Where to Stay in Zakynthos Island

Zakynthos, Zante or Fioro of Levante (= The Flower of the East) is one of the Ionian Islands’ famous Greek islands. You will have no issues finding where to stay in Zakynthos since the island has amazing beauty that you can enjoy during the summer and the rest of the year. It is no coincidence that the rare loggerhead turtles chose it for their spawning. It is the eleventh largest Greek island, and the population is 40,758 inhabitants. The inhabitants of the island are called Zakynthians, or Zakynthians.

You can travel to Zakynthos island using 3 ways of transportation. You can use the local airport and book a flight directly to the Ionian island, book a ferry from Kilini port( which is more or less a 1hour trip ) or book a ferry from Piraeus to Zante if you are near Athens. You can also get to Zakynthos from Kefalonia island if you enjoy an island-hopping journey to the Greek Islands. Must see on this famous greek island is the navagio beach or else known as the shipwreck beach and the caretta caretta turtle.

Zakynthos, known as the Flower of the East, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. The island has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Venetians, who left a lasting impact on its architecture and culture. Zakynthos is also the birthplace of prominent Greek poets, such as Dionysios Solomos, the author of the Greek national anthem. The island's history is evident in its charming villages, ancient monasteries, and cultural festivals that celebrate its vibrant traditions and artistic legacy.

When planning your stay in Zakynthos, consider these helpful tips to ensure a memorable and comfortable experience:

Book in Advance: Zakynthos is a popular destination, especially during the summer months. Booking your accommodation well in advance can secure you the best options and rates. Early booking also provides a wider selection of lodgings, from luxurious resorts to cozy family-run hotels.

Unique Stays: For a truly unique experience, consider staying in one of Zakynthos' eco-friendly lodges or traditional Greek villas. Eco-friendly lodges offer sustainable practices and often blend seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty, providing an eco-conscious yet luxurious stay. Traditional Greek villas, on the other hand, offer an authentic taste of local culture and history. These villas are often beautifully restored historical homes with modern amenities, set in picturesque locations.

Accommodation Variety: Zakynthos offers a wide range of accommodation types to suit different preferences and budgets. From beachfront resorts with stunning views of the Ionian Sea to quaint bed and breakfasts nestled in charming villages, there's something for everyone. Consider the location based on your interests—stay in Zakynthos Town for easy access to amenities and transport, or choose a quieter area like Alykes for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Consider the Location: Each area of Zakynthos has its own unique charm. If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife and social activities, Laganas is the place to be. For families, areas like Kalamaki and Tsilivi offer a more laid-back environment with family-friendly amenities and beautiful beaches. Couples might enjoy the romantic setting of Vassilikos or the serene ambiance of Keri.

Peak Season Considerations: During peak season, the island can get quite busy, and the best accommodations fill up quickly. By booking in advance, you can avoid the rush and secure a spot in your preferred location. Additionally, booking early often means better rates and special offers.

Local Recommendations: Don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations on where to stay. They can provide insider tips on the best places that might not be as widely advertised but offer an authentic and enjoyable experience.

By following these accommodation tips, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Zakynthos, making the most of your visit to this beautiful Ionian island.

No matter where you go on Zante, you will love every bit of it. The people are very warm & friendly. You can stay at various in Zakynthos which you will really enjoy the boutique hotels. Be sure to pick among Alykes and Alykanas, Tsilivi, Zakynthos Town, Argassi, Vassilikos, Kalamaki, Laganas beach and Keri.

For first-time visitors to the island, your safest choice is to find accommodation in Zakynthos Town. It will be easy to go to all the other locations using the local bus line, a taxi or even rent a car. You will also find most of the hotels located there.

During your stay, you will enjoy walking the streets, shopping around the local shops, and eating traditional Greek food in a local taverna (restaurant). The beach is not great but you can have a nice swim there.

You will find many accommodation options. The best hotels in Zakynthos town are Phoenix Hotel and Diana Hotel especially if you are looking for a boutique hotel.

Apart from Laganas, which is very crowded and ofter a lot of nightlife and clubbing, the rest of the island offers balanced locations which awesome beaches, hotels, and restaurants.

