There are such a lot of issues to do in Zakynthos (Zante) and I’m going to share our high 15 favourites on this put up. This island is unquestionably probably the greatest locations to go to in Greece.
While you hear the identify Greece, it probably conjures up photos 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? Try our record of the Prime 15 Seashores In Zakynthos You Received’t Need To Miss.
Many travellers from the UK and elements of Europe have already found this Ionian magnificence, which lies west of mainland Greece, however for North People and travellers from different elements of the world, this might be the primary time you’re listening to about it.
Notice: this put up was final up to date in 2023. We maintain all of our Greece content material as up-to-date as attainable. To study extra about Greece journey, try our Greece Journey Information.
Blessed with a jagged shoreline, picturesque villages, a hilly inside, and some of the finest seashores in Greece (specifically Navagio Seashore), Zakynthos shortly turned one among our favorite islands within the nation.
Sufficiently small to simply navigate by automobile, however giant sufficient to supply a variety of landscapes, villages and coastlines, this Ionian island ought to function prominently in your subsequent Greek Itinerary.
On this article, I’m going to record 15 of one of the best issues to do in Zakynthos to be able to get an concept of what’s on supply right here.
You’ll discover that most of the issues to do in Zakynthos are beach-related, as that is what the island is finest 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” affords the proper enjoyable vacation spot for these within the know.
💡Bonus Tip: automobile rental in Greece may be very cheap and undoubtedly price it at some stage in your keep. In case you hire for 1 week, you’ll probably pay not more than $20 / day (we paid $17) and it gives you the liberty to see all the sights on this put up.
Notice: Click on the maps to open in Google Maps
1. Navagio Seashore (Shipwreck Cove)
Okay, let’s begin with the principle attraction on the island and presumably probably the most photographed website in your entire nation. This beautiful stretch of white sand and impossibly blue water is protected by a pure harbour with terrifyingly tall 200-meter-high cliffs on 3 sides.
Set smack dab in the course 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 consider the romantic story or not doesn’t matter, the huge ship resting on the sand undoubtedly provides to the attraction and attract of this spectacular sight.
There are two methods to see Navagio Seashore, 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 might be employed from completely different cities across the island. You probably have a automobile, then your least expensive choice shall be to drive to the closest cove to Navagio Seashore 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 individual. Be taught extra in regards to the tour right here.
To see it from above (extremely beneficial), you’ll must drive your automobile to the viewing platform on the north finish of the island.
It’s very easy to get right here by automobile 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 parking zone is correct subsequent to the platform, so you may drive proper up, get out of your automobile, snap a couple of photographs after which drive off.
Please observe: The very best views are from the cliffs to the proper of the platform and you may even see some folks clambering alongside them to take the proper selfie. Vacationers have not too long ago 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 certain to be deadly. Keep on the platform.
2. Sundown Dinner & Drinks at Lofos Restaurant
Surely, this small, Greek-run restaurant has one of the best views of Zakynthos’ rugged inside. Decide a desk alongside the deck and peer over the cliff down in the direction of the farmlands under and the Ionian Sea within the distance.
The meals right here is implausible, 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.
Normally, at a spot like this, you need to pay further for the meals as a result of the view is so good, however that’s not the case at Lofos.
You’ll additionally probably get a free dessert, so you could not need to order one!
We did a whole evaluation of Lofos Restaurant so should you’re considering of heading there for dinner or late afternoon drinks, be 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 Seashore
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 scorching spring right here (which explains the unusual scent).
Try our full evaluation of Xigia Seashore together with how you can 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 might be noticed within the Zakynthos Marine Park or coming ashore to put eggs within the night on many bays (even fashionable ones) round Zakynthos and surrounding islands.
You’re prone to spot a turtle sooner or later throughout your journey to Zakynthos, however to raised your possibilities you need to undoubtedly hop on a ship and go discover them.
Be sure you do your analysis and go together with an organization that practices secure snorkelling with animals.
In case you see 10 boats pulling up alongside one turtle with a whole lot of individuals leaping in directly, you need to inform the information that you simply 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’ll be able to be part of diving and snorkelling 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’ll be able to normally get reductions for giant teams or for a number of journeys.
5. Go to The Venetian Fortress
In case you can peel your self away from the seashore for a couple of hours, you could need to think about visiting the previous ruins of the Venetian Fortress. A go to right here is among the finest 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 fortress right here isn’t as spectacular as that of Assos Fortress in Kefalonia, nevertheless it’s nonetheless price a go to should you’re already close to Zante City.
