Darija Stojanovic 
Planning an action-packed summer holiday in Greece? Zakynthos is just the perfect place for that! Known for its Shipwreck Beach, blue caves, and parties, Zante is one of the most visited Greek islands, with around 3 million visitors per year!
Today, I’ll be your trip-planning gal to help you decide where to stay in Zakynthos, whether you’re looking to party, explore the beaches, or both. I did my own research but also chatted with friends who have been visiting the island for years, and I couldn’t be more excited to tell you all about the topic!
I sorted out the best areas in Zakynthos by interest, and then cherry-picked top-rated hotels in every place and sorted those by budget, so it’ll be super easy to book your perfect stay!
Stay in or near Zakynthos Town (or Zante) if it’s your first visit and you can’t rent a car, but choose Laganas if you’re coming to party!
Stay tuned for all my insider tips and practical info on visiting Zakynthos, and remember to book your stay in advance! Some people book their Zante hotels even a year in advance (yup, I know them!)
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Check out the best places to stay in Zakynthos Town:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Zakynthos Town – where to stay for the first time
- 2. Laganas & Kalamaki – where to stay in Zakynthos for nightlife
- 3. Tsilivi – where to stay in Zakynthos for families
- 4. Alykes – a laid-back place to stay in Zakynthos
- 5. Vasilikos – an eco-friendly area with beautiful beaches
- 6. Keri – best place to stay in Zakynthos on a budget + for nature
- 7. Argassi – best area to stay in Zakynthos for hiking
- BONUS: 3 best luxury villas in Zakynthos
- Frequently asked questions about Zakynthos
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Zakynthos
Here is a map of Zakynthos highlighting the 7 areas I will discuss in this blog post. Now you can easily visualize them along the coast!
- Zakynthos Town: for first-timers
- Laganas & Kalamaki: for nightlife
- Tsilivi: for families
- Alykes: a laid-back town
- Vasilikos: eco-friendly beaches
- Keri: for budget + nature
- Argassi: for hiking
1. Zakynthos Town – where to stay for the first time
Zakynthos Town, also called Zante Town, is located on the East coast of the island and is its biggest city. If you like the city vibe by the sea, Zante is for you.
The best way to discover Zakynthos Town is simply strolling the seaside and walking along the cute cobblestone streets while checking out the photogenic traditional Greek houses. Oh yes, you will see so many Instagrammable corners here, so you better secure extra storage on your phone!
Plus, the main port of Zakynthos is here (map), offering easy access to boat excursions to other parts of the island.
FUN FACT: Greek national poet and the writer of the Greek national anthem, Dionysios Solomos, was born in Zakynthos. The main square in Zakynthos Town is named after him, and you can also visit the museum where he is buried (map).
PRO TIP: Do yourself a favor and have a welcome dinner in the cute taverns outside the town’s most touristy part. I highly recommend Kantouni Restaurant (map). Their menu changes on a daily basis, and they serve delicious local dishes and appetizers!
Zakynthos town isn’t a beach destination, but you’ll still find swimmable waters close to the pier as well as Plaz EOT (map) some 2 km North of the port. There are no beach chairs, umbrellas, or toilets here, though.
The top beaches and places on Zakynthos are best reached by car hire, which is why I highly recommend one. The prices start at €30 per day with all the insurance, and it’s so much better than using unreliable and slow KTEL buses or expensive taxis.
Alternatively, rent an e-bike (here’s a good place) or quads to explore the surroundings or book boat day tours. Honestly, tours are the best for visiting remote landmarks like Navagio Beach with the shipwrecks and the blue caves that the island is best known for! It’ll be too much of a hustle to get there with a car anyway.
The Navagio or Shipwreck Beach was once called Agios Georgios but was renamed after a large ship washed along its shores in 1980. Apparently, the ship carried contraband cigarettes, and its crew had to abandon it due to poor weather and problems with Greek authorities. It’s a top attraction in Zakynthos now that’s best to be seen from the cliffs above during sunset!
