What are the best things to do in Zakynthos? This Ionian island, also called Zante, is famous for Navagio beach and its shipwreck at the foot of white cliffs. A trip to Zakynthos also means the Blue Caves, Laganas Bay where loggerhead turtles nest, hill villages and sunsets on the west coast. This guide helps you choose what to see, where to stay, when to go and how to plan your stay on Zante.
Before booking a boat trip, read our page on Navagio, the shipwreck beach: closures, viewpoint and current rules.
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Zakynthos at a glance
- Location Ionian IslandsOff the west coast of the Peloponnese, south of Kefalonia
- Airports Zakynthos international airport, near LaganasMostly seasonal international routes; via Athens the rest of the year
- Ferry from KylliniIn the Peloponnese
- Ideal length 5 to 7 days
- Best time late May-June and September
- Time zone 2 hours ahead of London all year · detailsLocal time now: –:–
- Entry Schengen area: no visa for up to 90 days for US citizens (tourism or business) and UK citizens (in any 180-day period) · travel.state.gov · GOV.UKUS: 6 months’ passport validity recommended; UK: valid 3 months after leaving the Schengen area
- Currency euro (€) · currencies
- Electricity check voltage and plug types before you go · plugs
- Budget see our budget section
When to go to Zakynthos
The best times to visit Zakynthos are late May-June and September: 23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F) in the afternoon, little rain, a warm sea in September and moderate crowds. July and August are the hottest months (close to 31 °C, or 88 °F) and the busiest. From October to February, Zakynthos is much wetter than the Cyclades: more than 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain a month from October to January, and most resort hotels close.
Like the other Ionian islands, Zakynthos is greener and wetter than the Aegean islands, with hotter and less windy summers than the Cyclades. Boat trips to Navagio and the Blue Caves depend on sea conditions, often calm in high summer.
When to go to Zakynthos: the essentials
- Best times: late May, June and September
- For the beach: June to September
- For loggerhead turtles: summer, the nesting and hatching season
- For partying: July-August in Laganas
- Hottest month: July, average high of 30.7 °C (87 °F)
- Wettest months: December (170 mm, or 6.7 in), November and January
- Low season: November to March, resorts closed
Zakynthos climate month by month
| Month | Avg max | Avg min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.4 °C (58 °F) | 8.1 °C (47 °F) | 150.4 mm (5.9 in) | Very low | Low | ❌ Cool and very wet |
| February | 14.5 °C (58 °F) | 8.2 °C (47 °F) | 112.8 mm (4.4 in) | Very low | Low | ❌ Cool and wet |
| March | 16.1 °C (61 °F) | 9.2 °C (49 °F) | 89.6 mm (3.5 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Still wet, few services |
| April | 18.9 °C (66 °F) | 11.1 °C (52 °F) | 51.3 mm (2.0 in) | Moderate (Easter) | Medium | ⚠️ Mild, cold sea |
| May | 23.4 °C (74 °F) | 14.4 °C (58 °F) | 17.0 mm (0.7 in) | Moderate | Medium | ✅ Mild, few people |
| June | 27.8 °C (82 °F) | 18.2 °C (65 °F) | 7.2 mm (0.3 in) | High | High | ✅ Hot, one of the best months |
| July | 30.7 °C (87 °F) | 20.4 °C (69 °F) | 5.0 mm (0.2 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Very hot, very busy |
| August | 30.6 °C (87 °F) | 20.9 °C (70 °F) | 9.1 mm (0.4 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Very hot, peak crowds |
| September | 27.6 °C (82 °F) | 18.8 °C (66 °F) | 25.4 mm (1.0 in) | High | High | ✅ Hot, sea at its best |
| October | 23.0 °C (73 °F) | 15.7 °C (60 °F) | 146.5 mm (5.8 in) | Low | Medium | ⚠️ Mild but heavy rain returns |
| November | 19.0 °C (66 °F) | 12.5 °C (54 °F) | 159.1 mm (6.3 in) | Very low | Low | ❌ Very wet, closures |
| December | 15.8 °C (60 °F) | 9.6 °C (49 °F) | 169.9 mm (6.7 in) | Very low | Low | ❌ Wettest month |
Zakynthos season by season
- Spring (April-May): 19 to 23 °C (66 to 73 °F) in the afternoon, green countryside, much less rain in May. The sea stays cool; hotels gradually reopen.
- Summer (June to August): 28 to 31 °C (82 to 88 °F) by day, very little rain, usually calm sea. All excursions run; Laganas is very lively.
- Autumn (September-October): 23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F), warm sea in September. October brings the return of heavy rain (close to 150 mm, or 5.9 in).
- Winter (November to March): 14 to 19 °C (57 to 66 °F) by day, heavy rain. The island lives at its residents’ pace; most resorts are closed.
Zakynthos month by month
January: 14 °C (57 °F), about 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain. Very quiet island, no swimming.
February: 15 °C (59 °F), still wet. For Zakynthos Town and the villages, not the beach.
