Menu
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
The best time to visit Zakynthos depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to enjoy on the island.
Wizz Air and Ryanair offers direct flights across Europe to Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH).
It’s easy to extend your holiday and explore Athens along with Zakynthos. Daily flights connect Zakynthos to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) in Athens. You can visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus amphitheater.
If you prefer to travel overland, you can take a bus from Athens to the port of Kyllini and then catch a ferry to Zakynthos. This option takes longer than flying but offers a scenic route through the Greek countryside.
By ferry only: Another option to get to Zakynthos from Athens is by ferry. Ferries depart from the port of Piraeus in Athens and arrive at the port of Zakynthos. The ferry journey takes around 5-6 hours.
Travel Tip(s)
No matter how you travel, it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season (June to August).
Book your ferry well in advance.
The local food in Zakynthos is a mix of traditional Greek and Italian influences, reflecting the island’s history of occupation and migration.
Dolmades: These are stuffed grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. They are a popular appetizer in most tavernas on the island.
Tzatziki: This creamy yogurt dip is made with garlic, olive oil, and dill and is commonly served as a condiment with meats or as a dip with pita bread.
Souvlaki: These grilled meat skewers, usually made with pork or chicken, are a staple in Greek cuisine and can be found throughout the island.
Octopus in Wine Sauce: This is a popular dish made with tender octopus simmered in a sauce made with red wine, olive oil, and local herbs.
Stifado: A hearty stew made with beef or rabbit, onions, and red wine. It is traditionally slow-cooked for several hours and is a staple dish on the island.
Baklava: This sweet pastry is made with layers of phyllo dough, honey, and chopped nuts. It is a popular dessert and can be found in bakeries and cafes throughout the island.
Ouzo: This anise-flavored liqueur is a staple of Greek culture and is often served as an aperitif before a meal. It is typically mixed with water, which turns it milky white, and is best enjoyed with meze plates of small dishes.
Greek Coffee: This strong and flavorful coffee is traditionally brewed in a small copper pot called a briki. It is often served after a meal and is an essential part of Greek culture.
Once upon a time, on the beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos, there lived a special species of turtles known as the Caretta caretta turtles. These turtles were famous for their grace and beauty as they swam through the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea. They lived in peace and harmony with the inhabitants of the island, who cherished and protected them.
Every summer, the turtles would make their way to the shores of Zakynthos to lay their eggs. The islanders would watch in awe as the magnificent creatures emerged from the sea, crawled up the sandy beaches, and dug holes in which to lay their eggs. The sight was a breathtaking one, and the islanders were proud to play a role in the preservation of this special species.
However, despite their best efforts, the turtles faced many challenges. The island’s beaches were often cluttered with trash, which not only spoiled the beauty of the beaches but also posed a threat to the turtles and their eggs. Fishing nets and other debris would often get tangled around the turtles, making it difficult for them to swim and breathe. The islanders knew they had to do something to help the turtles, so they came together to create the Zakynthos Sea Turtle Protection Society.
The society worked tirelessly to clean up the beaches, to educate tourists and locals about the importance of keeping the beaches clean, and to enforce stricter regulations to protect the turtles and their habitats. Their efforts paid off, and soon the beaches of Zakynthos were once again clean and safe for the turtles.
The Caretta caretta turtles thrived once again, and the islanders took great pride in their successful efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. Visitors from all over the world flocked to Zakynthos to see the turtles, and the island became known as a haven for these amazing animals.
Years went by, and the Zakynthos Sea Turtle Protection Society continued to work tirelessly to protect the turtles. Today, the Caretta caretta turtles of Zakynthos are a symbol of hope and resilience, a testament to the power of cooperation and the human spirit to protect and preserve the natural world. The islanders will always be proud of their role in the preservation of these special creatures, and they will continue to work to ensure that the turtles of Zakynthos are protected for generations to come.
Zakynthos offers a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Walk along the promenade in Zakynthos Town: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade in the capital city of Zakynthos and admire the beautiful views of the Ionian Sea.
Explore the streets of the capital city: Walk through the narrow streets of Zakynthos Town and admire the traditional architecture and charming squares.
Visit the Solomos Square: This charming square, located in the capital city of Zakynthos, is named after the famous Greek poet Dionysios Solomos and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Visit the St. Mark’s Square: This charming square, also located in Zakynthos Town, is surrounded by traditional taverns and cafes and is a great place to relax and people-watch.
