The Complete Guide to Zakynthos Solo Travel (2023)
UPDATED 1/17/23
Adding Zakynthos to your first-time Greece solo travel this year is a wise thing to. Sparkling blue waters, white beaches, cave dives, swimming with turtles, wine tasting and more is what awaits you in Zakynthos, Greece.
Compiled from my first-hand Zakynthos solo travel, this ultimate Zakynthos travel guide has all things Zakynthos travel planning tips with bonus budget travel tips, eco-travel tips, and more throughout. Ready to discover one of Europe’s lesser known gems? Dive in now and find out how to travel Zakynthos, Greece with ease.
This Zakynthos Travel Guide is intentionally written for the solo traveler, the first time Zakynthos traveler, and/or older traveler (I am over 50 and have been solo traveling FOREVER) in mind. Yet, anyone can use this travel guide it to plan and book Zakynthos Greece travel.
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If you need more Greece travel tips to supplement your Zakynthos travel planning, consult my ultimate Greece Solo Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more to plan solo travel in Greece.
I fell in love with Zakynthos. I’m sure you will, too, so get ready to get excited about traveling to the island of Zakynthos.
Largest of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos (a.k.a. “Zante” in Italian) is just over 320 kilometers west of Athens and a very popular Greek island for getaways due to its calm turquoise waters, unique natural landscapes, culture, agriculture, and happening nightlife in Zante Town and Laganas.
I believe Zakynthos to be one of the best Europe beach destinations with its plethora of soft, sandy beaches, most notably Navagio beach (Shipwreck beach).
Zakynthos is also well known for its endangered Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) sea turtles. Conservation efforts for the species is well known, especially in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. Encroaching on the species and nests is strictly prohibited, but if you are lucky you may see egg hatchings in the spring and summer.
Home to 15 villages that dot the interior and coastlines, each offers its own cultural and outdoor attractions. Zante island is exciting to explore.
Turtle Island
Is Zakynthos worth visiting alone?
When it came to Mykonos or Zakynthos, I chose Zakynthos on my latest Greece solo travel, and I’m so glad I did.
It’s impossible to not take beautiful photographs of the Zakynthos island beaches, rock face cliffs, water caves, panoramic views, and sunsets. Zakynthos also boasts music, festivals, hiking, wine tasting, kayaking and other water sports.
The opportunity to relax on a quiet beach with the possible encounter of swimming with sea turtles was a big draw for me. I consider Zakynthos a well-rounded Greek island with much to hold my attention. The locals are also very friendly, adding to Zante’s charm.
An upbeat or lazy getaway, it’s no wonder Zakynthos attracts tourists of all ages. You’ll be enthralled with all that Zakynthos has to offer. I think Zakynthos Greece solo travel is well worth your time.
Best Time to Visit Zakynthos
The best time to go to Zante, Greece depends on the weather, water, costs, activities, and events.
Zakynthos Weather & Costs
Zakynthos’ yearly average temperatures range from low 70°s F to high 50°s F. Zakynthos’ peak tourist season is during summer, June to early September, when Zakynthos is at its hottest and driest. These are ideal months to visit Zakynthos.
Summer is also when villages are full of tourists, however, so prices are at their highest. Nightlife is also liveliest during the summer. Book your Zakynthos accommodation well in advance for a summer stay. On a budget, book further away from the beach.
The weather is still dry and warm in the spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), but it can cool off at night and be windy, if not chilly.
Water and air temperatures, outdoor activities, and sightseeing are still pleasant in the spring and autumn (shoulder season) months. Accommodations cost less and there are fewer tourists than the summer months as well.
The wettest, windiest, and coldest months November through March. There may be less excursions and activities these months as well as tourist season really drops off. Of course, this is when tourist costs will be at their lowest if you are visiting Zakynthos on a budget.
GreeceEco Travel Tips
Like traveling in Santorini, it is advised not to drink Zakynthos’ tap water due to the high mineral content. Tap water is, however, safe to use for cooking and brushing your teeth.
Unfortunately, the popular solution is to buy bottled water. If you do, buy a very large (1.5L or larger) of water and use it to fill up your BPA-free collapsible water bottle with filter when needed. If you have any left over, give it to your hotel. Do not waste it by throwing it out.
To cut down on plastic waste, ask if your hotel if they can fill up your travel water bottle with their own fresh water source (larger water containers).
Zakynthos Events
I always suggest checking the local events calendar when planning solo travel.
