There are such a lot of issues to do in Zakynthos (Zante) and I’m going to share our prime 15 favorites on this submit. This island is certainly probably the greatest locations to go to in Greece.
Once you hear the title Greece, it possible conjures up photographs of the white sand seashores of Crete, the stone pillars of the Acropolis in Athens, or the whitewashed buildings of Santorini. However, there are over 6,000 islands in Greece to select from, and Zakynthos is a small hidden gem amongst them.
☞ Searching for Seashores? Take a look at our record of the High 15 Seashores In Zakynthos You Gained’t Need To Miss.
Many vacationers from the UK and components of Europe have already found this Ionian magnificence, which lies west of mainland Greece, however for North Individuals and vacationers from different components of the world, this might be the primary time you’re listening to about it.
Notice: this submit was final up to date in 2023. We hold all of our Greece content material as up-to-date as potential. To be taught extra about Greece journey, try our Greece Journey Information.
Blessed with a jagged shoreline, picturesque villages, a hilly inside, and some of one of the best seashores in Greece (particularly Navagio Seaside), Zakynthos rapidly turned one in every of our favourite islands within the nation.
Sufficiently small to simply navigate by automotive, however massive sufficient to supply a range of landscapes, villages and coastlines, this Ionian island ought to characteristic prominently in your subsequent Greek Itinerary.
☞ READ MORE: A Full Journey Information To Zakynthos Greece
Greatest Issues To Do in Zakynthos
You’ll discover that lots of the issues to do in Zakynthos are beach-related, as that is what the island is greatest identified for.
You gained’t discover the historical past of Crete, the cool structure that’s well-known on Santorini, or the tradition and cities of islands like Lesvos, Chios and Corfu, however “Zante” provides the right enjoyable vacation spot for these within the know.
💡Bonus Tip: automotive rental in Zakynthos is reasonably priced and positively value it during your keep. We had a rental during our keep and it actually made the journey to Zakynthos that rather more memorable. It’ll provide the freedom to see all the sights on this submit. Take a look at Uncover Automobiles to seek for one of the best deal.
Notice: Click on the maps to open in Google Maps
Okay, let’s begin with the primary attraction on the island and presumably probably the most photographed website in the complete nation. This beautiful stretch of white sand and impossibly blue water is protected by a pure harbor with terrifyingly tall 200-meter-high cliffs on 3 sides.
Set smack dab in the midst of the sand is a decaying ship. A (false) rumor has it that this was a tobacco smuggler’s ship that crashed into the seaside throughout a storm, when in actuality it’s only a cargo boat that ran ashore.
Whether or not you imagine the romantic story or not doesn’t matter, the huge ship resting on the sand positively provides to the appeal and attract of this spectacular sight.
There are two methods to see Navagio Seaside, both by sea or from the highest of the cliffs. There aren’t any roads main on to the sand, so to swim within the water and see the shipwreck up shut, you’ll need to take a ship tour.
These may be employed from completely different cities across the island. You probably have a automotive, then your least expensive choice might be to drive to the closest cove to Navagio Seaside and hop on a ship from there.
In Porto Vromi (simply south of Navagio) you possibly can take a ship tour to Shipwreck Cove for round $30 per individual. Be taught extra concerning the tour right here.
To see it from above (extremely really helpful), you’ll need to drive your automotive to the viewing platform on the north finish of the island.
It’s very easy to get right here by automotive as there are indicators in all places and it’s well-marked on Google Maps (Click on Right here for the precise location). The parking zone is true subsequent to the platform, so you possibly can drive proper up, get out of your automotive, snap a number of images after which drive off.
Please be aware: One of the best views are from the cliffs to the best of the platform and you may even see some folks clambering alongside them to take the right selfie. Vacationers have not too long ago died falling off of those rocks and it’s not really helpful to enterprise past the platform. These cliffs are over 200 meters excessive and a slip is certain to be deadly. Keep on the platform.
2. Sundown Dinner & Drinks at Lofos Restaurant
Indisputably, this small, Greek-run restaurant has one of the best views of Zakynthos’ rugged inside. Choose a desk alongside the deck and peer over the cliff down in direction of the farmlands beneath and the Ionian Sea within the distance.
