Our Secret Guide to Zakynthos Island, Greece

Most visitors know Zakynthos for the postcard spots. However, what you won't find on Google are the hidden coves, lesser-known beaches, authentic taverns, breathtaking views - places visitors often miss because they don't know where to look. But hey, not you ;)

Zakynthos - or Zante - is located in the Ionian Sea. It gained the name "Fiore di Levante" or "Flower of the East" by its Venetian rulers who left strong influences in all of 7 Ionian islands - differentiating them from the rest of Greece, which was under the Ottoman rule. Unlike the wilderness of the Aegean islands, characterized by white-blue houses, you find on Zakynthos Venetian-style architecture perfectly blending with its green landscape.

5 reasons why you should visit Zakynthos:

• 🌊 Sapphire waters will blow your mind
• ☀ Winter nights need sunny stories
• 🦀 Live up to your wildest dreams - sink your feet in the warm, white sand of a pristine beach
• 💎 Create memories with your family and friends
• 🧿 The here and now feeling is inevitable

Seriously, where else in the world does a smuggling boat washed ashore by rough seas turn into a top landmark? Only at Navagio Beach in Zakynthos! The wreck of the ship "MV Panagiotis" transferring counterfeited cigarettes in October 1980 created one of the most iconic beaches in Greece.

Before we jump into the big stuff, let's take a quick intermission to feel zen and imagine the summer on Zakynthos: the smell of thyme on the cliffs, roads weaving through olive groves, the sound of cicadas, authentic taverns, dives into luminous blue waters, a night sky full of stars… Understated perfection 💁

When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?

May, June, September, and October are the ideal months to experience the island at its best. During this period, the beaches feel more secluded, rental prices for cars and private boats are lower, and the weather is warm without the intensity of summer heatwaves. Most importantly, you can enjoy the iconic spots without the overwhelming crowds of peak season.

How to reach Zakynthos?

🛫 You can reach Zakynthos by direct seasonal flights to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) from many European cities, or by short domestic flights from Athens operated by Olympic Airlines or Sky Express Airlines.

🛳 Another easy option is to travel by car or bus to the port of Kyllini and hop on a ferry to the island, which takes around one hour. You can buy your boat tickets from Ferryhopper. You may want to visit the region of Peloponnese, where the port of Kyllini is. It takes only an hour ride till the ruins of Olympia where Ancient Olympic Games began in 776 BC.

What follows is a practical guide to help you discover the island beyond the obvious, including both tips for families as well as tips for adventurous travelers. You will find useful the division between northern and southern sides. The north leans towards high-end tourism while the south is known for its nightlife and younger crowd.

Choose your side and let's dive in.

Boat tour operators:

1. I can't recommend enough hiring a private boat for a tour during your visit. It is one of the best ways to explore Zakynthos. It gives you access to the unspoiled part of the island that cannot be reached by car. Make sure to include the western coastline in your itinerary — it's one of the best pieces of Mediterranean magic, with something waiting around every corner.

Northern Zakynthos:

SeaYou Tours from Porto Roxa: visit Navagio Shipwreck beach until Mizithres rocks and a coastline full of gems the captains know well how to reach.

Sea Stories tailor-made boat tours from Agios Nikolaos port: visit Navagio Shipwreck beach, Blue Caves, and a true hidden gem Filippoi-Selinas cove.

Zakynthos Boat Rental offers luxury boat tours and covers all sides of the island.

Southern Zakynthos:

Big blue boat rentals from Keri: excursions to Marathonisi Island and Mizithres rocks.

Where to swim and eat:

Northern Zakynthos

2. Nobelos Restaurant & Beach: Ideal for a full-day relaxation in an elegant beach and excellent dining. Ideal for yachts.

3. Porto Limionas: Swim in azure waters surrounded by rocks, and relax on your sun-bed with Adriatic sea view. Enjoy a meal at the nearby tavern with a stunning sea view.

4. L'été sunset bar offers unparalleled sunset views over Limionas, a stylish atmosphere, lounge music, cocktails, wine and food. You will love the tables set over the rocks.

5. Potamitis Windmill at Skinari Cape: Ideal place for striking photos and a refreshing plunge. Located in the northernmost part of the island, a family-run restaurant gives access to a winding staircase of 225 steps leading straight into a few dive spots of turquoise waters. Without an entrance fee you can explore the terraces tucked near the rocks. It is not suitable for small children.

