There are such a lot of issues to do in Zakynthos (Zante) and I’m going to share our prime 15 favourites on this submit. This island is unquestionably probably the greatest locations to go to in Greece.
Whenever you hear the title Greece, it doubtless 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.
☞ In search of Seashores? Try our listing of the High 15 Seashores In Zakynthos You Gained’t Need To Miss.
Many travellers from the UK and components of Europe have already found this Ionian magnificence, which lies west of mainland Greece, however for North People and travellers from different components of the world, this could possibly be the primary time you’re listening to about it.
Be aware: this submit was final up to date in 2023. We hold all of our Greece content material as up-to-date as attainable. To study extra about Greece journey, take a look at our Greece Journey Information.
Blessed with a jagged shoreline, picturesque villages, a hilly inside, and some of the greatest seashores in Greece (particularly Navagio Seaside), Zakynthos rapidly grew to become considered one of 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 characteristic prominently in your subsequent Greek Itinerary.
On this article, I’m going to listing 15 of the perfect issues to do in Zakynthos in an effort to get an concept of what’s on supply right here.
You’ll discover that lots of the issues to do in Zakynthos are beach-related, as that is what the island is greatest 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” provides the proper stress-free vacation spot for these within the know.
💡Bonus Tip: automotive rental in Greece could be very cheap and undoubtedly value it in the course of your keep. When you lease for 1 week, you’ll doubtless pay not more than $20 / day (we paid $17) and it offers you the liberty to see all the sights on this submit.
Be aware: Click on the maps to open in Google Maps
1. Navagio Seaside (Shipwreck Cove)
Okay, let’s begin with the primary 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 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 Seaside, both by sea or from the highest of the cliffs. There are not any roads main on to the sand, so to swim within the water and see the shipwreck up shut, you’ll need to 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 choice will probably 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 possibly can 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 need to 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 possibly can drive proper up, get out of your automotive, snap just a few images after which drive off.
Please word: The most effective 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 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 bound to be deadly. Keep on the platform.
2. Sundown Dinner & Drinks at Lofos Restaurant
Unquestionably, this small, Greek-run restaurant has the perfect views of Zakynthos’ rugged inside. Choose a desk alongside the deck and peer over the cliff down in the direction of the farmlands beneath and the Ionian Sea within the distance.
The meals right here is unbelievable, 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, you must 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 doubtless get a free dessert, so you could not need to order one!
We did a complete assessment of Lofos Restaurant so for those who’re pondering of heading there for dinner or late afternoon drinks, you should definitely 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).
Try our full assessment of Xigia Seaside together with easy methods to get there, close by eating places and extra.
4. Snorkel / Dive (With Turtles)
The reefs and seashores round Zakynthos are dwelling 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 prone to spot a turtle in some unspecified time in the future throughout your journey to Zakynthos, however to raised your possibilities you need to undoubtedly hop on a ship and go discover them.
Be sure to do your analysis and go together with an organization that practices protected snorkelling with animals.
When you see 10 boats pulling up alongside one turtle with a whole lot of individuals leaping in without delay, you need to inform the information that you simply don’t approve. This stresses out the animals and may trigger hurt to the ecosystems.
You gained’t simply see Turtles within the Ionian Sea both! There are many comfortable and laborious corals, in addition to fish and crustacean life that discover a dwelling within the rocky underwater topography close to Zakynthos.
You may be part of diving and snorkelling excursions with many clothes shops 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 may normally get reductions for giant teams or for a number of journeys.
5. Go to The Venetian Fort
When you can peel your self away from the seashore for just a few hours, you could need to take into account visiting the previous ruins of the Venetian Fort. A go to right here is likely one of the greatest 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, but it surely’s nonetheless value a go to for those who’re already close to Zante City.
The precise date of its building continues to be unknown, but it surely 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 by an previous jail, gunpowder rooms, bastions, church buildings and an previous sewage system.
When you plan to go to the citadel, take a look at our submit about Visiting The Venetian Fort 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 favorite 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 in addition as a result of it was the place we discovered our favorite seashore bar on all the island, 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 without spending a dime 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 just some meters from shore. It’s actually laborious to beat a seashore like this!
Try our complete submit all about Alykes Seaside to search out out extra about the perfect 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 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 (typically) turtles down beneath.
There’s additionally a stunning lighthouse close by and the city of Keri itself can be value a go to.
The Keri Cliffs are additionally probably the greatest sundown spots on the island as (on a transparent day) you possibly can watch the huge 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 submit all in regards to the village of Keri Zakynthos which incorporates the perfect 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 personal boat tour (with captain) across the island and it was a variety 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 personal journey, you possibly can ask your captain to cease wherever you need.
When you’re comfy driving a ship, an alternative choice is to lease your individual boat and drive across the shoreline your self!
Because of heavy winds and excessive waves, you in all probability gained’t have the ability to take the boat to Shipwreck Cove, however you possibly can rip round to totally different bays, anchor up and swim with no one 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. When you plan to do that in Zakynthos, take a look at this firm.
