Below, you will find information about how to get to Zakynthos by ferry, where to buy your tickets, the island and its ports, the best things to do there, and many photos.
The southernmost of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos distinguishes itself with its gorgeous beaches, rich history and ever-busy nightlife that have made it one of the top tourist destinations in the country.
POPULAR FERRY ITINERARIES
Zakynthos boasts an international airport that connects the island to the International Airport of Athens. It also offers connections to and from many European countries, especially during the high season (May to September), including Germany, France, Italy and the UK.
An alternative and cheaper way to get to Zakynthos from the Greek mainland is by ferry.
Ferry Connections
Zakynthos is connected to the mainland port of Kilini in the Peloponnese. It is located in the northwestern part of the region, about 316 km from the International Airport of Athens. The crossing from Kilini to Zakynthos takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with routes operating all year round, however, they are more frequent during the summer. There are also ferry routes to and from the nearby island of Kefalonia during peak summer months, with the trip taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The only type of ferry that travels to Zakynthos is the conventional ferry. The only ferry company that offers itineraries to Zakynthos is the Levante Ferries Company.
How to book your ferry tickets
Booking your ferry tickets is one of the first and most important steps in organizing your holidays in Zakynthos!
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We let you in on Zakynthos' secrets and guide you through your best holidays ever!
Zakynthos is the southernmost and third biggest of the Ionian Islands. A bustling tourist destination, it is known for its natural landscapes that afford it its breathtaking beaches, with the beaches of Laganas, Banana, Kalamaki and Agios Nikolas being among the most beautiful.
Navagio Beach is the most famous spot on the island and one of the finest gems of the Ionian. It is known for its clear turquoise waters and surrounding cliffs. The stunning Blue Caves, naturally occurring rock formations that create an almost ethereal atmosphere, lie some kilometers away from Navagio.
The scenic Zakynthos Town boasts unique architecture of many European influences and landmarks such as the 17th-century Venetian Castle and the Byzantine Museum. Solomos Square is surrounded by traditional buildings with arch-shaped windows and arcades and is dominated by the statue of Dionysios Solomos at its center.
Zakynthos is also a vibrant nightlife hub and houses one of the liveliest partying cultures in all of Greece, with countless pubs, bars and nightclubs spread across the island.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Zakynthos is undoubtedly during the summer when the weather is the most suitable for a visit to the beach or a day out exploring the island’s sights. Zakynthos is also a good Easter destination, with temperatures still relatively warm and the island being less crowded than during the summer.
Best things to do
When in Zakynthos, you should visit its gorgeous beaches, most of them boasting golden shores and crystal clear waters. Navagio Beach and the nearby Blue Caves are a definite must-not-miss. A walk around the scenic Zakynthos Town can also prove a worthwhile expedition, while the nightlife of Zakynthos is an experience in and of its own, with the island being home to a vast array of nightclubs that host legendary parties.
Is Zakynthos for you?
Zakynthos is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy tropical beaches, warm weather and relaxing holiday activities as well as a lively partying culture.
Facts
Know what you don’t know about Zakynthos!
Zakynthos has around 40.000 inhabitants.
In Greek mythology, the island was said to be named after Zacynthus, the son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus.
The Venetians, who ruled Zakynthos from 1484 to 1797, called the island “Fiore di Levante” (flower of the East) because of the many different species of flowers that it is home to.
Artemis, the goddess of hunting, was said to wander around the green woods of Zakynthos whereas her brother Apollo used to play the lira under bay trees.
Lying at the southern part of Zakynthos, Laganas Bay hosts one of the largest nesting populations of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), an endangered species.
Island-hopping: Where to go next?
Zakynthos is not an ideal base for island-hopping to the other Ionian islands, as it is only connected to Kefalonia during the summer. Nevertheless, the trip is well worth your time, allowing you to explore the natural wonders and stunning locations of the island of Kefalonia. From there you can also take a ferry to the other islands of the Ionian, such as Ithaki and Lefkada. It should be noted that ferry routes to Lefkada are seasonal.
The main port of Zakynthos is located in Zakynthos Town, the island’s capital, on the southeastern side. It is connected to the port of Kilini and welcomes passenger ferries all year round.
Being in the heart of the capital, the port is close to many shops, restaurants and hotels. In the port area, you will also find a free parking lot, travel agencies and car rental offices.
The port has two separate terminals, located around 600 meters apart, a domestic terminal and an international one. Both terminals feature free public toilets, a cafe-restaurant with some food options and a small kiosk selling food, drinks and other miscellaneous items.
Due to its small size, Zakynthos Town Port gets crowded in the high-season months.
For this reason, it is highly recommended to have your tickets in hand before going to the port, as the local travel agencies can be very busy.
In addition, because the port might be serving more than one ferry at the same time, traffic may be increased on the small road of the port and it will require extra time to arrive there.
There are several options on how to leave/get to Zakynthos Town Port.
Public buses (KTEL) are the cheapest transportation option available on the island. The central bus station from where most buses depart to reach the popular areas is located 15 minutes away from the port (on foot).
Taxis are also a good option for travel to and from the port, with an adequate amount of taxis available in the area. However, we advise that you have your taxi transfer pre-arranged, especially during peak summer seasons when it can prove harder to find a taxi amidst the busy port.
Finally, car rental is available at the port and many local car rental companies have offices close by. Acquiring a car will also prove very beneficial in moving around the island and visiting its many different sites.
Photos of the port
Port on Map
ABOUT AGIOS NIKOLAOS PORT
Port description
Agios Nikolaos is the second port of Zakynthos. Located on the island’s northernmost tip, it is connected by ferry to Pessada Port in Kefalonia on a seasonal basis (May to October). Moreover, excursion boats to the famous Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) and the Blue Caves depart regularly from Agios Nikolaos.
Around the port, visitors will find a few taverns and shops. In the wider area, there are also some accommodation options.
There is no bus connection between Zakynthos Town and Agios Nikolaos Port, so the only way of moving around is to take a taxi. However, the distance between Agios Nikolaos and Zakynthos Town is around 29 kilometers, which will accordingly affect the price. For greater convenience, scheduling a transfer is recommended.
In Zakynthos Town, it is also possible to rent a car and access Agios Nikolaos port with your own vehicle. Nevertheless, there are no car rental agencies in Agios Nikolaos.
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