Visit the Public Library of Zakynthos: This library, located in the capital city of Zakynthos, houses a collection of books, maps, and manuscripts related to the island’s history and culture.
Walk through the Bohali Hill: This hill, located in the capital city of Zakynthos, offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the town of Zakynthos.
Visit the St. Dennis’ Church: This church, located in the capital city of Zakynthos, is dedicated to St. Dennis, the patron saint of the island, and is known for its beautiful frescoes and icons.
Walk along the harbor: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor in Zakynthos Town and admire the boats, cafes, and restaurants.
Zakynthos is a vibrant and lively island that celebrates its rich cultural heritage with several festivals and events throughout the year.
The Saint Dionysios Festival is a major celebration on the Greek island of Zakynthos. It honors Saint Dionysios, the island’s patron saint. There are actually two celebrations each year:
Both festivals are public holidays on Zakynthos and involve religious ceremonies, parades through the town, traditional music and dance, and local food and wine. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Church of Agios Dionysios in Zakynthos Town to venerate the saint.
Wine Festival (September): This festival celebrates the local wine-making tradition and includes tastings, music, and traditional dancing.
Carnival (February/March): This festival is held before the start of Lent and features colorful parades, street performances, and music.
Summer Solstice (June 21st): This is a celebration of the longest day of the year and includes bonfires, music, and dancing on the beaches.
Olive Harvest Festival (November): This festival celebrates the olive harvest and includes food tastings, music, and folk dancing.
Travel Tip(s)
There is so much to do in Zakynthos. Therefore, create a shortlist of the things you don’t want to miss out on. Like the following 7 experiences:
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is accessible by boat. The iconic beach with crystal clear turquoise waters hosts the abandoned ship.
The Keri Caves are on the southern coast of Zakynthos and offer a breathtaking view of the crystal-clear waters from the top of the cliffs.
St. Dionysios Church, in the capital city of Zakynthos, is dedicated to the patron saint of the island and houses some of its most important religious artifacts.
Zakynthos is a protected habitat for the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle, and guided boat tours are available to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The Blue Caves are natural caves on the northern coast of Zakynthos. They’re known for their blue waters and stunning rock formations.
The Village of Volimes gives you a glimpse into the island’s traditional rural life and cultural heritage. Sightseeing is about walking the narrow streets, viewing the stone houses, and visiting a traditional bakery.
The underground Drogarati Cave is near the village of Kambi. It’s known for unique stalactites and stalagmites.
Have a superb day exploring the island of Kefalonia. You might recognize its beauty from the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” Travel by bus and boat to see the island’s natural landscapes, including caves, mountains, and beaches.
Swim, suntan, and snorkel in the stunning blue caves, at the famous Shipwreck Beach, and in Xigia’s therapeutic sulfur waters. Capture amazing photos of hidden gems. Enjoy traditional Zakynthian cuisine.
Set sail from Agios Sostis for a 3-hour adventure! Explore the Keri Caves, cool off with a swim in the Ionian Sea, see amazing Caretta-Caretta turtles, and savor a delicious local lunch.
These travel essentials are some of Travel and Home’s most popular travel necessities and they also make great gifts!
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: Printed travel guides have a certain charm and practicality that keeps them relevant even in the digital age. Not all destinations have reliable internet access, or phone batteries last all day. A physical guide is always there, no need to worry about downloads or dead batteries. Make the most of your trip to Corfu and the Ionian Islands with DK Eyewitness Top 10. YOU GET easy-to-follow itineraries, expert advice, detailed maps, travel tips about family activities, festivals and events, things to do for free, and much more. And wait for it, the guide covers Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Corfu Old Town, Palaio Frourio, Corfu Town, Mon Repos Estate, Corfu Town, Achílleion Palace, Korisíon Lagoon, Corfu, Lefkáda Town, Argostóli, Kefalloniá, Mýrtou Bay Area, Kefalloniá, Caves of Kefallonia, Zákynthos Town, Corfu, Paxí and Antipaxí, Lefkáda, Kefalloniá, and Ithaki, Zákynthos. Now that’s why we recommend it – value for money!
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique and interesting experience, these sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and the cultural heritage of Zakynthos. Here’s a list of some of the most notable historical sites on the island that you can explore:
The Venetian Castle: This castle, built by the Venetians in the 16th century, is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the island. It offers panoramic views of Zakynthos Town and the harbor and is a popular spot for tourists.
