If you're needing the best travel tips to
plan your first time trip to Zakynthos, Greece, then this video is for you! This comprehensive
travel guide comes firsthand from my latest solo trip to Zakynthos to get you ready, covering
essential tips like: the best time to visit, how to get around, where to stay on your
first time trip, what to do, dining tips, and more. Traveling beyond Greece? Check out
all of CORR Travel's videos and Subscribe to get the best in travel guides, itineraries, and tips
that, yep, all come from my actual travel. Without further ado, let's jump into this Travel Guide
and ensure you'll enjoy your trip to Zakynthos as much as I did. [Music] Why visit Zakynthos? One
of the largest of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos, also called by its Italian name, "Zante", lies 30-
plus km west of Athens, and is popular for its calm turquoise waters, unique natural landscapes,
culture, and activities. The iconic Beach Navagio, Greek for "shipwreck", may take center stage,
but Zakynthos' other paradisiacal beaches equally compete for sun seekers and adventurers.
Also dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Caretta Caretta, known as the
Loggerhead sea turtle, which nests along the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, visitors
get the unique chance to view these magnificent, protected creatures. From the quiet of
Vasilikos, to the lively nightlife of Laganas, to the Greek culinary and historic trappings of
Zante Town, Zakynthos' 15 villages each offer their own cultural and outdoor attractions. An
idealic escape for beach enthusiasts, foodies, adventurers, and nature lovers alike, trust me,
Zante is an exciting island to explore for an upbeat, or lazy, getaway. Time of year, holidays
and events affect the best time to visit Zante. Year-round temperatures average from the low 50s
to low 80s Fahrenheit. Peak Season months are June through August when air and water temperatures
are peak, with little rain, have the longest days, liveliest nightlife scene, but also villages and
beaches packed with tourists, causing limited room availability and highest travel costs. Low Season
months are October through April, which have the shortest days, coolest air and water temperatures -
not ideal for water activities - cloudy days with rain, and some establishments and hotels closing
for the season; but, also have the fewest tourists and lowest travel costs. Shoulder Season months
are May and September, which are the best time to travel for long days, warm water and weather with some
cooler nights, and fewer tourists for more space in hotels and on the beach with lower travel costs
than Peak Season. There are holidays and festivals in Zakynthos year-round, which could impact costs, so
consult them when planning your trip. You have two ways to reach Zakynthos. All flights arrive at Dionysios
Solomos Airport (AKA Zakynthos Airport), which is 5 km south of Zante Town and 7 km northeast of Laganas
and has only one terminal, so arrive early on your day of departure. All passenger and car ferries
and cruise ships arrive at the Zakynthos Port in Zante Town. Getting around Zakynthos, let's first
start with getting from the airport, or port, to your accommodations. There are multiple transport
options if your hotel does not offer a shuttle. A rental car is an ideal way to see the island, and
call rental agencies are located at the airport, and several within blocks of the Port of Zakynthos.
Many come with USB ports and GPS for easier island navigation. Taxis are also convenient from the
airport and port. At the airport, taxis are available 24 hours a day May to October. Exit the airport
terminal and find the taxi stand and pricing on on your right. Fares are the same for parties from
1 to 4 persons, and will double if parties are 5 or more, and vary depending on where in
Zakynthos you are staying. Additional fees for extra baggage, for example, may be added, so always
confirm the fare before riding; and, be prepared to pay in cash. Alternatively, the zantetaxi.gr
website allows you to book and pay for your taxi in advance. Always tip in cash. If you're a party
of 4 or less and staying within a 15-minute drive, like the airport to Laganas, a taxi could
be a much cheaper option than a private transfer. There is no Uber or Bolt rideshare in Zakynthos.
And, of course, another quick and easy option from the airport, or port, is hiring a private transfer
online in advance. This may be a better financial option for parties 5 or larger, or if staying
further away from the airport or port. I have links to a highly rated private transfer service
below for your convenience. The airport bus is not as convenient, unfortunately. It departs in front
of the air airport terminal approximately hourly from 6:40 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. daily, with Sunday
times varying, and go to the Central Bus Station in Zante Town, a 15-minute walk from the port. One-way
tickets start at €2,50, which you pay in cash to the driver. Switch buses in Zante Town to your village
for an additional fare. Now at your accommodations, let's talk about getting around the island. Zakynthos
villages, themselves, including Zante Town are very walkable. Depending on your village, it could
be hilly, or you may encounter steep paths to access beaches. However, getting between most other
villages, exploring more beaches, historical sites, dining options, and more will require some form of
vehicle transportation. Like Santorini, the KTEL bus operates in Zakynthos. Buses are air conditioned and
tickets start at €2. Again, pay the driver in cash. Most start from Zante Town Central Station, and
check the KTEL website for routes and schedules in advance as they can fluctuate. There is always the
reliable taxi, which your hotel can arrange for you or you can arrange via the zantetaxi.gr website.
