Zakynthos

Where is Zakynthos island?

Zakynthos Island, also known as Zante and Fiore di Levante, belongs to the Ionian island complex on the west coast of Greece. It is the complex’s third-largest island, after Kefalonia and Corfu, and the eleventh-largest Greek island.

How to get to Zakynthos island

You can get to Zakynthos island by plane from Athens or the Greek islands, or by ferry from Killini or another island in the Ionian Sea. Let’s explore your options!

Getting to Zakynthos by plane

One of the most popular ways to get to Zakynthos is by plane from Greece or abroad. Direct flights connect Athens International Airport to Zakynthos Airport throughout the year. Flights are operated by Olympic Air, Aegean Airlines, and Skyexpress and last approximately 50 minutes.

There are also seasonal flights to Zakynthos (from May to October) from several European countries, including Italy, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Getting to Zakynthos by ferry

You can also get to Zakynthos by ferry from Killini, a small coastal town in western Peloponnese. The boat trip from Killini to Zakynthos port lasts about 75 minutes.

Another option is to get from Kefalonia, another Ionian island, to Zakynthos by ferry. There are two daily ferry crossings (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) from Pessada in Kefalonia to Agios Nikolaos in northern Zakynthos and vice versa. The boat trip from Pessada to Agios Nikolaos lasts about 1-1.5 hours.

Finally, you can get to Zakynthos from Bari and Brindisi in Italy, combining your vacation in Italy with an excursion to Zante. Ferry crossings from Italy to Zakynthos are seasonal (from July to August) and the ferry trip lasts about 17 hours.

When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?

Zakynthos is beautiful all year round, but spring and summer are arguably the best seasons to visit. July and August are the busiest months on Zakynthos island, so if you want to avoid the crowds, we suggest opting for June or September instead.

In June and September, the weather is good, the seawater temperature is pleasant for swimming, and the island’s attractions aren’t packed with tourists. That means you can explore the island at your own pace and enjoy everything it offers avoiding the peak season’s busyness.

No matter how many days you stay in Zakynthos Greece, there are some experiences you have to have:

• Take in the scenery at the iconic Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
• Visit Marathonisi, also known as the ‘Turtle Island’
• Do water sports
• Visit Keri Lighthouse
• Hop to nearby Greek islands or islets
• Try local products, like olive oil, and savor local delicacies at the island’s restaurants
• Visit the Post Byzantine Museum at Solomos Square
• Spot sea turtles in their natural habitat
• Visit the Venetian Castle
• Enjoy the turquoise waters and limestone cliffs of Porto Limnionas beach
• Marvel at the incredible view of the sunset from Keri cliffs
• Visit the island’s numerous groves of olive trees
• Discover the island’s paradisiacal white sand beaches

How many days should you stay in Zakynthos?

Zakynthos is quite a large island, so you will need at least 3-4 days to explore it without rushing. In three days, you will be able to visit the exotic Zakynthos beaches, including the iconic Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Kalamaki, Agios Nikolaos, and Porto Zoro, savor local delicacies, and interact with the locals.

You will also have plenty of time for sightseeing. Marathonisi islet, the Blue Caves, Askos Stone Park, the Venetian Bridge, the Post Byzantine Art Museum, and Skopiotissa Monastery are must-visit attractions on Zante island.

The history of Zakynthos island

According to mythology, Zakynthos took its name from Zakynthus, son of Dardanus, an Arcadian chief. Archaeological excavations in Zakynthos throughout the years show that the island has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Era. It was an important island during the Mycenaean period and later participated in the Trojan War.

The island’s first conquerors were the Romans, who leveraged the island’s strategic position to develop trade. When the Roman Empire fell, the Byzantine period followed until 1185. During this time, Zakynthos belonged to the periphery of the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire, making it vulnerable to attacks due to its position.

When the Byzantine Era ended, Zakynthos fell under Latin rule until 1479. The Venetians, the French, and the British followed until the Greek island finally united with Greece in 1864.

