About Zakynthos
Zakynthos, famed for its pristine beaches and lively nightlife, offers various attractions.
About Zakynthos
Visitors can explore the island’s lush interior, home to endangered loggerhead sea turtles, or tour the Venetian castle in Zakynthos Town. The island also features charming villages like Alykes and Tsilivi, where guests can savour local delicacies and traditional wines.
How to Get To Zakynthos
Ferry Travel
The journey to Zakynthos Port begins at the port of Killini, located on the western coast of the Peloponnese. From there, travellers can take a ferry that offers a scenic crossing lasting approximately 75 minutes. This convenient route makes reaching the island both accessible and enjoyable, providing a relaxed start to exploring Zakynthos.
Flights
Zakynthos Airport is an international hub that connects the island to Athens International Airport, making travel between the island and the Greek capital straightforward and efficient. As Zakynthos is a well-known summer destination, the airport welcomes numerous direct flights from various countries, including Italy, France, Germany, and the UK. During the busy summer months, this influx of international connections provides travellers easy access to the island, enhancing its popularity among tourists from across Europe and beyond.
Travelling to Zakynthos from Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and other islands?
The best way to island-hop around Greece is by ferry. High-speed ferries efficiently cover the most popular routes, offering a convenient and scenic way to travel between islands. Travel times for these local journeys typically range from 45 minutes to 2 hours, making them ideal for quick day trips or for exploring multiple destinations during your stay. The ferry experience allows passengers to enjoy the stunning views of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, adding an element of adventure and relaxation to any island-hopping itinerary in Greece.
Helicopter Transfers
Helicopter transfers provide a swift and scenic way to travel between islands or from mainland Greece. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views and arrive at your destination quickly, bypassing traditional transportation delays.
Private Boat Transfers
Private boat transfers can transport you directly to your villa’s doorstep for ultimate flexibility and privacy. You can then explore nearby islands or secluded beaches at your leisure.
VIP Travel Assistance
Enjoy comprehensive VIP travel assistance, including airport transfers, luggage handling, and personalized concierge services. Our dedicated team ensures a seamless experience from arrival to departure, allowing you to focus on enjoying your island getaway.
Getting around Zakynthos
Exploring the island by car or motorcycle allows you to discover its hidden gems, including the most secluded spots, at your own pace. If you don’t have your vehicle, renting a car is highly recommended for your sightseeing adventures.
Towns & Villages on Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a large island, with each region offering a distinct experience. The island’s northern part remains untouched mainly, featuring traditional villages, with Volimes being the largest and most notable. In contrast, the southern part is more developed, catering to tourists with numerous resorts, accommodations, restaurants, pubs, and entertainment options.
Zakynthos offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including the renowned Church of San Dionysios, which houses the relics of the island’s patron saint. Numerous museums and iconic squares, such as D. Solomos and Saint Mark, also date back to the Venetian period and feature the island’s only Catholic church.Beyond the scenic seafront promenade and the quaint internal streets of Zakynthos Town, a fascinating neighbourhood surrounds the ruins of the old Venetian castle, located at the top of Strani Hill behind the town. This charming area has narrow, quiet alleys, traditional houses with flower-filled courtyards, and an enchanting view overlooking the bay. Together, these features create a picturesque setting that makes visiting Zakynthos Town unique and unforgettable.
Alykes is a tourist town on the western coast of Zakynthos, located 18 km from Zakynthos Town. Named after the salterns that supply salt to the entire island, the city offers a range of tourist amenities, restaurants, and pubs. A small river runs through Alykes, crossed by bridges leading to the town center.The town’s location is ideal for visitors who want to explore both the northern attractions, such as Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves, and the southern areas like Tsilivi and Zakynthos Town. Alykes lies on a plain before the mountainous region that divides the island, providing excellent opportunities for cycling and nature walks. It seamlessly merges with Alykanas, its neighboring town, especially along the sandy beach that connects them.
Argassi, located just a short distance from Zakynthos Town, is a small yet modern destination that meets all tourist needs. Positioned along the coastal road, Argassi offers a variety of restaurants, traditional taverns, and clubs, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy vibrant nightlife.In addition to its amenities, Argassi is close to fascinating ruins, including remnants of old churches, houses, bridges, and aqueducts. These historical sites can be found near the coast and inland, partially hidden by lush vegetation, adding a touch of exploration to any visit.