This lovely 4-star boutique hotel comes with neat, modern rooms with a sea view, an on-site bar, and a delicious breakfast. The hotel is ideal for couples, and apparently, they have the most accommodating and friendly staff!
Other accommodation options in Zakynthos Town
A beachfront hotel with spacious rooms with a sea view, water sports activities, free private parking, and a bar
Enjoy the charming décor, surreal town and sea views, and spacious rooms at excellent rates
Beachfront Airbnb with fully furnished rooms, private parking, and easy access to the city center
Things to do in Zakynthos Town
- Walk by the port and explore the town
- Visit the Museum of Solomos and the city’s main Solomos Square (map)
- Explore the Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos (map)
- Get spiritual in the Church of Agios Dionysios (map)
- Have a late-night drink at the iconic Base Roof Cocktail Bar (map)
- Hike up to the Bochali Venetian castle and enjoy the picturesque view (map)
- Take a boat trip to Navagio Beach and Blue Caves
2. Laganas & Kalamaki – where to stay in Zakynthos for nightlife
Laganas is a resort town on the island’s South coast, some 15-minute drive from Zakynthos Town. If you wonder where the party scene is in Zakynthos, well, it’s in Laganas!
Laganas is home to countless nightclubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Many clubs here are open till the early morning hours, and you’re not coming to party in Greece if you don’t do it until sunrise (been there, done that!).
Ikon (map) is one of the top-rated clubs with amazing service (really important when you choose a Greek club to party in). The rest of the clubs are all lined on the same street, so it’ll be easy to explore other nightlife spots!
But partying is far from the only fun thing you can do here. In Laganas Bay, you can spot the protected Caretta Caretta turtles that live in this part of the sea! Go to the beautiful Cameo Island (map, it’s connected to Laganas beach via a wooden bridge). You will see a protected beach home to these endangered loggerhead sea turtles that come here to lay their eggs. Such a lovely sight!
NOTE: The entrance to Cameo Island is €5.
And if you want to stay close to the island’s party capital but still secure a good night’s sleep, Kalamaki is just 3.5 km (2.1 mi) East of Laganas (6-minute ride) and has a long sandy beach, beautiful landscapes, and tons of sea turtles! And it’s just a short ride from the main international airport of Zakynthos, too.
If you see a White Olive hotel in Greece (mid-range to luxury), book it! They are fabulous and have top-notch amenities, and this 5-star Laganas property is no exception. It boasts 3 large swimming pools, 2 restaurants, a fitness center, and spacious but simple rooms.
Other accommodation options in Laganas & Kalamaki
This boutique hotel has a nice swimming pool, a bar, and great access to the surrounding beaches and villages
Tropical Studios offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and parking and also has a great location
This Airbnb offers nicely decorated, comfortable rooms, and it can fit up to 4 guests
I mentioned the neighboring Kalamaki as a great option for staying near the main nightlife hub. As a bonus, I cherry-picked the top-rated hotels in Kalamaki:
- Bitzaro Grande Hotel & Suites ($$$) – This property has spacious suites and double rooms with all-inclusive deals, 2 swimming pools, 2 restaurants, and free parking. It’s just 1 km (0.6 mi) away from the airport, too!
- Nomas Living ($$) – Such cozy and beautifully decorated apartments, I could just live here! This place welcomes families, it has a nice balcony, daily breakfast, and free parking on-site.
- Two Brothers Studios and Appts ($) – Enjoy spacious rooms, a nice outdoor pool, free parking, and tons of greenery in these apartments you can use as a base for exploring Zakynthos.
