Zakynthos Greece (also known as Zante Island) is actually a small, stunning island that bobs in the Ionian Sea of western Greece. With amazing accommodation options, fantastic restaurants, welcoming locals, and several of the greatest beaches in Greece, it is no surprise why this island is actually among the fastest growing tourist destinations in the nation.
After traveling around Greece for almost three weeks, we still consider Zakynthos one of our favorite islands to visit. Although the south of the island is actually dominated by mostly mundane resort beach towns offering the typical inclusive holiday packages, the north and center of Zakynthos is still an exciting place to explore.
The craggy, cliff-strewn coastlines surrounding Zakynthos bless it with some breathtaking white sand beaches tucked in secluded coves and sheltered by dramatic skyscraper cliffs. When you are looking for a beach holiday, this’s one of your best options in Greece, but do not be fooled into believing that is all Zante has to offer.
In this guide to Zakynthos Greece, I will break down all you have to know about traveling to this fascinating Greek island.
Click here to get the best place to stay: Villa in Zakynthos
Where’s Zakynthos?
Zakynthos is probably the southernmost portion of the main Ionian island chain, around twenty kilometers west of the Greek mainland and 249 kilometers from Athens. The island of Kefalonia is fifty kilometers north of Zakynthos. Additionally, there are a couple of small islets around Zakynthos, including Kalonisi and Marathonisi to the south.
The very best Time to Go To Zakynthos Greece You can visit Zante at any time of the year. Still, our favorite time to visit is actually in the Spring (March to May) or perhaps Fall (September to November) when it is not very warm, and there are actually fewer tourists. The prices of accommodation are also much lower at this time with savings of up to fifty % in the experience of ours.
If you do not mind being around crowds, then the Summer (June to August) is also a good time to visit. If you get too hot, you can always head to one of the many beaches to cool down.
We last visited Zakynthos in the Spring, and it was beautiful. The days were hot, but the evenings tended to cool down enough we were at ease while sleeping, and the sea was still hot enough for a (chilly) swim.
Easter, Christmas, and August, and July are actually the total peak visitor times for Zakynthos, and during those times, the prices can skyrocket.
Winter (November to March) is actually an okay time to visit, but do not count on going swimming as the sea temperature can dip to 12°C (54°F) in February and January. You might also find that several restaurants and hotels are actually closed at this specific time.
Where To Stay
You will find several different areas to stay on Zakynthos Island, with the most popular beach destinations clustered together on eastern coasts and the south of the island. Allow me to share the very best places to stay in Zakynthos.
Zante Town
The capital city of Zakynthos is actually a great small town right on the sea. This’s probably the largest city on the island, but it is not the best place to stay in our opinion. There are many tourist hotels and restaurants here, but it is probably not on the nicest beach, and it is much more of a bustling port city than a tourist attraction.
Click here to book the best villa in Zante
Laganas
The majority of people who visit Zante is going to stay in Laganas. This’s the primary tourist center famous for parties and popular with European pupils and young tourists on short vacations. You will find many great accommodation options here, including cheap apartments, nice resorts, and cool boutique hotels.
Agios Sostis
Just two kilometers west of busy Laganas is actually the more laid-back Agios Sostis. This’s a walkable distance from Laganas, so it usually gets busy with day-trippers, especially those that come for the picturesque Cameo Island, which is actually connected to the mainland by a beautiful little bridge (you’ve most likely seen the photos), as well as nearby Turtle Island.
Tsilivi & Planos and plans Tsilivi are actually another one of the most popular beach destinations in Zante. The family-friendly, shallow, calm, two-kilometer-long “Blue Flag” beach of Tsilivi is among the safest and most beautiful to swim in. There are lots of accommodation options in excellent restaurants and both towns along the sea here also.