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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 among the best locations to go to in Greece.
Once 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.
☞ In search of Seashores? Try our listing of the Prime 15 Seashores In Zakynthos You Received’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.
Observe: this publish was final up to date in 2022. We hold all of our Greece content material as up-to-date as potential. 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 (specifically Navagio Seaside), Zakynthos rapidly grew to become certainly one of our favorite islands within the nation.
Sufficiently small to simply navigate by automobile, however giant sufficient to supply a variety 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 very best issues to do in Zakynthos so as to get an thought 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 received’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 proper enjoyable vacation spot for these within the know.
Bonus Tip: automobile rental in Greece could be very cheap and undoubtedly price it at some point of your keep. Should you lease 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 all the sights on this publish.
Observe: 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 presumably essentially the most photographed web site in the complete nation. This gorgeous stretch of white sand and impossibly blue water is protected by a pure harbour with terrifyingly tall 200 meter excessive cliffs on 3 sides.
Set smack dab in the midst of the sand is a decaying ship. A (false) hearsay 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 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 Seaside, 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 must take a ship tour.
These could be employed from totally different cities across the island. When you’ve got a automobile, then your most cost-effective possibility shall 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 $25 / particular person. Study extra concerning the tour right here.
To see it from above (extremely really helpful), you’ll must drive your automobile to the viewing platform on the north finish of the island.
It’s very easy to get right here by automobile as there are indicators in every single place 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 automobile, snap just a few images after which drive off.
Please notice: The most effective views are from the cliffs to the precise of the platform and you might even see some folks clambering alongside them to take the proper selfie. Vacationers have just lately died falling off of those rocks and it’s not really helpful to enterprise past the platform. These cliffs are over 200 meters excessive and a slip is certain to be deadly. Keep on the platform.
2. Sundown Dinner & Drinks At Lofos Restaurant
Surely, this small, Greek-run restaurant has the very best views of Zakynthos’ rugged inside. Decide 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 incredible, 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 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 need to order one!
We did a whole evaluate of Lofos Restaurant so for those who’re pondering of heading there for dinner or late afternoon drinks, make sure to test it out. Discover it on the map, right here.
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 odor).
Try our full evaluate of Xigia Seaside together with the best way to 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 stunning creature could be noticed within the Zakynthos Marine Park or coming ashore to put eggs within the night on many bays (even fashionable ones) round Zakynthos and surrounding islands.
You’re more likely to spot a turtle in some unspecified time in the future throughout your journey to Zakynthos, however to higher your probabilities you must undoubtedly hop on a ship and go discover them.
Be sure to do your analysis and go along with an organization that practices protected snorkelling with animals.
Should you see 10 boats pulling up alongside one turtle with a whole lot of individuals leaping in without delay, you must inform the information that you simply don’t approve. This stresses out the animals and may trigger hurt to the ecosystems.
UPDATE 2022: The snorkelling journey with turtles is now not obtainable on Get Your Information however they do have another nice journeys obtainable. There’s a tour to see the turtles from a glass-bottom boat, together with a go to to the island the place the turtles lay their eggs. Click on right here to study extra concerning the boat tour to Keri Caves and turtle recognizing.
Should you’re in Zakynthos throughout mating season (Might to October) you would possibly be capable of see them on Laganas Seaside. Try our publish all about Recognizing Sea Turtles on Turtle Island Zakynthos to study extra about the best way to see these unbelievable creatures.
You received’t simply see Turtles within the Ionian Sea both! There are many smooth and laborious corals, in addition to fish and crustacean life that discover a house within the rocky underwater topography close to Zakynthos.
You possibly can be part of diving and snorkelling excursions with many clothing stores on the island. Most cost round €50 for one dive with tools and round €30 per particular person for a full day snorkel journey with tools rent. You possibly can often get reductions for giant teams or for a number of journeys.
5. Go to The Venetian Fort
Should you can peel your self away from the seashore for just a few hours, you could need to contemplate visiting the previous ruins of the Venetian Fort. A go to right here is without doubt 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 among 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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless price a go to for those who’re already close to Zante City.
The precise date of its development continues to be unknown, nevertheless it 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 army stronghold and guests can stroll by way of an previous jail, gun powder rooms, bastions, church buildings and an previous sewage system.
Should you plan to go to the citadel, take a look at our publish about Visiting The Venetian Fort in Zakynthos Greece to get an thought of what to anticipate.
6. Alykes Seaside: Considered 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 probably the most 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 the complete island, Porto Paradiso.