The best attractions in Zakynthos

Zakynthos is an island full of surprises for those willing to explore it! Here are the best attractions in Zakynthos:

• Marathonisi Islet
• The Blue Caves (a mix of limestone cliffs and turquoise water)
• Solomos Museum
• Naval Museum
• Korakonissi
• Agios Nikolaos Molos Church
• Post Byzantine Museum
• Spiliotissa Monastery
• Sarakina Italian Mansion
• Helmis Natural History Museum
• The Venetian Bridge
• Keri Lighthouse
• Skopiotissa Monastery
• Agios Markos Church
• The Venetian Castle
• Askos Stone Park

Zante is also known for its paradisiacal exotic beaches! So, don’t miss:

• Navagio Beach (Shipwreck)
• Agios Nikolaos Beach
• Banana Beach
• The sandy beach of Kalamaki
• Porto Zoro Beach
• Tsilivi Beach
• Keri Beach
• Porto Vromi Beach
• Gerakas Beach
• Porto Limnionas Beach

How to get around Zakynthos island

You can get around Zakynthos either by public buses or private transport. Let’s explore your options!

Public transport

Zakynthos has an extensive public transport network comprising public buses (KTEL buses) that connect Zakynthos Town with several spots and beaches throughout the island. You can take the bus from the central KTEL station in Zakynthos Town to Argassi, Vassilikos, Alykes, Alykanas, and more locations.

Although public transport is the cheapest way to get around the island, it is also the slowest, as there might be delays due to traffic.

Taxis

Another way to get around Zakynthos island is by private taxi. Private taxis in Zakynthos operate 24/7 and can get you anywhere you want from Zakynthos port, the airport, or any other location. Taxis are faster but more expensive than public transport.

You can find taxi stations at many spots throughout the island, but if you want to be picked up from your hotel or a beach, you can alternatively call a taxi.

Private transfers in Zakynthos

Private transfers in Zakynthos are perfect for exploring the island at your own pace and getting from one place to another safely and without delays. By choosing a legitimate private transfer company, like Ride & Hire, you can go anywhere you want in Zakynthos using the vehicle that meets your needs, from shuttle buses to cars and minivans!

FAQs

When is the peak season in Zakynthos?

The peak season in Zakynthos lasts from June to August, with July and August being the busiest months.

How far is Zakynthos from Athens?

Zakynthos is 50 minutes from Athens by plane. From May to October, several daily direct flights connect the Greek capital to Zakynthos.

Does Zakynthos have an airport?

Zakynthos has an airport, Zakynthos International Airport ‘Dionysios Solomos’ (ZTH), located 5 km from Zakynthos Town.

How do you get a taxi in Zakynthos?

You can find available taxis at Zante Airport, Zakynthos Main Port, and many other locations throughout the island. But, if you want to be picked up from your hotel or another spot and can’t find a taxi, you can call one.

What is the cost of a taxi transfer in Zakynthos, and how is it calculated?

Like everywhere in Greece, the cost of taxi transfers in Zakynthos depends on the distance between your departure location and destination. However, there’s a possibility that some taxi drivers may overcharge you. To avoid that possibility, opt for a private transfer company with fixed prices, like Ride & Hire!

What tours can you take in Zakynthos?

If you want to discover the island’s attractions and hidden gems, you can take tours in Zakynthos. Depending on the places you want to visit, you can choose from a wide variety of tours, including Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves tours, Laganas Bay Marine Park tours, tours of Zakynthos Town (the island capital), tours of the nearby Ionian islands, sea turtles spotting tours, Keri caves tours, and more.

How can I book a private transfer in Zakynthos?

To book a private transfer in Zakynthos, visit the Ride & Hire website, choose from a wide selection of vehicles, from private cars to shuttle buses, and book your desired vehicle. To book a transfer in Zante with Ride & Hire, fill out the booking form with all the necessary information and choose a vehicle type. Then enter your personal information and flight number (for Zakynthos airport transfers), and pay online. After completing the process, you will receive a confirmation email with all the information regarding your booking!

Can I book a transfer in Zakynthos for a specific time or date in advance?

You can book a transfer in Zakynthos for whatever time and date you wish. Just add the date and time you prefer to the booking form on our website.

Do Zakynthos transfer services include meet-and-greet options at the airport or other pickup locations?

Yes, our transfer services include meet-and-greet. One of our professional drivers will wait for you at your specified location on your requested day and time. For airport pick-ups, the driver will wait for you at the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name.