There are holidays and festivals in Zakynthos year round. Consult them to know how they may impact or enhance your solo travel in Zakynthos.
Is Zakynthos Expensive?
Zakynthos is not as expensive as some other Greek islands, like Santorini. Zakynthos accommodations may tend to higher in the nightlife towns of Laganas, Zante Town and Tsilivi. Accommodation prices should go down the further you stay from these villages or going in the off (or off off) season.
In the summer and shoulder season months, you could pay around 150-250€ a night for a nice hotel those three villages, if not more, depending on your accommodation tastes. It could be less if you book well in advance and shop around.
A lunch with beer could run 15€ plus tip, a night out with drinks could be around 40€ or more with tip. This, of course, does not include activities or excursions. Plan your solo travel budget accordingly.
If budget is a factor, consider going in winter or shoulder season months and/or stay further away from the beach.
You can also make your solo travel dollars stretch by doing free things to do in Zakynthos like going to the beach, lounging at your hotel pool, taking a self-guided hike, enjoying strolling the villages, and/or visiting the beautiful churches who gladly accept a small donation.
Zakynthos Greece Travel Tips
When visiting churches in Greece, it is best to be respectful by covering your shoulders, arms and legs, and do not wear flip flops. In hot weather, consider packing light weight cotton pants and a scarf or wrap.
The airport is located on the southeastern side of the island, 5 kilometers south of Zante Town and 7 kilometers northeast of Laganas. If your Zakynthos hotel does not offer airport shuttle service, there are other Zakynthos Airport transport options.
Search for Cheap Flights to Zakynthos
Greece Eco Travel Tips
If flying short distances to or within Greece, take the train, bus, or ferry, instead. These transportation methods may save you time and money, and the scenery will be much prettier.
Zakynthos Airport Transportation
Zakynthos AirportCar Rental
Honestly, the best way to visit Zante island is to explore as much of it as possible, and as easily as possible. This means getting a rental car in Zakynthos, which is not very eco-friendly or affordable if you’re on budget solo travel in Zakynthos.
You could rent a car at the airport or, depending on your length of stay and budget, take your hotel shuttle, the public bus, or a taxi from the airport and rent a car later for just a day or two. Ask your hotel to assist you with a rental car.
It is helpful to know how to drive a stick-shift (manual) as the typical Zakynthos car rental is a manual. However, they do also come with UBS port and GPS, which makes for easy island navigation.
Four wheel ATVs are popular on Zakynthos but are noisy and dirty, and, in my humble opinion, ruin the tranquility of the island.
Explore Zakynthos Car Rentals
Zakynthos AirportTaxi
Getting a Zakynthos Airport taxi is easy. The taxi stand is to your right when you exit the airport terminal. Taxi fares vary on where you are staying on island of Zante. Fares are posted on the taxi stand and on the Zante Taxi website.
I recommend a taxi as it’s not expensive and quick.
Typical rental car, Zakynthos
Zakynthos AirportTransfer
Hiring an airport private transfer may save money depending on where you are staying. Always have with cash for tipping, just in case you cannot tip on a credit card.
Try a Welcome Pickups private transfer. Welcome Pickups works with 5-star taxi companies, based on rider reviews, providing safe airport transfer service with local, English-speaking drivers. You can book the private transfer in advance on a flat, pre-paid fee, get flight-delay monitoring, and qualify for free cancellation.
I have not yet tried Welcome Pickups, but I hear they are a convenient, reliable and safe option for private airport transfers, something solo female travelers can truly appreciate.
Uber, at time of writing, is available in Athens, not in Zakynthos.
The cheapest, and fairly quick way, from the airport is to take the Zakynthos public bus. However, it only goes to Zante Town.
Ferry to Zakynthos
If you’re already in Greece, like Athens, you can take a ferry to Zakynthos. However, there is no direct Athens to Zakynthos ferry. You will have to take a bus to Kilini to catch the Kilini to Zakynthos ferry, which takes an hour.
Passenger ferries arrive at the port in Zante Town. Like the airport, you have the same transportation options to get to your hotel.
Boat trip to Turtle Island
Getting Around Zakynthos
Is Zakynthos walkable?
As an island, some form of ground, or water, motor transportation is best to get around Zakynthos to enjoy the beaches, hiking, villages, historical sites, and wineries.
Zakynthos villages themselves are very walkable. Outside the villages are opportunities for hiking, which could be hilly.
