Discover our complete guide on where to stay, eat, drink and play in Zakynthos.

Within this edit, you’ll find the island’s most alluring gems- including off-the-map beaches, stylish retreats, laid-back wineries and understated restaurants that may be tucked away from the crowds, yet feel closer to the island’s raw, untamed spirit.

Perfect for…

Those travelling with kids, a crew of adventurous friends, or anyone eager to experience some of the best beaches and clearest waters.

See + Do

Rent a Boat

If you do just one thing on Zakynthos, make it a day on the water. Renting a boat lets you reach the island’s most secluded beaches, sea caves, and stunning coves- the kind you won’t find in any guidebook.

Stop for Local Products

Farm stands dotted across the island sell local sun-ripened tomatoes, golden honey, and beautifully fragrant olive oil. It’s one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to connect with the land and its makers.

Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach

No trip to Zakynthos is complete without seeing the island’s most iconic sight, either from the sea or the dramatic clifftop viewpoint. Go early (ideally before 8am) to avoid the crush, and don’t venture beyond the safety barriers- restricted paths are strictly monitored and can be dangerous.

Cameo Island

Reached by a charming wooden bridge from Agios Sostis Harbour, this tiny private islet is part of the island’s marine park. Come early to enjoy clear waters, soft light, and a serene swim before the day-trippers arrive.

Venetian Castle

High above Zakynthos Town, the Venetian Castle offers sweeping views across the island’s capital and coastline. It’s a quiet, atmospheric spot to stroll and take in centuries of layered history.

Zakynthos Town

The island’s capital is a pleasure to explore on foot, with its neoclassical facades, lively squares, and café culture. Head to St. Mark’s Square for dining and people-watching and stop by the Byzantine Museum for a deeper dive into local heritage.

Discover the National Marine Park

Zakynthos is home to Greece’s first national marine park, created to protect the endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Take a boat to Marathonissi (Turtle Island) and spot these gentle creatures in their natural habitat- eco-conscious tours allow for responsible, respectful viewing.

Relax at the Thermal Springs of Xygia

Tucked away on the island’s northeast coast, Xygia Beach is known for its striking milky-blue water, thanks to natural sulfur springs bubbling up from the seabed. Believed to have therapeutic properties, the water offers a refreshing, mineral-rich soak with a view.

Best Museums

Zakynthos offers a rich cultural landscape for museum lovers. The standout is the Post-Byzantine Museum in the Chora, with masterpieces from major Cretan and Zakynthian painters. Nearby, the Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians Museum honours Greece’s national poet, while the Xenopoulos Museum and the Ugo Foscolo House offer an intimate look into the island’s literary roots.

Explore the Villages

The true charm of Zakynthos lies in its hilltop villages, where life moves gently and traditions run deep. Loucha is known for its stone homes and quiet rhythm, it’s a peaceful village where you can sample olive oil, honey, and handmade cheeses straight from the source. Kiliomenos, with its narrow laneways, stone architecture, and historic church of Agios Nikolaos, offers a glimpse into the island’s past and its artisan roots. Perched above the Ionian, Keri blends sweeping views with small-town charm. Stop by one of the traditional cafes for Greek coffee and homemade pies before heading to the nearby Keri Caves. For a sleepy village surrounded by olive groves, check out Agios Leon, with its traditional architecture and a handful of tavernas serving local dishes. 

Churches & Monasteries

Zakynthos is home to a number of historic religious sites worth visiting. The Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa offers hilltop views and Byzantine beauty, while the Church of Agios Dionysios, dedicated to the island’s patron saint, houses his relics beneath an elegant bell tower. Don’t miss the Anafonitria Monastery, rich in history and atmosphere.

Eat + Drink

Modern, Fine-Dining

For modern Greek food with serious edge, Prosilio in Zakynthos Town serves up seasonal flavours and serious technique, easily rivalling fine-dining restaurants in Athens, London, or Sydney. At Melia, the signature restaurant at Lesante Blu, chef Nikos Ispiroudis delivers precision, polish, and plates that are as artful as they are unforgettable.

Top-Notch Seafood 

Bassia, perched in Akrotiri, is known for its elegant seafood and sweeping Ionian views that are perfect for a romantic dinner. In the north, Nobelos Bio takes a slow-food approach with organic seafood dishes, served in a stylishly rustic space overlooking the water. Everything here comes straight from their estate or the nearby sea.