This place had scrumptious meals (with just a few Greek choices), glorious service and low-cost beers and cocktails, plus they allow us to sit on the seashore chairs totally free 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 only a few meters from shore. It’s actually laborious to beat a seashore like this!
Try our complete publish all about Alykes Seaside to seek out out extra about the very best 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 concerning the views. You possibly can park your automobile 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 among the best sundown spots on the island as (on a transparent day) you possibly can watch the large orb kiss the ocean on the horizon because the sky lights up with sensible oranges, reds and purples.
You can even be part of a ship tour which takes within the Keri Caves in addition to turtle recognizing.
Try our publish all concerning the village of Keri Zakynthos which incorporates the very best 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 – Considered one of The Coolest Issues To Do in Zakynthos
We did a non-public boat tour (with captain) across the island with Luxurious Island Occasions and it was lots of enjoyable, however we suggest renting a non-public boat for simply €80 / day plus gasoline (often €40) and drive across the shoreline your self!
Because of heavy winds and excessive waves, you in all probability received’t be capable of take the boat to Shipwreck Cove, however you possibly can rip round to totally different bays, anchor up and swim with no person else round. That is undoubtedly among the best issues to do in Zakynthos.
We ended up doing this on Corfu Island and it was actually among the best days we had in Greece.
Should you plan to do that, take a look at our publish How To Hire a Boat in Zakynthos to just remember to have a terrific expertise. We listing all of the top-rated corporations, the place to seek out the very best costs and likewise the best way to lease a ship with a driver in order for you.
Should you plan to convey snacks and refreshments on the boat with you, then you definitely would possibly as properly 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 certainly one of these small (40HP+) boats, nevertheless it’s really helpful that you’ve got a little bit of expertise driving boats, although it’s not needed as a result of the captains on the store will present you the ropes.
These boats are the proper dimension for two – 4 folks and for those who break up the associated fee, it’s extraordinarily reasonably priced, particularly contemplating Jetskis and Sea-doos often lease for $50 / hour in different components of the world!
Should 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 to e book your personal personal boat with Luxurious Island Occasions.
9. Gerakas Seaside – The Most Enjoyable 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 loosen up 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 possibly can lease reclining seashore chairs for €4 every, however there is no such thing as a meals or drinks served on the seashore because it’s a marine protected space (turtles come right here to nest every now and then).
If you would like any snacks or refreshments, it’s greatest to purchase them from the retailers 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 without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Zante.
We wrote a publish all about Gerakas Seaside, the best way to get there, the place to remain, the very best eating places within the space and so on., so for those who’re planning on going to this beautiful seashore throughout your keep in Zakynthos, be sure to examine that out.
10. Porto Limnionas
That is undoubtedly probably the most scenic coves on the island, and on an island blessed with numerous picturesque bays, that’s actually saying rather a lot.
Limnionas is a deep pure harbour surrounded by multicoloured cliffs and among the clearest water you’ll see. The inexperienced rocks mirror the solar from under and lightweight the ocean up like an aquarium.
You possibly can loosen up 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 great, so it’s a terrific place for a drink.
Try our publish all about visiting Porto Limnionas for extra data on the very best eating places close by, the best way to get right here, when to come back and what to anticipate.
11. Zante City
Positively not essentially the most scenic metropolis in all of Greece, Zakynthos (Zante) City might not instantly allure guests, nevertheless it does have its personal native flare.
There are quite a few eating places right here, just a few pedestrian-only streets, and a phenomenal 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 retailers 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 every thing you have to find out about visiting this stunning Ionian Capital together with the place to remain, the very best eating places, the very best close by seashores and the best way to get there and away.
12. Porto Azzuro
Yet one more breathtaking cove, Porto Azzuro is a good place to sit back out for the afternoon.
There’s a cluster of rocks within the water on the south finish of the seashore that makes for nice snorkelling and glorious images. The water right here takes on a greenish-blue hue and there’s an honest (however overpriced) seashore bar right here referred to as Porto Azzuro Seaside Bar.
You’ll must pay for sunbeds (€5 / day) even for those who select to eat on the bar. Deliver a towel and lay it within the sand totally free and luxuriate in a soothing afternoon.
Should you order meals, you possibly can sit on the eating tables totally free within the restaurant and look out on the gorgeous 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 the best way to get right here, the place to eat, the very best time to go to the seashore and extra.
