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 unquestionably probably the greatest locations to go to in Greece.
Whenever you hear the identify 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.
☞ In search of 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.
Observe: this submit was final up to date in 2023. We hold all of our Greece content material as up-to-date as doable. 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 the very 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 giant 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
Finest Issues To Do in Zakynthos
You’ll discover that most of the issues to do in Zakynthos are beach-related, as that is what the island is greatest identified for.
You received’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” gives the proper stress-free vacation spot for these within the know.
💡Bonus Tip: automotive rental in Zakynthos is inexpensive and positively price it at some stage in your keep. We had a rental at some stage in our keep and it actually made the journey to Zakynthos that rather more memorable. It’ll provide the freedom to see the entire sights on this submit. Take a look at Uncover Vehicles to seek for the very best deal.
Observe: Click on the maps to open in Google Maps
Okay, let’s begin with the primary attraction on the island and probably probably the most photographed website in the whole nation. This gorgeous 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 seashore 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 large ship resting on the sand positively provides to the attraction 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 must take a ship tour.
These could be employed from totally different cities across the island. When you’ve got a automotive, then your least expensive choice will likely 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 may take a ship tour to Shipwreck Cove for round $30 per particular person. Be taught extra concerning the tour right here.
To see it from above (extremely beneficial), you’ll must 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 every single place and it’s well-marked on Google Maps (Click on Right here for the precise location). The car parking zone is correct subsequent to the platform, so you may drive proper up, get out of your automotive, snap just a few photographs after which drive off.
Please notice: One of the best views are from the cliffs to the appropriate of the platform and you may even see some folks clambering alongside them to take the proper selfie. Vacationers have just lately died falling off of those rocks and it isn’t beneficial to enterprise past the platform. These cliffs are over 200 meters excessive and a slip is bound to be deadly. Keep on the platform.
2. Sundown Dinner & Drinks at Lofos Restaurant
Definitely, this small, Greek-run restaurant has the very 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 proper 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, it’s a must to 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 need to order one!
We did a whole evaluation of Lofos Restaurant so in the event you’re pondering of heading there for dinner or late afternoon drinks, make sure you test it out. Discover it on the map, right here. For one more sundown choice, don’t miss this wonderful tour.
3. Xigia Seaside
One other extremely scenic seashore on the island of Zakynthos. This secluded cove is guarded on three sides by giant cliffs, the water is gorgeous and there’s even a sulfur sizzling spring right here (which explains the unusual scent).
Take a look at our full evaluation of Xigia Seaside together with the way to get there, close by eating places and extra.
4. Snorkel / Dive (With Turtles)
The reefs and seashores round Zakynthos are residence to one of many oldest lifeforms on Earth, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. This stunning creature could be noticed within the Zakynthos Marine Park or coming ashore to put eggs within the night on many bays (even well-liked ones) round Zakynthos and surrounding islands.
You’re more likely to spot a turtle sooner or later throughout your journey to Zakynthos, however to raised your possibilities you need to positively hop on a ship and go discover them.
Be sure you do your analysis and go along with an organization that practices protected snorkeling with animals.
When you see 10 boats pulling up alongside one turtle with a whole bunch of individuals leaping in directly, 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 received’t simply see Turtles within the Ionian Sea both! There are many tender and exhausting corals, in addition to fish and crustacean life that discover a residence within the rocky underwater topography close to Zakynthos.
You may be a part of diving and snorkeling excursions with many clothing stores on the island. Most cost round €50 for one dive with tools and round €30 per particular person for a full-day snorkel journey with tools rent. You may normally get reductions for giant teams or for a number of journeys.
5. Go to The Venetian Fortress
When you can peel your self away from the seashore for just a few hours, you might need to take into account visiting the previous ruins of the Venetian Fortress. A go to right here is among 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 citadel right here isn’t as spectacular as that of Assos Fortress in Kefalonia, however it’s nonetheless price a go to in the event you’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.
Right this moment it stands as a testomony to the previous glory of Zakynthos as a Venetian navy stronghold and guests can stroll by an previous jail, gunpowder rooms, bastions, church buildings and an previous sewage system.
When you plan to go to the citadel, try our submit about Visiting The Venetian Fortress in Zakynthos Greece to get an concept of what to anticipate.
6. Alykes Seaside: Certainly one of The Most Chilled Out Issues To Do in Zakynthos
This was our favourite seashore on the island, partly as a result of it was one of the vital stunning stretches of powdery golden sand that we discovered, but additionally as a result of it was the place we discovered an awesome seashore bar, Porto Paradiso.