Nestled beside a vast pine forest, Kalamaki stretches primarily along its main street. Here, visitors will find a variety of modern hotels and restaurants that seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape, providing a range of amenities for tourists.In recent years, Kalamaki has seen the emergence of numerous snack bars and souvenir shops, all designed to respect the natural environment. The town’s beach, an extension of Laganas Beach, is also protected under the regulations of the Marine Park, ensuring its beauty and ecological integrity for future generations.
Activities
Zakynthos offers a wide range of sporting activities for those seeking an active holiday. The island’s famous beaches, such as Alykes, Tsilivi, and Laganas, provide endless opportunities for water sports. Additionally, various boat and bus tours allow visitors to explore the island’s stunning landscapes.
For unique experiences, options like jeep safaris and horseback riding along Turtle Bay are available. Speed enthusiasts can enjoy the excitement of a go-kart track, while families with children will find plenty of fun at water parks and entertainment centres.
Diving enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous diving centres offering excursions to explore the underwater wonders of the island’s western coast. For those without a diving license, many beaches are also perfect for snorkelling, providing a chance to discover the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.
Top Beaches on Zakynthos
- Plakaki
- To enjoy a swim in this stunning location, you first need to make your way to the mountain village of Agalas. Once in Agalas, follow the signs leading to a newly constructed road that will guide you to a spacious parking area.From here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the sea. A small path through the rocks will lead you to the shoreline, where flat stones provide a perfect relaxing spot. As you descend, keep to your left for an easier entry into the inviting waters.It’s advisable to travel light along the path; if you’re with children, keep an eye on them. While the path is safe, it can be pretty steep.
- Makris Gialos
- A true postcard-perfect beach that is a must-visit during any holiday, this expansive shoreline features a delightful mix of sand and pebbles, with breathtaking views from the coastal road leading to it, and stunning waters that seem straight out of the Caribbean, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling enthusiasts who should plan to spend at least two days exploring the vibrant marine life along the coastline to the left and right promontories.
- Xigia
- The name “Xigia” refers to two distinct beaches at the island’s northern tip, renowned for their rocky coastline, numerous bays, and crystal-clear waters—making them a snorkelling paradise. As you approach from the south, the first beach you encounter is less famous and accessible via an unpaved road. At the end of this road, you’ll find a parking area and two paths: the first leads past a bar and descends a staircase to the more spectacular beach, while the second, more challenging path takes you to a more extended, deeper beach that is typically less crowded.
- Capo Marathia
-
Marathia Cape is a charming peninsula located at the northern end of the marine park near Limni Kerì. From this area, visitors can take a well-maintained road that winds to the right, following the coastline of the peninsula. This road is suitable for cars and motorcycles and leads to small, often uncrowded beaches, even in August. Despite having smooth, polished rocks, these beaches are ideal for sunbathing and snorkelling, as the waters are clear and teeming with fish.
-
- Limni Keri
- This charming beach, nestled along the village’s seashore, features a selection of restaurants and tourist shops. Although it consists of shingle, the sea bottom is sandy, making it a great spot for swimming. The beach serves as a strategic point for visiting Marathonissi and enjoying delightful trips to the caves of Marathia Cape. Additionally, visitors can rent motorboats for daily excursions from Limni Keri. The area also boasts a small harbor and a diving center, Nero Sport, offering fantastic underwater experiences.
Many, many more…
How safe is Zakynthos for visitors?
Zakynthos is a tranquil destination known for its safety. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are relatively uncommon. However, visitors should remain vigilant, especially in crowded tourist spots and on public transportation, where such incidents may occasionally occur.
Your Luxury Villa Experience Awaits
Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, the Greek Islands offer an unparalleled destination for discerning travellers. Experience the epitome of luxury villa living with our exclusive accommodations and personalized services tailored to your every need. From seamless travel arrangements to unforgettable island experiences, let us create memories that last a lifetime on the beautiful Greek Islands.
For more information or to plan your next getaway, contact us today and discover the magic of the Greek Islands with our expert team.