Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is a beautiful and remote cove accessible only by boat or foot. It got its name from a smugglers' ship that ran aground on the beach in the 1980s. With crystal-clear water, white sand, and the massive rusting shipwreck, it's a perfect spot for photography, swimming, and sunbathing.
Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island, is a small uninhabited island accessible only by boat. It's a protected habitat for the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles, which lay their eggs on the island's sandy beaches. It's a perfect spot for snorkeling, swimming, and admiring the wild beauty of Zakynthos.
The Blue Caves, or "Blue Grottoes," are a series of sea caves and rock formations along the island's northern coast. They are famous for their deep blue waters, which reflect the sunlight and create a magical hue inside the caves. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the caves and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear water.
Zakynthos Town, also known as Zante, is the island's capital and largest city. It has a charming pedestrian area with narrow streets, colorful houses, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can see the Byzantine Museum, the Solomos Square, and the St. Dionysios Church, which houses the remains of the island's patron saint.
Keri Caves, also known as the "Marine Caves," are located on the island's southwestern coast. They are a geological wonder, consisting of tunnels, arches, and cliffs carved by the sea over the centuries. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the caves and enjoy swimming and cliff jumping in the turquoise waters. The nearby Keri Lighthouse offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the sunset.
Vassilikos is a scenic peninsula located on the island's southeastern coast. It has several sandy beaches, lush forests, and charming villages with traditional architecture and taverns. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports at the beaches of Gerakas and Banana, or take a hike in the Skopos forest to see the panoramic views of Zakynthos.
Travelers can explore Zakynthos by renting a car, a scooter or using public buses. However, due to the island's narrow and winding roads, renting a car or a scooter might not be the preferred option. The public bus system is frequent and well-connected, but it might be crowded during peak season. Boat tours are also popular and provide easy access to the island's beaches and caves, but they might be affected by weather conditions.
The estimated cost of renting a car is €25-€50 per day, and the fuel cost is around €1.80 per liter. The public bus fare is €1.80-€3.00 depending on the distance, and the boat tour cost is usually €20-€30 per person.
If travelers have more time, they can also visit the island's other attractions, such as the Dionysios Solomos Museum, the Monastery of Anafonitria, and the St. Nicholas Beach. They can also taste the island's specialties, such as the Zakynthian cheese pie, the rabbit stew, and the local wine. If travelers have less time, they can skip some of the attractions and focus on their favorite ones. Moreover, they should be aware of the hot and dry weather during the summer and bring enough sunscreen, water, and hats to protect themselves.
Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) is the main airport serving the island. It's located 4 kilometers south of Zakynthos Town and 6 kilometers north of the popular tourist resort of Laganas. It provides connections with several domestic and international destinations, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, London, Rome, and Amsterdam. The airport has one terminal and offers various facilities, such as restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, car rental offices, and ATMs.