Zante (Zakynthos) holidays

Enjoy adventures on water and land on a holiday in Zakynthos. Snorkel or scuba to see marine life or hire a boat to the Blue Caves. Explore the shipwreck at Navagio Beach, then head inland to sip wine and wander through a Venetian castle. Savour Greek and Italian dishes and spend your nights partying alongside other travellers and locals. 

Zante (Zakynthos) holiday highlights

Blue Caves Zakynthos

Sea adventures

Arrange a holiday to Zakynthos in the summer to swim in the clear and warm coastal water. Book a cruise to Navagio to see the shipwrecked MV Panagiotis beneath the sea cliffs. Sail to the Blue Caves, where natural rock arches and turquoise water create stunning photo ops. And jump in the water to swim next to loggerhead turtles and dolphins. 

Wine country journeys

The vineyards in the Zante highlands produce grapes for the region’s famous wines. Sample different vintages at the Callinico Winery near Kalipado, or pair your pour with art at Goumas Estate in the island’s northwest mountains. Goumas has sommelier-led tours of its cellars and vineyards.

History lessons

Spend your Zakynthos holiday exploring the museums and historic sites. Delve into the island’s Italian influence at the Venetian Castle above Zakynthos Town and the imposing Venetian Tower at Exo Chora. You’ll also see ancient aqueducts and the ruins of the Argassi Bridge, only a short drive outside Zakynthos Town.

Zante (Zakynthos): Know before you go

Language

Greek

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)

High season

July – August

Low season

November – March

Find the best time to go to Zante (Zakynthos)

Weather in Zante (Zakynthos)

March – May: Mild days and cooler evenings make spring a great time for hiking and coastal walks. It’s also a prime season to spot wildflowers around the foothills of Mount Skopos.

June – September: Hot sunny days bring crowds to the local beaches. There’s no better time for dips in the sea, with average water temperatures of 26°C.

October – November: Enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Beach days are doable, with water comfortable enough for swimming. Be sure to pack light layers for the cooler evenings.

December – February: You can look forward to mild temperatures around 14°C during the winter. Rain is likely, so keep that umbrella handy.

Events in Zante (Zakynthos)

Giostra Di Zante (June): One of Zakynthos’ oldest events, this medieval festival features a parade, street theatre performances and traditional dancing. The highlight of the festival is a jousting re-enactment in Solomos Square.

Shapes Festival (August): Groove to disco, jazz, house, and EDM at this vibrant summer festival. With an eclectic mix of artists and stunning venues, you’ll find yourself dancing on beaches, boats, in clubs, and even on hilltops at this one-of-a-kind music experience.

Saint Dionysios Festival (August and December): Zakynthos celebrates its patron saint’s feast day twice a year with religious processions, music and fireworks. Hit up the food vendors for traditional ‘loukoumades’ — fried doughnuts drenched in honey.

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The best neighbourhoods in Zante (Zakynthos)

Zakynthos Town

Zakynthos Town is where to stay on Zakynthos for convenience. Catch buses to the island’s beaches and wineries. Return to spend lazy Zante evenings strolling the seafront promenade or pedestrian-only Roma Street. Explore history and nature with a hike to the Venetian Castle and the surrounding pine forest above the town.

Good for: History, hiking, beaches

Laganas

Laganas is the best area to stay on Zakynthos for beach lovers. The town’s namesake beach is long and inviting. Hire an umbrella and sunbed for a day of Zante sunshine and people-watching. For more adventure, try a jet ski or snorkelling. After dark, follow the crowds to Rescue Club and CherryBay and experience the island’s all-night parties.

Good for: Nightlife, beaches, watersports

Tsilivi

Tsilivi is the best place to stay on Zakynthos for families. Lounge on free chairs at the beach or experience excitement on the slides at Tsilivi Waterpark. Find mealtime value at Popeye’s Restaurant, known for its generous portions and hearty dishes. Search Main Street for Zante souvenirs, or introduce yourself to the vineyards and vintages of Callinico Winery.

Good for: Family-friendly, beaches, dining

Things to do in Zante (Zakynthos)

Laganas

Family friendly things to do

Many things to do with family on Zakynthos revolve around Zante’s beaches. Swim in the shallow, calm waters off Gerakas Beach. Cruise to the Blue Caves or sail a glass-bottom boat to catch sight of the island’s many sea turtles. Then, spend a day riding the slides or drifting through the lazy river at Zante Water Village in Sarakinado.