March: 16 °C (61 °F), less rain, green countryside. Few places open.
April: 19 °C (66 °F), the season starts, often around Easter. Cold sea.
May: 23 °C (73 °F), almost dry. A good month for a quiet visit; the sea is still cool.
June: 28 °C (82 °F), pleasant sea, everything open. One of the best months.
July: the hottest month (30.7 °C, or 87 °F). High season, very busy excursions.
August: 31 °C (88 °F), peak crowds, especially around 15 August (a Greek public holiday). Book early.
September: 28 °C (82 °F), the sea at its warmest, fewer people. One of the best months.
October: 23 °C (73 °F) but close to 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain. End of season; try early in the month.
November: 19 °C (66 °F), very wet. Most hotels are closed.
December: 16 °C (61 °F), the wettest month. Zakynthos out of season.
To compare with the other islands, see the best time to visit Greece.
Things to do in Zakynthos: the highlights
Navagio beach
On the north-west coast, Navagio, « Shipwreck Beach », is a sandy cove enclosed by high limestone cliffs, with the rusting wreck of a cargo ship that ran aground in the 1980s in the middle. There are two ways to see it: from above, from a viewing platform at the top of the cliffs near Agios Georgios Kremnon monastery; or from the sea, by boat from Porto Vromi or the north of the island. Landing on the beach has been banned several times in recent years because of the risk of rockfalls: check the current situation before booking a boat trip.
The Blue Caves
At the northern tip, near Cape Skinari, the Blue Caves are arches and hollows carved into the cliff, where the water turns an intense turquoise, especially in the morning. Small boats leave from Agios Nikolaos or Skinari lighthouse; you can also explore them by kayak when the sea is calm. Boat trips often combine the Blue Caves and Navagio.
Laganas Bay and the loggerhead turtles
In the south, Laganas Bay is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, created to protect the loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) that come ashore to nest on its beaches in summer. Several beaches, such as Gerakas, Sekania and Daphni, have strict rules: limited access, closure at night during the nesting season, areas without umbrellas. Follow the signs, keep away from nests and choose responsible boat trips on small vessels. The islet of Marathonisi, in the bay, can be visited by boat.
The Vassilikos peninsula
East of Laganas Bay, the Vassilikos peninsula is the greenest and most unspoilt part of the south of the island. Its beaches, such as Gerakas, Porto Roma and Banana Beach, are quieter than Laganas. It suits family stays and walks.
Keri and the south-west coast
In the south-west, the village of Keri and its lighthouse overlook spectacular cliffs facing the Mizithres islets. Boat trips from Keri harbour follow the caves along the coast. The lighthouse viewpoint is one of the best places on the island at sunset.
Zakynthos Town and Bochali hill
Rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake, Zakynthos Town has Solomos Square, open to the sea, arcades and the church of Agios Dionysios, named after the island’s patron saint. The Byzantine Museum displays icons from the Ionian school. Above the town, Bochali hill offers a view over the port and the coast, with the remains of a Venetian castle.
Villages and sunsets in the west
The wilder interior and west coast combine hill villages, olive groves and vineyards. Kampi and its cliffs are a well-known sunset viewpoint; Porto Limnionas and Porto Roxa are rocky coves with clear water. In the north-east, the waters of Xigia are known for their sulphur springs.
Suggested itineraries
Zakynthos in 5 days
- Day 1: Zakynthos Town, Solomos Square, Bochali hill
- Day 2: boat trip to the Blue Caves and Navagio, then the Navagio viewpoint
- Day 3: Laganas Bay, Marathonisi and the loggerhead turtles
- Day 4: the Vassilikos peninsula, Gerakas and Porto Roma beaches
- Day 5: Keri, the west coast, Porto Limnionas and sunset at Kampi
10 days in the Ionian Islands
- Days 1 to 5: Zakynthos
- Days 6 to 10: Corfu, by air via Athens or via the mainland
To plan your route, see our pages on what to see in Corfu and our pick of Greek islands. For the Aegean, read our guides to Santorini, Mykonos, things to do in Paros and visiting Naxos, or our page on what to see in Crete.
Budget for a stay in Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a fairly affordable island, especially on a package. Rough amounts per person per day in high season, excluding flights:
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared double room) | about €30 to €55 | about €80 to €150 |
| Meals | about €20 to €30 | about €40 to €60 |
| Local transport | about €5 to €10 | about €20 to €40 (car, scooter) |
| Excursions (boat, Navagio, caves) | about €5 to €15 | about €20 to €40 |
| Total per day | roughly €60 to €100 per person per day | roughly €140 to €240 per person per day |
To keep costs down: come in May, June or September, compare package deals that include flights, and share a hire car rather than booking lots of organised tours.
Getting there and getting around Zakynthos
- By air: Zakynthos airport, south of Zakynthos Town near Laganas, has mainly seasonal international routes; otherwise fly via Athens. Check current routes with the airport and the airlines.
- By ferry: from Kyllini, a port in the Peloponnese reached by car or bus from Athens.
