Zakynthos (Zante), Ionian: Island Guide, Beaches & Hotels

The island of Zakynthos

Zakynthos is the third-largest of the Ionian Islands after Corfu and Lefkas, covering 406 square kilometres. The island is about 40 kilometres long, its coastline runs some 123 kilometres, and its highest point is Vrachionas at 758 metres. It lies off the west coast of the Greek mainland, roughly level with Sicily, with a subtropical Mediterranean climate that keeps it green; olive groves, vineyards and the island's largest wine factory at Kalipado are all part of the landscape. Because Zakynthos sits at the southern end of the Ionian, its only frequent ferry link is with the mainland.

Zakynthos Town

Zakynthos Town, the capital and cultural centre, stands on the south-east coast with about 13,000 residents (2006). The 1953 earthquake destroyed roughly 90% of the town, which was rebuilt from old plans as a mixture of restored, reconstructed and new buildings, so it is a blend of old and modern. A long harbour runs the length of the town, home to many fishing boats and lined with ticket offices, hotels and tavernas. The main church of Agios Dionysios and a replica of the Dionisios Church stand near the water, and above the town the ruined Venetian Kastro gives impressive views.

Nature & sea turtles

Zakynthos is famous for its sea turtles, best seen around May and June when they lay their eggs and present until the end of August. They gather mainly in the Bay of Laganas, where some stretches of beach are closed to the public, and around the uninhabited turtle-shaped island of Marathonisi. The green, gently rolling island also suits slow cycling tours, and the museums, the Venetian Kastro and the Agios Dionysios church in Zakynthos Town are all worth a visit.

History of Zakynthos

Zakynthos is often called "Il fiore di Levante", the flower of the east, and is named after a son of Dardanos, the king of Troy. In Roman times it belonged to the province of Achaia and later to Illyria, then passed in turn to the Turks, the Venetians, the French and the British before reuniting with Greece on 21 May 1864. Its patron saint, Dionisios, was born on the island in 1547 and died in 1622. In 1953 a severe earthquake with some 120 shocks destroyed about 70% of the island, though the church of Agios Dionysios was spared. There is more on the island's past on the Zakynthos history page.

Getting to Zakynthos

Zakynthos has an international airport, so check for direct flights from your country. By sea, Superfast Ferries sail from Ancona to Patras in about 19 hours; from Patras it is roughly 45 minutes by road to Kilini, and from Kilini several ferries a day cross to Zakynthos Town in about 55 minutes. The Kilini boat cannot be reserved – you buy a ticket on arrival, waiting times are short, and the fare is about €6.50 per person and €29.40 per car one way. See the Zakynthos travel page for more on getting around.

Where to stay on Zakynthos

Resorts spread along the east and south coasts, from lively Laganas to quieter Tsilivi and Alykes. See the full choice on the Zakynthos hotels page.

Exensian Villas & Suites, Marathia

Exensian Resort lies 150 metres from the beach of Marathia, with amphitheatrically built two-storey villas that each have a private pool with hydromassage. The villas offer large verandas, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with fireplace and a bathroom with Jacuzzi, plus satellite TV in every room. Guests can visit the nearby beaches or take boat trips to Marathonisi and the caves.

Balcony Hotel, Tsilivi

Balcony Hotel is a family-run boutique hotel on the cliffside with a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea and direct beach access. Each room has a private balcony with sea views, air conditioning and a refrigerator, and a homemade breakfast is served on the terrace above the water. It stands 5 kilometres outside Zakynthos Town and less than 1 kilometre from the resort of Tsilivi, with the central KTEL bus station nearby for excursions.