Things to do in Zakynthos Town: Explore the Island's Natural Wonders from Navagio Beach to Blue Caves, Visit Historic Sites, and Discover Local Culture Spots

Zakynthos — the southernmost island of the Ionian archipelago with incredibly turquoise water and unique scenery — that’s how we would describe it in a single sentence.

1. How to get to Zakynthos. The international airport is located 4 km from Zakynthos town. Unfortunately there is no public transport at the airport. A taxi to the town and the nearest resorts of Argassi, Laganas, and Kalamaki costs 25–30 euro, to Planos — 40 euro, and to the port of Agios Nikolaos in the north of the island — 70 euro.

From mainland Greece, the island can be reached by ferry from the port of Kyllini on the Peloponnese. In summer there are up to 10 sailings per day. The first ferry departs at 6:45 and the last at 21:00; the journey takes 1 hour. The fare is 10 euro per person and 40 euro for an economy-class car.

2. Transport on the island. KTEL buses run regularly between Zakynthos, Laganas, Argassi, Kalamaki, and other towns. Fewer buses run at weekends. Fares range from 2 to 4 euro; buses are often 15–20 minutes late.

Taxis can be ordered by phone or online. A short journey costs around 25 euro. For an independent tour of the island, taxis can be hired by the hour — 40 euro per hour.

Cruises around the island depart from Zakynthos port, with prices starting from 30 euro. Navagio Bay and the Blue Caves can be reached by boat from the port of Agios Nikolaos or from Cape Skinari in the north of the island for 25 euro.

3. Main natural landmarks

3.1. Navagio Beach is arguably the most picturesque and most photographed beach in Greece. Located on the western coast in the so-called Smugglers’ Cove (the name “navagio” means “shipwreck” in Greek — the beach got its name after a vessel carrying smuggled cigarettes ran aground here in 1980). It can only be reached by sea. Water taxis run regularly from the port of Agios Nikolaos (located 32 km from Zakynthos town), or mini-cruises run from resorts along the south-eastern coast of the island.

3.2. The Blue Caves are located at the northern tip of the island, at Cape Skinari. Sunlight passing through the rocky grottos refracts in the sea water, which is rich in minerals and lime, giving it an emerald and intense blue hue. Combined with the white cliffs, this creates a magical effect!

3.3. Keri Caves — 14 km from Zakynthos, particularly popular with lovers of scuba diving and snorkelling. Sunlight passes through the water and reflects off the cave walls, creating colourful effects.

3.4. Porto Limnionas — a beach with crystal-clear turquoise water set against rocks and grottos. Located in a wild spot near the village of Agios Leon, here you can visit stunning caves and even an underwater bridge.

4. Historical and cultural landmarks

4.1. The Byzantine Museum is located on the main square of Zakynthos and features complete church and monastery interiors. It houses the façade and fragments of the 16th-century Church of Saint Andrew, which was completely destroyed in the earthquake.

4.2. Roma Palace — built in 1660. The palace interior — antique furniture, paintings, and books — gives visitors a sense of how the local aristocracy lived several centuries ago.

4.3. The Venetian Kastro Fortress — on a wooded hill above the town centre. Today this hill is a tranquil woodland park offering wonderful views over the town, port, and sea.

4.4. Anafonitria Monastery is located near Navagio Bay. In the 1500s, the island’s patron saint — Saint Dionysios — lived here. The monastery was barely affected by the 1953 earthquake.

4.5. The Museum of Dionysios Solomos is dedicated to the poet Dionysios Solomos (1789–1857), author of the “Hymn to Liberty,” which later became the national anthem of Greece. Here you can find not only the poet’s manuscripts and personal belongings, but also the mausoleum where his remains rest.

5. Beaches and nature conservation areas

5.1. Kalamaki Beach is located in the eastern part of Laganas Bay and is one of the best beaches on the island. The shoreline is a protected area, so many sections are fenced off, water activities are unavailable, and tourist services are limited. The golden sand is immaculate, and the shore enters the warm, clear sea very gently.