You may also encounter steep paths to access beaches. Be sure to research the beaches before you go or book excursions. It’s best to have a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sandals to be prepared for any type of terrain or water activity.
Turtle Island boating
Zakynthos Public Transport
Like Santorini, KTEL bus operates in Zakynthos. This is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way for access to many island locations. Although there are some inter-city buses, most start from Zante Town. Depending on where you are staying, this could add a lot of transportation time your solo travel.
Still, this is an option should you need Zakynthos island transportation. Buses are air conditioned and tickets are less than 2€. There could be wait lines without shade, depending on the stop, so be prepared to stay hydrated in the heat. Check the bus routes and schedule in advance.
More Zakynthos Transportation Options
Is It Safe to Travel to Zakynthos Alone?
Crime in Zakynthos is very low. It is also considered very safe to walk alone in Zakynthos day or night. I didn’t feel worried about my safety at night as a solo female traveler over 50.
I will reiterate, however, to be careful walking at night outside of villages where there may not be street lighting or sidewalks. People may drive fast on the island roads. If you’re unsure about walking at night, take a taxi.
Always practice general safety measures, such as keeping your belongings on you at all times, especially in crowded or touristy areas.
In short, you should consider it safe to travel to Zakynthos as a single traveler over 50.
Laganas Beach
Zakynthos Packing Essentials
I’m not one to tell someone else how to pack, but there definitely some solo travel essentials I would recommend taking on your solo travel to Greece, like the following.
This list of travel essentials combined can make your Zakynthos Greece solo travel easier and more memorable while being friendlier to the environment.
Where to stay in Zante depends on what type of activities you want to do. If you want to go to the beach every day, stay in a beach village, not Zante Town. If you want nightlife, stay in Zante Town or Laganas.
As a first-time solo traveler to Zakynthos, I think it’s ideal to have access to the best of both worlds with activities accessible by foot including quick accessibility to the airport or port.
Therefore, I recommend staying at Laganas Beach on your Zakynthos solo travel. Laganas beach is 15 minutes to the airport and 20 minutes to Zante Town. Laganas beach is expansive with umbrella and lounge chair rentals, the Marine National Park of Zakynthos (think sea turtle spotting), and multiple bars, restaurants and clubs all accessible by foot.
Also, Laganas is serviced by the public bus and a departure point for many excursions. In short, Laganas is easy and, I believe, the best place to stay in Zakynthos for lively and relaxing first-time solo travel (see yellow area on the map below).
Where to stay in Laganas, Zakynthos
Note, if you are going to Zakynthos in peak season and not a lively nightlife fan, then you may wish to stay in a quieter village or just outside of the beach area of Laganas. Another option would be to travel to Zakynthos in the spring or autumn months when Laganas is quieter.
Greece Solo Travel Tips
Have WhatsApp on your mobile device(s). Many smaller establishments and activities offices use this as a method of communication making it easier to make inquiries or booking and learn, or notify, of any scheduling changes.
Get the T-Mobile International Plan or something similar in price and features. I no longer work on WiFi only on international travel. I’ll use it when it’s there, but having access to roaming when needed for GPS and Google Maps is a game changer.
Accommodations in Zakynthos
Each Zakynthos village has different accommodation types to choose from. Going in the off season, or booking well in advance, will get you the best Zakynthos accommodation prices.
Hotels in Zakynthos range from budget to budget hotels to luxury villas and all-inclusive resorts. They also book quickly. The longer you wait, the more expensive they will be.
For location, price, breakfast, amenities (including free-cancellation), eco-friendly and sustainable operations, and customer reviews and ratings, here are my best Zakynthos accommodation recommendations for Laganas Beach ideal for first-time over 50 solo travel to Zakynthos (i.e., where I would stay):
In fact, I last stayed at the Cactus Hotel, just a block away from the beach. The location was perfect. The room was very comfortable. It also had two pools, free parking, and a great breakfast and staff. Dennis was amazingly helpful in providing tips and arranging my rental car. I would definitely stay there again.
So, what are the best things to do in Zakynthos as a solo traveler?
For an island, the list is long. Here are some of the opportunities to enjoy a quiet and relaxing solo trip, or meet others on fun activities on Zakynthos solo travel. Just don’t miss the Zakynthos must see items.
Start with this video of 5 must do Zakynthos activities. You’ll see what a wonderful Zakynthos solo trip you’ll have.