- Bus: the KTEL network links Zakynthos Town with the main resorts, with more services in summer.
- Car or scooter: recommended for the west coast, the north and the viewpoints. GOV.UK advises keeping valuables out of sight and locking your vehicle at all times.
- Quad bikes and mopeds: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026), quad bike accidents cause serious injuries every year; helmets are compulsory, hire-company insurance usually covers only third parties, and many travel policies exclude quad biking.
- Boat: excursions and small boat hire from Agios Nikolaos, Porto Vromi, Keri or Laganas; check the restricted zones of the marine park.
Where to stay in Zakynthos
- Zakynthos Town: handy for ferries, buses and restaurants, with local life all year round
- Laganas: big beach and very lively nightlife in summer; noisy
- Kalamaki: quieter, close to the airport and Laganas Bay
- Vassilikos and Tsilivi: for families, quieter beaches
- Alykes and the north-east: quieter, a handy base for the Blue Caves and Navagio
- West coast and villages: peaceful, a car is essential
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: Greece is in the Schengen area: you may enter without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Greek law requires three months of passport validity beyond your departure date, but the State Department recommends at least six months; you may be asked for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated February 19, 2026).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Under the EU Entry/Exit System, the Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect fingerprints and photos from UK travellers: follow the advice of officials on the ground (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
- Health: UK travellers can use a GHIC or EHIC for state healthcare (GOV.UK); whatever your nationality, take out travel insurance covering medical costs, including evacuation from the island.
- Sea and activities: according to GOV.UK, people drown in the sea in Greece every year; follow the beach flag system (a red flag means you must not enter the water), do not dive into unknown water and only book water sports at a licensed centre.
- Wildfires and earthquakes: the wildfire risk is high from April to October and causing a wildfire is a criminal offence, even if unintentional (GOV.UK); there is also a risk of earthquakes. Emergency number: 112.
- Theft: keep valuables out of sight and be alert to car crime (GOV.UK).
Our travel insurance guide helps you choose suitable cover, including evacuation from an island.
Practical tips for Zakynthos
- Money: cards are widely accepted; keep cash for buses and small boats.
- Bookings: in July and August, book accommodation, car and excursions in advance.
- Turtles: do not touch or feed the turtles; respect the times and zones of the protected beaches.
- Sun: hat, sunscreen and water, especially on boats and at viewpoints.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees to enter churches and monasteries.
- Mobile data: check your home carrier’s roaming charges and data limits before you go.
Zakynthos: who is it for?
Our verdict by traveller type, based on the information in this guide:
- Couples: yes, especially in May-June and September: sunsets at Kampi and Keri, the coves of Porto Limnionas, villages in the west.
- Families: yes, staying in Vassilikos or Tsilivi, with quieter beaches; avoid Laganas, which is noisy in summer.
- Budget travellers: fairly: roughly €60 to €100 per person per day in high season, less in May, June or September; sharing a hire car cuts costs.
- Party-goers: yes, in Laganas in July-August.
- Nature and beaches: yes: Navagio, the Blue Caves, the loggerhead turtles of Laganas Bay, as long as you follow the marine park rules.
- Culture: secondary: Zakynthos Town, its Byzantine Museum and Bochali hill can be seen in a day.
Further reading
Zakynthos does not yet have its own climate page: our article on the best time to visit Greece compares the Ionian and Aegean islands month by month. For the shoulder seasons, read about the weather in Greece in April and Greece in October, and check the time difference with Greece (2 hours ahead of London all year).
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Zakynthos?
Late May, June and September: 23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F) in the afternoon, little rain and fewer people than in July-August. Avoid October to February if you want sunshine: it is the season of heavy rain.
Zante or Zakynthos: what is the difference?
None: it is the same island. Zakynthos is the Greek name, Zante the name of Venetian origin, still widely used in English and Italian. The main town has the same name.
How many days do you need to visit Zakynthos?
Five days let you see Navagio, the Blue Caves, Laganas Bay, Keri and the town. A week leaves time to enjoy the beaches.
How do you get to Zakynthos?
In season, Zakynthos airport has international routes, many of them seasonal. The rest of the year, travel via Athens, then take a domestic flight or head to Kyllini for the ferry.
Can you get down to Navagio beach?
The viewpoint at the top of the cliffs can be reached by car. By sea, landing on the beach has been banned several times because of the risk of rockfalls: ask boat trip operators about the current situation.
Zakynthos or Corfu: which should you choose?
Zakynthos is smaller and focused on the sea: Navagio, caves, turtles. Corfu has a Unesco-listed old town and more heritage. Both islands have a green Ionian climate that is wetter in winter.
Our sources
- Climate data: 1961-1990 normals for the Zakynthos airport station (Hellenic National Meteorological Service), published by the World Meteorological Organization via NOAA, as given in the Wikipedia article « Zakynthos »
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Greece country information (last updated February 19, 2026) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Greece (updated 11 August 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our Greece travel guide and our pages on Corfu, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos. For date ideas, see where to go in June or in September, and our other destinations in Europe.
