• Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) – One of the most photographed beaches in the world, accessible only by boat.
• Blue Caves – Stunning sea caves that glow electric blue; best seen by boat or kayak.
• Marathonisi (Turtle Island) – Shaped like a turtle and part of the marine park protecting loggerhead turtles.
• Keri Cliffs – Jaw-dropping cliffside views, perfect at sunset.
• Zakynthos Town – A charming port town with Venetian-style buildings, lively squares, and waterfront cafés.
• Xigia Sulfur Beach – Known for its mineral-rich, therapeutic waters.
• Laganas Beach – Bustling and wide, known for party vibes and turtle nesting.
• Gerakas Beach – A quieter beach in the marine park where sea turtles nest (no umbrellas allowed!).
• Agios Dionysios Church – A beautiful Orthodox church with relics of the island’s patron saint.
• Porto Limnionas – A dramatic cove and swimming spot surrounded by cliffs and caves.

• Rent a Car or ATV – The island’s best beaches and viewpoints are often off the main roads.
• Go Early to Navagio Viewpoint – It gets crowded fast; sunrise visits are unforgettable and quiet.
• Respect Turtle Zones – Avoid disturbing marked nesting sites, especially on beaches like Gerakas and Dafni.
• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Protect the marine ecosystem while you swim with turtles.
• Local Buses Are Limited – Great for town-to-town, but unreliable for remote beaches.
• Taste the Local Olive Oil – Zakynthos produces some of Greece’s best.
• Laganas = Party Central – If you're after nightlife, head to Laganas. If you're after peace, avoid it.
• Plan Boat Tours Early – Blue Cave and Shipwreck trips can fill up fast in summer.
• Cash is Still King – Many tavernas and small shops prefer or only accept cash.
• Sunsets Are Epic at Keri Lighthouse – Bring a bottle of wine and your camera.

• Agios Dionysios Feast (August 24 & December 17) – Celebrates the island's patron saint with parades, food, and fireworks.
• Carnival of Zakynthos (February–March) – A fun pre-Lenten celebration with costumes, parades, and parties.
• Easter Week – One of the most vibrant and spiritual times on the island, with processions, music, and candlelit services.
• Zakynthos Wine Festival (September) – Local wines, music, and dancing under the stars.
• Summer Cultural Festival (June–August) – Concerts, plays, and dance shows held in Zakynthos Town and nearby villages.

What is Zakynthos known for?
Zakynthos is best known for its iconic Navagio Beach, vibrant nightlife, sea turtles, and stunning coastal cliffs and caves. It’s a Greek island that balances natural wonders, party culture, and authentic village charm.

Is the island a good destination for families?
Yes! Families will love Zakynthos for its calm beaches, family-run hotels, boat tours, and gentle hiking paths. Turtle watching and visiting the Blue Caves are kid-friendly favorites.

Is the island safe for tourists?
Absolutely. Zakynthos is a very safe island, with friendly locals and a strong tourism infrastructure. Like anywhere, use normal travel smarts, especially in crowded areas or nightlife zones.

Do you need a visa to visit?
If you're from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you can visit Greece (and Zakynthos) visa-free for up to 90 days. Other countries may require a Schengen visa—check based on your nationality.

What’s the best way to get to the island?
You can fly directly to Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) from many European cities in summer. From mainland Greece, take a ferry from Kyllini Port in the Peloponnese—it's a 1-hour ride.

Should I rent a car on the island?
Yes! A rental car or ATV is the best way to explore Zakynthos, especially if you want to visit hidden coves, mountain villages, and panoramic viewpoints at your own pace.

Is the island wheelchair accessible?
Partially. Zakynthos Town and major hotels are accessible, but many beaches and viewpoints have stairs or uneven paths. Check with your hotel ahead of time for specific accessibility options.

What are the island’s most famous landmarks?

• Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach – Accessible only by boat, with iconic views from the cliff above.
• Blue Caves – Natural sea arches glowing with reflected light.
• Bohali Castle – The remains of a Venetian fortress with views over the island.
• Agios Dionysios Church – Spiritual and architectural centerpiece in Zakynthos Town.