Dining With a View

Few places capture Zakynthos’ wild beauty like Nima Seafood Story (formerly Dominicale), where every dish comes with a panoramic sea view. Utopia Resto serves elevated island cuisine paired with unforgettable golden-hour sunsets- arguably the best on the island. For a laid-back yet atmospheric vibe, Cave Damianos delivers stunning sunsets framed by lush scenery and the Ionian Sea.

Authentic Zakynthian Cuisine

Malanos is a beloved local taverna, best known for its slow-cooked lamb and timeworn charm. In the villages, To Diafokereiko in Koilomenos and O Adelfos tou Kosta in Vasilikos serve rustic, no-frills dishes in warm, unpolished settings.

Farm-to-Table

Tucked into the olive groves of Vasilikos, Lithies Tavern is all about purity- everything is grown, raised, or foraged locally, with a strong emphasis on traditional family recipes. Ampelostrates, set in a working vineyard, brings a slightly more rustic charm, with homemade wine, handpicked ingredients, and plenty of local soul.

Coffee + Sweets

Start your day at Malanos, known for its wood-fired sweet pies and rustic charm. For small-batch gelato inspired by local flavours, Piero’s Gelateria is a must- don’t miss the thyme honey or citrus. For a taste of frigania, Zakynthos’ signature layered dessert and a good coffee, head to To Spiti Tou Latas or Diethnes Café Bistro in Bochali. Artogonia is our top pick for standout Freddo Espresso and irresistible sweets- think traditional syrup-soaked pastries and delicate millefeuille, with something to tempt every palate. Fournariko is a local go-to for cakes and baked treats, while Narkissos Patisserie in Zakynthos Town blends artisan gelato with beautifully crafted desserts. Over in Kerion, Café Stou Nitzi is a lovely little spot for morning coffee, waffles, and homemade sweets.

Local Flavours + Delicacies

Zakynthos has its own culinary identity, best experienced through its traditional delicacies. Ladotiri, a bold, spicy cheese aged in olive oil, and Pretza, a creamy, tangy cheese often served with honey, are local staples. Sweet lovers should try frigania (a three-layered dessert), fitoura (a cinnamon-dusted semolina cake), pasteli (sesame seed and honey), and mandolato (soft nougat), all rooted in the island’s past, and still very much a part of its flavourful present.

Cocktails + Wine 

L’été Sunset Bar– One of the newest arrivals, L’été pairs laid-back lounge vibes with breathtaking sunsets. Order a signature cocktail, sink into a low-slung chair, and watch the Ionian sky turn to gold.

Fondo Beach Bar- Set against the natural beauty of Porto Roxa, this refined beach bar blends laid-back elegance with fresh island flavours.

Movida Sky Bar & Restaurant– Perched atop Bochali Hill near the Venetian Castle, Movida delivers sweeping island views, fine Greek wines, and polished cocktails in an effortlessly elegant setting- ideal for a twilight aperitif or a late-night wind-down.

Klima Grampsa– Tucked away in Lagopodo, is a hidden gem for wine lovers looking for an intimate tasting experience, while enjoying amazing dishes that pair perfectly with each glass.

Art & Wine- Set in Orthonies, family-run Goumas Estate is a standout winery blending age-old techniques with artful wines and sweeping hillside views in a serene rural setting.

Ambelostrates Winery– A rustic gem where unique wines, a peaceful countryside setting, and unhurried conversations with the local owner come together for the perfect slow afternoon.

Discover

Best beaches…

Marathonissi Island- Known as Turtle Island, this protected islet offers crystal-clear waters and a peaceful, back-to-nature escape only accessible by boat.

Gerakas Beach- A long, golden stretch with calm waters and a slow, sleepy atmosphere, this is also an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles.

Dafni Beach- Laid-back and scenic, Dafni is beloved for its tranquil sea, soft sand, and unspoiled surroundings.

Porto Limnionas- A rocky inlet with vivid blue water, Limnionas is ideal for snorkelling and swimming in a dramatic, cliffside setting.

Porto Vromi- Framed by steep cliffs, this quiet cove has calm, emerald waters perfect for a peaceful swim or boat trip launch.

Porto Roxa- With its serene setting and effortlessly relaxed vibe, this beach offers a refreshing contrast to the island’s livelier shores.

Kalamaki Beach- Gentle, shallow waters and nearby tavernas make Kalamaki, a great spot for a leisurely swim and an unhurried lunch.

Porto Zorro- Easy to access and wonderfully low-key, this is ideal for families or travellers seeking a more relaxed beach day.

Banana Beach- Despite its popularity, Banana’s long stretch of sand means there’s always room to spread out- plus, it’s great for water sports.

