There are such a lot of issues to do in Zakynthos (Zante) and I’m going to share our prime 15 favourites on this publish. This island is certainly top-of-the-line locations to go to in Greece.
If you hear the title Greece, it possible conjures up pictures 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.
☞ Searching for Seashores? Try our listing of the High 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 Individuals and travellers from different elements of the world, this could possibly be the primary time you’re listening to about it.
Word: this publish was final up to date in 2023. We maintain all of our Greece content material as up-to-date as attainable. 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 finest seashores in Greece (particularly Navagio Seashore), Zakynthos rapidly turned one among our favorite 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 function prominently in your subsequent Greek Itinerary.
On this article, I’m going to listing 15 of the most effective issues to do in Zakynthos with the intention to get an thought of what’s on provide 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 recognized for.
You gained’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 right stress-free vacation spot for these within the know.
💡Bonus Tip: automotive rental in Greece may be very cheap and undoubtedly price it all through your keep. For those who hire for 1 week, you’ll possible pay not more than $20 / day (we paid $17) and it will provide you with the liberty to see the entire sights on this publish.
Word: 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 probably probably the most photographed website in all the 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 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 seaside 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 undoubtedly provides to the allure 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 should take a ship tour.
These could be employed from totally different cities across the island. If in case you have a automotive, then your most cost-effective possibility will likely 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 particular person. Study extra in regards to the tour right here.
To see it from above (extremely advisable), you’ll should 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 all places 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 automotive, snap a number of photographs after which drive off.
Please notice: The very best views are from the cliffs to the suitable of the platform and you might even see some individuals clambering alongside them to take the right selfie. Vacationers have lately died falling off of those rocks and it isn’t advisable 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
Unquestionably, this small, Greek-run restaurant has the most effective views of Zakynthos’ rugged inside. Choose 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 improbable, the service is nice and it’s the right 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, 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 possible get a free dessert, so you could not wish to order one!
We did a whole evaluate of Lofos Restaurant so in case you’re considering of heading there for dinner or late afternoon drinks, make sure to test it out. Discover it on the map, right here. For an additional sundown possibility, don’t miss this glorious tour.
3. Xigia Seashore
One other extremely scenic seaside 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 evaluate of Xigia Seashore together with get there, close by eating places and extra.
4. Snorkel / Dive (With Turtles)
The reefs and seashores round Zakynthos are house to one of many oldest lifeforms on Earth, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. This lovely creature could be noticed within the Zakynthos Marine Park or coming ashore to put eggs within the night on many bays (even common 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 probabilities it’s best to undoubtedly hop on a ship and go discover them.
Ensure you do your analysis and go together with an organization that practices protected snorkelling with animals.
For those who see 10 boats pulling up alongside one turtle with a whole bunch of individuals leaping in directly, it’s best to inform the information that you simply don’t approve. This stresses out the animals and might trigger hurt to the ecosystems.
You gained’t simply see Turtles within the Ionian Sea both! There are many mushy and arduous corals, in addition to fish and crustacean life that discover a house within the rocky underwater topography close to Zakynthos.
You may 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 particular person for a full day snorkel journey with gear rent. You may normally get reductions for giant teams or for a number of journeys.
5. Go to The Venetian Fort
For those who can peel your self away from the seaside for a number of hours, you could wish to take into account visiting the previous ruins of the Venetian Fort. A go to right here is likely one of the finest issues to do in Zakynthos city.
The Ionian Islands have been occupied by the Turks, French, British, Venetians, and Russians at one time, however the Venetians left behind a number 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 Fort in Kefalonia, however it’s nonetheless price a go to in case 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, however then restored in 1515.
As we speak it stands as a testomony to the previous glory of Zakynthos as a Venetian army stronghold and guests can stroll by an previous jail, gunpowder rooms, bastions, church buildings and an previous sewage system.
For those who plan to go to the citadel, try our publish about Visiting The Venetian Fort in Zakynthos Greece to get an thought of what to anticipate.
