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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.
While you hear the title Greece, it probably 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.
☞ On the lookout for Seashores? Try our record of the Prime 15 Seashores In Zakynthos You Received’t Need To Miss.
Many travellers from the UK and elements of Europe have already found this Ionian magnificence, which lies west of mainland Greece, however for North People and travellers from different elements of the world, this might be the primary time you’re listening to about it.
Notice: this publish was final up to date in 2023. We hold all of our Greece content material as up-to-date as doable. To study extra about Greece journey, try our Greece Journey Information.
Blessed with a jagged shoreline, picturesque villages, a hilly inside, and some of the greatest seashores in Greece (specifically Navagio Seashore), Zakynthos rapidly grew to become one among our favorite islands within the nation.
Sufficiently small to simply navigate by automobile, however massive sufficient to supply a variety of landscapes, villages and coastlines, this Ionian island ought to characteristic prominently in your subsequent Greek Itinerary.
On this article, I’m going to record 15 of the perfect issues to do in Zakynthos so as to get an concept of what’s on provide 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 identified 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” presents the proper enjoyable vacation spot for these within the know.
💡Bonus Tip: automobile rental in Greece could be very cheap and positively value it all through your keep. Should you lease for 1 week, you’ll probably pay not more than $20 / day (we paid $17) and it offers you the liberty to see all the sights on this publish.
Notice: Click on the maps to open in Google Maps
1. Navagio Seashore (Shipwreck Cove)
Okay, let’s begin with the principle attraction on the island and probably probably the most photographed website in your entire 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 midst 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 imagine the romantic story or not doesn’t matter, the large ship resting on the sand positively provides to the attraction and attract of this spectacular sight.
There are two methods to see Navagio Seashore, 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 must take a ship tour.
These will be employed from totally different cities across the island. When you’ve got a automobile, then your least expensive possibility shall be to drive to the closest cove to Navagio Seashore 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 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 all places and it’s well-marked on Google Maps (Click on Right here for the precise location). The car parking zone is correct subsequent to the platform, so you possibly can drive proper up, get out of your automobile, snap a couple of photographs after which drive off.
Please observe: The perfect views are from the cliffs to the precise of the platform and you may even see some folks clambering alongside them to take the proper selfie. Vacationers have lately died falling off of those rocks and it isn’t really helpful 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
Certainly, 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 direction of the farmlands under 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.
Normally, at a spot like this, you must pay additional for the meals as a result of the view is so good, however that’s not the case at Lofos.
You’ll additionally probably get a free dessert, so it’s possible you’ll not wish to order one!
We did a whole assessment of Lofos Restaurant so if you happen to’re considering of heading there for dinner or late afternoon drinks, remember to test it out. Discover it on the map, right here. For an additional sundown possibility, don’t miss this wonderful tour.
3. Xigia Seashore
One other extremely scenic seashore on the island of Zakynthos.
This secluded cove is guarded on three sides by massive cliffs, the water is gorgeous and there’s even a sulfur scorching spring right here (which explains the unusual scent).
Try our full assessment of Xigia Seashore together with tips on how 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 lovely creature will be noticed within the Zakynthos Marine Park or coming ashore to put eggs within the night on many bays (even common 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 possibilities it’s best to positively 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 directly, it’s best to inform the information that you just 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 exhausting corals, in addition to fish and crustacean life that discover a house within the rocky underwater topography close to Zakynthos.
You possibly can be a part of diving and snorkelling excursions with many clothing stores on the island. Most cost round €50 for one dive with gear and round €30 per particular person for a full day snorkel journey with gear rent. You possibly can normally get reductions for big teams or for a number of journeys.
5. Go to The Venetian Fort
Should you can peel your self away from the seashore for a couple of hours, it’s possible you’ll wish to take into account visiting the outdated 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 among the most imposing websites within the type of fortresses on Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Corfu.
The fort right here isn’t as spectacular as that of Assos Fort in Kefalonia, nevertheless it’s nonetheless value a go to if you happen to’re already close to Zante City.
The precise date of its building 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 means of an outdated jail, gunpowder rooms, bastions, church buildings and an outdated sewage system.
Should you plan to go to the fort, try our publish about Visiting The Venetian Fort in Zakynthos Greece to get an concept of what to anticipate.
6. Alykes Seashore: 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 one of the crucial lovely stretches of powdery golden sand that we discovered, but additionally as a result of it was the place we discovered our favorite seashore bar on your entire island, Porto Paradiso.
This place had scrumptious meals (with a couple of Greek choices), wonderful service and low cost beers and cocktails, plus they allow us to sit on the seashore chairs without spending a dime after we ordered from the restaurant or bar.
The view out in 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 exhausting to beat a seashore like this!
Try our total publish all about Alykes Seashore to search out out extra about the perfect eating places and bars, the place to remain and what to do round Alykes Seashore.
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 beautiful lighthouse close by and the city of Keri itself can also be value 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 good oranges, reds and purples.
You can even be a 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 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 – Considered one of The Coolest Issues To Do in Zakynthos
We did a personal boat tour (with captain) across the island and it was quite a lot 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 Seashore, White Seashore, 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.
Should you’re comfy driving a ship, an alternative choice is to lease your individual boat and drive across the shoreline your self!
Attributable to heavy winds and excessive waves, you most likely gained’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 one else round. That is positively 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 in Zakynthos, try this firm.
