Where to stay in Zakynthos
Vacation house with a pool or hot tub in Zakynthos
Pet friendly vacation homes in Zakynthos
Where Is Zakynthos, Greece?
The third-largest and southernmost Ionian Island, Zakynthos is located off the west coast of Greece.
What Is Zakynthos, Greece Known For?
Like its island neighbor of Cephalonia, Zakynthos is the perfect marriage of sumptuous Italian charm and authentic Greek magic. Also known by its Italian name, Zante, Zakynthos is an island that offers two different sides of the same coin. One side is affordable package tourism, where the Ionian coastline is decorated by chain hotels and internationally catered eateries. The other side boasts the true treasures of the island, where limestone cliffs are encircled by white sand beaches and crystalline sapphire-hued waters. Whether you plunge into the forested wilderness or discover the traditionally authentic harborfront villages, Zakynthos promises the trip of a lifetime.
What to See in Zakynthos, Greece
- Byzantine Museum: The largest museum in Zakynthos, the Byzantine Museum takes history buffs back to a bygone era. This magnificent museum of ecclesiastical art is home to ancient treasures that originate from the post-Byzantine period, which originally arrived on the island from various parts of Ottoman-occupied Greece. Housed in a magnificently restored building on the central waterfront plaza, almost everything here was rescued in the immediate aftermath of the 1953 earthquake. From entire church interiors to ornate frescoes, the museum will take you back to a time of power, beauty, and magnificence.
- Kastro: Looming above the main town center, this magnificent Venetian castle sits on ancient ruins in a stance of power and beauty. A ruined fortress, Kastro sits atop a wooded slope that can be reached by a steep but scenic 15-minute hike or circuitous 2.5-kilometer drive. Now a peaceful forest park, Kastro is enclosed within strong ramparts and offers awe-inspiring panoramic views. Scattered throughout the woods, visitors can discover tumbledown churches, cafes, and even a 19th-century British football pitch.
- Museum of Solomos: Housed in a Neoclassical building, the Museum of Solomos houses not only the archives of island-born poet Dionysios Solomos but also his tomb. Best known for his “Hymn to Liberty” that is now the Greek national anthem, Solomos lies within an ornate mausoleum, along with the remains of poet Andreas Kalvos and his wife. A tribute to the eminent personalities of Zakynthos, the Museum of Solomos showcases the creations, manuscripts, and personal items of the people that infused the island with its rich culture.
Popular Destinations Near Zakynthos
- Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach): Probably the most photographed — and arguably the most beautiful beach in all of Greece — Shipwreck Beach lies in the so-called Smuggler's Cove on Zakynthos' west coast. Attracting thousands of visitors every year due to its paradisal landscape, Shipwreck Beach is all powder-white rocks, golden sand, and aquamarine crystal clear waters. The beach owes its name to the shipwreck of the contraband cigarette smuggling ship, Panagiotis, that washed ashore in 1982.
- Agios Dionysios Church: It’s difficult to hear the Grecian name Dionysios and not think of Dionysus, the ancient patron god of drunken revelry, but have no doubt, the Church of Agios Dionysios is anything but a breeding ground of inebriated madness. Canonized as the saint of forgiveness and, most importantly, the patron saint of Zante Island, Dionysios of Zakynthos is revered in Greek Orthodox Christinary for his spiritual and religious journey. His gorgeously decorated temple is a beacon for religious pilgrims and history-loving tourists alike. Pay homage at his glittering tomb and marvel at some of the fantastic Byzantine style oeuvres that you’ll discover inside this tranquil haven, far away from the cacophony of the town center.
Best Neighborhoods in Zakynthos
- Solomos Square: The main square of Zante Town, Solomos Square is the lifeline of the island. Aplomb with meticulously crafted statues of some of the most important figures in the island’s history, Solomos Square is also the home of some of the most visited and popular attractions. However, if you wish to while away your afternoons doing nothing, the lines of open-air bars, restaurants, and cafes that exude European elegance from every corner makes for the perfect place to people watch and take in the scenery.
- Port of Zakynthos: Located on the southeast side of the island, the Port of Zakynthos is the main port of the island. One of the most frequented cruise ports in the Mediterranean, the magnificent landscape, handy transport links, and instant access to the cobalt-blue waves of the iconic Ionian Sea draws tourists from near and far. Home to lines of taverns and cafes that serve the most delicious local delicacies, the Port of Zakynthos is the only place in town to dine and relax in style.
Home-types in Zakynthos
Zakynthos has a variety of property types for you to consider when booking a trip. Here are the most popular property types in Zakynthos:
- Villa: 1,095 vacation rentals
- Condo: 870 vacation rentals
- House: 502 vacation rentals
- Hotel: 494 vacation rentals
- Private Room: 93 vacation rentals
- Bed and Breakfast: 16 vacation rentals
Points of interests in Zakynthos
Zakynthos has several popular points of interest for you to check out when visiting the area. Here are the most popular points of interest in Zakynthos:
- St. Nicholas Beach: 3,769 vacation rentals
- Navagio Beach View: 3,769 vacation rentals
- Blue Caves: 3,769 vacation rentals
- Monastery Panagia Skopiotissa: 3,769 vacation rentals
- Dafni Beach: 3,769 vacation rentals
- Tsilivi Water Park: 3,769 vacation rentals
- Shipwreck Beach: 3,769 vacation rentals
- Porto Roxa: 3,769 vacation rentals
- Askos Stone Park: 3,769 vacation rentals
- Solomos Square: 3,769 vacation rentals