The Solomos Museum: Named after the famous Greek poet Dionysios Solomos, the Solomos Museum is dedicated to the life and works of the poet. The museum is located in his birthplace.
The Byzantine Museum: This museum is dedicated to the Byzantine era on the island and features a collection of Byzantine artifacts, including icons, frescoes, and manuscripts.
The Venetian mansion: The Venetian mansion is a beautiful example of Venetian architecture and is now a museum dedicated to the Venetian era on the island.
The Saint Dionysios Church: This is one of the largest and most important churches on the island, and is dedicated to the patron saint of Zakynthos, Saint Dionysios. The church features a beautiful wooden iconostasis and several important religious relics.
The Museum of Post-Byzantine Art: This museum features a collection of post-Byzantine art, including icons, paintings, and sculptures from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Celebrate and save on seasonal and holiday deals.
Nightlife: If you want to be close to the nightlife, choose a hotel or apartment in Laganas, the main tourist area. Mandala Seafront Suites is a great choice if you’re looking for a beachfront hotel with stunning sea views.
Peaceful: For a more peaceful vacation, consider staying in one of the traditional villages such as Volimes or Alykes.
Budget-Friendly: Zakynthos offers a range of accommodation options for different budgets, from budget-friendly apartments to luxury hotels and apartments.
Zama Suites is located in Zakynthos Town, 500 meters from Dionysios Solomos Museum and 600 meters from Dimokratias Square. ” Good clean place, the location is very good, we arrived with the ferry and Denis (landlord) helped us so much, explained us all the places we can… ”
Atlantica Eleon Grand Resort lies right in front of an accredited Blue Flag beach. “Great hotel, so glad we chose this , would highly recommend . Food was fantastic with a great section . Staff were incredible , if you are after a…”
This 2-bedroom apartment is surrounded by olive trees. It’s just a few yards from the beach of Agios Sostis in Zakynthos. Panorama Inn also has a restaurant and bar. “The view from the apartment was beautiful. It was quite close to everything. The host was super nice and helpful. Everything was clean and they…”
Discover Mycenae, Ancient Olympia, Meteora, and more. Cruise around Zakynthos Island and see the Navagio and Blue Caves.
Zakynthos is most probably the most exotic of all the Greek islands. It has the full package, namely exquisite scenery, amazing nightlife, clear turquoise water, pristine beaches with sugar-fine sand, and Greek cuisine at its very best!
Enjoy Zakynthos and come back to “tell us all about it”!
Planning a trip revolves around key elements like flights, accommodation, activities, and cuisine. They form the foundation of a successful travel experience.
It’s like building a well-rounded story, and these pillars indeed play a crucial role.
FLIGHTS determine your JOURNEY
WHERE YOU STAY influences your COMFORT
WHAT YOU DO shape your MEMORIES
WHAT YOU CONSUME adds flavor to your ADVENTURE
Explore exclusive deals from our trusted partners:
Air Serbia | Austrian Airlines | Aviasales | CheapOAir | CheapTickets | Ethiopian Airlines | Iberia | *Lufthansa Europe’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2023, Europe’s Leading Airline 2024, & Airline Brand 2024 | * Qatar Airways the Middle East’s Leading Airline 2023 and 2024, Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2024, the World’s Leading Airline 2023, the World’s Leading Airline – Business Class 2023 | *Swiss International Europe’s Leading Airline to Asia 2024 | Travelstart | Virgin Atlantic North America’s Leading Airline – Economy Class 2024, Europe’s Leading Airline – Economy Class 2023, Europe’s Leading Airline to North America 2023
* World Travel Awards winners
Copyright ©2024 TRAVEL AND HOME® All Rights Reserved.| Disclaimer | Privacy & Cookie Policy | About Us
Retreats and Relaxation, Getaways, Award-Winning Vacations, Travel Tips, Recipes from Around the Globe, Travel-Inspired Home Ideas.
Travel enthusiasts! 🌍✈️ Are you ready to embark on a journey of adventure and inspiration? Join #travelandhome where the travel magic never ends. 🌟 Whether you’re a globetrotter, a homebody, or someone who just loves good food, Travel and Home has something special for you.
Stay updated on travel news on X!
Reviews from our readers….
