sulphur Springs
A small beach on the east coast where sulphur springs flow into the sea, creating milky, mineral-rich water.
It is an unusual natural spa on the beach.
Porto Limnionas
A rocky inlet on the west coast with clear turquoise water and a taverna overlooking the sea.
It is a beautiful swimming spot with fewer crowds.
Kampi Sunset Point
Cliffs on the west coast with spectacular sunset views and a large cross on the headland.
It is one of the best sunset spots on the island.
Anafonitria Monastery
A 15th-century monastery near Volimes, associated with the island's patron saint, Agios Dionysios.
It is a peaceful historic site in the mountains.
Gerakas Beach
A protected turtle nesting beach with sandy cliffs and shallow water, closed at night.
It is one of the island's most natural and beautiful beaches.
Zakynthos Culture & Customs
Zakynthians are proud of their island's music, poetry and Venetian heritage. The island is the birthplace of Dionysios Solomos, who wrote the Greek national anthem, and kantades serenades are a local musical tradition.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Follow turtle protection rules on beaches.
- •Dress modestly in churches and monasteries.
- •Greet people with 'kalimera'.
- •Tipping around 5-10% is appreciated.
- •Do not disturb nesting sites.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Zakynthos
Can you still visit Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos?
Landing on Navagio Beach has been restricted since 2022 due to rockfall risk, but you can see it from the viewpoint and from boats in the bay. Check current rules before booking.
How many days do you need in Zakynthos?
Four to seven days allows for beaches, a boat trip, the Blue Caves and some villages.
Where should I stay in Zakynthos?
Tsilivi for families, Vasilikos for nature and quiet, Zakynthos Town for culture, and Laganas for nightlife.
When can you see turtles in Zakynthos?
Loggerhead turtles are most visible from May to October, especially in Laganas Bay.
Do I need a car in Zakynthos?
A car is recommended to explore the island, as buses are limited.
Is Zakynthos good for families?
Yes. Resorts like Tsilivi and beaches on the Vasilikos peninsula are family-friendly.
Is Zakynthos or Corfu better?
Zakynthos is known for dramatic cliffs, sea caves and turtles, while Corfu offers a larger old town, more greenery and varied beaches.
What is the best time to visit Zakynthos?
June and September offer warm seas and fewer crowds.
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