A lush Ionian island world famous for Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), Caretta-Caretta sea turtles and its lively nightlife.
TripMatches
Find companions with the same dates and interests. Free.
About Zakynthos (Zante) - Culture, History & Character
Plan your perfect trip with our personalized recommendations and local insights.
Plan my tripYour experience
Tell us if you want to go — or if you have already been.
Adds you to the Match Finder map and opens the planner with this destination.
I've been there!Explora el fascinante pasado de Zakynthos (Zante) y descubre cómo se ha desarrollado a lo largo de los siglos.
The island has references in Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Its strategic position made it valuable to powers such as Athens and Sparta. However, its ancient legacy is less visible than on other islands due to seismic activity.
The most defining period for the island's culture was the long Venetian rule (1484-1797). The Venetians called it 'Fiore di Levante' (Flower of the East) for its beauty and cultural richness, leaving a mark on architecture, music ('kantades') and cuisine. It subsequently passed through brief French rule and a British protectorate before joining Greece in 1864.
In 1953, a catastrophic earthquake and subsequent fire almost completely destroyed the capital and most of the towns, erasing much of its Venetian architectural heritage. The city was meticulously rebuilt following the original plans. In recent decades, tourism has become the island's economic engine, driven by the incredible fame of Shipwreck Beach and the richness of its marine life, making it one of the most popular destinations in Greece.
La cronología histórica muestra los momentos clave que han definido el desarrollo de Zakynthos (Zante) a lo largo de los siglos.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
A very safe island, with the logical precautions that must be taken in party areas.
Zante Town and villages are walkable, but it is impossible to explore the island without a vehicle.
The bus network is limited and does not reach many of the best places. Renting a vehicle is practically mandatory.
Good value for money overall. You can eat and drink at reasonable prices.
Dominated by Laganas, one of the epicenters of youth parties in Europe.
A distinctive Ionian culture, with a strong musical and poetic tradition.
Delicious Ionian cuisine with Italian influences, based on local products.
Focused on local products and tourist souvenirs.
Fantastic Mediterranean climate for a summer holiday.
Completely oriented toward tourism, with a highly developed infrastructure for sun and beach vacations.
A fantastic destination for families, as long as you avoid the epicenter of the Laganas festival.
As an international tourist destination, it is a safe and welcoming place for all.
Ionian hospitality is famous for being warm, relaxed and genuine.
World class. The island has some of the most spectacular and photographed coastal landscapes on the planet.
Marked by post-earthquake reconstruction. The charm lies more in the villages and monasteries that survived.
Important in Ionian and Venetian history, but its main claim is to be the birthplace of Hippocrates.
An incredibly green and fertile island, covered in olive groves, vineyards and pine forests.
The main tourist areas and beaches are well maintained, but the party areas can be a challenge.
Non-existent.
A beautiful but impractical place to work, due to its strong seasonality and its holiday atmosphere.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
An island of world-class natural beauty that offers an experience for two very different types of travelers: those looking for dreamlike landscapes and nature, and those looking for endless partying. Knowing how to choose the area to stay is the key to enjoying it to the fullest.
Discover the best times to visit this city and what to expect throughout the year.
Fantastic Mediterranean climate for a summer holiday.
The island is at its greenest and most flowery. Ideal for exploring without the crowds.
Hot and sunny, the high season for the beach and partying.
Very pleasant climate and the sea is at its warmest temperature. Fewer crowds.
Mild but the rainiest season. Most tourist businesses are closed.
Long, hot and sunny summers.
Mild winters.
It is one of the rainiest islands in Greece in winter.
As an Ionian island, it is wetter and greener than the Cyclades, with more rain in the winter.
The tourist season runs from May to early October.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
It offers a good price range. It is a very popular destination for package holidays, making it affordable, although boat tours and partying can add to the cost.
per day
per day
per day
Best areas for shopping
1 area • Recommended Areas
Click for details
1 area • Recommended Areas
Click for details
Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
Probably the most famous beach in Greece. A cove of white sand and impossible turquoise waters, accessible only by sea, with the wreck of a smuggling ship stranded on its shore.
The platform on the cliffs from which the iconic postcard photo of Navagio Beach is taken from above. The views are dizzying and unforgettable.
A series of sea caves at Cape Skinari, in the north of the island, famous for the incredible blue color that the water reflects on its walls. They visit each other by boat.
A small uninhabited island in Laganas Bay, whose shape resembles a turtle. It is one of the most important nesting places for the Caretta-Caretta turtle.
Stunning caves and rock arches on the southwest coast, accessible by boat. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
It is not a beach, but a spectacular fjord with crystal clear waters on the west coast. An incredible place for swimming and diving, with terraces and taverns on the rocks.
The charmingly rebuilt capital, with a lively square (St. Mark), a pretty promenade, churches with imposing bell towers and the Venetian castle on Bochali Hill.
The hill above Zakynthos Town, where the ruins of the Venetian castle are located. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and the port, especially at night.
Zakynthos Main Square, an essential place to visit.
Zakynthos Local Market, a must-see place to visit.
Zakynthos Central Park, an essential place to visit.
Zakynthos Art Museum, an essential place to visit.
Zakynthos Panoramic Viewpoint, an essential place to visit.
Zakynthos Shopping Area, an essential place to visit.
Traditional neighborhood of Zakynthos, an essential place to visit.
Haz clic en "Tours" para encontrar las mejores actividades y entradas, o usa "Planificar" para crear tu itinerario personalizado.
Discover the most important events and festivals celebrated throughout the year
One of the oldest and most traditional carnivals in Greece, with strong Venetian influences, parades and dances.
The most important religious festival on the island in honor of its patron saint, with massive processions and celebrations.
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
Choose a category above to see relevant tips and advice