6. Alykes Seashore: One in all The Most Chilled Out Issues To Do in Zakynthos
This was our favorite seaside on the island, partly as a result of it was some of the lovely stretches of powdery golden sand that we discovered, but in addition as a result of it was the place we discovered our favorite seaside bar on all the island, Porto Paradiso.
This place had scrumptious meals (with a number of Greek choices), glorious service and low-cost beers and cocktails, plus they allow us to sit on the seaside chairs without cost after 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 just some meters from shore. It’s actually arduous to beat a seaside like this!
Try our whole publish all about Alykes Seashore to seek out out extra about the most effective 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 may park your automotive proper subsequent to the cliffs and stroll out on the rocks for beautiful views out over the impossibly blue sea and (generally) turtles down under.
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 top-of-the-line 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 sensible oranges, reds and purples.
You can too be part of a ship tour which takes within the Keri Caves in addition to turtle recognizing.
Try our publish all in regards to the village of Keri Zakynthos which incorporates the most effective 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 – One in all The Coolest Issues To Do in Zakynthos
We did a non-public boat tour (with captain) across the island and it was numerous enjoyable! This non-public 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.
For those who’re snug driving a ship, an alternative choice is to hire your personal boat and drive across the shoreline your self!
Attributable to heavy winds and excessive waves, you in all probability gained’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 undoubtedly top-of-the-line issues to do in Zakynthos.
We ended up doing this on Corfu Island and it was actually top-of-the-line days we had in Greece. For those who plan to do that in Zakynthos, try this firm.
For those who plan to carry snacks and refreshments on the boat with you, then you definitely would possibly as nicely choose 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, however it’s advisable that you’ve got a little bit of expertise driving boats, although it’s not vital as a result of the captains on the store will present you the ropes.
These boats are the right measurement for two – 4 individuals and in case you cut up the fee, it’s extraordinarily inexpensive, particularly contemplating Jetskis and Sea-doos normally hire for $50 / hour in different elements of the world!
For those who choose up the boat from the Keri Harbour, then you may drive the boat across the south, east and west finish of the island. Ensure you cease in on Turtle island for a swim on a shocking seaside. We actually can’t advocate this sufficient! Click on right here for a prime firm, or click on right here to take a look at the boat choices with Luxurious Island Occasions.
9. Gerakas Seashore – The Most Stress-free Factor To Do in Zante
Pronounced (Yer-ak-as), this lovely stretch of sand within the far southeastern finish of the island is the right place to calm down for the afternoon.
The sand here’s a reddish color and so are the encircling cliffs, however the water is crystal clear and it’s comparatively quiet right here.
You may hire reclining seaside chairs for €4 every, however there is no such thing as a meals or drinks served on the seaside because it’s a marine-protected space (turtles come right here to nest occasionally).
In order for you any snacks or refreshments, it’s finest to purchase them from the outlets on the prime of the hill earlier than strolling down the steps to the seaside.
The water right here may be very shallow however will get deep sufficient to swim about 100 meters out from shore. Chillin’ out on seaside chairs right here is likely one of the most stress-free issues to do in Zante.
We wrote a publish all about Gerakas Seashore, get there, the place to remain, the most effective eating places within the space and many others., so in case you’re planning on going to this pretty seaside throughout your keep in Zakynthos, ensure you verify that out.
10. Porto Limnionas
That is undoubtedly some of the scenic coves on the island, and on an island blessed with numerous picturesque bays, that’s actually saying quite a bit.
Limnionas is a deep pure harbour surrounded by multicoloured cliffs and a number of the clearest water you’ll see. The inexperienced rocks mirror the solar from under and lightweight the ocean up like an aquarium.
You may calm down on the Limnionas Tavern and select from dozens of sunbeds (€4 every) hanging over the sting of the rocks trying down in the direction of the ocean.
The tavern right here serves up moderately priced meals, chilly beer and attractive drinks. In our expertise, the meals was not that nice, however the view is excellent, so it’s an excellent place for a drink.
Try our publish all about visiting Porto Limnionas for extra data on the most effective eating places close by, get right here, when to come back and what to anticipate.
11. Zante City
Undoubtedly not probably the most scenic metropolis in all of Greece, Zakynthos (Zante) City could not instantly allure guests, however it does have its personal native flare.
