Zakynthos is an idyllic island, whose magic will remain in your memory forever. The island is filled with golden beaches, wonderful hotels, taverns, quaint little streets and alleys where you can easily mix with the locals who have an incredibly friendly attitude.
In combination with the wonderful nature on the island, a visit to Zakynthos also includes plenty of art and culture that originates from days gone by. All this has meant that many chose to make Zakynthos their favourite place to spend their vacation.
The island is well known for its night life, turtles and the famous beach whit the wreck you’ve seen on photos and in travel brochures.
Zakynthos town
The capital of Zakynthos is simply called Zakynthos town, and it’s easy to remember. The town is relatively new because of a big earthquake that hit the island in 1953.
Zakynthos town offers everything a Greek capital should have, a charming square, a harbour with the long promenade Strada Marina, tavern and plenty of shops.
Smugglers wreck, the most photogrphed beach in Greece.
Facts about Zakynthos
Inhabitants: 45.000
Capital: Zakynthos town
Airport: Zakynthos International Airport, Dionysos Solomos.
Local transport: Local bus – keep in mind that they don’t always keep schedules. You will also find taxis, car hire, moped and motorcycle hire in Zakynthos.
Getting there
From the port of Zakynthos (Zante) port, you can get to Kefalonia and Kyllini on the Greek mainland.
Where to stay in Zakynthos
Zakynthos town
Zakynthos town is a great choice for those who wish to have a more quiet and relaxing holiday. The night life is no way near as hectic here as in the other tourist areas. Zakynthos town offers a great choice of all you need for a holiday, with everything within close distance.
Laganas – nightlife and turtles
If non-stop partying is on your list, you should stay in Laganas. During peak season, night life here compared with that of Rhodes or Ios. There are plenty of bars, nightclubs and restaurants here to keep you busy. The beach is long with fine sand, very crowded at times, but no water sports are allowed here because this is one of six different beaches on Zakynthos, where the giant sea turtles lay their eggs. Together, there are approximately 1.300 nests per summer.
If you want a slower pace but more action on the beach, you should choose to stay in Argassi, which is a small community but with a lot of water sports to choose from. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars here, but the nightlife is not as hectic.
Kalamaki is another place which is almost the same size of Laganas. However, it is much quieter here than in the party resort of Laganas and many families prefer Kalamaki. At Kalamaki you will find a lovely beach – but without water sports to protect the turtles. Here you will also find restaurants, bars and shops that offer everything you need.
Tsilivi has become one of the more popular tourist resorts of Zakynthos. On the island’s northeast coast, you will find the village surrounded by greenery and olive groves. The landscape is hilly with pine-wooded mountains and of course there is a great family beach here with fine-grain sand.
If you are looking for total relaxation, you should head to the small village of Kampi on the west coast.
Here you will find tranquillity, and you can relax at the traditional taverns located along the beach.
Sights in Zakynthos
The blue caves which you can find up at the Cape Skinari and along the coast around Smugglers Wreck / Porto Vromi. You visit the caves by boat, where the great blue sea is reflected on the walls of the caves.
Smugglers wreck – Smugglers Bay, is a must if you are on Zakynthos. It is certainly one of the world’s most photographed shipwrecks. Panagiotis ship was built in 1937 in Glasgow. In the 80s, the ship was bound for Turkey with smuggled cigarettes, bad weather meant that the crew was forced to seek shelter in the bay and left the ship to its fate. The Greeks call the beach Navagio beach which means wrecks in Greek.
It’s like coming to a completely different planet when you step ashore on this small beach, considered one of the best in Europe. One can only reach the beach by boat so remember to get there early in the morning before all the tourist boats arrive.
On the cliff above, the view of the wreck is magical and this is where you take the best photos from your Zakynthos holiday.
Best beaches in Zakynthos
Banana beach: A wonderful shallow and very child friendly beach with fine sand. It is rarely crowded here, if you are looking for peace and quiet, this beach is for you.
Alikes beach: Another long sandy beach with its clear blue waters.
Kalamaki beach: You will find the beach close to Laganas beach but on the other side of the bay. Would you like to swim together with the turtles, make sure you are here in the afternoon when you see their heads sticking up above water. A turtle can be 1.5 meters long and weighs about 200 kilos.
Night life in Zakynthos
If you are a party animal, then Laganas is the place to be. During high season the average age here is around 18, there are plenty of pubs and clubs to keep you amused until sunrise. The night life here in Zakyntos can only be compared to that in Rhodes or Ios.
There are many great beaces in Zakynthos.
Shopping in Zakynthos
There are plenty of shops in all tourist areas, for those who want a wide choice Zakynthos town would be the best bet. You will find lovely ceramics, pottery shops, jewellery, icons, leather and clothes.
Do not miss
Water Village Water Park, which lies 4 km west of Zakynthos town, open from May to October.
Don’t miss Marathonisi, the small uninhabited island, across the beach of Keri village, in Laganas bay. The beach on the island is a paradise for those wishing to snorkel, but come here early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
Did you know?
The most well known wine producer in Zakynthos is the Komoutos family, who has been making wine since 1638.
