Zakynthos: the sights that are really worth it

There are plenty of things to do in Zakynthos – but not all of them are worth it. So here is our honest list: what we saw ourselves, how much time you should allow and what you can safely skip.

Zakynthos (also called Zante) is the southernmost of the larger Ionian Islands. It’s much smaller than Crete or Corfu, yet you can easily spend a day just driving. The highlights are on the coasts, connected by narrow, winding roads through the hills. Here you’ll find what’s really worth a visit and what you can skip.

We were on Zakynthos from 14 to 17 July 2025, arriving on the car ferry from Kyllini (a crossing of just over an hour), in the middle of high summer. Anything beyond that is general information about the island that you should double-check before your trip.

The sights at a glance: location, time, cost

Distances are from Zakynthos Town and rounded. In summer, with traffic and hairpin bends, driving times tend to be longer. All prices are guide values (approx., as of 2026) and vary by provider and season.

Map: where the highlights are

In the north and north-west you’ll find the Blue Caves and Navagio, in the south-west Keri, and in the south and south-east Laganas Bay with Gerakas. Zakynthos Town is on the east coast and makes a good starting point in every direction.

Our top list in detail

1. Navagio Bay (Shipwreck Beach): best from the boat

The white bay with the stranded freighter is the picture everyone knows of Zakynthos. A shipwreck in turquoise water, surrounded by high limestone cliffs: it really is impressive. Our assessment: you see the bay best from the boat, because you experience the cliffs and the scale of the scene from below. The viewing platform above was closed at times, so ask locally or your boat operator whether it’s currently accessible.

If you want to go onto the beach itself: the boats usually only stop for a limited time. There’s hardly any shade and it’s crowded in high summer. If you go early in the day, your chances of peace and good light are much better. Because of the risk of falling rocks under the cliffs, warnings apply. Respect barriers and signs and go by the current information on site.

Typical mistake: heading for the platform at midday in July. You’ll stand in the heat and in queues for one photo.

2. The Blue Caves in the north

At Cape Skinari and near Volimes, the sea has carved rock arches and caves. The water glows an intense blue there, especially in sunshine in the morning. Small boats go right into the caves – the most impressive part of the tour. Many operators combine the caves with Navagio, which is handy if you’re only planning one boat day.

With a mask you can see the underwater world during swim stops. If you get seasick easily, choose a bigger, calmer boat rather than a small speedboat.

3. Keri: coast, caves and sunset

The quiet village in the south-west is a good contrast to the overcrowded resorts. From Keri you can take cave boats that run along the rocks and small coves, or enjoy the view of the coast from up by the lighthouse. The atmosphere at sunset is especially beautiful. The road there is winding but very doable.

If you only choose one place in the south that doesn’t feel like a package holiday, choose this one.

4. Laganas Bay, Marathonisi and the sea turtles

Laganas Bay is a protected area for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). You can see them on boat tours, for example around the small island of Marathonisi, nicknamed “Turtle Island” because of its shape. A sighting is never guaranteed, and the animals must not be touched, fed or harassed. Choose operators that keep their distance and follow the rules of the protected area.

The nesting beaches, such as Gerakas, have special rules: they’re usually closed at night, and during the day there are marked areas and restrictions on sunbeds and umbrellas. Find out about the current rules on site and stay in the permitted areas.

Honestly: the resort of Laganas itself is loud and touristy, and for us no reason to go there. For families with kids it only makes sense as a starting point for boats.

5. Porto Limnionas, Gerakas and other swimming coves

Porto Limnionas in the west is a small rocky cove with clear water, where you climb into the sea via ladders and platforms. That suits confident swimmers rather than very small children. Gerakas in the south-east is a long, protected sandy beach. If you’re looking for sand, shallow water and nature, you’re better off here than on the heavily built-up beaches.

6. Zakynthos Town and Bochali Castle

The capital was largely rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake. It has a pleasant promenade, Solomos Square and plenty of cafés. Nice for an evening stroll with an ice cream – but it’s not worth a whole day. The Venetian castle on Bochali hill offers wide views over the town and the bay. It’s a short detour that combines well with your arrival or departure.

What is overrated?

• The Navagio platform in the midday heat: crowds, heat and often just a view from far above. The boat is more worthwhile.
• Laganas as a resort: a party strip and package tourism. The bay behind it is the special thing.
• Zakynthos Town as a day trip: good for an evening, too little for a day.
• Turtle guarantees: operators like to promise “guaranteed sightings”. This is wildlife watching, not a zoo show.
• Too many highlights in one day: driving times are longer than the map suggests.

Suggested routes for 3 days

• Day 1 (north): early to Porto Vromi, boat tour to Navagio, then the Blue Caves. Swimming and dinner in the north in the afternoon.
• Day 2 (south-west): Keri, the lighthouse, a cave boat, sunset. Plus a swim at a quiet cove such as Porto Limnionas.
• Day 3 (south): Laganas Bay and Marathonisi by boat in the morning, Gerakas or a stroll through town with Bochali Castle in the afternoon.

If you have more time, cut the programme rather than extend it: a beach day between two outings makes the trip much more relaxed with a child and a dog.

Getting there and getting around

You get to Zakynthos by plane or by car ferry from Kyllini on the mainland. We crossed from Kyllini; the crossing took just over an hour. The ferry runs several times a day, and in summer you should book ahead. Roughly expect about €30–45 per car each way and a few euros per person (as of 2026, guide values). Current timetables and prices are on the ferry companies’ websites.

On the island you need a car or a scooter. Public buses cover the highlights poorly. A small rental car costs about €40–90 a day in high summer. The roads are narrow and winding in the mountains, and parking at the viewpoints quickly runs short. So plan no more than one or two big destinations per day.

Best time to visit and typical mistakes

• High summer: July and August are hot and crowded. We were there in July and would choose June or September next time.
• Not booking boats: especially in high season, popular time slots sell out early.
• No reserve of sunscreen and water: at viewpoints and beaches there’s often hardly any shade or kiosk.
• Too little time for driving: a “short” route on the map quickly becomes an hour because of the hairpin bends.
• Ignoring protection rules: rules apply on nesting beaches and in the marine park. Follow them even if others don’t.

For us, Zakynthos was part of a bigger trip. How the island fits between Albania, Athens and the Cyclades is in our story 40 days around Europe by car: Krka, Kotor, Albania, Zakynthos, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini – and back via the Balkans.

Safety and entry

The usual EU rules apply to Greece. For current information on entry, safety and natural hazards such as wildfires, check your government’s official travel advice shortly before you leave, as the situation and rules can change. At Navagio and on steep coasts: take barriers and warning signs seriously.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: 20 Oct 2026. Prices and rules change – please check with the official sources before you travel.

Things to do in Zakynthos: our verdict

Our verdict on things to do in Zakynthos: plan less and take your time for the places you really like. It also pays to visit the most famous spots early in the morning or in the evening, because it is quieter then. You’ll find more places we have been to ourselves in our travel stories; general background on the island’s history is on Wikipedia.