Zakynthos FAQ

How many days do you need in Zakynthos?

I recommend at least 5 days in Zakynthos if you want to do two boat days, visit the main viewpoints, explore a few beaches, and not feel rushed.

If you have 1 week, even better. That gives you time for a third boat day, more flexibility with weather, and a slower day for a wine tour, fishing experience, cooking class, or just relaxing at the beach.

Do you need a car in Zakynthos?

Yes, I highly recommend renting a car in Zakynthos.

The island is bigger than it looks, and public transportation is limited. Having a car gives you way more freedom to explore beaches, viewpoints, restaurants, and different boat rental locations on your own schedule.

How do you get to Zakynthos?

You have two main options.

The first option is to fly into Athens, rent a car, drive to Kyllini Port, and take the ferry to Zakynthos.

The second option is to fly directly to Zakynthos and rent a car at Zakynthos Airport. This is usually easier, but it can also be more expensive depending on the season and where you’re flying from.

How long is the ferry from Kyllini to Zakynthos?

The ferry from Kyllini to Zakynthos usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Schedules can change depending on the season, so I recommend checking the times and booking in advance, especially if you’re visiting in summer.

Should you book the ferry in advance?

Yes, I recommend booking your ferry in advance, especially during July and August.

You might be able to buy tickets closer to departure, but booking ahead makes the travel day easier and gives you one less thing to worry about.

Where should you stay in Zakynthos?

I would choose a location that gives you easy access to restaurants, beaches, and the main roads.

Good areas to consider are:

• Tsilivi / Planos: A balanced base with restaurants, hotels, markets, and beach access.

• Zakynthos Town: Good if you want to be close to the port, restaurants, shops, and a more local town feeling.

• Laganas / Agios Sostis: Convenient for the south side boat day, Marathonisi Island, turtle areas, and the south coast.

• North Zakynthos: Quieter and closer to Blue Caves, Navagio boat routes, and dramatic coastline, but farther from the south side and Zakynthos Town.

Can you rent a boat without a license in Zakynthos?

Yes, many smaller boats in Zakynthos are available as license-free rentals, but this depends on the boat type and the rental company.

Always confirm the rules before booking and listen carefully to the boat company’s instructions before leaving the harbor.

Should you rent a boat with or without a captain?

You can do either.

I drove the boat myself, and it was easier than I expected. The part that needed more attention was anchoring, because you need to make sure you’re doing it correctly.

Personally, next time I would hire a captain. Not because driving was too hard, but because I would rather relax, enjoy the day, and not have the responsibility.

Also, if you drive the boat yourself, please don’t drink.

How many boat days should you do in Zakynthos?

I recommend at least two boat days.

One for the north side, including Navagio Beach, Blue Caves, hidden beaches, and small coves.

One for the south side, including Marathonisi Island, Keri Caves, Myzithres, and the small beaches around that area.

If you have 1 week, I would add a third boat day from Porto Vromi to explore the west coast.

Is Navagio Beach open?

At the moment, Navagio Beach is not open for people to step onto the sand, and boats are not allowed to anchor there because of landslide safety concerns.

You can still see it by boat from the water, but access rules can change, so check the latest updates and follow your boat company’s instructions.

Even if you can’t go onto the beach, I still think it’s 100% worth visiting. The cliffs, shipwreck, and blue water are incredible from the boat, and I also recommend seeing it from Navagio Viewpoint on a land day.

When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?

The best months to visit Zakynthos are usually June, July, August, and September.

June and September are probably the best balance of good weather, warm water, and fewer crowds.

July and August are the hottest and busiest months. The water is amazing, boat days are perfect, and everything is open, but prices can be higher and popular spots can be busier.

May and early October can also be nice if you want a quieter trip, but the sea can feel cooler and some seasonal businesses may have shorter hours.

Is Zakynthos crowded in the Summer?

Summer is peak season, so yes, it can be busy.

That said, I personally didn’t think Zakynthos felt overcrowded when I visited in August. I had no problems doing the activities I wanted, and it still felt very enjoyable.

To make the trip easier, book your hotel, boat rentals, ferry, and car rental in advance.

Can you combine Zakynthos with another island?

Yes, and I recommend combining it with another Ionian island if you have more time.

Kefalonia is a great option because it is also part of the Ionian Islands and makes more sense logistically than jumping between completely different island groups.

Can you do Zakynthos without a boat rental?

Yes, but I honestly think boat days are one of the best parts of visiting Zakynthos.

A lot of the island’s best beaches, caves, and coastline views are best experienced from the water. If you don’t want to drive your own boat, you can book a boat with a captain or join a boat tour.

What should you bring for boat days?

Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, swimwear, snorkeling gear if you have it, and a dry bag if you want to protect your phone or camera.

Are there turtles in Zakynthos?

Yes, Zakynthos is known for loggerhead sea turtles, especially around the south side of the island.

If you see turtles, keep your distance, don’t chase them, don’t touch them, and follow all protected area rules.

The goal is to enjoy seeing them without disturbing them.

Do you need cash in Zakynthos?

I recommend always having some cash with you, just in case.

Personally, I used my card for 100% of my purchases in Zakynthos and had no issues.

That said, cash can still be useful for small purchases, parking, tips, beach bars, local tavernas, or smaller businesses.

Do you need an eSIM in Zakynthos?

I recommend getting an eSIM before your trip so you have internet as soon as you arrive in Greece. It makes everything easier, especially for using Google Maps, checking ferry times, contacting boat rental companies, making reservations, and finding your saved spots from the guide. You can buy one before you travel and activate it when you land, so you don’t have to worry about looking for a local SIM card. You can check the eSIM option I recommend here.

I also recommend downloading offline maps of Greece or at least Zakynthos before your trip, so you can save data and still navigate if the signal gets weak.