This place had scrumptious meals (with just a few Greek choices), wonderful service and low-cost beers and cocktails, plus they allow us to sit on the seashore chairs free of charge after 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 exhausting to beat a seashore like this!
Take a look at our total submit all about Alykes Seaside to seek out out extra about the very 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 may park your automotive proper subsequent to the cliffs and stroll out on the rocks for beautiful views over the impossibly blue sea and (generally) turtles down beneath.
There’s additionally a stunning lighthouse close by and the city of Keri itself can also be price a go to.
The Keri Cliffs are additionally probably the greatest sundown spots on the island as (on a transparent day) you may watch the large 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 the very 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 – Certainly one of The Coolest Issues To Do in Zakynthos
We did a non-public boat tour (with a captain) across the island and it was lots of enjoyable! This personal 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 non-public journey, you may ask your captain to cease wherever you need. When you’re comfy driving a ship, an alternative choice is to lease your personal boat and drive across the shoreline your self!
Because of heavy winds and excessive waves, you in all probability received’t have the ability to take the boat to Shipwreck Cove, however you may rip round to totally 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 actually probably the greatest days we had in Greece. When you can, search on-line and browse critiques of the very best boat rental corporations in Zakynthos.
When you plan to deliver snacks and refreshments on the boat with you, then you definitely may as nicely decide up a small foam cooler from the grocery retailer for about €10 – €15. Then you may have some ice-cold beers and lunch when you’re floating out at sea!
You don’t want a license to lease one in every of these small (40HP+) boats, however it’s beneficial that you’ve a little bit of expertise driving boats, although it’s not crucial as a result of the captains on the store will present you the ropes.
These boats are the proper measurement for two – 4 folks and in the event you break up the associated fee, it’s extraordinarily inexpensive, particularly contemplating Jetskis and Sea-doos normally lease for $50 / hour in different components of the world!
When you decide up the boat from the Keri Harbour, then you may drive the boat across the south, east and west finish of the island. Be sure you cease in on Turtle Island for a swim on a surprising seashore. 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 Stress-free Factor To Do in Zante
Pronounced (Yer-ak-as), this stunning stretch of sand within the far southeastern finish of the island is the proper place to chill out for the afternoon.
The sand here’s a reddish colour and so are the encircling cliffs, however the water is crystal clear and it’s comparatively quiet right here.
You may lease reclining seashore chairs for €4 every, however there isn’t a meals or drinks served on the seashore because it’s a marine-protected space (turtles come right here to nest sometimes).
If you need 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 seashore.
The water right here could be very shallow however will get deep sufficient to swim about 100 meters out from shore. Chillin’ out on seashore chairs right here is among the most stress-free issues to do in Zante.
We wrote a submit all about Gerakas Seaside, the way to get there, the place to remain, the very best eating places within the space, and extra. When you’re planning on going to this beautiful seashore throughout your keep in Zakynthos, be sure to 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 loads.
Limnionas is a deep pure harbor surrounded by multicolored cliffs and a few of the clearest water you’ll see. The inexperienced rocks replicate the solar from beneath and lightweight the ocean up like an aquarium.
You may chill out on the Limnionas Tavern and select from dozens of sunbeds (€4 every) hanging over the sting of the rocks wanting down in direction of the ocean.
The tavern right here serves up fairly priced meals, chilly beer and attractive drinks. In our expertise, the meals was not that nice, however the view is great, so it’s an awesome place for a drink and to chill out within the solar.
Take a look at our submit all about visiting Porto Limnionas for extra data on the very best eating places close by, the way to get right here, when to return and what to anticipate.
11. Zante City
Undoubtedly not probably the most scenic metropolis in all of Greece, Zakynthos (Zante) City could not instantly attraction guests, however it does have its personal native flare.
There are quite a few eating places right here (try Paradosiako and Yard of Style), just a few pedestrian-only streets, and a good looking seafront promenade that faces a pure harbor crammed with parked ferries, fishing boats and sailboats.
There are a few giant open plazas and loads of retailers and markets. Most of what you’ll ever want could be discovered right here.
We didn’t hear many optimistic 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 it’s worthwhile to find out about visiting this stunning Ionian Capital together with the place to remain, the very best eating places, the very best close by seashores and the way to get there and away.
12. Porto Azzuro
Yet one more breathtaking cove, Porto Azzuro is a superb place to relax out for the afternoon.
There’s a cluster of rocks within the water on the south finish of the seashore that makes for excellent snorkeling and wonderful photographs. The water right here takes on a greenish-blue hue and there’s an honest (however overpriced) seashore bar right here known as Porto Azzuro Seaside Bar.
You’ll must pay for sunbeds (€5 / day) even in the event you select to eat on the bar. Carry a towel and lay it within the sand free of charge and luxuriate in a calming afternoon.
