Zakynthos Island, Greece

A quick look at “The Flower of the East”

Zakynthos, Greece (also called Zante) is one of the most frequented islands in the Ionian cluster. It is famed for a variety of characteristics that set it apart from all other islands. Its lush hillsides and plains are full of fragrant wild flowers and plants, while its sandy beaches are considered some of the finest all around Greece, such as the famous beach of Navagio, (“Shipwreck Beach”).

A few of the Zakynthos beaches are home to the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles, which come to lay their eggs in the soft sands. Zakynthos (Zante) Greece is a favorite holiday spot for all types of tourists, as it offers facilities for party-goers, nature lovers, history buffs and family travellers. The natural environment of Zakynthos is the main reason why the island has recently developed into a holiday spot for alternative-style vacations.

The elegance of this island, its impressive historical monuments and natural environment are what Zakynthos is famed for. The Venetians used to call it “the Flower of the East”. It is an amazing island full of challenges and natural beauty, ideal for your summer vacation!

Zakynthos, Greece Hotels

Are you planning your holidays in Zakynthos, Greece and are searching for suitable accommodation? Don't fret, because you will find a wide range of Zakynthos accommodation, catering to all price ranges. You can select accommodation from a variety of hotels and rooms for rent, as well as apartments and studios, depending on your particular needs.

If you are travelling with your significant other, you may prefer a hotel or a spacious room to let, while if you are travelling with your family or friends, apartments may be your best bet. Very large groups are advised to look into renting roomy villas.

Zakynthos Greece hotels can be found throughout the island, so you can easily book the accommodation you prefer, whether you want a sea view or mountainside vista. Some Zakynthos apartments, studios and hotels can provide guests with all inclusive holidays they need, including accommodation, car rental and excursions. You can ask the management of your Zakynthos hotel for more information.

For further information that will help you choose a hotel in Zakynthos, Greece, see a list of Zakynthos apartments, studios, villas and rooms.

Zakynthos, Greece Beaches

If you have chosen Zakynthos, Greece as your holiday destination, you probably know about its spellbinding beaches. They are the reason why so many visitors plan their vacation on Zakynthos (Zante). Zakynthos beaches are extremely lovely because they are surrounded by verdant hillsides and impressive cliffs. We suggest purchasing a detailed Zakynthos map to mark the island's best beaches.

In Zakynthos you can swim at long sandy beaches lined with chaise longues and umbrellas, and small coves that embrace sparkling blue waters. Some beaches, such as Navagio Beach, can be reached by tour boats from the island's major seaside resorts. Many beaches offer water sports facilities, cafés and tavernas.

The eastern coast of Zakynthos Greece is packed with beautiful beaches where most visitors spend their days soaking up the warm Ionian sun and taking dips in the crystal-clear waters. North of Zakynthos Town are the popular beaches of Tsilivi, Bouka, Alikanas, Alykes and Xigia. If you prefer quieter Zakynthos beaches, visit Kato Tragaki, Ammoudi and Makris Gialos.

South of the capital town of Zakynthos (Zante) are the cosmopolitan beaches of Argasi, Banana, Agios Nikolaos and Vasilikos. After Vasilikos Beach, you will come across Laganas Bay, which is the location of the much-frequented beaches of Laganas, Porto Koukla and Kalamaki, a major breeding ground for the Caretta-Caretta turtle.

The beaches on the western shore of Zakynthos (Zante) are absolutely stunning, and are accessed by tour boat. Hundreds of visitors gather at the beaches Limnionas and Navagio (“Shipwreck Beach”), the most popular and most photographed beach on Zakynthos Island, where people lay their towels around a shipwreck.

We also recommend taking a short boat trip to Marathonissi Island (a favourite Caretta-Caretta Beach) and to the Blue Caves, where you will have the opportunity to swim in spectacular azure waters.

Zakynthos, Greece Nightlife & Events

You can find a large number of nightlife venues in Zakynthos (Zante), mainly in the popular tourist resorts of Laganas, Argasi, Alikes and Alikanas, where clubs and bars line the main streets. Zakynthos Town and Vasilikos are wonderful locations if you want to have a meal, with the accompaniment of a Zakynthian cantata. While in Zakynthos Greece you should taste the local delicacies served at the traditional tavernas and restaurants, such as cock in wine sauce, rabbit in tomato sauce and the local sweet called “fytoura” (fried semolina with cinnamon and sugar).

For a taste of traditional Zakynthian lifestyle, we suggest attending some of the local festivities and events. In Zakynthos Town, Tragaki and Volimes, a variety of cultural events are held throughout the year, including concerts, theatrical plays and dance performances.

Zakynthos, Greece Sightseeing

Get ready to take hundreds of Zakynthos pictures because the island is full of splendid sights and attractions! Before embarking on your tour of the island, you should acquire a Zakynthos map that includes all the important tourist attractions of the island.

In Zakynthos Town, there is a plethora of wonderful historical and religious monuments. The Orthodox Churches of Agios Dionysios, the patron saint of the island, Agios Nikolaos of Molos, as well as the Catholic Church of St. Mark, are quite impressive. History aficionados will be interested in visiting the Museums of the National Resistance and Post-Byzantine Art, while the Museum of the poet Dionysios Solomos - author of the National Anthem of Greece - and other eminent Greeks should not be missed. Above Zakynthos Town, you can visit the Venetian Fortress Ruins and the area of Bochali, lined with cafes and offering a breathtaking view of Zakynthos Port and Town.

There are several splendid archaeological sights on Zakynthos, the finest of which is the Mycenaean Domed Tomb in Keri and the Mycenaean Graveyard in Kambi. The Stone Bridges in Alykes and Argasi are some of the most photographed sights on the island. In Argasi, we suggest you also make a stop at the Medieval Castle and the Mini Zoo. If you are a museum-goer, you can admire the collections at the Folklore Museums in Katastari and Vasilikos, or the Maritime Museum in Tsilivi.

Zakynthos, Greece Weather & Climate

The climate of Zakynthos Greece is perfect for a relaxing holiday. Zakynthos (Zante) has mild winters with frequent rainfall, resulting in the island's lush vegetation. The summer weather is hot and dry, but temperatures are pleasant, since the Meltemi wind gusts in July and August, cooling the warmest days of the year. Spring and fall Zakynthos weather is lovely and warm during the day, but just a little chilly in the evenings. We recommend taking a light jacket with you if you are planning to come to Zakynthos (Zante) in the spring or fall.

How to Get to Zakynthos, Greece

You can reach Zakynthos Island Greece by airplane or ferry boat. There are domestic flights to Zakynthos from the Athens Airport all year round. You can also find charter flights to Zakynthos from many European countries. Many airline companies have special offers for cheap flights to Zakynthos Airport, especially during the low and middle tourist seasons, including last minute deals and student airfare. If you are interested in cheap flights to Zakynthos, you can ask your travel agent for budget airfare.

Ferry boats to Zakynthos (Zante) depart from Kyllini Port in the Elia Prefecture of Peloponnese. Ferry boats to Zakynthos Greece are quite frequent, especially during the summer. You can reach Kyllini Port by bus from Athens. Zakynthos is connected to Kefalonia Island by ferry boat.

A practical and comfortable way of getting around Zakynthos is by rental car. The island is full of reliable car hire companies that can provide you with high-quality car rentals during your stay. If you are interested in car hire in Zakynthos Greece, click here to view our Zakynthos Car Rental Agencies' page.