Things to do in Laganas
- Experience the town’s wild nightlife at the Ikon, Zeros Club or Rescue Club
- Chill at the Laganas Beach after a long night out
- Have a pint with a sew view at Cheers Beach Bar (map)
- Take a boat trip for some turtle spotting
- Visit the Insta-perfect Cameo Island
- Go beach horseback riding at the Horse Riding Center (map)
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3. Tsilivi – where to stay in Zakynthos for families
Tsilivi (also known as Planos) sits on the East coast of Zakynthos, some 5.5 km (3.4 mi) North of Zakynthos Town. If you’re visiting Zakynthos as a family with small kids, you’re going to love it here!
Firstly, Tsilivi’s shores have very shallow water, which makes them suitable for small kids and any water activities that require it. Then, there’s a nice amusement park with mini-golf (map) and bumper cars, a water park (map), plus plenty of delicious restaurants and cafés.
Head to Tsilivi Beach in the morning before it gets crowded, find a perfect spot, and enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water all day long!
If you’re into snorkeling, stay at Bouka Beach (map) rather than the central one in Tsilivi. Both beaches have loungers (they’re paid, but you get them for free if you stay in beachfront hotels), toilets, and plenty of beach bars.
If you want to spend a fun day trying something exciting, GoZante Rentals (map) offers quad rentals, and you can literally tour the whole island with them! I love that you can rent just for 1 or 2 days and have all the fun you want with them, then return them at any time convenient for you.
In terms of accommodation, there are a few resorts, but expect mostly private apartments. Also, Contessina Suites with 5 stars and the legendary Tui Blue Zante Maris suites are adult-only, so you can enjoy this small town even if you’re coming on a romantic getaway!
Alexandra Beach Resort and Spa
This 4-star resort lies right by the central Tsilivi Beach and it has tons of cool amenities: 3 on-site pools, a spa and a wellness center, a delicious on-site restaurant, and even a gym. The rooms either have a sea view or a mountain view, and they are all super modern as if they came out of a magazine.
Other accommodation options in Tsilivi
If you appreciate aesthetics, you’ll love every second here; I love the neat kitchens, the beautiful pool, and the nice views
These centrally-located apartments are ideal for being close to the action, plus they provide free cots
Adorable apartment for 4 guests with stunning sea views and modern décor at excellent rates
Things to do in Tsilivi
- Take the kids to the mini golf park and water park in Tsilivi
- Go snorkeling at Bouka Beach
- Have lunch at Avli Taverna (map), one of the most iconic restaurants in Tsilivi
- Check out the nearby bowling alley BOWL ‘M OVER (map)
- Get a quad and explore the island
- Explore the coast by yourself with a boat rental at BLU Boat Rentals (map)
- Join the unmissable Turtle Island Tour with Keri Caves visit in a glass-bottom boat
4. Alykes – a laid-back place to stay in Zakynthos
Alykes is located on the Northeastern coast of Zakynthos, a 20-minute drive from Zakynthos Town. Thanks to its golden sandy beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and small village vibe, Alykes is an excellent match if your main goal is to relax.
This small town is mostly quiet during the day. Then, after sunset, the residents and tourists alike flock to the colorful tavernas and the few bars (check out Spikey’s Place, map) in what I call the typical Greek island experience – nothing too fancy, but with charm.
Overall, Alykes has gorgeous sandy beaches, nice souvenir shops, great restaurants, and hiking opportunities.
A lot of boat tours depart from Alykes, so you can still explore Zakynthos highlights like the blue caves, turtle spotting cruises, and a visit to the legendary Shipwreck beach. Also, I recommend renting a car to move around to different places, as public transport here can be limited.
PRO TIP: Rent a motor boat in the area (here’s a good place) and go on a self-guided blue cave tour for added privacy and flexibility! And when you want to change the surroundings a bit, just next to Alykes is Alykanas, another small village with boat rentals, a nice beach (map), and quite a few tavernas! You can actually walk by the beach from one village to another, it’ll take you around 20 minutes! Also, horseback carriages are a thing in both places, so feel free to go for a ride.
Koukounaria is a resort with spacious, family-friendly rooms, a large swimming room, and a kids’ playground. You can enjoy beautiful cocktails at the hotel’s bar and healthy foods at the restaurant produced with vegetables from the hotel’s garden. The best beaches are within walking distance from the resort, too!