Top Ways to Do The 5 Zakynthos MUST DOs
More MUST SEE in Zakynthos Greece
After the must do’s in Zakynthos above, here are a slew of more must see in Zakynthos items for your Zakynthos itinerary. If you want to know how to see most of them on your first time Zakynthos travel, use my Best of Zakynthos in 3 Days Itinerary. I’ve laid it all out for you.
Sunbathing, walking, hiking, boating, sailing, kayaking and other water sports are dominant in Zakynthos outdoor activities. Zakynthos also offers many places for walks and viewpoints offering spectacular vistas and sunsets.
Unfortunately, thoughtless tourists go off trail or cross marked areas, like on Shipwreck View Point, just to get an Instagram photo, which can be life-threatening. They also litter.
Please obey the signs to respect the environment and protect your safety.
Zakynthos beaches (called “paralias”) are outstanding and, I consider, some of the top beaches in Europe. Most offer beach umbrellas and lounge chairs to rent, as well as places to grab a drink or bite to each.
The following are probably the most noteworthy beaches to try in Zakynthos.
East Coast Beaches
Kremidi beach
Climati beach
Makris Gialos beach
Xigia Sulfur beach
Alykanas beach
Psarou beach
Krioneri beach
West Coast Beaches
Filippoi beach
Atsiganos beach
Navagio beach
Porto Vromi beach
Porto Limnionas beach
Porto Roxa beach
Southern Beaches
Plakaki beach
Marathia beach
Agios Sostis beach
Cameo Island beach
Laganas beach
Kalamaki beach
Crystal beach (and Marine National Park of Zakynthos)
Gerakas beach
St. Nicholas beach
Banana beach
Kaminia beach
Zakynthos Greece Travel Tips
It can get very hot in Zakynthos in the summer. Make sure you stay hydrated and wear your good marine and reef safe sunscreen all day.
Best Half & Full Day Group Zakynthos Beach & Boat Tours
Best Private GroupZakynthos Beach & Boat Tours
Zakynthos Dining & Entertainment
Zakynthos Restaurants
Zakynthos dining options are plentiful. From any budget, you can find enticing local dishes. You can explore any of the villages for dining, or stay within your own village.
Don’t just research the beaches. Also check out the different village restaurants in Zakynthos so you know where you’ll want to stop during your beach hopping:
Don’t forget planning for sunsets while dining. The west side of the island is the best for this, of course. My recommendation for laid back sunset dining is L’ été Sunset Bar.
Sunset at L’ été Sunset Bar
Zakynthos Food
Surrounded by water, fresh seafood is always a top dining choice. Try the calamari, mussels and shrimp.
Of course, you’ll also find the traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki pitas, gyros, stuffed grape leaves, Greek salad, and creamy, Greek yogurt covered in honey. Zakynthos dishes will be made with fresh local cheeses, olive oils, roasted meats, and fruit.
For after dinner, don’t forget a sip taste of Ouzo, the traditional Greek liquor.
Shrimp at L’ été Sunset Bar
Zakynthos Wineries
Of course, it wouldn’t be Greece without wine, right?
My favorite score was visiting Therianos Family Organic Farm. This family has been on this land for centuries and they cultivate their own organic olive oil, raisins, health and beauty products and wine. Such lovely people, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the property and sampling their products. Of course, I didn’t walk away empty handed.
It’s a unique experience and a must in Zakynthos. Stop in or call for a tour.
Therianos Family Organic FarmTherianos Family Organic Farm
I always travel with the above items. Light weight and taking up very little space in my carry-on bags, I love the convenience and peace of mind these inexpensive, eco-friendly products provide.
Zakynthos Nightlife
The most notable town for Zakynthos nightlife is where you’ll be staying on your Zakynthos Greece solo travel: Laganas. However, stop in to Zante Town or Tsilivi for some festivities and libations.
Zakynthos is known for having music and festivals as well, if you are not into the club scene.
Perhaps your version of nightlife is going to a wine bar or simply a nice meal at a sunset followed by observing the stars. Yes, Zakynthos has those, too.
Best Booking Sites for Zakynthos Travel
Here is a summary of the best booking sites I recommend you use to successfully book your travel to Zakynthos Greece solo travel. I use just about all of these for most travel locations. I even gave you my suggested Zakynthos hotel.
These booking sites give you multiple travel options and awesome travel deals for all travel budgets. They will certainly help get a jump on your solo trip to Zakynthos.
I would love to hear if my Zakynthos Solo Travel Guide was helpful to you. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!