Makris Gialos- Clear, turquoise waters and a pebbled shoreline makes this beach a favourite for snorkellers and divers.

Pelegaki Beach- Tucked away and wonderfully uncrowded, Pelegaki is perfect for a quiet swim in clear, shallow waters.

Blue Caves- Accessible only by boat, these luminous sea caves are a must for swimming and snorkelling in otherworldly, iridescent blue waters.

Keri Caves- Best explored by boat, the Keri Caves are a series of sea grottos with glassy waters and hidden swimming spots along the southern coast.

Shipwreck Beach (Navagio)- We’ve saved Zakynthos’ most iconic beach for last because while Navagio may be framed by towering cliffs and home to a rusted shipwreck, it’s more than just a postcard cliché. Swimming at the beach itself is currently restricted due to safety concerns, but you can still take in its dramatic beauty from the panoramic clifftop viewpoint or admire it by boat for an unforgettable perspective from the water.

Watch the sunset…

You’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to sunset spots, but some standout favourites include Porto Limnionas, L’été Sunset Bar, and Keri Lighthouse.

Where to stay…

Vasilikos– Located on the southern tip of the island, Vasilikos is a peaceful and scenic area known for its unspoilt beaches and lush natural beauty. Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a slower, more tranquil pace, here you’ll find a good mix of boutique hotels and relaxed seaside resorts.

Tsilivi– This area has quickly become one of Zakynthos’ most popular tourist hubs. It’s buzzing thanks to its mix of traditional family-run tavernas, lively bars, and vibrant night scene. Despite its nightlife credentials, Tsilivi also offers a surprising number of elegant boutique hotels, making it a great base for those who want both fun and comfort.

Agios Nikolaos– This tiny fishing village operates mostly during the summer months and is perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more authentic island feel. Though it’s a little further from the main town, its laid-back charm and access to boat trips to Kefalonia, Shipwreck Beach, and the Blue Caves make it well worth the detour.

Akrotiri– Perched on the island’s eastern coast, Akrotiri is a serene and scenic spot ideal for travellers wanting to escape the crowds. With sweeping views over the Ionian Sea and dramatic cliffs that catch the sunset beautifully, it’s a picturesque retreat that still offers easy access to Zakynthos Town and nearby highlights.

Where to sleep…

Lesante Cape– Set in the peaceful area of Akrotiri, this ultra-luxurious retreat blends elegance with tranquillity. Expect expansive sea views, spacious suites, direct beach access, and a refined take on Zakynthian architecture- all wrapped in a serene, upscale atmosphere.

Olea All Suite Hotel– Located just minutes from the beach in Tsilivi, Olea is a sleek, design-forward haven for modern minimalists. Each suite feels like a private oasis, many with swim-up access or plunge pools, all surrounded by lush greenery.

Contessina Suites & Spa– In the resort town of Tsilivi, Contessina balances boutique luxury with convenience. Think stylish pools, a serene spa, and easy access to both the beach and local nightlife- ideal for those wanting both relaxation and a little buzz.

Nobelos Seaside Lodge– Built entirely from stone in traditional Zakynthian style, this charming family-run hotel offers stunning views, a pristine beach, and warm hospitality.

Akron Luxury Suites– On the island’s quiet northern coast, these immaculate suites strike the perfect balance between tradition and modern design. Each one comes with a private pool and sweeping ocean views. 

Zante Maris Suites- Set in Tsilivi, this modern, adults-only eco-friendly hotel offers a holistic spa and invites guests to unwind amidst lush Mediterranean nature.

Memorias Suites- Located in Vasilikos, the modern suites offer a comfortable and stylish stay with natural touches like wood and ceramics, along with calming sea and mountain views from every room for a truly relaxing experience.

Essentials

Getting there: You can reach Zakynthos by ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens, with the journey taking approximately 6 to 8 hours. For a faster option, direct flights from Athens to Zakynthos take just under an hour, and during the summer months, there are also international charter flights from various European cities.

Best time to go: The ideal time to visit is from late spring through to early autumn, when the weather is warm. Keep in mind the busy peak months are July and August.

Ideal time to stay: Zakynthos is one of the larger Ionian islands, with plenty to see and do. To experience its highlights without rushing, aim to stay for at least five days.

Getting around: To explore the island properly, renting a car is highly recommended. Zakynthos is quite spread out, and while there are some public transport options, they’re limited. Take care on the roads, especially when sharing them with motorbikes, buggies, and ATVs, which are common in summer.

Main Image by Lesante Cape

 

All brands are carefully handpicked by our editors. We may earn a commission if you purchase through affiliate links on our site.