Four-wheel ATVs are popular in Zakynthos, but they are noisy and dirty and disrupt the island tranquility,
in my humble opinion. Still, rental agencies are plentiful. Instead, though, try to rent a compact
car, which I feel is the best way to explore Zakynthos. They're much quieter, have air conditioning, and you
can charge your device while using Google Maps or the GPS if it has one. Make your reservations in
advance during Peak Season. And, of course, being an island there are boat rentals and cruises
available. You can explore Zakynthos using any of these methods self-guided, or learn more about your
village, and Zakynthos, while meeting other travelers by participating in a historic, food or wine tour,
bus tour, boating excursion with water activities, and more. I have links to some of the TOP-rated
tours in Zakynthos in the video description below for your planning ease. Number 5: Safety Tips.
Crime in Zakynthos is very low. It is considered safe to walk alone day or night. Just practice these
general safety measures, like I did as a solo female traveler, for a wonderful time: Be careful
walking at night outside of villages. Not all streets have sidewalks or street lights. People may
also drive fast on the island roads, so if you're unsure about walking at night, take a taxi. Always
keep your belongings with you at all times, with bag pockets closed, and no cash valuables in your
pockets, especially in crowded or touristy areas. Drink water to stay hydrated, and keep alcohol
consumption at a moderate level, especially if you expect to be doing water activities. Wear
sunscreen always in the Peak and Shoulder Season months. Don't stay on unpopulated beaches
alone, or past sunset, and bring only essentials with you, and never leave them unattended. And a
BIGGIE: falling off a cliff for a selfie, or being injured by falling cliff face while laying on
a beach, would slightly ruin your vacation. Yes, these things have happened in Zakynthos. So, please
obey all signs and stay clear of all cliff edges, above and below, especially at areas like Shipwreck
Viewpoint and Shipwreck Beach. Make your Zakynthos travel as enjoyable as possible and bring these
travel essentials: a VPN service for data security; portable Wi-Fi, or get a Greece SIM card; a solar
charger so your devices are always charged on the beach or for boating trips or other excursions;
a reusable water bottle WITH filter so you can fill up at the tap to stay hydrated and reduce
costs and waste; a hat for Shoulder and Peak Season travel; marine safe sunscreen to protect the sea
turtles and other marine life; sunglasses with UV protection; a mono-sling bag keeping your valuables
safe, and to stay hands-free while traveling; a waterproof waste pouch to keep your items with you
in the water and not unattended on the beach; and, a thermal phone case to keep your mobile device
from over heating in the sun. I have links to ALL these great travel essentials for you in the
video description for your convenience. Where to stay in Zante depends on what type of activities
you want to do. For a Greek island, I think it's ideal to have access to the best of beaches,
water activities, restaurants and bars, night life - all accessible on foot - while being fairly
close to island arrival and departure points for less travel time and expense. Therefore, I believe
staying in Laganas Beach is optimal for an easy, lively, and relaxing first trip to Zakynthos, because Laganas
Beach is expansive with umbrella and lounge chair rentals, water activities, multiple bars, restaurants,
clubs, and nightlife - all accessible on foot; plus, it's next to the Marine National Park of Zakynthos
(think of sea turtle spotting); it's 20 minutes to Zante Town for more restaurants, bars, shopping,
historical sites, and sightseeing; Laganas is served by the public bus and departure point for
many excursions; and, it has multiple accommodation options with parking availability if you want
to rent a car to explore more of the island. I also look for an accommodation with reasonable
price, great amenities, free cancellation, good breakfast, good ratings, and a Travel Sustainable
rating, certification, or using a variety of sustainable practices. Checking all these boxes,
and more, the TOP Laganas hotels to consider are: Tzante Hotel Zakynthos - Adults Only, Gardelli Resort,
Pretty Spiti Holiday Home, Mediterranean Beach Resort, California Beach Hotel - Adults Only, and
Cactus Hotel. I stayed at the Cactus Hotel on my last trip to Zakynthos. The location was perfect!