Shopping

Look for Zante souvenirs on the main streets in Laganas and Tsilivi. Browse collectibles in Zakynthos Town. Try on locally made shoes in the shops off Solomos Square and pop into clothing boutiques near Agios Markos Square. Don’t miss Razi Aroma when shopping in Zakynthos. This Agios Markos shop sells perfumes inspired by local flowers. 

Take in the culture

Learn about literature and ancient history in the museums on Zakynthos. Wander through the three-level Byzantine Museum to glimpse art, frescoes and exhibits on the 1953 earthquake. Discover famous Zakynthian writers and artists at the Solomos & Kalvos Museum. Then, immerse yourself in the island’s wildlife at Helmi’s Natural History Museum in Agia Marina.

Nightlife

The island is famous for its 24-hour dance clubs, but nightlife on Zakynthos is very diverse. Drink and dance until sunrise at Laganas hotspots like Ikon and the Hawaiian Bar. Sample the lively club and taverna scenes in Zakynthos Town and Kalamaki, or enjoy a more laid-back Zante evening at Planet Pub or Main Stage in Tsilivi. 

Places to eat

The best restaurants in Zakynthos Town are around Agios Markos Square. Here, you can taste modern Greek cuisine in an al fresco setting at Paradosiako. For breakfast or lunch, grab a bite with a sea view at Madison's. If you want to try authentic Zakynthian cuisine, reserve a table at Panos in Laganas or Parthenon in Kalamaki. 

Beaches

Even if you stay near Laganas or Tsilivi, explore the other beaches on Zakynthos. Enjoy the clear water and beachside tavernas at Porto Zoro or find a secluded haven after a short hike to Marathias Beach. Cure your aches at Xigia Beach. The waters around Zante are rich with minerals from nearby caves.

Plan your holiday to Zante (Zakynthos)

Budget

With so many beaches, scenic walks and free museums to choose from, it’s easy to enjoy a cheap holiday in Zakynthos. When dining out, expect to pay around 25 euros (€) for a simple meal in a restaurant. Thirsty? A local beer will cost you around €5. And if you need a taxi, plan to spend about €10 for a short ride.

Day trips from Zante (Zakynthos)

Reach the port town of Kyllini in under 90 minutes by ferry. Along with its beautiful beaches, the town is known for its thermal springs and medieval Chlemoutsi Castle. North of Zakynthos, the gorgeous island of Kefalonia is also reachable by ferry. Its golden beaches and hillside vineyards served as the backdrop for the movie ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’.

Getting around Zante (Zakynthos)

Get around Zakynthos on the KTEL buses. You can buy tickets at the main bus terminal in Zakynthos Town. Taxis are easy to find in the main resort areas. And you can always hire a car to drive yourself around the island’s narrow but well-marked roads. Tours to Zakynthos’ wineries and beaches usually include transfer via minibus or boat.

FAQs about Zante (Zakynthos) holidays

You'll catch most conversations in Greek. Learning a few local greetings and phrases can be a good way to spark conversations and get to know people during your city break in Zante (Zakynthos).
August is the hottest month in Zante (Zakynthos), with temperatures peaking at 30ºC (86ºF).
January offers the coolest conditions for a Zante (Zakynthos) holiday. Book your trip sometime then and you'll experience lows of 7ºC (45ºF).
You can take cheap holidays to Zakynthos to enjoy a weekend beach getaway. Spend four days on the island for a deeper look at Zante’s nightlife and cuisine, or stay for a week and venture to the nearby Strophades Islands.
You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in Zante (Zakynthos). From Holy Church of Agios Gerasimos and Agia Varvara, Zakynthos Town to Bohali Castle and more, this city is a crowd-pleaser for a reason.
The island has a low crime rate, though you should be aware of petty theft and pickpocketing on holidays to Zakynthos. In the water, don’t venture into situations beyond your swimming abilities.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) while on your trip to Zante (Zakynthos). Besides your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for things like small purchases and public transport fares.
The cost of your city break in Zante (Zakynthos) will differ based on factors like your departure point, the time of year, and your chosen stay. Zante (Zakynthos) flights and hotels are typically pricier during busier times, but you can save money by travelling in the off-peak season.
July and August are the high season in Zakynthos, with very warm daytime temperatures. It’s slightly cooler in May, June and September when the crowds are also lighter. Shoulder seasons generally offer more holiday deals to Zakynthos.
The rainiest month is November, which receives an average rainfall of 13 cm. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Zante (Zakynthos) trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like hitting the shops, discovering museums, or checking out cosy cafes.