Things to Do in Zakynthos (Zante)

About Zakynthos (Zante)

Zakynthos sits in the Ionian Sea about three hours by ferry from the mainland, and locals still call it Zante. Limestone cliffs drop straight into water clear enough to spot loggerhead turtles from above. Worth the trip. The famous Shipwreck Beach sits wedged between white cliffs—you can only reach it by boat. Venetian bell towers mark the villages. Orange groves cover the inland valleys, and the tavernas serve wine from vines that have been here for generations. Laganas pulls the party crowd. Gerakas Beach on the south coast is quieter and better for turtle nesting season, which runs May through October. The coves don't have road access, so you'll need to hire a boat or join a tour. Time moves slowly here. Cicadas buzz through the afternoon heat, and the fishermen still work the same schedules their grandfathers did. The sunsets are good—though every Greek island makes that claim.

Travel Tips

Transportation: KTEL buses around the island cost €1.60-4.50 depending on distance. Car rentals from local companies run €20-35 daily; book automatic transmission in advance. Taxi rides to popular beaches cost €15-30. Ferry to Kefalonia costs €8-12.

Money: Euro (EUR) accepted everywhere. ATM fees typically €3-5 for foreign cards. Credit cards accepted at most businesses. Tipping 10% appreciated at tavernas. Many beach bars operate cash-only.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting monasteries with covered shoulders and knees required. Greet with "kalimera" (good morning) or "kalispera" (good evening). Midday siesta time (2-5pm) sees many businesses closed.

Food Safety: Traditional tavernas charge €12-25 for main courses. Fresh fish costs €35-50 per kilo. Local wine costs €3-6 per glass or €12-20 per bottle. Tap water safe but bottled water (€0.50-1) preferred. Try local specialty sofrito (€15-20).

When to Visit

Peak season (July-August) brings temperatures of 28-32°C, minimal rainfall, and lively nightlife, but expect 40-50% higher accommodation prices and crowded attractions. The sweet spot lies in late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures hover around 23-27°C, rainfall remains low at 20-40mm monthly, and prices drop 25-35%. October offers particularly excellent value with warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter (December-February) sees temperatures of 10-16°C and significant rainfall (100-150mm monthly), with many hotels and restaurants closed, but accommodation costs plummet 60-70%. The Feast of St. Dionysios (August 24 and December 17) brings colorful processions and traditional celebrations. Easter week features spectacular Orthodox ceremonies but coincides with higher prices. Wine harvest season (September) offers unique agrotourism experiences. Beach lovers should visit May through October for swimming conditions, while hikers will appreciate the cooler temperatures and blooming wildflowers of April-May. Budget travelers benefit most from November through March, accepting limited services for substantial savings.