If you wish to buy local products from Volimes, make a stop at Elies Olive Press. They offer a free tour featuring ancient olive trees and provide high-quality organic olive oil along with other bio local goods.

6. Visit Navagio Shipwreck Viewpoint from above: Popular and crowded. For priceless photos walk a bit further along the hill. Exercise extreme caution near the edge— the view will award you.

7. Korakonisi: A quiet and beautiful swimming spot with rocky surroundings and emerald waters. There is no canteen; bring your own water. Due to the rocky path the area is best suited for children aged 10 and above. Yachts approach easily.

Central & Southern Zakynthos:

8. Bassia Restaurant: My favorite! Visit before sunset for lovely sea view. Surrounded by a stunning Mediterranean landscape of olive and fig trees, you taste sophisticated cuisine. For the end, try the dessert galaktoboureko, it is just sooo delicious!

9. Gerakas beach is a pristine sandy beach, ideal for families and adored by all ages. Try early hours and buy your drinks before you take the path down the beach from the parking.

10. Da Camillo Italian Restaurant at Gerakas Beach: Delight in authentic Italian cuisine after swimming at Gerakas beach.

11. Porto Mela tavern at Dafni beach: My favorite beach tavern! A family owned tavern with free sun beds for its guests. Relaxing vibes, fresh fish, traditional meals, homemade bread in wood oven. Their welcome appetizer is the taste of summer for me. Order a moussaka or pastichio, you will remember me!

12. Restaurant Keri Lighthouse: Come for a meal with a view that will give you goosebumps, and take some dramatically beautiful photos. Come for lunch, an early-sunset dinner, or a full-moon evening.

13. Kalamaki Beach: An organized sandy beach ideal for families. Rent sea bicycles and enjoy a light lunch at Belesis bar-tavern.

14. Saint Nikolaos beach in Vassilikos region is for water-sports lovers. Walk until the small church of St Nikolaos for stunning photos.

Kiliomenos Village – for food experience:

15. Ampelostrates Tavern: Adjacent to a vineyard with a charming yard. Ideal for lunch or dinner. Great for families and non-family travelers.

16. Diafokereiko Tavern: A picturesque old stone house offering exquisite Zakynthian cuisine.

You can combine both taverns in Kiliomenos village with a swim at Korakonisi or Porto Limionas described above.

Zakynthos Town

Zakynthos town is busy during summer months and preferred harbor for the yachts with easy access to all of the best town has to offer:

17. Prosilio Restaurant: Fine dining with numerous accolades, best for afternoon and evening meals. Slightly upscale.

18. Stathmos tavern and Platanos tavern outside town: No fancy but honest and delicious Greek dishes.

19. Piero's Gelateria Italiana; Authentic artisan Italian ice cream.

20. Miretta Gelateria: Excellent artisan ice cream downtown.

Where to stay

Luxury stays: Lesante Blu, Lesante Cape, Olea All Suite, Porto Zante Villas & Spa, Peligoni Club and Villas.

More intimate: The best the island has to offer for an escape on the mountain, with a personal and thoughtful hospitality you won't find even in the 5 star hotels, is Alkis Farm. The hosts cook with ingredients from their own farm every day, and make the best artisan gelato just for you.

For privacy, comfort, olive grove lands — my own, Doliva Estate, just 800 m from the beach of Laganas.

Good to know:

• - Zafiri Cava Deli: A sophisticated cava with impressive collection of spirits and delicatessen food right at the port of Zakynthos;
• - Visit Saint Dionysios Church located in the town of Zakynthos: Patron saint of the island. The church is particularly beautiful;
• - Museum of Dionysios Solomos and Andreas Kalvos at San Marco Square: Dedicated to notable Zakynthian figures. Dionysios Solomos is the national poet who wrote the anthem of Greece.
• - For purchase of the most premium organic olive oil on the island with high benefits for your heart go at Sarakina Estate. Ask where they sell closer to you;
• - Ceramics from Sigouros Pottery in the town of Zakynthos.

I leave you with a little wisdom of a Zakynthian saying…"Joy to the eyes that saw a two-day moon". If you are attentive or lucky enough to notice something delicate or an easily missed sight, is itself a joy.

Enjoy,
Fani xxx