Get information about the ferry to Zakynthos, ferry routes from close islands, means of transport in Zakynthos and advice on what to do during your holidays!
“The flower of the East” as the Venetians referred to the island, has a history that starts about 1500 B.C. when the son of King Dardanos of Troy, Zakynthos, arrived there, as stated by the Greek poet and writer Homer. The island became the first independent democracy after the conquest by King Arkeisios of Kefalonia and after him Ulysses from Ithaca It is the home birth of famous poets Dionisios Solomos who wrote the Greek National Αnthem, Andreas Kalvos and others who contributed to the cultural development of the island. Despite the severe earthquake in 1953 that destroyed many parts of the island, sights like the church of Agios Dionysios or Agios Nikolaos and the Byzantine Museum were saved from the catastrophe.
The unique landscapes as well as the rocky coasts compose the incomparable beauty of the island and invite every visitor to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. The magical turquoise waters, the blue caves, the sandy beaches, the famous Zakynthos shipwreck, the traditional cuisine and the organized resorts of every taste can make your stay unique. The combination of green landscapes and the clear blue sea, the nightlife but at the same time the culture and the history of Zante town is more than sure that will meet the requirements of every tourist.
Organize your holidays in Zakynthos, Greece and book your ferry tickets to Zakynthos in advance, in order to find availability for the requested date and time, as Zakynthos is a very popular island and tickets may be sold out quickly.
Zakynthos ferry routes
Zakynthos ferry routes are available every day beginning from the port of Kyllini in Peloponnese with a trip duration of around 1h and 15m. During the summer months, there are several sailings per day, so there is a great choice for passengers to choose the most convenient time of departure. From Zakynthos, as a part of the Ionian Islands, you can easily visit the other islands of the Eptanisa complex, such as Kefalonia, Ithaca and Corfu.
Kyllini to Zakynthos Ferry
Kyllini port is easily accessible especially from Patras port by car in about an hour. As there aren't any routes at the moment regarding the ferry from Patras to Zakynthos, passengers who travel from Italy to Patras have to book the Kyllini to Zakynthos ferry.
Zakynthos port
The main Zakynthos port serves most of the car/passenger ferries. Close to the town centre, a variety of seafood restaurants and bars is available as well as a great number of studios and hotels for rent. When you arrive at the port, you can see the Agios Dionysios church which is the Saint of the island.
Zakynthos Port to Zakynthos Center
Αs the town center is really too close to the port at a distance of about 1 km, the best way to go is on foot or in case you have a lot of luggage you can take a taxi from the stand close to the port, at a very low price. If your accommodation is further, you can also ask your landlord for a transfer as many hotels provide this service with their own means.
Please find below some information about the means of transport in Zakynthos:
Bus
The local bus service Ktel Zakynthos covers the most important places and beaches of the island like Laganas, Tsilivi, Argassi and others. The local bus station is located in the town of Zakynthos close to the hospital (Mothonaio Street). There is also a public bus stop in front of the terminal building of the airport to the center of Zante town. Tickets can be purchased by the bus driver.
Taxi
Taxi service is available at the port to transfer you to any village of the island. For more information you can visit Zante Taxi or call +30 26950 48400.
Zakynthos Airport to Zakynthos Port
Ιf you want to be transferred from Zakynthos Airport to Zakynthos port the distance is about 4,5km and you can use the public transport or a taxi. There is a public bus stop in front of the arrivals terminal building of the airport to the center of Zante town. Tickets can be purchased by the bus driver.
Holidays in Zakynthos
There is no doubt that your Zakynthos holidays will be exciting and you will have plenty to see and enjoy. Despite the flourishing of painting in the 17th century and the foundation of the school of Zakynthos, music still holds the first place in the hearts of the people of Zakynthos. Zakynthian Kantada (local type of song) is still being sung all over the island.The first Music School was established on the island in 1815. Literature and arts in general have shaped the romantic image of the island.
The diversity of the natural environment gives the tourists the opportunity to visit every day a different beach. On the southeastern part of the island, sandy beaches with all the facilities and calm waters are the best for swimming and relaxing. On the other hand, some beaches in the western part are visited only by boat but are worth visiting for admiring, except the deep blue sea, the cliffs, the rocks and the caves.
Diving is, without doubt, an interesting activity and many diving centers in the tourist resorts organize lessons and excursions to small islands. Zakynthos also offers hikes and a landscape ideal for biking.
A wide range of restaurants and taverns are found all over the island, with local foods, wines, olive oil and cheese and they are waiting for the tourists to taste the specialities of the island.