13. Banana Seaside
One other lengthy stretch of golden sand, only a few hundred meters south of Porto Azurro, Banana Seaside has a greater (and extra reasonably priced) seashore bar on a hill overlooking the bay.
The seashore itself may not be as scenic as Porto Azurro on a transparent day, however the sand right here is smooth and there are sunbeds for lease as properly.
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 publish all about Banana Seaside together with the very best locations to remain, the very best eating places, the best way to 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 Seaside.
The seashore itself has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness for ten years working, however at first look, it’s nothing to write down house about.
For us, it was the setting of this tiny, family-run tavern, among the best on the island, that made Psarou price lingering for.
The meals is sweet, the costs are respectable and the service is great.
Because the solar dips low within the sky and the clouds gentle up, the workers gentle 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 without doubt 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.
Should you’re heading this manner on the island, take a look at our publish all about Psarou which included the very best accommodations, greatest eating places close by, issues to do and extra.
15. Low-cost Cocktails at Tsilivi Seaside
Tsilivi Seaside is an extended and beautiful stretch of sand with lots of seashore bars spilling out in the direction of the water.
The seashore itself is gorgeous and that is essentially 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!
Should 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 lots of eating places together with just a few of our favourites. Click on Right here to learn our publish about Tsilivi Seaside which incorporates the very best 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 publish
16. Bonus! Cooking Class
Everyone knows that the meals in Greece is among the greatest on the planet. So, why not learn to make among the unbelievable dishes throughout your journey to Zakynthos?!
This extremely rated, reasonably priced cooking class teaches you the best way to make a frappe (iced espresso) or Greek espresso, Stiffado, numerous facet dishes together with spinach and feta pie, and a masterclass demonstration on the best way to make filo pastry. Plus, there’s a wine tasting!
This can be a hands-on cooking expertise. After making all your scrumptious dishes, you’ll head to a phenomenal shaded backyard to benefit from the meal, together with some dialog together with your host and different visitors.
Studying the best way to make Greek meals is without doubt 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 really helpful excursions obtainable on Zakynthos
The place To Keep on Zakynthos Island
It’s all about low-cost flats in Zakynthos. We had a phenomenal, 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 reasonably priced locations (particularly within the shoulder/low season) on Reserving.com.
Greatest Eating places on Zakynthos Island
We’ve already listed a pair on this publish, however listed below are our favourites:
- Lofos Restaurant: Scrumptious Greek meals and (apparently) good pizza. (Meso Gerakari 291 00)
- Gyroland in Tsilivi City: Low-cost Gyros and beer (Tsilivi, Zakinthos 291 00)
- Alektor in Zante City: Chilled out, quiet little Greek-owned place on the primary pedestrian road (Leof. Dimokratias, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece)
- Porto Paradiso on Alykes Seaside: Nice Greek-run seashore bar with glorious meals, low-cost drinks and free seashore chairs (Katastari 290 90, Greece)
- Zorbas in Tsilivi City: Glorious Greek meals and ambiance at this Greek / Albanian owned place (Tsilivi, Planos 291 00, Greece)
- Olive Tree in Tsilivi City: One other nice Greek (British / Greek-owned) possibility with glorious cocktails and attractive native specialties (Planos 291 00, Greece)
Getting Round Zakynthos
As I discussed earlier, it’s important that you simply lease a automobile whilst you’re on Zakynthos Island for those who hope to see all the sights on this article.
We rented our automobile with Expedia and opted out of the prolonged insurance coverage, which meant that the automobile price us simply $17 / day.
You possibly can take minibusses to some components of the island, however you’ll have to attend on the street for them to come back, they usually don’t go in every single place.
Should you’re taking just a few buses every single day, the prices add up in any case. Even for those who’re on a funds, we suggest splurging for a automobile 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 obtainable, and whereas there’s not as a lot historical past and native tradition as the opposite Ionian Islands, it nonetheless has rather a lot 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 lots of issues to do and it’s the proper vacation spot for these seeking to loosen up and soak within the solar.
READ MORE:
- Zakynthos, Greece: Our Final Minute Journey Determination
- Kefalonia, Greece: Our 5 Day Journey Information
- Climate in Greece: When is The Greatest Time to Go to?
- Issues To Do in Corfu: Greece’s Ionian Star
- Greatest Seashores in Greece – a Record of The Prime 15
- Lesvos, Greece – Our 5 Day Journey Information
- Chios, Greece – Our 4 Day Journey Information
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 incredible expertise 
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