The meals right here is incredible, the service is nice and it’s the right place for sundown. I like to recommend the roast lamb (€9) and the meat stew (€8). Each are completely scrumptious. Beers are round €2.5 and appetizers are simply €4 every.
Often, at a spot like this, you must pay additional for the meals as a result of the view is so good, however that’s not the case at Lofos. You’ll additionally possible get a free dessert, so you might not wish to order one!
We did a complete evaluation of Lofos Restaurant so for those who’re pondering of heading there for dinner or late afternoon drinks, remember to test it out. Discover it on the map, right here. For an additional sundown choice, don’t miss this wonderful tour.
3. Xigia Seaside
One other extremely scenic seaside on the island of Zakynthos. This secluded cove is guarded on three sides by massive cliffs, the water is gorgeous and there’s even a sulfur scorching spring right here (which explains the unusual odor).
Take a look at our full evaluation of Xigia Seaside together with how one can get there, close by eating places and extra.
4. Snorkel / Dive (With Turtles)
The reefs and seashores round Zakynthos are dwelling to one of many oldest lifeforms on Earth, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. This lovely creature may be noticed within the Zakynthos Marine Park or coming ashore to put eggs within the night on many bays (even standard ones) round Zakynthos and surrounding islands.
You’re prone to spot a turtle in some unspecified time in the future throughout your journey to Zakynthos, however to raised your probabilities you need to positively hop on a ship and go discover them.
Be sure to do your analysis and go along with an organization that practices secure snorkeling with animals.
In the event you see 10 boats pulling up alongside one turtle with a whole bunch of individuals leaping in without delay, you need to inform the information that you just don’t approve. This stresses out the animals and might trigger hurt to the ecosystems.
You gained’t simply see Turtles within the Ionian Sea both! There are many mushy and arduous corals, in addition to fish and crustacean life that discover a dwelling within the rocky underwater topography close to Zakynthos.
You possibly can be a part of diving and snorkeling excursions with many clothing stores on the island. Most cost round €50 for one dive with gear and round €30 per individual for a full-day snorkel journey with gear rent. You possibly can normally get reductions for giant teams or for a number of journeys.
5. Go to The Venetian Citadel
In the event you can peel your self away from the seaside for a number of hours, you might wish to think about visiting the outdated ruins of the Venetian Citadel. A go to right here is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Zakynthos city.
The Ionian Islands had been occupied by the Turks, French, British, Venetians, and Russians at one time, however the Venetians left behind a few of the most imposing websites within the type of fortresses on Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Corfu.
The fort right here isn’t as spectacular as that of Assos Citadel in Kefalonia, however it’s nonetheless value a go to for those who’re already close to Zante City.
The precise date of its development remains to be unknown, however it was destroyed by the invading Turks in 1480, after which restored in 1515.
In the present day it stands as a testomony to the previous glory of Zakynthos as a Venetian army stronghold and guests can stroll by an outdated jail, gunpowder rooms, bastions, church buildings and an outdated sewage system.
In the event you plan to go to the fort, try our submit about Visiting The Venetian Citadel in Zakynthos Greece to get an thought of what to anticipate.
6. Alykes Seaside: One in every of The Most Chilled Out Issues To Do in Zakynthos
This was our favourite seaside on the island, partly as a result of it was one of the vital lovely stretches of powdery golden sand that we discovered, but in addition as a result of it was the place we discovered an incredible seaside bar, Porto Paradiso.
This place had scrumptious meals (with a number of Greek choices), wonderful service and low-cost beers and cocktails, plus they allow us to sit on the seaside chairs without cost once we ordered from the restaurant or bar.
The view out in direction of the sunshine blue water of the Ionian Sea is to die for and the water is deep sufficient to swim just some meters from shore. It’s actually arduous to beat a seaside like this!
Take a look at our complete submit all about Alykes Seaside to search out out extra about one of the best eating places and bars, the place to remain and what to do round Alykes Seaside.
7. The Cliffs of Keri
This place on the southwest finish of the island is all concerning the views. You possibly can park your automotive proper subsequent to the cliffs and stroll out on the rocks for beautiful views over the impossibly blue sea and (typically) turtles down beneath.