There are quite a few eating places right here, a number of pedestrian-only streets, and a good looking seafront promenade that faces a pure harbour stuffed with 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 could be discovered right here.
We didn’t hear many constructive 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 thing it is advisable to find out about visiting this lovely Ionian Capital together with the place to remain, the most effective eating places, the most effective close by seashores and get there and away.
12. Porto Azzuro
Yet 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 seaside that makes for excellent snorkelling and glorious photographs. The water right here takes on a greenish-blue hue and there’s a good (however overpriced) seaside bar right here known as Porto Azzuro Seashore Bar.
You’ll should pay for sunbeds (€5 / day) even in case you select to eat on the bar. Deliver a towel and lay it within the sand without cost and revel in a soothing afternoon.
For those who 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 get right here, the place to eat, the most effective time to go to the seaside and extra.
13. Banana Seashore
One other lengthy stretch of golden sand, just some hundred meters south of Porto Azurro, Banana Seashore has a greater (and extra inexpensive) seaside bar on a hill overlooking the bay.
The seaside itself may not be as scenic as Porto Azurro on a transparent day, however the sand right here is mushy and there are sunbeds for hire as nicely.
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 publish all about Banana Seashore together with the most effective locations to remain, the most effective eating places, get right here and extra.
14. Sundown Dinner at Taverna Psarou
One other glorious spot for a meal, Taverna Psarou is ready simply inches from the sand of Psarou Seashore.
The seaside itself has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness for ten years operating, however at first look, it’s nothing to put in writing house about.
For us, it was the setting of this tiny, family-run tavern, top-of-the-line 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 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 superb. Sundown dinner right here is likely one of the most romantic issues to do in Zakynthos.
Not many individuals come right here, so it’s a hidden gem on the island.
For those who’re heading this fashion on the island, try our publish all about Psarou which included the most effective accommodations, finest eating places close by, issues to do and extra.
15. Low cost Cocktails at Tsilivi Seashore
Tsilivi Seashore is a protracted and beautiful stretch of sand with numerous seaside bars spilling out in the direction of the water.
The seaside itself is gorgeous and that is probably the most occurring spot on the east coast. We extremely advocate chilling on the seaside chairs close to Andreolas Luxurious Suites and having some low-cost (€2) cocktails from their seaside bar!
For those who’re questioning what to do in Zakynthos, head to this seaside for a day of rest, swimming and cocktails.
The city of Tsilivi additionally has numerous eating places together with a number of of our favourites. Click on Right here to learn our publish about Tsilivi Seashore which incorporates the most effective 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 publish
16. Bonus! Cooking Class
Everyone knows that the meals in Greece is a number of the finest on this planet. So, why not discover ways to make a number of the unbelievable dishes throughout your journey to Zakynthos?!
This extremely rated, inexpensive cooking class teaches you make a frappe (iced espresso) or Greek espresso, Stiffado, varied facet dishes together with spinach and feta pie, and a masterclass demonstration on make filo pastry. Plus, there’s a wine tasting!
It is a hands-on cooking expertise. After making all your 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 friends.
Studying make Greek meals is likely one of 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 advisable 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.
Finest Eating places on Zakynthos Island
We’ve already listed a pair on this publish, however listed below are our favourites:
Getting Round Zakynthos
As I discussed earlier, it’s important that you simply hire a automotive whilst you’re on Zakynthos Island in case you hope to see the entire sights on this article.
We rented our automotive with Expedia and opted out of the prolonged insurance coverage, which meant that the automotive price us simply $17 / day.
You may take minibusses to some elements of the island, however you’ll have to attend on the highway for them to come back, they usually don’t go in all places.
For those who’re taking a number of buses every single day, the prices add up anyhow. Even in case you’re on a funds, we advocate splurging for a automotive on the entire 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 cherished it.
Zante has a whole bunch 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 quite a bit to supply guests, particularly these seeking to laze on lovely seashores and eat scrumptious Greek meals.
It will not be a historical past buff’s paradise, however there are various issues to do and it’s the right 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 improbable expertise 😀