The precise date of its building continues to be unknown, nevertheless it was destroyed by the invading Turks in 1480, however then restored in 1515.
At present it stands as a testomony to the previous glory of Zakynthos as a Venetian navy stronghold and guests can stroll via an previous jail, gunpowder rooms, bastions, church buildings and an previous sewage system.
In case you plan to go to the fortress, try our put up about Visiting The Venetian Fortress in Zakynthos Greece to get an concept of what to anticipate.
6. Alykes Seashore: Considered one of The Most Chilled Out Issues To Do in Zakynthos
This was our favorite seashore on the island, partly as a result of it was one of the stunning stretches of powdery golden sand that we discovered, but in addition as a result of it was the place we discovered our favorite seashore bar on your entire island, Porto Paradiso.
This place had scrumptious meals (with a couple of Greek choices), wonderful service and low cost beers and cocktails, plus they allow us to sit on the seashore chairs without cost once we ordered from the restaurant or bar.
The view out in the direction of the sunshine blue water of the Ionian Sea is to die for and the water is deep sufficient to swim only a few meters from shore. It’s actually exhausting to beat a seashore like this!
Try our total put up all about Alykes Seashore to search out out extra about one of the best eating places and bars, the place to remain and what to do round Alykes Seashore.
7. The Cliffs of Keri
This place on the southwest finish of the island is all in regards to the views. You’ll be able to park your automobile proper subsequent to the cliffs and stroll out on the rocks for beautiful views out over the impossibly blue sea and (typically) turtles down under.
There’s additionally a beautiful lighthouse close by and the city of Keri itself can 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 huge orb kiss the ocean on the horizon because the sky lights up with sensible oranges, reds and purples.
You too can be part of a ship tour which takes within the Keri Caves in addition to turtle recognizing.
Try our put up all in regards to 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 – Considered one of The Coolest Issues To Do in Zakynthos
We did a non-public boat tour (with captain) across the island and it was quite a lot 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 Seashore, White Seashore, 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.
In case you’re comfy driving a ship, another choice is to hire your individual boat and drive across the shoreline your self!
On account of heavy winds and excessive waves, you in all probability received’t be capable of take the boat to Shipwreck Cove, however you may rip round to completely different bays, anchor up and swim with no person else round. That is undoubtedly 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 case you plan to do that in Zakynthos, try this firm.
In case you plan to deliver snacks and refreshments on the boat with you, then you definately may as properly decide up a small foam cooler from the grocery retailer for about €10 – €15. Then you may have some ice-cold beers and lunch whilst you’re floating out at sea!
You don’t want a license to hire one among these small (40HP+) boats, nevertheless it’s beneficial that you’ve got a little bit of expertise driving boats, although it’s not mandatory 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 should you break up the associated fee, it’s extraordinarily inexpensive, particularly contemplating Jetskis and Sea-doos normally hire for $50 / hour in different elements of the world!
In case 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 shocking seashore. We actually can’t suggest this sufficient! Click on right here for a high firm, or click on right here to take a look at the boat choices with Luxurious Island Occasions.
9. Gerakas Seashore – The Most Enjoyable 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 calm down for the afternoon.
The sand here’s a reddish color and so are the encompassing cliffs, however the water is crystal clear and it’s comparatively quiet right here.
You’ll be able to hire 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 now and again).
If you need any snacks or refreshments, it’s finest to purchase them from the outlets on the high of the hill earlier than strolling down the steps to the seashore.
The water right here may 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 enjoyable issues to do in Zante.
We wrote a put up all about Gerakas Seashore, how you can get there, the place to remain, one of the best eating places within the space and so on., so should you’re planning on going to this pretty seashore throughout your keep in Zakynthos, be sure you verify that out.
10. Porto Limnionas
That is undoubtedly one of the 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 harbour surrounded by multicoloured cliffs and a few of the clearest water you’ll see. The inexperienced rocks replicate the solar from under and light-weight the ocean up like an aquarium.
You’ll be able to calm down on the Limnionas Tavern and select from dozens of sunbeds (€4 every) hanging over the sting of the rocks wanting down in the direction of the ocean.