Below we provide some information about accommodation and must-sees according to visitors’ reviews:
Zakynthos Hotels
A wide range of Zakynthos hotels, resorts and villas all over the island welcome you to enjoy your stay by the sea offering all the requested facilities. As Zakynthos is suitable for family vacations the option of all-inclusive packages is available in many hotels
Here are some suggestions in order to choose your ideal hotel in Zante:
- Louis Zante Beach
- Zante Maris Suites
- Palazzo di Zante
- Zante Plaza Hotel
- Zante Sun Resort
- Banana Beach Zakynthos
- Royal Zante Resort
- Atlantis Hotel Zante
- Tzante Hotel
Places to Visit
Zakynthos has so many beauties and places to visit that you will not know what to choose first to enjoy during your vacation. Take your camera with you and for sure you will go back home with the best memories from this beautiful island!
Laganas
In a distance of about 9km from the town is Laganas beach, one of the most popular in the island, with all the facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas, bars and seafood restaurants. Ideal for families,usually crowded during summer months, with many hotels around is a sandy beach where you can have the opportunity for water sports.It is well known as the birthplace of the sea turtle Caretta-Caretta which lay their eggs there. This is the reason why Laganas Beach is protected by the law being a part of the National Maritime Park of Zakynthos.
Marathonisi
Marathonisi is an inhabited small virgin island,in the bay of Laganas, easily reached by boat from the beach of Laganas and Keri beach. It has two beaches, one with pebbles and the other sandy, used also by the turtles to leave their eggs. If you plan to spend some hours there, take water or other supplies with you, as there are no shops and other facilities.
Keri
Keri beach also called Limni Keri, in a distance of about 17km from Zakynthos Town, is well known as from there you can easily hire a boat and visit the Blue Caves, discovered in 1897 by Antonio Komouto. Some small boats can go inside the caves, so do not not miss the opportunity!
Agios Sostis
Visit the islet of Agios Sostis (Cameo island), opposite the bay of Laganas, with the small caves and the pine trees as well as the homonymous beach in a distance of 11km southeast of Zante town, with calm and safe waters plenty of taverns, bars and shops. Cameo island which was separated from the mainland after a serious earthquake is connected to the land with a wooden bridge.
Tsilivi
Tsilivi, awarded with the Blue Flag, is one of the main tourist resorts on the east coast of the island, 7km from Zante town. An organized sandy beach offers the opportunity of family vacations with water sports like windsurfing, skiing and banana. Seaside hotels with a wonderful view, villas with private pools and restaurants with Greek traditional music, can make your holidays unforgettable. Next to Tsilivi beach is the sandy Bouka beach, less crowded and noisy, as well as Gaidaros (Donkey) beach, also close, more quiet and less touristy.
Shipwreck Beach (Navagio)
The unique Zakynthos Shipwreck, Navagio beach, is accessible only by boat from various parts of the island. The closer distance is from the bay of Porto Vromi or from Agios Nikolaos from where you can get the daily taxi-boat. Bring your camera with you as the sight is unique. Also you can admire the panoramic view of the beach and the blue sea from the balcony at the top of the cove.
Argassi
In a close distance from the town of Zakynthos is Argassi village, a small place but fully equipped with all the facilities you may need. In Greek mythology, it is stated that the goddess Artemis lived there and also in Argassi was the holiday residence of the first Greek prime minister, John Kapodistrias. You can reach Argassi beach by car, local bus or a taxi either in the morning for swimming and relaxing or in the afternoon to taste the traditional and national cuisine or in the evening to visit a pub with music. It is suggested for young people who want to have fun and also for visitors who want to listen to live Greek music while eating zakynthian snacks.
Alikes
Alikes beach is located in the north east coast, about 18km from Zakynthos town. Its name derives from the greek word “alykes”(salt pans) which is the place where the salt is gathered. In the past this was the main business of the islanders. Nowadays, the beach, with shallow waters is visited by families with children to enjoy the watersports and the various taverns and bars. Shops, bakeries and minimarkets are available on the main road. Traditional villas as well as hotels and furnished apartments are available. Camping with tents and places for campers and caravans is also an option. A local daily bus connects Alikes and the next beach Alykanas with the centre of Zante. Αlso you can reach the beaches by local boat, as both possess small ports.
Bohali
Bochali is a charming village with a magnificent view of Zante town and port. Known for the Venetian castle, partly destroyed by the earthquake of 1953, is worth visiting also for the naval museum of the island which is situated there. A good idea is to go in the evening for a light dinner while enjoying a panoramic view of the illuminated town.
