a boat is in the middle of a body of water
a rock arch over water
a rock in the water
a rocky cliff with a body of water below
a boat is sailing in the ocean through a cave

Holiday in Zakynthos

Island in Greece — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇬🇷

Country

Greece

Type

Island

Best time to travel

May–June, September–October

Budget/day

80–140 €

Getting there from Germany

Direct flights from several German cities take about 2.5–3 hours. The airport is located 6 km south of the capital.

About Zakynthos

Zakynthos (Zante), the third largest of the Ionian Islands, features one of the most famous beaches in the world, Navagio Beach. The Shipwreck Cove, accessible only by boat, is framed by white limestone cliffs rising up to 200 meters high, with the rusted wreck of the MV Panagiotis resting on dazzling white sand in the center. The turquoise water and dramatic backdrop make Navagio the most photographed beach in Greece — the viewpoint above the cliff offers the iconic bird's-eye view. The Blue Caves at the northern tip of the island impress with natural rock arches and caves where sunlight transforms the water into an unreal blue. Boat tours from Agios Nikolaos or Porto Vromi lead to both the caves and Navagio Beach. The Bochali viewpoint above Zakynthos Town offers a magical view over the city and the Ionian Sea at sunset. Zakynthos is one of the most important nesting sites for the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. In the Zakynthos Marine Park on the southern coast (Laganas Bay), the beaches are strictly protected, and with a bit of luck, you can observe these gentle giants while snorkeling. The mountainous hinterland surprises with traditional villages like Volimes and Kampi, olive groves, and the Anafonitria Monastery. The local cuisine offers specialties such as Skordostoumbi (garlic eggplant) and freshly caught fish in the taverns by the harbor.

Relaxation
85
Safety
82
Food
80
Beach
75
Nature
75

Top 5 highlights in Zakynthos

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove)

The iconic cove with the stranded smuggler ship, framed by 200 m high limestone cliffs, is only accessible by boat.

2

Blue Caves

The sea caves at Cape Skinari reflect sunlight and color the water in unreal shades of blue.

3

Turtle Watching

In Laganas Bay, the endangered Caretta caretta turtles nest – responsible boat tours allow for sightings.

4

Viewpoint above Navagio

The platform on the cliffs above the Shipwreck Cove offers the iconic view from above – especially at sunset.

5

Keri Caves

The sea caves on the southwest coast can be explored by kayak or boat and are less crowded than the Blue Caves.

Hotels in Zakynthos

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Zakynthos

Recommended travel time

May–June, September–October

Summer

Hot, 28–34 °C, sunny and dry

Winter

Mild and wet, 9–15 °C, much rain

How much does a holiday in Zakynthos cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

40–65 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

80–140 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

180–350 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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5 travel tips for Zakynthos

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Book the boat tour to Navagio early in the morning – by noon, the cove is swamped with excursion boats.

Visit the viewpoint above Navagio at sunset – the view from above is at least as impressive as from below.

Respect the turtle protection areas in Laganas – the nesting beaches are closed at night.

The west coast with the mountain villages of Keri, Kambi, and Volimes is the authentic Zakynthos away from mass tourism.

Rent a boat in Keri or Porto Vromi for private exploration of the coast and caves.

Food & drink in Zakynthos

These specialties you must try!

Stifado (braised beef)
Skordostoumbi (garlic vegetables)
Sartsa (tomato sauce with beef)
Mandolato (nougat)
Ladotiri (aged oil cheese)
Grilled octopus
Suitable for:Navagio BeachTurtlesBlue CavesIonian IslandsBeachesBoat ToursNaturePhotography

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