The tavern right here serves up moderately priced meals, chilly beer and engaging drinks. In our expertise, the meals was not that nice, however the view is great, so it’s an ideal place for a drink.
Try our put up all about visiting Porto Limnionas for extra data on one of the best eating places close by, how you can get right here, when to return and what to anticipate.
11. Zante City
Positively not probably the most scenic metropolis in all of Greece, Zakynthos (Zante) City might not instantly attraction guests, nevertheless it does have its personal native flare.
There are quite a few eating places right here, a couple of pedestrian-only streets, and a good looking seafront promenade that faces a pure harbour full of parked ferries, fishing boats and sailboats.
There are a few giant open plazas and loads of outlets and markets. Most of what you’ll ever want might 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.
Try our Information to Zante City which incorporates every part it’s essential to find out about visiting this stunning Ionian Capital together with the place to remain, one of the best eating places, one of the best close by seashores and how you can get there and away.
12. Porto Azzuro
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 seashore that makes for nice snorkelling 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 Seashore Bar.
You’ll must pay for sunbeds (€5 / day) even should you select to eat on the bar. Deliver a towel and lay it within the sand without cost and luxuriate in a calming afternoon.
In case you order meals, you may 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 pretty cove, try our Porto Azzuro Information which incorporates how you can get right here, the place to eat, one of the best time to go to the seashore and extra.
13. Banana Seashore
One other lengthy stretch of golden sand, only a few hundred meters south of Porto Azurro, Banana Seashore 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 hire as properly.
There’s a free shuttle bus from the city of Argassi to Banana Seashore, leaving the city at 10:45 am and returning at 4:00 pm.
Try our put up all about Banana Seashore together with one of the best locations to remain, one of the best eating places, how you can 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 Seashore.
The seashore itself has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness for ten years operating, however at first look, it’s nothing to write 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 nice, the costs are respectable and the service is great.
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 superb. 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.
In case you’re heading this manner on the island, try our put up all about Psarou which included one of the best motels, finest eating places close by, issues to do and extra.
15. Low cost Cocktails at Tsilivi Seashore
Tsilivi Seashore is an extended and wonderful stretch of sand with quite a lot of seashore bars spilling out in the 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!
In case you’re questioning what to do in Zakynthos, head to this seashore for a day of rest, swimming and cocktails.
The city of Tsilivi additionally has quite a lot of eating places together with a couple of of our favourites. Click on Right here to learn our put up about Tsilivi Seashore which incorporates one of the best locations to eat and drink in addition to another traveller suggestions.
There’s additionally extra about this pretty little city on the backside of this put up
16. Bonus! Cooking Class
Everyone knows that the meals in Greece is a few of the finest on this planet. So, why not discover ways to make a few of the unimaginable dishes throughout your journey to Zakynthos?!
This extremely rated, inexpensive cooking class teaches you how you can make a frappe (iced espresso) or Greek espresso, Stiffado, varied aspect dishes together with spinach and feta pie, and a masterclass demonstration on how you can make filo pastry. Plus, there’s a wine tasting!
It is a hands-on cooking expertise. After making your whole 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 friends.
Studying how you can make Greek meals is among the finest issues to do in Zakynthos for foodies. Discover out extra about this enjoyable class, right here.
Extra About Zakynthos (Zante)
☞ Click on right here to see beneficial excursions out there 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 evening. You will discover a ton of different inexpensive locations (particularly within the shoulder/low season) on Reserving.com.
Greatest Eating places on Zakynthos Island
We’ve already listed a pair on this put up, however listed here are our favourites:
Getting Round Zakynthos
As I discussed earlier, it’s important that you simply hire a automobile whilst you’re on Zakynthos Island should you hope to see all the sights on this article.
We rented our automobile with Expedia and opted out of the prolonged insurance coverage, which meant that the automobile price us simply $17 / day.
You’ll be able to take minibusses to some elements of the island, however you’ll have to attend on the highway for them to return, and so they don’t go in every single place.
In case you’re taking a couple of buses every single day, the prices add up anyhow. Even should you’re on a price range, we suggest splurging for a automobile on all the Greek islands.
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 liked it.
Zante has a whole lot of low cost residences out there, 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 stunning seashores and eat scrumptious Greek meals.
It is probably not a historical past buff’s paradise, however there are various issues to do and it’s the proper vacation spot for these seeking to calm down and soak within the solar.
READ MORE:
Try 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 implausible expertise 😀
