About Zakynthos
Why Zakynthos?
Zakynthos is the third-largest Ionian island, world-famous for Navagio beach ("Shipwreck Beach") with white cliffs and a former ship stranded on the sandy bottom. The character combines dramatic western cliffs with calm sandy eastern beaches. A Zakynthos holiday in 2026 is for travellers who want unique landscape beauty plus the accessibility of Greek island tourism.
Zakynthos has around 40,000 permanent residents, with the main town of Zakynthos on the east coast. The Mediterranean climate is milder than the Aegean due to the Ionian influence - wetter, greener, with flowers into late summer.
Position: 16 km from mainland Peloponnese (Kyllini is the main ferry terminal), 240 km northwest of Athens.
Beaches and the sea
Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) - the most famous beach in Greece. Access only by boat from Volimes harbour or Porto Vromi. Tall white cliffs descend into turquoise water, with the former MV Panagiotis ship on the sandy bottom. Visit before 11 a.m. to avoid crowds.
Blue Caves - the northern tip of the island, accessible by boat. Refractions on sandy bottoms create blue reflections.
Laganas Bay - a 9 km sandy coastline in the south, a protected area for the Caretta caretta sea turtle. Developed tourist infrastructure.
Gerakas beach - a sandy beach with turtles, with restricted use by tourists to protect nesting sites.
Vrasidi and Banana beaches - sandy, organised.
Where to stay
Zakynthos town - urban area with hotels, restaurants, marina.
Tsilivi and Planos (5 to 8 km north of the town) - family resorts with sandy beaches.
Laganas Bay - more densely developed for tourism, with more nightlife.
Vasilikos (south, 15 km from the town) - luxury hotels and villas.
Browse all current Zakynthos listings.
Getting there
Zakynthos airport (ZTH):
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Flight from Belgrade - seasonal direct flights (Aegean, Wizz Air, charters), 2 hours. Fare 200 to 350 €.
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Ferry from Kyllini (Peloponnese) - 1 hour 15 minutes, multiple daily departures. Car ferries 28 to 35 € one way.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 19–22 °C, turtles arriving on beaches.
July–August - peak, sea 24–26 °C.
September - excellent, fewer crowds.
Things to see and do
Navagio beach by boat - a full-day trip with swimming.
Blue Caves - combined tour with Navagio.
Turtle tour in Laganas Bay - guided boat tours to observe Caretta caretta.
Zakynthos wineries - local wine production with tastings.
Bohali hill - a view over Zakynthos town with the Venetian fort.
Boat to Kefalonia - a day trip to the neighbouring Ionian island (1-hour crossing).
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 55 to 120 € per night in shoulder, 80 to 180 € at peak. Four-star hotels 90 to 140 € per person.
Weekly cost per person: 400 to 620 € shoulder, 580 to 840 € peak.
Restaurant prices: main course 9 to 15 €, fresh fish 14 to 24 €, glass of wine 3 to 5 €.
Boat to Navagio: 25 to 40 € per person return.
Frequently asked questions
Is Navagio beach overcrowded? Yes, after 11 a.m. Arrive before 9 a.m. for the real picture.
Can I walk to Navagio? No. Access is only by boat. There is a viewpoint from the cliff above the beach (car access), but to reach the beach itself - by boat.
What is the difference between Zakynthos and Kefalonia? Zakynthos is more touristically developed, with a better airport and more organised tours. Kefalonia is less touristic, with more dramatic natural landscapes.
Is Zakynthos suitable for families? Yes, especially Tsilivi and Planos with sandy beaches and shallow entries.
Is renting a car worth it? Yes, for exploring the north (Blue Caves) and south (Vasilikos). Without a car - Navagio by boat, the rest by local buses.