When you order meals, you may sit on the eating tables free of charge within the restaurant and look out on the gorgeous view over the bay, simply not the sunbeds.
For extra about visiting this beautiful cove, try our Porto Azzuro Information which incorporates the way to get right here, the place to eat, the very best time to go to the seashore 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 inexpensive) seashore bar on a hill overlooking the bay.
The seashore itself may not be as scenic as Porto Azurro on a transparent day, however the sand right here is tender and there are sunbeds for lease 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 the very best locations to remain, the very best eating places, the way to get right here and extra.
14. Sundown Dinner at Taverna Psarou
One other wonderful spot for a meal, Taverna Psarou is about simply inches from the sand of Psarou Seaside. The seashore itself has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness for ten years operating, however at first look, it’s nothing to jot down residence about.
For us, it was the setting of this tiny, family-run tavern, probably the greatest on the island, that made Psarou price lingering for. The meals is sweet, the costs are first rate and the service is great.
Because the solar dips low within the sky and the clouds mild up, the employees mild 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 among the most romantic issues to do in Zakynthos.
Not many individuals come right here, so it’s a hidden gem on the island.
When you’re heading this fashion on the island, try our submit all about Psarou which included the very best resorts, greatest eating places close by, issues to do and extra.
15. Low cost Cocktails at Tsilivi Seaside
Tsilivi Seaside is a protracted and wonderful stretch of sand with lots of seashore bars spilling out in direction of the water.
The seashore itself is gorgeous and that is probably the most occurring spot on the east coast. We extremely suggest chilling on the seashore chairs close to Andreolas Luxurious Suites and having some low-cost (€2) cocktails from their seashore bar!
When you’re questioning what to do in Zakynthos, head to this seashore for a day of leisure, swimming and cocktails.
The city of Tsilivi additionally has lots of eating places together with just a few of our favourites. Click on Right here to learn our submit about Tsilivi Seaside which incorporates the very 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 planet. So, why not learn to make a few of the unbelievable dishes throughout your journey to Zakynthos?!
This extremely rated, inexpensive cooking class teaches you the way to make a frappe (iced espresso) or Greek espresso, Stiffado, numerous facet dishes together with spinach and feta pie, and a masterclass demonstration on the way to make filo pastry. Plus, there’s a wine tasting!
It is a hands-on cooking expertise. After making your entire scrumptious dishes, you’ll head to a good looking shaded backyard to benefit from the meal, together with some dialog along with your host and different company.
Studying the way to make Greek meals is among the greatest issues to do in Zakynthos for foodies. Discover out extra about this enjoyable class, right here.
☞ Click on right here to see beneficial excursions accessible 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 value us simply €20 per evening within the low season. You will discover a ton of different inexpensive locations (particularly within the shoulder/low season) on Reserving.com.
Finest 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 lease a automotive when you’re on Zakynthos Island in the event you hope to see the entire sights on this article.
We rented a automotive and opted out of the prolonged insurance coverage, which meant that the automotive value us round $20 per day (within the shoulder season).
You may take minibusses to some components of the island, however you’ll have to attend on the highway for them to return, they usually don’t go in every single place.
When you’re taking just a few buses day by day, the prices add up anyhow. Even in the event you’re on a funds, we suggest splurging for a rental automotive on the entire Greek islands. High tip: rental vehicles are less expensive in the event you e book them for one week vs. sooner or later. Click on right here to seek for the very best worth.
Issues To Do in Zakynthos: FAQs
Sure, Zakynthos city is price visiting. It’s the capital and a port city, however there are some church buildings, many picturesque squares, a lot of eating places, and a reasonably seaside walkway that stretches for 1.5 kilometers.
Zakynthos is greatest identified for its stunning, sandy seashores! The seashores listed below are golden and swimmable, making it an awesome place for a seashore vacation. Zakynthos can also 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 totally different seashores, exploring new coves with our rental automotive, and happening a ship journey. There’s tons to see and do in Zakynthos to maintain you busy.
With simply sooner or later in Zakynthos, I like to recommend visiting Shipwreck Cove (Navagio seashore) 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 great. Many seashores in Greece are pebbly and rocky, however Zakynthos has sandy stretches of golden sand. A few of 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. Nonetheless, if you wish to discover additional (and you need to!), it’s not walkable and also you’ll must 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 cherished it.
Zante has a whole bunch of low-cost residences accessible, and whereas there’s not as a lot historical past and native tradition as the opposite Ionian Islands, it nonetheless has loads to supply guests, particularly these seeking to laze on stunning 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 proper vacation spot for these seeking to chill out 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 😀