There’s additionally a beautiful lighthouse close by and the city of Keri itself can be value a go to.
The Keri Cliffs are additionally probably the greatest sundown spots on the island as (on a transparent day) you possibly can watch the huge orb kiss the ocean on the horizon because the sky lights up with good oranges, reds, and purples.
You may as well be a part of a ship tour that takes within the Keri Caves in addition to turtle recognizing.
Take a look at our submit all concerning the village of Keri Zakynthos which incorporates one of the best issues to do just like the Keri Lighthouse and the Keri Cliffs, in addition to locations to remain and eat in and across the city.
8. Boat Tour in Zante – One in every of The Coolest Issues To Do in Zakynthos
We did a personal boat tour (with a captain) across the island and it was a number of enjoyable! This non-public boat journey with a driver takes off from Porto Vromi and heads to Hidden Treasure Cave for swimming, adopted by Sfogio Seaside, White Seaside, Porto Steniti, the Secret Blue Cave, and Coronary heart Cave.
As a result of it’s a personal journey, you possibly can ask your captain to cease wherever you need. In the event you’re comfy driving a ship, an alternative choice is to hire your personal boat and drive across the shoreline your self!
As a result of heavy winds and excessive waves, you in all probability gained’t be capable of take the boat to Shipwreck Cove, however you possibly can rip round to completely different bays, anchor up and swim with no one else round. That is positively probably the greatest issues to do in Zakynthos.
We ended up doing this on Corfu Island and it was truthfully probably the greatest days we had in Greece. In the event you can, search on-line and browse evaluations of one of the best boat rental corporations in Zakynthos.
In the event you plan to carry snacks and refreshments on the boat with you, then you definately would possibly as nicely choose up a small foam cooler from the grocery retailer for about €10 – €15. Then you possibly can have some ice-cold beers and lunch when you’re floating out at sea!
You don’t want a license to hire one in every of these small (40HP+) boats, however it’s really helpful that you’ve a little bit of expertise driving boats, although it’s not needed as a result of the captains on the store will present you the ropes.
These boats are the right measurement for two – 4 folks and for those who cut up the associated fee, it’s extraordinarily reasonably priced, particularly contemplating Jetskis and Sea-doos normally hire for $50 / hour in different components of the world!
In the event you choose up the boat from the Keri Harbour, then you possibly can drive the boat across the south, east and west finish of the island. Be sure to cease in on Turtle Island for a swim on a surprising seaside. We actually can’t suggest this sufficient! Click on right here to take a look at the boat choices with Luxurious Island Occasions.
9. Gerakas Seaside – The Most Enjoyable Factor To Do in Zante
Pronounced (Yer-ak-as), this lovely 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 colour and so are the encompassing cliffs, however the water is crystal clear and it’s comparatively quiet right here.
You possibly can hire reclining seaside chairs for €4 every, however there isn’t any meals or drinks served on the seaside because it’s a marine-protected space (turtles come right here to nest sometimes).
If you’d like any snacks or refreshments, it’s greatest to purchase them from the retailers on the prime of the hill earlier than strolling down the steps to the seaside.
The water right here may be very shallow however will get deep sufficient to swim about 100 meters out from shore. Chillin’ out on seaside chairs right here is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Zante.
We wrote a submit all about Gerakas Seaside, how one can get there, the place to remain, one of the best eating places within the space, and extra. In the event you’re planning on going to this beautiful seaside throughout your keep in Zakynthos, be sure you verify that out.
10. Porto Limnionas
That is positively one of the vital scenic coves on the island, and on an island blessed with numerous picturesque bays, that’s actually saying rather a lot.
Limnionas is a deep pure harbor surrounded by multicolored cliffs and a few of the clearest water you’ll see. The inexperienced rocks mirror the solar from beneath and light-weight the ocean up like an aquarium.
You possibly can loosen up on the Limnionas Tavern and select from dozens of sunbeds (€4 every) hanging over the sting of the rocks trying down in direction of the ocean.
The tavern right here serves up moderately priced meals, chilly beer and attractive drinks. In our expertise, the meals was not that nice, however the view is excellent, so it’s an incredible place for a drink and to loosen up within the solar.
