· GR

Zákynthos

Zákynthos, Ionía Nísia, Greece

Zákynthos: Where Turquoise Waters Meet Verdant Cliffs Escape to Zákynthos, a jewel of the Ionian Islands, where dramatic landscapes meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. This Greek paradise offers more than just picture-p…

#Greek island#Ionian Sea#Tourism hotspot#Crystal clear waters#Beautiful beaches

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Zákynthos.

Top Hotels in Zákynthos

Top Flights to Zákynthos

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Zákynthos.

Tours

Navagio Beach Exploration

Explore the famous Navagio Beach, known for its stunning shipwreck and clear blue waters, accessible only by boat.

Blue Caves Visit

Discover the natural beauty of the Blue Caves, famous for their vibrant blue water reflection.

Keri Caves Adventure

Explore the Keri Caves, known for their unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters.

Marathonisi Island Day Trip

Take a trip to Marathonisi Island, known for its sandy beaches and nesting turtles.

Zakynthos Castle Visit

Visit the historic Zakynthos Castle with its scenic views and rich history.

Bohali Hill Panoramic Views

Enjoy panoramic views of Zakynthos Town and port from Bohali Hill.

Agios Dionysios Church Visit

Visit the landmark church of Agios Dionysios with impressive architecture and history.

Aristeon Olive Press Museum

Discover the traditional olive oil making process at the Aristeon Olive Press Museum.

Shopping

Zakynthos Town Shopping

Enjoy shopping in the vibrant Zakynthos Town with a variety of local shops and boutiques.

Outdoor

Laganas Beach Activities

Experience vibrant beach life and water sports at Laganas Beach.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Zákynthos.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

Not Available

Languages

Greek, Greek

Average weather

Zákynthos

Jan

14°8°

Feb

14°8°

Mar

16°9°

Apr

19°11°

May

23°15°

Jun

28°19°

Jul

31°22°

Aug

31°22°

Sep

28°19°

Oct

23°16°

Nov

19°13°

Dec

16°10°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Zákynthos.

What people love

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a beautiful Greek island located in the Ionian Sea. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Zakynthos:

Stunning Beaches: Zakynthos is famous for its gorgeous beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters and golden sands. Some of the most popular beaches include Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Gerakas Beach, and Laganas Beach.
Navagio Beach: Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is one of the most iconic beaches in Greece. It is famous for its stunning shipwreck that sits on the beach, surrounded by towering cliffs. The beach is only accessible by boat, adding to its allure.
Natural Beauty: Zakynthos is known for its natural beauty, with lush green landscapes, olive groves, and vineyards. The island is also home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtles, which nest on its beaches.
Blue Caves: Zakynthos is home to the Blue Caves, a series of sea caves with stunning blue waters that are perfect for exploring by boat. The caves are a popular attraction for visitors to the island.
Rich History: Zakynthos has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Venetian Castle in Zakynthos Town and the ruins of ancient temples.
Delicious Cuisine: Greek cuisine is known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients, and Zakynthos is no exception. Visitors can enjoy traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood.
Warm Hospitality: The people of Zakynthos are known for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanor, making visitors feel welcome and at home during their stay on the island.

Overall, Zakynthos is a beautiful island with stunning beaches, natural beauty, rich history, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, making it a fantastic destination for travelers looking to relax and explore the beauty of the Greek islands.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Zákynthos, Greece, may include:

Overcrowding: During peak tourist seasons, Zákynthos can become quite crowded with tourists, which may detract from the overall experience and make popular attractions more congested.
High prices: As a tourist destination, Zákynthos can be relatively expensive compared to other parts of Greece, especially in terms of accommodation, dining, and activities.
Environmental concerns: Zákynthos faces environmental challenges such as waste management, water pollution, and habitat destruction due to the high volume of visitors and development in certain areas.
Traffic congestion: The island's narrow roads and lack of efficient public transportation can lead to traffic congestion, especially in popular tourist areas during the peak season.
Limited off-season activities: Zákynthos is primarily a summer destination, so outside of the peak season, some attractions, restaurants, and services may be closed or operating on limited hours.
Language barrier: While many locals in Zákynthos may speak English or other languages, there may still be communication challenges for travelers who do not speak Greek.

It's important to note that these potential cons can vary depending on the individual traveler's preferences and priorities.

Zákynthos, also known as Zante, is an island located in the Ionian Sea and is part of the Ionian Islands of Greece. It has a rich and varied history dating back to ancient times.

Ancient History

Mythology and Early Settlements: According to Greek mythology, the island is named after Zakynthos, the son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus. The island was inhabited since the Neolithic Age, with evidence of early settlements.
Classical Antiquity: During the classical period, Zákynthos was colonized by the Arcadians. It became independent and formed its own democratic constitution. The island was known for its neutrality during conflicts, such as the Persian Wars.

Roman and Byzantine Periods

Roman Rule: Zákynthos came under Roman control in 191 BC. It remained relatively peaceful and prosperous during this time. Later, it became part of the Byzantine Empire.
Medieval Times: After the division of the Roman Empire, the island was subjected to pirate raids and was involved in the struggles between the various powers vying for control of the region.

Venetian Rule

Venetian Influence: In 1484, Zákynthos came under Venetian rule, which lasted until 1797. This period was marked by economic growth and cultural development. The Venetians fortified the island and influenced its architecture and art.
Cultural Flourishing: The Venetians established schools and promoted the arts, leading to a flowering of literature and music. The city of Zákynthos was a hub of intellectual activity.

Modern History

Napoleonic Wars: The island passed to French control in 1797 following the fall of the Venetian Republic, then to the British in 1809 after the Treaty of Tilsit.
British Protectorate: Zákynthos became part of the United States of the Ionian Islands under British protection until it was united with Greece in 1864.
World War II: During the Second World War, Zákynthos was occupied by Axis forces. Notably, the island's Jewish population was saved by the efforts of Mayor Loukas Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos, who refused to hand over a list of Jews to the Nazis.

Recent History

Earthquakes: The island has been prone to earthquakes, the most significant being in 1953, which caused widespread destruction. The reconstruction efforts have preserved much of the traditional architecture.

Landmarks and Cultural Sites

Navagio Beach: Also known as Shipwreck Beach, it is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in the world, accessible only by boat.
Blue Caves: Located on the northern part of the island, these geological formations are famous for their stunning blue waters.
Solomos Museum: Dedicated to Dionysios Solomos, the national poet of Greece, who was born on the island. The museum celebrates his life and work.
Bochali Hill: Offers a panoramic view of the town of Zákynthos and is home to the ruins of a Venetian castle.
Agios Dionysios Church: The main church of the island, home to the relics of the island's patron saint, Saint Dionysios.

Zákynthos today is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and historical heritage.