When you plan to carry snacks and refreshments on the boat with you, then you definitely may as effectively decide up a small foam cooler from the grocery retailer for about €10 – €15. Then you possibly can have some ice-cold beers and lunch whilst you’re floating out at sea!
You don’t want a license to lease considered one of these small (40HP+) boats, but it surely’s beneficial that you’ve 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 for those who cut up the price, 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 possibly can drive the boat across the south, east and west finish of the island. Be sure to 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 prime firm, or 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 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 may lease reclining seashore chairs for €4 every, however there isn’t any meals or drinks served on the seashore because it’s a marine-protected space (turtles come right here to nest every so often).
In order for you any snacks or refreshments, it’s greatest to purchase them from the outlets 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 likely one of the most stress-free issues to do in Zante.
We wrote a submit all about Gerakas Seaside, easy methods to get there, the place to remain, the perfect eating places within the space and many others., so for those who’re planning on going to this beautiful seashore throughout your keep in Zakynthos, be sure to test that out.
10. Porto Limnionas
That is undoubtedly 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 harbour surrounded by multicoloured cliffs and a number 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 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 excellent, so it’s an ideal place for a drink.
Try our submit all about visiting Porto Limnionas for extra info on the perfect eating places close by, easy methods to 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 might not instantly attraction guests, but it surely does have its personal native flare.
There are quite a few eating places right here, just a few pedestrian-only streets, and an attractive seafront promenade that faces a pure harbour crammed 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 truly actually loved strolling round this seaside capital.
Try our Information to Zante City which incorporates all the things it’s essential to learn about visiting this stunning Ionian Capital together with the place to remain, the perfect eating places, the perfect close by seashores and easy methods 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 snorkelling and wonderful images. The water right here takes on a greenish-blue hue and there’s a good (however overpriced) seashore bar right here referred to as Porto Azzuro Seaside Bar.
You’ll need to pay for sunbeds (€5 / day) even for those who select to eat on the bar. Convey a towel and lay it within the sand without spending a dime and revel in a calming afternoon.
When you order meals, you possibly can sit on the eating tables without spending a dime within the restaurant and look out on the beautiful view over the bay, simply not the sunbeds.
For extra about visiting this beautiful cove, take a look at our Porto Azzuro Information which incorporates easy methods to get right here, the place to eat, the perfect 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 won’t be as scenic as Porto Azurro on a transparent day, however the sand right here is comfortable and there are sunbeds for lease as effectively.
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.
Try our submit all about Banana Seaside together with the perfect locations to remain, the perfect eating places, easy methods 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 working, however at first look, it’s nothing to put in writing dwelling about.
For us, it was the setting of this tiny, family-run tavern, probably the greatest on the island, that made Psarou value lingering for.
The meals is sweet, the costs are respectable and the service is superb.
Because the solar dips low within the sky and the clouds mild up, the workers 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.
When you’re heading this manner on the island, take a look at our submit all about Psarou which included the perfect accommodations, greatest eating places close by, issues to do and extra.
15. Low-cost Cocktails at Tsilivi Seaside
Tsilivi Seaside is a protracted and beautiful stretch of sand with a variety 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!
When 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 a variety 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 perfect locations to eat and drink in addition to another traveller ideas.
There’s additionally extra about this beautiful little city on the backside of this submit
16. Bonus! Cooking Class
Everyone knows that the meals in Greece is a number of the greatest on this planet. So, why not learn to make a number of the unbelievable dishes throughout your journey to Zakynthos?!
This extremely rated, inexpensive cooking class teaches you easy methods to make a frappe (iced espresso) or Greek espresso, Stiffado, varied aspect dishes together with spinach and feta pie, and a masterclass demonstration on easy methods to make filo pastry. Plus, there’s a wine tasting!
This can be a hands-on cooking expertise. After making your whole scrumptious dishes, you’ll head to an attractive shaded backyard to benefit from the meal, together with some dialog together with your host and different company.
Studying easy methods to make Greek meals is likely one of the greatest 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 accessible on Zakynthos
The place To Keep on Zakynthos Island
It’s all about low cost flats in Zakynthos. We had an attractive, newly renovated studio with a sea and olive grove view at Katerina Rooms close to Psarou and it value us simply €20 per evening. You could find 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 submit, however listed here are our favourites:
Getting Round Zakynthos
As I discussed earlier, it’s important that you simply lease a automotive whilst you’re on Zakynthos Island for those who hope to see all the sights on this article.
We rented our automotive with Expedia and opted out of the prolonged insurance coverage, which meant that the automotive value us simply $17 / day.
You may take minibusses to some components 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.
When you’re taking just a few buses each day, the prices add up anyhow. Even for those who’re on a funds, we suggest splurging for a automotive 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 cherished it.
Zante has a whole lot of low cost flats 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 might not be 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 unbelievable expertise 😀