It was walking distance to the strip for night life and restaurants and shopping, but also quiet,
and a block away from the beach. It has two pools, has free parking, great staff, breakfast, and a
comfortable room. I would definitely stay at the Cactus Hotel again. Unfortunately, there are
no hostels in Laganas, but for the best budget- friendly accommodations that still check all
the boxes, try the California Beach Hotel - Adults Only. Links to all of these great accommodations
are available for you in the video description to save you time. Number 8: Top things to do in
Zakynthos. There are a slew of things to do in Zakynthos beyond sunbathing. Here are but some of the
things to do in Zakynthos to get you started planning: [Music] And, of course, there are more, but try to put
these at a minimum on your Zakynthos itinerary. Zakynthos boasts a rich culinary tradition that
reflects its Mediterranean heritage. Chicken, rabbit, pork, and lamb dishes are plentiful and made
in many different ways, such as in stews, souvlakis, gyros, and pasta dishes. Also popular are dishes of
shrimp, swordfish, or octopus. Equally plentiful are baked dishes of aubergines, tomatoes, peppers or grape
vine leaves stuffed with rice, veggies, or both, and warm puff pastries filled with feta, spinach,
ham, cheese, or meats. You'll find fresh Greek salads and sides of warm pita bread with broadbean dip,
eggplant dip, or a cool Tzatziki sauce. For the sweet tooth, have Greek yogurt topped with honey or fruit,
or indulge in the Baklava. Zakynthos' dishes will be made with fresh local cheeses made from sheep or
goats milk, olive oils, roasted meat, seafood, veggies, and fruit. Pair your meal with, or just sip, a glass
of the crisp refreshing white wine made from the local Verdea grape, popular among locals and
visitors alike. And why not have a taste Ouzo after dinner? Zakynthos' culinary options are plentiful
from, budget eats, to fine dining and wine tasting. Restaurants range from ethnic to traditional
taverns by the sea and in the mountainous villages, to luxurious hotel restaurants. You can stay within
your own village for dining, or explore among the many villages. Hit the beaches to grab a drink or
bite to eat at the bars and food stands at hand. And, don't forget for planning for sunsets on the
west side. Venture out to the local wineries, such as Grampas Winery, Solomos Winery, Callinico, or Goumas
Estate Winery, just to name a few. An additional delight is the Therianos Family Organic Farm. Taste
their organic wines, olive oils, and raisins. And try the organic health and beauty products - they
are fantastic! You won't leave empty-handed. Stop into any of these or call in advance for tastings
and tours. For the nightlife scene, the southern end of the island is where it's at. The all-night
bars and clubs are hopping at Laganas, and the towns of Argassi, Kalamaki and Tsilivi have happening
beach bars and parties. For more chill night out, just go for dinner one of the many restaurants
around the island, or hit the cozy streets of Zante Town for drinks and music at any of the
plethora of bars, which stay open to 2:00 to 3:00 in the morning. Tipping in Greece has become
customary for tourists. Always check first on your bill to see if a tip was included to avoid
double-tipping. If not, it's okay to round up to the next euro, or tip up to 10 to 15% for really
good service. Tipping in cash is preferred. Number 10: Day Trips. If you have time and want to explore
more of the Ionian region, try a day trip or two to: Kefalonia, the Archaeological Site of Olympia on
Peloponnese, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Athens. Or, just stay close to Zakynthos and enjoy exploring
the beaches and marine life by boating excursions to Turtle Island, the Blue Caves, Keri Caves, or
more. These are are great ways to see more of Zakynthos and Greece while meeting other travelers.
I have links to great, highly-rated Zakynthos boating excursions, and day trip tours from Zakynthos, for you
below to start your planning. Number 11: Budget Tips. Luckily, Zakynthos is not as expensive as some
other Greek destinations, like Santorini. Still, if you're traveling Zakynthos on a budget, keep
the following in mind while booking and during your trip: Visit in the Shoulder Season months,
ideal for outdoor fun and avoiding crowds; travel during the week, avoiding holidays and popular
festivals; book accommodations well in advance during Peak Season, and stay further away from the
beaches; save on all-inclusive costs with a budget- friendly hotel or hostel, instead; avoid staying
in the "nightlife towns" like Laganas and Zante Town; avoid dining in high tourist areas, shop at
local markets, and book a room with a refrigerator to save on dining out; take the airport bus to and
from the airport; or the public bus to and from the ferry port, instead of a taxi; take advantage of
walking as much as possible; use the public bus instead of renting a car to explore beyond your
village; if needing to rent a car, do it on your last day in Zakynthos and drop it off at the airport
or port - your hotel can assist in arranging this; purchase a Greek or Europe e-SIM or SIM card instead
of costly international plan through your local carrier; and, Zakynthos has public beaches, hiking, lovely
villages, and historical and cultural sites, and other fun free things to do. Travel Greece with
your eco-friendly foot forward and the planet in mind using any of these easy, eco- travel tips
that DO make a difference: Look for flights that emit less CO2 through your airline or through
Skysscanner's 'Greener Flights' filter; purchase carbon offsets through your airline or third
party to lower your flight's carbon footprint; the less you pack, the lighter the plane, and the less
fuel it uses, plus traveling carry-on saves time in the airport; in addition to Booking.com's Travel
Sustainable properties, Green Globe and Green Key Global have eco-friendly certified lodging
options; during all phases of travel, reduce your plastic trash and your carbon footprint by
bringing your own reusable shopping bags, water bottle with filter, and bamboo travel utensils -
they take up very little space in your carry-on; and, speaking of your water bottle, like other
Greek Islands, bottled water is the solution to pour drinking water on the island, unfortunately.