Should you plan to deliver snacks and refreshments on the boat with you, then you definately may as nicely choose 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 one among these small (40HP+) boats, nevertheless it’s really helpful that you’ve a little bit of expertise driving boats, although it’s not obligatory 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 if you happen to cut up the associated fee, it’s extraordinarily reasonably priced, particularly contemplating Jetskis and Sea-doos normally lease for $50 / hour in different elements of the world!
Should you choose 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 advocate 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 Seashore – The Most Stress-free Factor To Do in Zante
Pronounced (Yer-ak-as), this lovely 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 encircling 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 isn’t a meals or drinks served on the seashore because it’s a marine-protected space (turtles come right here to nest occasionally).
If you need 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 likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Zante.
We wrote a publish all about Gerakas Seashore, tips on how to get there, the place to remain, the perfect eating places within the space and so on., so if you happen to’re planning on going to this pretty seashore throughout your keep in Zakynthos, be sure you examine that out.
10. Porto Limnionas
That is positively one of the crucial 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 among the clearest water you’ll see. The inexperienced rocks mirror the solar from under and light-weight 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 wanting down in 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 great, so it’s an important place for a drink.
Try our publish all about visiting Porto Limnionas for extra info on the perfect eating places close by, tips on how to get right here, when to return and what to anticipate.
11. Zante City
Positively not probably the most scenic metropolis in all of Greece, Zakynthos (Zante) City might not instantly attraction guests, nevertheless it does have its personal native flare.
There are quite a few eating places right here, a couple of pedestrian-only streets, and an exquisite seafront promenade that faces a pure harbour full of parked ferries, fishing boats and sailboats.
There are a few massive open plazas and loads of retailers and markets. Most of what you’ll ever want will be discovered right here.
We didn’t hear many constructive issues about Zante City previous to visiting, however we really actually loved strolling round this seaside capital.
Try our Information to Zante City which incorporates every thing you must learn about visiting this lovely Ionian Capital together with the place to remain, the perfect eating places, the perfect close by seashores and tips on how to get there and away.
12. Porto Azzuro
One more breathtaking cove, Porto Azzuro is a good 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 photographs. The water right here takes on a greenish-blue hue and there’s an honest (however overpriced) seashore bar right here known as Porto Azzuro Seashore Bar.
You’ll must pay for sunbeds (€5 / day) even if you happen to select to eat on the bar. Carry a towel and lay it within the sand without spending a dime and revel in a soothing afternoon.
Should 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 pretty cove, try our Porto Azzuro Information which incorporates tips on how to get right here, the place to eat, the perfect time to go to the seashore and extra.
13. Banana Seashore
One other lengthy stretch of golden sand, just some hundred meters south of Porto Azurro, Banana Seashore 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 comfortable and there are sunbeds for lease as nicely.
There’s a free shuttle bus from the city of Argassi to Banana Seashore, leaving the city at 10:45 am and returning at 4:00 pm.
Try our publish all about Banana Seashore together with the perfect locations to remain, the perfect eating places, tips on how 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 Seashore.
The seashore itself has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness for ten years operating, 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 value lingering for.
The meals is sweet, the costs are first rate and the service is great.
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 wonderful. 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.
Should you’re heading this manner on the island, try our publish all about Psarou which included the perfect resorts, greatest eating places close by, issues to do and extra.
15. Low cost Cocktails at Tsilivi Seashore
Tsilivi Seashore is a protracted and wonderful stretch of sand with quite a lot of seashore bars spilling out in direction of the water.
The seashore itself is gorgeous and that is probably the most taking place spot on the east coast. We extremely advocate 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 leisure, swimming and cocktails.
The city of Tsilivi additionally has quite a lot of eating places together with a couple of of our favourites. Click on Right here to learn our publish about Tsilivi Seashore which incorporates the perfect locations to eat and drink in addition to another traveller suggestions.
There’s additionally extra about this pretty 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 earth. So, why not learn to make among the unimaginable dishes throughout your journey to Zakynthos?!
This extremely rated, reasonably priced cooking class teaches you tips on how to make a frappe (iced espresso) or Greek espresso, Stiffado, varied facet dishes together with spinach and feta pie, and a masterclass demonstration on tips on how to make filo pastry. Plus, there’s a wine tasting!
It is a hands-on cooking expertise. After making your whole scrumptious dishes, you’ll head to an exquisite shaded backyard to benefit from the meal, together with some dialog along with your host and different company.
Studying tips on how 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 really helpful excursions out there on Zakynthos
The place To Keep on Zakynthos Island
It’s all about low cost flats in Zakynthos. We had an exquisite, newly renovated studio with a sea and olive grove view at Katerina Rooms close to Psarou and it price us simply €20 per night time. You will discover a ton of different reasonably priced locations (particularly within the shoulder/low season) on Reserving.com.
Finest Eating places on Zakynthos Island
We’ve already listed a pair on this publish, however listed here are our favourites:
Getting Round Zakynthos
As I discussed earlier, it’s important that you just lease a automobile whilst you’re on Zakynthos Island if you happen to 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 elements of the island, however you’ll have to attend on the highway for them to return, they usually don’t go in all places.
Should you’re taking a couple of buses day-after-day, the prices add up anyhow. Even if you happen to’re on a price range, we advocate 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 out there, 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 lovely seashores and eat scrumptious Greek meals.
It will not be a historical past buff’s paradise, however there are numerous issues to do and it’s the proper vacation spot for these seeking to loosen up 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 😀
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