Luxury Tailor-Made Greece Holidays Zakynthos 2024 & 2025
Sunset strolls and crystal-clear waters
White beaches, sea turtles and a party atmosphere make Zante – or Zakynthos as the island is known in Greek – a favourite holiday destination in the magical Ionian Sea.
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.
Things to do and see in Zakynthos
Visit the famous Navagio shipwreck and Blue Caves
Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach is the most famous place on the island. Having been photographed thousands of times, the beach is considered one of the most beautiful ones on a global level. It is covered with white sand and the contrast between the bright blue waters and the rusty old shipwreck located there creates a unique scenery that attracts countless visitors every summer.
The Blue Caves are located in the same region as Navagio. The caves and arches in the rocks by the sea are a naturally occurring geological formation. What makes them so special is the reflections of the seawater that makes them seem blue.
The only way to see Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves is by boat, so the wisest thing to do is to book a guided tour that will take you to both of these remote spots and allow you to admire some of the most beautiful landscapes in Zakynthos.
Take a cruise to Marathonisi
Surrounded by turquoise waters and entirely covered with dense greenery, this small exotic islet is located very close to Zakynthos. Marathonisi has a golden beach, caves, natural arches and other impressive rock formations but what it is mostly known for is the sea turtles Caretta Caretta that visit this remote place frequently to lay their eggs on the beach.
The best thing to do is to take part in an organized cruise and explore the exotic landscape of Marathonisi, swim in its crystal clear waters and see the turtle nests!
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 Marathonisi and other surrounding islands. If you’re lucky enough to witness this spectacle, please don’t disturb these beautiful creatures or their eggs.
Explore picturesque churches and monasteries
Even though many of the island’s old buildings have been destroyed, several churches and monasteries are exceptionally well-preserved and interesting architecture-wise. These churches and monasteries are significant monuments of local culture and religion and they are definitely worth visiting. The easiest to find are the Church of Agios Dionysios and the Church of Agios Nikolaos Molos in Zakynthos Town.
If you would like to combine sightseeing with exploring the countryside, you can visit The Monastery of Anafonitria, where Saint Dionysios, the patron saint of the island, spent his last days, or the Monastery of Skopiotissa, a place full of ruins with an amazing view of the natural setting of Zakynthos.
Swim at amazing beaches in Zakynthos
Similarly to the Corfu, Zakynthos is famous for its beautiful beaches. sp of course you have to visit to as many as possible! Most of them are covered with golden sand and have very clear waters, have both organized and unorganized parts available and you can easily get to them by car.
The sandy beaches of Laganas and Banana are excellent for those who enjoy the comfort of tourist facilities, while Kalamaki is only partly organized. Agios Nikolaos and Agios Sostis are very popular among young people and water sports lovers.
For visitors looking for a calmer beach with a remote location that ensures a magnificent and unspoiled natural landscape, we recommend Gerakas.
Best time to visit Zakynthos
Summer (June to August) has warm temperatures, clear skies, and sunny days. Perfect for beach activities and water sports. It is the high season with bustling nightlife, vibrant atmosphere, and numerous events so the island can get quite crowded during these months.
Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October): Mild temperatures, pleasant weather, and blooming landscapes. Ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Some water sports may still be available, and it's a great time for exploring the island as its less crowded compared to summer, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Zakynthos depends on your preferences. If you enjoy vibrant nightlife, water sports, and a lively atmosphere, summer may be the best fit. For a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and fewer crowds, consider spring or fall. Winter is generally not recommended for a beach-focused vacation, but it could be suitable for those seeking a quiet retreat and cultural experiences.
Sample Itineraries Including Zakynthos
Our sample itineraries will show you suggestions for what you can do, see, and the best places to stay while travelling in Zakynthos.
If you like the look of any of these below, let us know and we can completely tailor-make your trip so it is totally unique to you!
Top hotels in Zakynthos
Olea All Suite
Lesante Blu
Contessina Spa Resort
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