Take a look at our submit all about visiting Porto Limnionas for extra data on one of the best eating places close by, how one can get right here, when to come back and what to anticipate.
11. Zante City
Positively not probably the most scenic metropolis in all of Greece, Zakynthos (Zante) City could not instantly appeal guests, however it does have its personal native flare.
There are quite a few eating places right here (try Paradosiako and Yard of Style), a number of pedestrian-only streets, and a good looking seafront promenade that faces a pure harbor stuffed with parked ferries, fishing boats and sailboats.
There are a few massive open plazas and loads of retailers and markets. Most of what you’ll ever want may be discovered right here.
We didn’t hear many constructive issues about Zante City previous to visiting, however we really actually loved strolling round this seaside capital.
Take a look at our Information to Zante City which incorporates every part you must find out about visiting this lovely Ionian Capital together with the place to remain, one of the best eating places, one of the best close by seashores and how one can get there and away.
12. Porto Azzuro
Yet one more breathtaking cove, Porto Azzuro is a superb place to sit back out for the afternoon.
There’s a cluster of rocks within the water on the south finish of the seaside that makes for excellent snorkeling and wonderful images. The water right here takes on a greenish-blue hue and there’s an honest (however overpriced) seaside bar right here known as Porto Azzuro Seaside Bar.
You’ll need to pay for sunbeds (€5 / day) even for those who select to eat on the bar. Deliver a towel and lay it within the sand without cost and revel in a soothing afternoon.
In the event you order meals, you possibly can sit on the eating tables without cost within the restaurant and look out on the beautiful view over the bay, simply not the sunbeds.
For extra about visiting this beautiful cove, try our Porto Azzuro Information which incorporates how one can get right here, the place to eat, one of the best time to go to the seaside and extra.
13. Banana Seaside
One other lengthy stretch of golden sand, just some hundred meters south of Porto Azurro, Banana Seaside has a greater (and extra reasonably priced) seaside bar on a hill overlooking the bay.
The seaside itself won’t be as scenic as Porto Azurro on a transparent day, however the sand right here is mushy and there are sunbeds for hire as nicely.
There’s a free shuttle bus from the city of Argassi to Banana Seaside, leaving the city at 10:45 am and returning at 4:00 pm. Take a look at our submit all about Banana Seaside together with one of the best locations to remain, one of the best eating places, how one can get right here and extra.
14. Sundown Dinner at Taverna Psarou
One other wonderful spot for a meal, Taverna Psarou is ready simply inches from the sand of Psarou Seaside. The seaside itself has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness for ten years working, however at first look, it’s nothing to write down dwelling about.
For us, it was the setting of this tiny, family-run tavern, probably the greatest on the island, that made Psarou value lingering for. The meals is nice, the costs are first rate and the service is superb.
Because the solar dips low within the sky and the clouds gentle up, the employees gentle small candles on the tables.
Consuming with the sound of the Ionian Sea lapping up on the sand simply meters out of your desk is what makes this spot so wonderful. Sundown dinner right here is likely one of the most romantic issues to do in Zakynthos.
Not many individuals come right here, so it’s a hidden gem on the island.
In the event you’re heading this fashion on the island, try our submit all about Psarou which included one of the best resorts, greatest eating places close by, issues to do and extra.
15. Low-cost Cocktails at Tsilivi Seaside
Tsilivi Seaside is an extended and beautiful stretch of sand with a number of seaside bars spilling out in direction of the water.
The seaside itself is gorgeous and that is probably the most occurring spot on the east coast. We extremely suggest chilling on the seaside chairs close to Andreolas Luxurious Suites and having some low-cost (€2) cocktails from their seaside bar!
In the event you’re questioning what to do in Zakynthos, head to this seaside for a day of leisure, swimming and cocktails.
The city of Tsilivi additionally has a number of eating places together with a number of of our favourites. Click on Right here to learn our submit about Tsilivi Seaside which incorporates one of the best locations to eat and drink in addition to another traveler suggestions.
There’s additionally extra about this little city on the backside of this submit
16. Bonus! Cooking Class
Everyone knows that the meals in Greece is a few of the greatest on the earth. So, why not learn to make a few of the unimaginable dishes throughout your journey to Zakynthos?!