Laganas is possibly the most famous location in Zante, especially among the younger travelers and couples who want to combine their holidays with nightlife and sandy beaches with turquoise waters.

You will find several different options to spend your night at Laganas since several bars and beach clubs have very long opening timetables. The streets are also crowded during the summer nights, and you should be cautious at night since a lot of drunk youngsters will be there.

In Laganas, you will find a lot of options to book your stay. There are different lodging options such as luxurious hotels with swimming pools, studios and for budget travelers and nature lovers, there is also camping available.

The best resort to stay in Laganas is the Mediterranean Beach Resort which feats an amazing swimming pool with a cocktail bar along with great sun loungers.

If you are looking for a location on the island that’s not too lively but has enough interesting locations & activities ( like a private boat tour to the Navagio Shipwreck beach ) and has access to great restaurants/beaches, you should stay in Kalamaki or Tsilivi beach. Alykes is the less developed location and will be perfect for everyone who, more than everything, wants to chill out. You will easily find there from a nice budget 3 star hotel up to a luxury hotel.

Kalamaki is the best place to stay in Zante with your family. You will find the beach great for your children which stays knee-deep for about 30m and which also results in warm waters that your children will really enjoy. If you are lucky enough you will be able to see the turtles resting on a pedalo!

In the area of Kalamaki, you can find a great choice of hotels and apartments that range from small family businesses, Air Bnb’s to medium size Hotels like Hotel Exotica. Many of them will feature a beautiful beach, a private pool, and a calm sea view.

If you book a hotel on the main strip of Kalamaki it will be quiet during the night. The noisiest part is on the main road where all the bars are located.

All the restaurants ( Taverna’s in the Greek language ) are quite family-friendly and will really look after you

The best hotel to book your hotel is the Vanessa Hotel.Vanessa Hotel

Where to stay in Tsilivi ( Planos )

Like Kalamaki, Tsilivi is a perfect place to stay with your family, especially if you have young children. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars to enjoy your holidays. Most important though is the fun park, mini-golf, lots of play areas and of course the Ionian sea where your children will really have a nice time. The area is big enough, and you have plenty of options on where to stay without being too far from the center.

You will have also access to various tours that include turtle spotting, cave swim, and visits to different sand beaches.

Keep in mind that it would be better to avoid Argassi and the main part of Laganas as these will be packed with youngsters on party mode vacations. Feel free to explore the rest of the island as, in general terms, Zakynthos is a family-friendly island.

The best seafronts hotels in Tsivili are Contessina Hotel and Zante Maris Suites.

Where to stay in Alykes and Alikanas

Around this picturesque village, you can find various eco activities like helping on picking olives from a biological farm, ride a horse with your family or explore the ways local families are cooking their meals.

Alykanas is a quiet place with not so much happening at night. You should visit it if you want to relax and stay in a peaceful location. You can have a drink while chilling out during the summer nights and enjoy the calmness of Alikanas.

Apart from the long and sandy beaches of the Ionian sea which are very safe for the kids, there is a very nice water park at Sarakinado that childer will like to spend some time there!

The best hotels to stay in Alykes are Koukounaria Hotels and Suites and Oscar Villa & Studios

Zakynthos, also known as Zante or the Flower of the East, is one of the most famous Ionian Islands in Greece, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're exploring the stunning Navagio Beach, spotting the rare Caretta Caretta turtles, or enjoying the local cuisine at a traditional taverna, Zakynthos has something for everyone.

Traveling to Zakynthos is convenient with options to fly into the local airport, take a ferry from Kilini or Piraeus, or hop over from Kefalonia. Once there, you can choose from a variety of accommodations in charming areas like Zakynthos Town, Laganas, Kalamaki, and Tsilivi. Each location offers unique experiences, whether you seek lively nightlife, family-friendly activities, or peaceful relaxation.

For the best travel deals on flights and hotels in Zakynthos and beyond, be sure to check out Spasso. We specialize in finding affordable travel options to make your dream vacation a reality. Enjoy the beauty of Zakynthos and explore the many wonders of Greece with Spasso as your travel partner!