11 Best Things to Do In Zakynthos

Navagio, or Shipwreck Cove, is an excellent spot to see a large part of Zakynthos’ dramatic coastline. It’s most popular for its shipwreck, which rests on the sandy beach. The cove’s surrounding limestone cliffs makes you feel as if you have the entire area to yourself. Navagio is in the northwest of the island, around 35 km from Zakynthos town.

Going to Shipwreck Cove requires a boat cruise from the harbours of Agios Nikolaos or Zakynthos town. This costs respectively about €15 to €30 for a roundtrip ticket. You can reach the viewing platform by car.

Marathonisi is a getaway island that revolves around nature. Loggerhead sea turtles nestle on this tiny isle. There’s a high chance of spotting a few of them swimming in the sea. Even when they’re not around, you can still see their traces on the sand. The lush vegetation of Marathonisi and lack of inhabitants and shops gives the atoll a rustic vibe.

This island lies approximately 2 km from the southern coast of Zakynthos. A 4-hour tour of Marathonisi Island starts from €25 per person.

During an organised tour to the Keri Caves, you’ll get to see natural carvings on limestone walls. Water and wind have shaped the southernmost tip of Zakynthos into a maze of caverns and natural gates hanging above the sea. The tour boats even sail under these stone arches.

The water looks so inviting for a swim or snorkelling session because the visibility is stunning. A plunge into the dark caves is one of the best things to do in Zakynthos. An even more fabulous way to meander through the lagoons is by sea kayak, giving you more freedom.

The Byzantine Museum in Zakynthos town displays Greek art on 3 floors. You can examine anything from aged wood carvings to 17th-century paintings and contemporary artworks. Especially the Byzantine frescos will impress art lovers.

Besides the exhibitions, you can check a scale model of Zakynthos island before an earthquake in 1953. Some of the artworks in the Byzantine Museum were even saved from collapsed churches after the quake shook Zakynthos. Don’t forget to capture the exterior of the museum – it’s rebuilt according to ancient Greek styles, with towering pillars and elegant arches. 

The Venetian Castle sits on a hilltop, just outside the centre of Zakynthos town. While the castle is partially overgrown by weeds and trees, the walls remind you of more prosperous times. You can walk over the walls of the fortress, which tragically has been destroyed during invasions and more recent earthquakes.

A great time to visit is in April or May when flowers are in full bloom, almost restoring the castle’s former glory. Views over Zakynthos and the shoreline are a lovely bonus, not to mention, a reward for the hike up the hill at the same time. The entrance fee is about €4.

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is in the Bay of Laganas. It’s a gathering place for various animals, making it a haven for nature lovers. Loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs here in summer, while seals show their cute faces regularly. You might even spot dolphins in the calm waters and several species of butterflies floating above the sand dunes.

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos lies 5 km northeast of Laganas Beach. The lengthy waterfront makes for a relaxing walk with views of the ocean.

The medieval Anafonitria Monastery is an excellent example of Byzantine architecture. Cracks in the wall, the crumbled courtyard, and the clock tower make for a charming scene. The monastery’s location near Shipwreck Cove makes it easy to include it in your itinerary.

Anafonitria Monastery was founded in the 15^th century and is dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary. Don’t forget to go inside the buildings, where the walls are decorated with frescos that date back to the 1500s. This site is a history lesson on its own, but most of all, a peaceful retreat.

Zakynthos is famous for its shops with homemade goodies, and Hanne Mi’s Ceramic Art Studio is a perfect example of craftsmanship. In her studio in Vassilikos, 15 km south of Zakynthos town, its owner has created a display of colourful mugs, plates, and other ceramics.

Not only does she create her own handiworks, but she also shares her expertise with those who are interested in mastering the pottery process. Private and group classes are available, making this not only a charming shopping place but a culturally enriching experience in Zakynthos.

At Logothetis Organic Farm, you can wander through large olive yards and taste fresh produce. Olives are as Greek as mythical gods and feta cheese – the ancient civilization and the plant are inseparable. Therefore, learning about the stages from the growth of the fruit until the oil processing is quite a remarkable event.

This is a fantastic activity with kids, mainly because the owners rent out mountain bikes at affordable prices. Horse rides in the surrounding nature and taste-testing of fresh olive oil top off this ultimately Greek affair. Wine, goat cheese, and other goodies are available in the onsite shop.

The municipality of Kampi is a sleepy village that offers impressive sunset views. Lying on the west coast of Zakynthos, the cliffs along the coast are so spectacular that any spot would suffice. We recommend having dinner at one of the local tavernas, where you can watch the sky change colours while enjoying traditional Greek food. 

Laganas, around 10 km south of Zakynthos town, is the epicentre of entertainment on the island. This beach town has plenty of laidback bars and taverns, where you can enjoy local wines and shots of ouzo.

Are you in the mood to swing your hips? A handful of nightclubs open their doors until you can see the sun rising from the sea surface. The beach, night breezes, and booze are ingredients for a memorable time from dusk till dawn, especially in Zakynthos.