This extremely rated, reasonably priced cooking class teaches you how one can make a frappe (iced espresso) or Greek espresso, Stiffado, numerous facet dishes together with spinach and feta pie, and a masterclass demonstration on how one can make filo pastry. Plus, there’s a wine tasting!
It is a hands-on cooking expertise. After making all your scrumptious dishes, you’ll head to a good looking shaded backyard to benefit from the meal, together with some dialog together with your host and different company.
Studying how one can make Greek meals is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Zakynthos for foodies. Discover out extra about this enjoyable class, right here.
☞ Click on right here to see really helpful excursions obtainable on Zakynthos
The place to Keep on Zakynthos Island
It’s all about low-cost residences in Zakynthos. We had a good looking, newly renovated studio with a sea and olive grove view at Katerina Rooms close to Psarou and it price us simply €20 per night time within the low season. You’ll find a ton of different reasonably priced locations (particularly within the shoulder/low season) on Reserving.com.
Greatest Eating places on Zakynthos Island
We’ve already listed a pair on this submit, however listed below are our favorites:
Getting Round Zakynthos
As I discussed earlier, it’s important that you just hire a automotive when you’re on Zakynthos Island for those who hope to see all the sights on this article.
We rented a automotive and opted out of the prolonged insurance coverage, which meant that the automotive price us round $20 per day (within the shoulder season).
You possibly can take minibusses to some components of the island, however you’ll have to attend on the highway for them to come back, they usually don’t go in all places.
In the event you’re taking a number of buses daily, the prices add up anyhow. Even for those who’re on a funds, we suggest splurging for a rental automotive on all the Greek islands. High tip: rental vehicles are less expensive for those who e book them for one week vs. at some point. Click on right here to seek for one of the best worth.
Issues To Do in Zakynthos: FAQs
Sure, Zakynthos city is value visiting. It’s the capital and a port city, however there are some church buildings, many picturesque squares, plenty of eating places, and a reasonably seaside walkway that stretches for 1.5 kilometers.
Zakynthos is greatest identified for its lovely, sandy seashores! The seashores listed below are golden and swimmable, making it an incredible place for a seaside vacation. Zakynthos can be well-known for Shipwreck Cove – one of the vital picturesque locations in all of Greece.
At a minimal, plan to spend 3-5 days in Zakynthos. We stayed for 9 days and loved spending the times at completely different seashores, exploring new coves with our rental automotive, and happening a ship journey. There’s heaps to see and do in Zakynthos to maintain you busy.
With simply at some point in Zakynthos, I like to recommend visiting Shipwreck Cove (Navagio seaside) on this highly-rated tour, and having fun with meals at Porto Paradiso. With only a day, renting a automotive will allow you to take pleasure in extra actions in Zakynthos.
Sure, the swimming in Zakynthos is superb. Many seashores in Greece are pebbly and rocky, however Zakynthos has sandy stretches of golden sand. Among the greatest seashores in Zakynthos are Porto Azzuro, Gerakas, Banana Seaside and Tsilivi Seaside.
The city of Zakynthos (Zante City) is a walkable place with a pedestrian road, squares and lots of quiet streets. Nevertheless, if you wish to discover additional (and you need to!), it’s not walkable and also you’ll have to take transportation. Renting a automotive is the best choice.
Now You Know What To Do in Zakynthos
This island was an actual shock for us. We hadn’t even heard of it earlier than we booked our low-cost flight from London and headed there for 9 days, however we beloved it.
Zante has a whole bunch of low-cost residences obtainable, and whereas there’s not as a lot historical past and native tradition as the opposite Ionian Islands, it nonetheless has rather a lot to supply guests, particularly these seeking to laze on lovely seashores and eat scrumptious Greek meals.
It will not be a historical past buff’s paradise, however there are a lot of issues to do and it’s the right vacation spot for these seeking to loosen up and soak within the solar.
READ MORE:
Take a look at our Zakynthos Journey Video
An enormous thank-you to Uncover Greece and Luxurious Island Occasions for placing collectively our afternoon on the ocean! Seeing the shoreline and close by islands by boat was a incredible expertise 😀