Other accommodation options in Alykes
This centrally located hotel offers a nice garden, a swimming pool with a kids’ pool, and spacious rooms
This resort features a swimming pool, hot tub, and a bar, while the beach and the village center are within walking distance
Centrally located Airbnb with fully furnished rooms, a nice terrace overlooking the sea, and private beach access
Things to do in Alykes
- Spend a day relaxing at the Alykes Beach (map)
- Have a Greek coffee and delicious traditional foods at Kanela (map)
- Try traditional Greek snacks at Pita Bread Grill House (map)
- Head to nearby Alykanas Beach and rent a motorboat (map)
- Take a short trip to the quiet Sulfur Beach called Xigia (map)
5. Vasilikos – an eco-friendly area with beautiful beaches
Located on the island’s Southeastern coast, Vasilikos town and peninsula lies half an hour drive from Zakynthos Town. Most of the peninsula is protected from major development as part of efforts to preserve the loggerhead turtles that breed on Gerakas beach, so you’ll find plenty of natural attractions here.
Think beaches with beautiful watercolor, stunning landscapes on all sides, pine forest mountains, and quiet coves.
Turtle lovers, don’t miss St. Nicholas Beach (map) and Paralia Gerakas (map), both long sand beaches popular for their sea turtle nests! Plus, the Zakynthos Turtle Rescue Center is also located in Vasilikos!
And if you’re a young couple or a group of friends looking for an active vacation, Bananas Beach here (map) attracts young crowds during the day. Its windy shore makes it suitable for water sports, but there are plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and even massage spots on the sands!
INSIDER TIP: Many beaches in Zakynthos, including the ones in Vasilikos, charge up to €25 for two beds and an umbrella. In most places, you’ll find free spots to place your towel if you just walk towards the end of the beach! Porto Zorro (map) in Vasilikos is a great example.
As for getting around, it’s best to rent a car. The bus connections to Zakynthos Town are limited, but do exist. Bike and quad rental (here’s a good place to rent, map) is also a great option since Vasilikos is spread out and a lot of its beaches are located on multiple parts of the peninsula.
A lot of accommodation in Vasilikos are luxury villas, so you’re really in for a treat!
This romantic boutique resort offers a romantic swimming pool, a private beach, eco-decorated rooms with a nice terrace, and a great bar. You can even enjoy a delicious greek wine in their beautiful garden surrounded by olive trees. Alegria Villas Complex is a very nice place to stay in Zakynthos for couples and those who want to have a relaxing holiday.
Other accommodation options in Vasilikos
This hotel offers a nice swimming pool with a sea view and easy access to the village center and the beach
Centrally located hotel features clean rooms with free Wi-Fi, parking, and is a few minutes walk away from the beach
Being a 5 minutes walk away from the beach, this Airbnb offers fully furnished rooms with a large garden
Things to do in Vasilikos
- Chill at the popular Banana Beach and Porto Zorro Beaches
- Go snorkeling at Paralia Gerakas and spot sea turtles
- Visit the Zakynthos Sea Turtles Rescue & Information Centre
- Visit the whitewashed Agios Nikolaos Church (map)
- Hop on a day tour of Marathonisi Turtle Island and Keri Caves
6. Keri – best place to stay in Zakynthos on a budget + for nature
Keri is located on the South edge of the island, half an hour’s drive from Zakynthos Town. It is a beautiful town with crystal clear waters where you can try scuba diving. Plus, the village is bordered by a mountain on the other side, so you can do a lot of hiking, too. If you are into nature, then you may as well just find a private apartment here!
From boat trips to the nearby Marathonisi (Turtle island, map) and the iconic Keri caves (map), to beautiful sunset views from Keri Lighthouse (map), Keri is also one of my personal recommendations for couples visiting Zakynthos. It’s just so romantic!
