Ionian
Zakynthos
Home to the most iconic shipwreck beach in the world — and much more besides.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Busy in peak
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
Quick facts
- Region
- Ionian, Greece
- Airport
- Yes
- Ferry from Athens (Piraeus)
- —
- Getting around
- Car recommended
- Best months
- May, Jun, Sep, Oct
- Cost level
- €€ (2/5)
- Peak-season crowds
- 4/5
- Best for
- beach lovers, young couples, dramatic scenery seekers
- Not ideal for
- culture seekers, crowd avoiders in peak season
In pictures
Zakynthos
Zakynthos contains multitudes. Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) is arguably the most iconic beach image in all of Greece — an isolated cove accessible only by boat, its turquoise floor framed by soaring white cliffs and a rusting freighter beached on the sand since 1983. The Blue Caves near Cape Skinari glow with a refracted underwater light that photographs barely do justice. And then there are the loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) — Laganas Bay is one of the most important nesting beaches in the Mediterranean, protected by a national marine park with seasonal access restrictions. The north of the island, around Volimes and Alykes, is dramatically beautiful and still relatively wild. The south — particularly the Laganas resort strip — is a completely different, very loud proposition.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Laganas resort strip on the south coast is extremely loud and package-holiday-heavy. Sea turtle beaches have restricted access.
Hidden gem
Skip the boat tour mob and kayak to the Blue Caves at first light — you'll have them alone for an hour.
Where it sits
Ionian, Greece
Zakynthos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Zakynthos? +
- The best months to visit Zakynthos are May to October. Avoid late July and August if you can — the island is crowded in July and August.
- How do you get to Zakynthos from Athens? +
- Zakynthos has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry.
- Is Zakynthos good for couples? +
- Zakynthos is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Zakynthos good for families with kids? +
- Zakynthos is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Zakynthos expensive? +
- Zakynthos is affordable by Greek-island standards — value-for-money is on the weaker side, so set expectations.
- Do you need a car on Zakynthos? +
- You'll want a rental car on Zakynthos — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Zakynthos? +
- Laganas resort strip on the south coast is extremely loud and package-holiday-heavy. Sea turtle beaches have restricted access.