5.2. Zakynthos National Marine Park was created to protect the rare Caretta-caretta sea turtle. During the egg-laying period, access to some beach areas is restricted.

5.3. Marathonisi island (Turtle Island) — in Laganas Bay, to the south of Zakynthos. Caretta-caretta sea turtles nest here. As a result, Marathonisi is uninhabited — in summer visitors must leave the sandy beach before sunset. From the southern ports — Limni Keri or Laganas — you can travel to Turtle Island on glass-bottom tourist boats (from 25 euro):

• Glass-bottom boat tour — 35 euro for 3–5 hours, during which tourists can spend quite an entertaining time watching turtles through the glass bottom and observing the play of light on the arched cave walls at Keri.
• Cruise to Marathonisi, Keri Caves, and Turtle Island — price 25 euro (12 euro per child aged 3–10), duration 3 hours. Similar to the previous tour but with a slightly different route, during which you can also observe the underwater world of the Zakynthos marine park on a glass-bottom boat cruise through Laganas Bay.

5.4. Banana Beach — the longest and one of the most popular beaches on the island, thanks to its soft golden sand, clear sea water, and shallow entry. At the eastern end of the beach there is a water sports centre where you can hire jet skis, water skis, and paragliding equipment.

5.5. Cameo Island — a tiny islet connected to the main island by a wooden footbridge. Here you can see picturesque white cliffs and turquoise waters, ideal for romantic walks.

6. Most of these places can be visited in a single day during tours of Zakynthos island and its coastline. However, there are countless such tours, and reading through each one’s programme takes a lot of time — so we’d like to share a few tours we saved for ourselves for the future:

• A tour of the natural landmarks of Zakynthos with a visit to the Blue Caves — price 50 euro in and out of season; the tour lasts around 7–9 hours. You can not only see the legendary shipwreck but also taste local produce. Important note: the boat fee is paid separately (25 euro May–October, 50 euro November–April).
• Navagio Beach, Blue Caves, and the famous white beach on a half-day cruise — for 45 euro (35 euro per child aged 2–12) over 5 hours you’ll visit an organic farm, the famous white beach with fine pebbles, all during a boat cruise.
• Cruise along the western coast and Navagio Bay — a great tour lasting 2.5 hours for just 30 euro (18 euro per child aged 3–11), including the Blue Caves, Navagio Beach, and the chance to spot sea turtles.

7. Unusual tours on Zakynthos. For romantic moments on Zakynthos, we recommend choosing one of the evening cruises: an evening sunset tour to the Aghala Cave and Myzithres viewpoint (45 euro, 3 hours); another sunset tour — quite similar to the previous one (45 euro, 4 hours, minimum booking for two people).

If you’re not after romance but something exclusive: a royal yacht cruise — 55 euro per person, lasting 5 hours; or a tour to Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves — 70 euro for 4 hours, spending the day exploring Zakynthos in a comfortable minibus, and then visiting the traditional Greek taverna in Anafonitria where you can sample local dishes and wine.

Private tours on Zakynthos — this is where you choose the route and schedule that suit you best, meaning you can linger longer at places you love or move more quickly through those that interest you less. One example: a tour to Myzithres Beach, Keri Caves, and other landmarks — price 590 euro (for a group of up to 7 people), duration 8 hours. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved.

8. What to buy in Zakynthos

The signature dish of Zakynthos island is “sartsa” — beef with tomatoes, garlic, and a special sheep’s cheese called “ladotiri.” Olive oil and all vegetables are local, fresh, and straight from the garden. We recommend trying the hearty appetiser “skordostoubi” — aubergines and tomatoes mixed with olive oil and garlic.

There are several cheese dairies on Zakynthos producing “mizithra” cheese — it has a fresh flavour and is served with honey or sugar. With coffee, which is drunk here at any time of day, we recommend ordering local sweets: “mandolato” (almonds, honey, and egg) or “pasteli” (sesame, honey, and almonds).

And further in the article we’ll cover all of this in more detail.