TIP: Head to this Scenic Viewpoint (map) for some of Zakynthos’s most iconic views. It’s best reachable on quad (dirt road, not suitable for cars) and during sunset, but it can get crowded during the peak season (July, August).
Also, the pebbly Keri Beach (map) in Keri Limnou is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the views of the turtle island.
There isn’t as much nightlife here as in other smaller villages of Zakynthos, but you’ll find a few cute taverns, shops, and even nice cocktail bars like Mythos (map).
All accommodation in Keri is private apartments and villas, so you can buy fresh groceries and make your own food. It’s what we always did when staying in Greece in summer! Nothing beats the delicious olive bread from a local bakery along with some fresh tomatoes and feta cheese while chilling on the terrace of your apartment watching the sea!
NOTE: There are no luxury hotels in Keri, but a lot of private villas come very close, like the Athenea Villas and Keri Village & Spa (this one is adult-only).
Other accommodation options in Keri
Lovely, spacious apartments with sea view, free parking, and family rooms
So affordable yet so cozy, homey, and secluded; perfect views of Turtle Island from the room
Super modern and centrally located, these apartments also come with a private pool
Things to do in Keri
- Rent a boat (map) or join an organized boat tour to nearby Keri caves
- Take another boat tour (or rent a motorboat) to Marathonisi Turtle Island
- Catch the sunset from the Keri Lighthouse
- Try tasty Greek food in the tavernas of Keri Limnou
- Drive to Cape of Marathia (map)
7. Argassi – best area to stay in Zakynthos for hiking
Argassi is located 4 km (2.5 miles) North of Zakynthos Town just between the sea and Mount Skopos, offering beautiful landscapes everywhere you look.
This small town is a great choice for all types of travelers, from couples to families to beach lovers, as it has plenty of attractions and affordable accommodations.
Everything in Argassi is just a short walk away, from the hotels, restaurants, shops, and the beaches.
A word on beaches though: they’re practically impossible to enjoy in Argassi. The main one, Argassi Beach (map), where the old, historic bridge is, has minimal space, and 2 beds and an umbrella cost €15. The water is very shallow, so if you’re visiting with kids, at least you can enjoy that part.
If you’re into beautiful and spacious beaches, Vasilikos is really close to Argassi. Banana Beach is just a 15-minute ride away!
For nature enthusiasts, a nice hiking path from Argassi takes around 1 hour to Mount Skopos. You’ll be rewarded with an amazing panoramic view of the island from here (map). Walk a bit further, and you’ll reach the old Church of Virgin Mary of Skopiotissa in the hills (map).
This beachfront hotel offers an epic swimming pool with a panoramic sea view, a private beach, water sports activities, and a great bar. Ionian Hill Hotel has modern rooms with nice amenities and a balcony. You can enjoy suntanning on their beautiful terrace overlooking the beach all day long!
Other accommodation options in Argassi
This hotel features a swimming pool, rooms with a balcony, and great access to the nearby villages
Absolutely charming apartments with a spot on location just next to shops, bars, and restaurants
This Airbnb is 10 minutes walk away from the beach and has an epic terrace with a sew view and modern rooms
Things to do in Argassi
- Take pictures of the photogenic Argassi water bridge (map)
- Join a fun Zakynthos Cooking Class
- Hike up to Mount Skopos and visit the ruins of Panagia Skopiotissa
- Go parasailing, paragliding, or rent a jet ski at Argassi Watersports (map)
- Eat out in the unique Ethnic Steakhouse (map)
- Embark on a full-day tour of Kefalonia
| 👑 Luxury price: | €200 |
| 🏨 Mid-range: | €100 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €40 |
| 📍 Best area: | Zakynthos Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Ionian Hill Hotel |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Palatino Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Elea Hotel |
BONUS: 3 best luxury villas in Zakynthos
Zakynthos is filled with private villas (I’d say even more so than hotels), and many of the great private accommodation is located outside the main areas we discussed in the article.
