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The Venetians called Zante Fiore di Levante, the Flower of the East, and its nobility and fertility made it the jewel of their empire. Today’s visitors to the southernmost Ionian Island (known as Zakynthos in Greek) would agree, though they come mostly for its iconic beaches – Lagana, Tsilivi, Argassi, Kalamaki, Alykes – where British, French and Italians know how to have a good time.
Looking for lifelong memories? You’ll find them when you swim at the famous Shipwreck Beach*, watch the sunset from the cliffs of Keri and Kryoneri, listen to the islanders sing their cantatas and see the endangered caretta caretta sea turtles lay their eggs in the island’s white sands. Welcome to your holidays in Zante, the Ionian island that has it all.
From your seat on the caique, you’ll be treated to a procession of beaches around Zante, each seemingly more magical than the last: Laganas, Tsilivi Gerakas, Vasilikos, Marathonisi ... all ranking among the most splendid beaches in Greece. Not forgetting, of course, that Zakynthos landmark, Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), with its famous beached vessel that adds drama to the sandy setting, white cliffs and turquoise water. And then there’s the Blue Caves … not a beach, of course, but an unforgettable swimming spot. Come early in the morning or drop anchor the previous evening, so you can enjoy your first dive before the rest of the world arrives.
Take a boat trip to Shipwreck Beach
The sea around Zante was picked for Greece’s first marine park. This is where the rare caretta caretta sea turtles lay their eggs. In spring, these endangered creatures set off from the Libyan Sea and the southern Adriatic, not because they like the swim but because nature tells them to lay their eggs in the sands of Gerakas, Dafni, Kalamaki, Marathonisi and, especially, Sakania, east of Laganas, as they always have. If you’re lucky enough to witness this spectacle, please don’t disturb these beautiful creatures or their eggs.
Zante isn’t just about beaches. Take a stroll through lovely Bokhali, 2km from the centre of town, through alleyways lined with old houses and traditional cafes. You’ll find yourself stopping to admire the panoramic view of the harbour, Argassi, and the Bay of Laganas. And if you walk a bit higher, you’ll come to the castle, camouflaged by all manner of plant and shrub, where the Venetians had their island capital.
The church of St Dionysios draws visitors throughout the year as it houses the relics of the saint of the same name (also the island’s patron saint). The impressive church was built in 1926, with a three-aisled basilica and inner arch. Zante’s catastrophic earthquake of 1953 left it virtually undamaged. Miracle or just solid foundations?
Only 37 nautical miles from Zante, these two islets are unknown to most tourists, Greek or foreign. A mystery surrounds the 15th-century fortified monastery here. It houses an icon of the Virgin that washed up here undamaged after being thrown into the sea by 13th-century Orthodox Christians in Constantinople to save it from the iconoclasts who were destroying all paintings with human figures.
Locals claim that Mick Jagger hails from the village of Kiliomeno (which translates as rolling) and that’s why he named his band The Rolling Stones. This is a big local tease but nobody’s kidding when it comes to singing the virtues of this delightful settlement. Take your time to admire the traditional architectural style of Zante and old homes which resemble fortresses.
Set aside some time for a visit to a local winery, some of which go back centuries. Hundreds of hectares on Zante are devoted to vineyards and there are more than 60 different grape varieties.
Zakynthos offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury beach resorts to more budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. Popular areas to stay include Laganas, especially for those looking for a lively atmosphere, while families and couples may prefer quieter areas like Tsilivi and Vasilikos. For everything from luxury resorts to smaller boutique hotels and more intimate stays, see our accommodation page.
Getting around Zakynthos is convenient with several transportation options. The island has an international airport with flights from Athens and major European cities. Ferries connect Zakynthos to the mainland via the port of Kyllini. Public buses serve the main towns and beaches, but renting a car or scooter is recommended for exploring more remote areas and hidden beaches. Many boat tours are also available to visit spots like Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves.
Zakynthos' cuisine blends Venetian influences with local Mediterranean flavours. Sartsa (a beef casserole with tomatoes and garlic) is a must-try, along with skordostoumbi, an eggplant dish rich in garlic and tomato. Ladotyri and prenza are local cheeses that pair well with traditional bread. For a treat, mantolato is a nougat made with almonds and honey and fytoura is a kind of fried semolina treat sold by street vendors. These dishes, rooted in the island's agricultural traditions, offer a true taste of Zakynthos.
Zakynthos is generally safe for travellers, but it's always wise to be cautious, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables. The emergency number for all services, including medical emergencies, is 112. Zakynthos has a hospital and several health clinics providing comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are widely available and can offer over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs. Tap water is safe to drink, although bottled water is preferable, and the island's food safety standards are high, making it safe to enjoy local cuisine. For more health and safety tips, you can visit our practical info page.
The Ionian island goes by both names – Zakynthos, which is its Greek name, and Zante, its name in Italian. It was first mentioned as Zakynthos thousands of years ago in Homer’s epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The most famous sight in Zante is Navagio beach, meaning shipwreck in Greek. The island is also a breeding place of the endangered caretta caretta sea turtles.
If you are seeking lively nightlife, then Laganas is the best place to stay. Its beach parties and seaside clubs are legendary. For more peaceful holidays on Zante, other places like Limni Keriou offer more low-key entertainment.