Ionian Islands – Greek Diaspora Travel
Guide To Zakynthos Island Greece
Top Attractions & Your 3 day Itinerary in Zakynthos Island, Greece
Zakynthos island in Greece, also known by its Italian name – Zante, is in the Ionian Sea, inbetween Greece and Italy. Whether you’re after white beaches, sea turtles, mouthwatering food, rich architecture, or non-stop partying – Zakynthos has it all.
Where to stay in Zakynthos Island, Greece
For most travel setters, I would recommend looking to stay in Zakynthos Town, where most hotels, attractions, and restaurants are located. With this as your base, you can then explore the magnificent beaches Zakynthos has to offer.
Click here to compare accommodation in Zakynthos Town.
If you’re looking to party hard, then Laganas is where you should stay. Click here to compare accomodation in Laganas.
These are our top sights in Zakynthos island, Greece
Kastro (Fortress)
The Kastro – meaning castle in Greek, is a ruined Venetian fortress at the peak of the wooden slope that looms over the town centre. A number of unique churches lie scattered through the woods on the way up, along with a 19th-century British football pitch and a cafe. You could take a 15-20 minute hike or a 5 minute drive to reach the top of the slope.
Price: €4 Entry
Opening hours: 8am-3pm Tue-Sun
Location: Bochali, Zakynthos, Greece
Zoodochos Pigi Church
Situated next to the fortress and the café on top of the hill, this church is a must see. Just like the rest of the island, Zoodochos Pigi Church reflects the Venetian influence on the island. Unlike most Greek Orthodox churches, the outside of the church is a signature building of Venetian architecture, and the alter inside is white and gold. Additionally, the interior frescos are reminiscent of the renaissance era and would not look out of place in the Sistine Chapel. This, combined with the traditional Greek Byzantine style icons is a site to behold.
Location: Bochali, Zakynthos, Greece
Plateia Solomou (Solomos Square)
The predominant waterfront square of Zakynthos is named after the Greek poet – Dionysios Solomos who wrote the Greek national anthem. The hub of Zakynthos Town, connected to the smaller square behind it – Plateia Agiou Markou.
Location: Venizelou 4, Zakynthos, Greece
Agios Dionysios (Saint Dion/Denis) Cathedral
The largest church in Zakynthos Town, built in 1948, only a few years before the devastating earthquake of 1953. It is one of the three buildings that did not suffer any damage at all by the earthquake, which is considered as very significant by the locals.
Location: Lomvardou, Zakynthos, Greece
These are our top food destinations in Zakynthos island, Greece
The local food is another aspect of Zakynthian culture not exempt from the Venetian/Italian influence on the island. Prosilio and I Avli ton Yevsion – Yard of Taste are two restaurants that we cannot recommend highly enough. Having sampled food in over 20 cities, towns and villages in all of Greece, I can safely say that some of the best Greek food I have had has been at these two restaurants.
Prosilio
Prosilio offers foodies with gourmet Greek Italian fusion dishes. The romantic garden courtyard, great service (and not just by Greek standards!), and of course mouthwatering dishes make dining here a great experience. Be sure to try Prosilio’s take on taramosalata (caviar dip), which is served with crispy prawns. You can’t leave here without sampling a wine from the impressive list of local wines.
Price: Mains €9-19
Opening hours: 6pm-late Tue-Sat
Location: 15 Ag. Panton, Zakynthos, Greece
I Avli ton Yevsion – Yard of Taste
Yard of Taste is another top choice for foodies looking for Greek Italian fusion dishes. With most of the food being local and organic, served in a vibrant setting merging indoor with outdoor – you won’t be disappointed. The pasta here is to die for, in particular the Chicken Sin. Avli’s Salad is a great choice, as well as pretty much anything off the menu because you just can’t go wrong here!
This also a gluten free and vegan friendly restaurant with a section on the menu dedicated to vegan dishes.
Price: Mains €8-15
Opening hours: Noon-1am
Location: 15 Rizospaston, Zakynthos, Greece
Fresh Pies
Order at the counter, then sit at tables on the open square opposite. It’s not just hot pies and sandwiches either, it also whips up fabulous fresh juices and smoothies.