What are the best beaches on the island?

• Navagio Beach – The most famous, with dramatic white cliffs.
• Gerakas Beach – Peaceful and protected for turtle nesting.
• Banana Beach – Fun and well-equipped with beach bars.
• Porto Limnionas – Rocky, wild, and absolutely breathtaking.
• Tsilivi Beach – Great for families and close to resorts.

What’s unique about Zakynthos’ wildlife?
Zakynthos is a protected marine haven, home to Caretta caretta turtles, monk seals, and an array of fish and birds. It’s one of the few Mediterranean islands with an active turtle conservation program.

What traditional foods should you try?

• Sofrito – Veal in a white wine and garlic sauce.
• Ladotyri Cheese – A tangy sheep’s cheese aged in olive oil.
• Zakynthian rabbit stew – Slow-cooked in tomato and herbs.
• Stuffed vegetables (Gemista) – Classic Greek comfort food.
• Mandolato – A local nougat treat made with honey and almonds.

Can you drink tap water?
It’s safe in Zakynthos Town and many villages, but locals usually drink bottled water. Hotels often provide drinking water or refill stations.

What’s the nightlife like?
It’s diverse and scene-friendly! Laganas is the hotspot for clubs and beach parties, while Zante Town and Tsilivi offer more relaxed cocktails, live music, and lounge bars.

How can I stay connected to the internet?
Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations, restaurants, and cafes. Local SIM cards (COSMOTE, Vodafone) are affordable if you want mobile data.

What souvenirs should you bring home?

• Locally pressed olive oil and wine
• Zante currants (dried grapes)
• Handmade ceramics and soaps
• Mandolato nougat bars
• Postcards of the iconic Shipwreck Beach viewpoint‍

• Dionysios Solomos – Greece’s national poet and author of the Greek national anthem, born in Zakynthos in 1798.
• Andreas Kalvos – Influential romantic poet and contemporary of Solomos, also born on the island.
• Grigorios Xenopoulos – A celebrated novelist and playwright, known for bridging Zakynthian and Athenian culture in Greek literature.
• Lambros Katsonis – Greek naval hero with Zakynthian roots, known for fighting against Ottoman rule in the 18th century.
• Yannis Marinos – Prominent Greek journalist and economist born in Zakynthos.
• Costas Arzoglou – Acclaimed Greek actor of television and theatre, who often cites the island as a creative escape.
• Antonios Martelaos – Zakynthian composer known for reviving traditional Ionian music.
• Fotini Pampinioti – Prominent linguist and academic with Zakynthian heritage.
• Spiros Samaras – Composer of the Olympic Hymn, who spent time in Zakynthos during his early musical development.
• Ioannis Kapodistrias – Though not born on the island, Greece’s first head of state spent time in the Ionian Islands including Zakynthos, which influenced his diplomacy.

• The Blue Lagoon (1980s reboot scenes) – Some Mediterranean scenes were inspired by the Zakynthian coastline.
• My Big Fat Greek Vacation (TV Special) – Filmed partially in Zakynthos, showcasing its beaches and local food.
• Love in Zakynthos – A Greek romantic comedy shot in Zakynthos Town and Laganas.
• Secret Beaches of Greece (Travel Channel) – A special segment featured Navagio and the Blue Caves.
• Aegean Adventures – A travel documentary series that filmed a full episode on the island’s coastal and inland highlights.
• The Bachelor Greece (Season 2) – Romantic scenes filmed at Navagio Beach and Porto Limnionas.
• Mediterraneo – While mostly filmed elsewhere, the spirit and visuals of Zakynthos inspired some scenic sequences.
• Mamma Mia! (inspired) – While filmed on Skopelos, the look and vibe of Zakynthos served as inspiration for scenes and set design.
• Zakynthos by Drone (YouTube series) – Viral travel series with millions of views showcasing cinematic views of the island.
• BBC Earth – Turtles of the Med – Featured loggerhead turtle nesting in Laganas and Gerakas beaches.