I decided to create a bonus where I’d share the top luxury stays in Zakynthos! If you’re visiting with a car, you can base yourself pretty much anywhere and still be a short ride from the action.
The prices in these villas start from €200 to over €2,000 per night, and I listed them from least to most expensive. Enjoy!
- Emerald Villas & Suites – Honeymoon Suites with surreal sunset views, a private infinity pool, and the most stylish room décor. After all, many of the best luxury villas are in the North of the island near Agios Nikolaos, and this is a great example! Plus, you’ll be close to Makris Gialos (map), the most popular beach in the area.
- Nikolakos Villa – Similar location and features as Emerald Villas, only for the whole family! Everyone loves the view from the property and the brand new condition of the house. A bottle of local wine as a welcome gift sets the tone!
- Lesante Cape Resort & Villas – A resort just South of Tsilivi with villas that has every single amenity you can imagine: 4 swimming pools, a spa and wellness center, exceptional breakfast, magazine-like décor and furniture, and private pools in all villas.
Frequently asked questions about Zakynthos
🏖️ Where is the best place to stay in Zakynthos?
If you are visiting for the first time, the best place to stay is Zakynthos Town for a city vibe and Laganas for nightlife. And if you are looking for the best variety of beaches, Vasilikos is the best place to stay.
🌟 What resort in Zante is the best?
Alexandra Beach Resort and Spa, Ionian Hill Hotel, and Lesante Blu are the 3 best resorts in Zante.
👨👨👧👦 Which part of Zakynthos to stay in for families?
Tsilivi is the best place to stay in Zakynthos for families. Some of the nice family-friendly hotels here are Alexandra Beach Resort and Spa and Ioanian Aura. Argassi is also super nice for families!
👩❤️💋👨 Where to stay in Zakynthos for couples?
Vasilikos is a nice place to stay in Zakynthos for couples offering romantic resorts such as Alegria Villas Complex and Villa Contessa.
🚤 How long does it take to boat around Zakynthos?
It takes around 2-3 hours to take a boat trip around Zakynthos. Some boat cruises take up to 8 hours though, depending on the itinerary.
🗓️ How many days is enough for Zakynthos?
At least 4 days! Zakynthos may be small in size but it has plenty of unmissable sights, so you don’t want to rush your stay. Consider 7 days for the best combination of relaxation, partying, and sightseeing.
🚗 Can you get around Zakynthos without a car?
Cars are the absolute best way to get around Zakynthos, but if you don’t drive, you can still use public transport, bike rentals, or boat tours to get around the island.
☀️ When to visit Zante Island?
May, June, and September are ideal for visiting Zante, but October is also pleasant. Aim for September if you like warmer waters and fewer crowds. July and August are the most crowded months when accommodation is most expensive, so book far in advance.
🕺 Where to stay in Zakynthos for nightlife?
Laganas is the party capital of Zakynthos with a variety of bars, late-night clubs, and avenues that attract young partygoers from around the world (but mostly the UK!).
Final thoughts on where to stay in Zakynthos
That’s it, dear reader! Hopefully, my neighborhood and accommodation guide helped you pick a perfect spot for your next Zante vacation!
Ideally, spend at least a week in Zakynthos on a car rental, but if that’s not doable for you, you can always rent a bike or go on tours to see other parts of the island.
If you’re still indecisive, I’ll share my 2 favorite hotels in Zakynthos from the list:
- Ionian Hill Hotel – The most popular resort located in Argassi
- Palatino Hotel – A very nice hotel centrally located in Zakynthos Town
I have no doubt that you will have a great summer holiday on this beautiful island, so make sure to enjoy every minute of it!
Also, don’t forget to book your hotels and apartments in Zakynthos as early as possible to secure the best prices!
If you have any suggestions or questions about your upcoming trip to Zakynthos, drop me a comment below. I’ll be happy to answer!
Safe travels,
Darija
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