Price: Pies & sandwiches from €3, juices & smoothies from €2
Opening hours: 8am-late
Location: 140 Koliva, Zakynthos, Greece
Mantolato-pasteli “H Zakunthos”
Established in 1910, this family run business provides you with traditional, handmade nougat (mantolato) and sesame bars (pasteli).
Location: 5 Psaron, Zakynthos, Greece
This is our top bar in Zakynthos island, Greece
Base
This stylish bar offers you outside, inside, and rooftop options overlooking Plateia Agiou Markou. Whether it’s coffees, drinks or spectacular cocktails that you’re after – Base is the place for you.
Opening hours: 9am-late
Location: 3 L. Ziva, Zakynthos, Greece
These are our top beaches in Zakynthos island, Greece
Zakynthos is known for its beaches, with many white sand beaches and unique hidden coves to explore.
#FunFact The water in Zakynthos appears even bluer because the sun reflects off the white rock cliffs surrounding the island.
Shipwreck Beach – Beach Navagio
An exposed cove, sometimes referred to as “Smugglers Cove”, Navagio Beach was originally known as Agios Georgios (Saint George). On 2 October 1980, a freightliner, the MV Panagiotis, ran aground during stormy weather and bad visibility. It has been rumored the ship was smuggling contraband such as cigarettes, wine and women. The ship was abandoned and still rests buried in the limestone gravel of the beach that now bears the nickname Shipwreck. This is the one stop tourist attraction on all of Zakynthos, one of the postcarded beaches in the world, and voted as the world’s best beach by 1,200 travel professionals in Flight Network’s 2018 World’s Best Beaches List.
Hot Tip: Make sure you book in a tour well in advance as these fill up quickly (well at least the good tours do). Check some of the tours here and below.
Laganas Beach
Laganas is a large sandy beach is great for sunbathing, water sports, turtle spotting, and partying with many surrounding bars & restaurants. Known as party side of the island, Laganas Beach attracts many British tourists. However, the beach is also a great place to spot the famous Caretta Caretta turtles with many tour companies guaranteeing you’ll see a turtle or you get your money back!
Agios Sostis Beach
Agios Sostis is on the same coastline and right next to Laganas Beach, located in front of one of the most beautiful little resorts in Zakynthos. This is a narrow sandy beach with pebbles in some places. The sea is shallow and crystal clear.
Marathonisi Island
An island uninhabited except for the sea turtles, Marathonisi (Turtle Island) is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. It’s about 1 hour by boat from Laganas beach and is a great place to spot turtles or to simply enjoy the stunning, clean beach.
Gerakas Beach
A quieter option to the hustle and bustle of Laganas, which also means less amenities provided. Situated in a large bay at the southern point of the island, there are sunbeds with umbrellas available for rent but no food and drink option on the beach. However, there is a kiosk opposite the beach’s car park with a large selection of food and beverages. Sea turtles are often spotted at Gerakas, with nests protected on the beach by a designated staff member.
Xigia Sulfur Beach
The water here contains a large proportion of sulphur, which comes from neighbouring caves and has healing properties. The water helps with muscular pain, arthritis, and even cellulite! The views of the beach from the car park and café above are just another bonus. Some Shipwreck Beach tours may include a stop here.
Blue Caves
Ok, so this isn’t exactly a beach, but it’s a picturesque place to go for a swim. The name comes from the reflections of the water in the white caves, making the water extremely blue. Only accessible by boat, but most Shipwreck Beach tours will include a stop here.
Hot Tip: The best way to get around Zakynthos and explore all the great beaches is by car.
3 day travel itinerary in Zakynthos island, Greece
Day 1
- Lunch at Fresh Pies
- Stroll through town
- Dinner at Prosilio
- Drink at Base
Day 2
- Shipwreck Tour (including Blue Caves & Xigia Beach depending on tour)
- Dinner at I Avli ton Yevsion – Yard of Taste
Day 3
- See Kastro (Fortress)
- Hire care and drive to Laganas Beach, Agios Sostis Beach & Gerakas Beach
- Lunch at Beach Bar/Restaurant
- Buy nougat from Mantolato-pasteli “H Zakunthos”
- Dinner at:
- Go back to either Prosilio or I Avli ton Yevsion – Yard of Taste because they’re just that good!
- Or try one of the local tavernas (restaurants) in Plateia Agiou Markou
Are you thinking of visiting Zakynthos?
Check out the link below to book in your stay in Zakynthos Town.