Bringing a LifeStraw Water Bottle with Filter - I have a link below - may allow you to drink the water
without buying plastic bottled water. If you do buy bottled water, buy only the really large bottles,
and if you don't use it by the end of your trip, don't throw it out - give it to the hotel. Don't
rely on buying marine-safe sunscreen there - bring it with you to protect the sea turtles and marine
life; and, take advantage of walking, the public bus, and tours to reduce vehicle pollution in Zakynthos.
I hope you're still with me because these tips are valuable just for Zakynthos: The tap water is safe
to use for cooking and brushing your teeth, but due to high mineral content, it is advised not to
drink, unless you're using a filtered water bottle. Zakynthos gets hot during the Peak Season months, so
ensure to stay hydrated; bring proper footwear for all beach, hiking, and hard service walking. Many
beaches have eateries, cafes, restrooms, lounge chairs, and umbrellas for rental, but they will go
quickly in the Peak Season. The Zakynthos Airport has free Wi-Fi, and some establishments may also
offer it as well - so, just ask them. In addition to bus and taxi drivers, some places will only
accept cash, so bring plenty with you. The best way to see the Shipwreck Beach from Shipwreck
Viewpoint is to show up early - lines will form. Always purchase excursion, boating, bus, food, and
other tour tickets in advance during Peak Season as they can sell out. It's best to know how to
drive a manual, stick shift vehicle as this is a common Zakynthos rental option. Visiting churches,
cover your shoulders, arms, and legs, and do not wear flip flops. Google Maps can have a mind of its
own on the island, so don't be surprised if it does lie to you. Locals may speak in English, but it is
common courtesy to lead a conversation in Greek. If they speak English in return, that is a courtesy.
ARCHELON is the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, and you can help their conservation efforts
by booking a tour that partners with them. I have an Eco-Friendly Turtle Spotting Tour link for
you below. Access to the Marine Park of Zakynthos is strictly prohibited after sunset; some areas
are off limits altogether; and, encroaching on sea turtles and their nesting areas is strictly
prohibited. Look on the Park's website to know all the park rules in advance of your visit. And
speaking of protection, just one more note about protecting yourself: please obey all the posted
signs on Shipwreck Viewpoint and other cliffside viewpoints. Don't be that thoughtless tourist
walking or hiking in marked or restricted areas. Your life is not worth an Instagram photo. So, how
much time do you really need in Zakynthos on your first time trip? Well, the amount of time you spend
depends on your interests and activities you wish to undertake, and where in Zakynthos you're staying.
The villages are compact and easy to navigate quickly, even Zante Town. But, exploring the top
offerings of Zakynthos around the island, which I highly recommend, requires more time - a MINIMUM of
3 days to enjoy your stay. 4 days would be even better and a little bit more relaxing. And now
that you know your way around Zakynthos, would you like a great itinerary for getting the best
of Zakinthos in those 3, or 4, days? Well, I've got great Zakynthos itineraries that will save you a TON
of time by taking out all the guess work for your first time trip. Just check out the links below to
grab your Zakynthos itinerary perfect for first time visit. Well, I really hope you enjoyed
these 15 Top Tips on planning your trip to Zakynthos, and if so, give this video a
Like, and Subscribe, to CORR Travel, and keep coming back. If you want more information
on Zakynthos and Greece travel, check out the upcoming videos I have for you next,
AND don't forget to use the links I have below, so you can plan and book your trip to
Zakynthos. Have a wonderful time in Zakynthos, Greece. [Music]
