The best places to visit across the whole island — and how to drive between them.
Zakynthos (Zante) is a small island — about 40 km from the southern capes to the northern tip — but it packs in an astonishing variety: turtle-nesting bays in the south, white cliffs and hidden coves on the west coast, mountain villages in the centre and wind-swept capes and sea caves in the north.
Many visitors never leave the area where they are staying, and miss the best of it. A car changes that: you can swim at three different beaches in one day, watch the sunset from a lighthouse and still be back for dinner.
Below you will find the island divided into five regions, with the key sights in each, followed by five ready-made driving routes you can follow in a rental car.
The island's capital sits on a wide bay, backed by Mount Skopos. It is the natural starting point of any road trip, and it is only about 15 minutes from Laganas and the airport.
The elegant main square, named after national poet Dionysios Solomos, is lined with arcades, cafés and the Byzantine Museum. Park near the harbour and explore on foot — the centre is compact.
The church of the island's patron saint stands on the waterfront and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites on Zakynthos. Dress modestly when you visit.
The hill above the town gives the best panoramic view of the harbour and the bay. Come at sunset; the road up is short, paved and easy in any car.
Drive south-east along the coast to Argassi and up Mount Skopos for views over Laganas Bay and, on clear days, towards the mainland.
The southern bay is the heart of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and the nesting area of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). This is also the region where Timos is based, so it is the easiest place to pick up your car.
Miles of golden sand with shallow water. Kalamaki, at the eastern end, is quieter and part of the protected nesting area — follow the rules posted on the beach.
The small island in the bay is reached by boat from Laganas or Keri. It is a popular half-day trip for swimming and turtle spotting.
Keri sits on the southwest tip of the island. A narrow road leads out to the lighthouse and the cliff-top viewpoints, with the white rock stacks of Mizithres below.
A short detour from the village, this small wetland is known for its natural tar springs, which were already described in ancient times.
A quiet green peninsula on the south-east of the island with some of the best beaches reachable by car. Roads are wide and in good condition, so it is an easy drive even on your first day.
A protected turtle nesting beach with fine sand, no sunbeds on the nesting zone, and one of the best sunsets on the island. Check the opening times at the entrance.
Wide, sheltered beaches with clear water and small tavernas. They are less crowded than the beaches of Laganas.
A long sandy beach on the east side of the peninsula with shallow water, ideal for families.
The wild west side is where Zakynthos looks the way it does on the postcards: white limestone cliffs, deep blue water and small villages tucked between the mountains. The roads are narrower and slower, so a small, easy-to-park car is a real advantage.
The cliff-top platform above Navagio Bay is the most photographed spot on Zakynthos. The beach below is reachable only by boat. Stay behind the safety barriers and arrive early to avoid the crowds.
A small, peaceful monastery near the Navagio road where Saint Dionysios spent the last years of his life, surrounded by old olive trees.
A natural rocky inlet with crystal-clear water, ladders and platforms for swimming, and a small taverna. A local favourite for a late-afternoon swim.
Mountain villages with wide views over the west coast, reached by quiet roads through pine and olive groves.
The north is the most traditional part of Zakynthos — stone villages, handicraft shops, windswept capes and the island's famous sea caves. Plan a full day and fill the tank before you leave town.
A mountain village famous for its handmade embroidery, weaving and local products. Stop for a coffee in the square and browse the shops along the main road.
At the northern tip you will find the lighthouse and the departure points for boat trips to the Blue Caves, where sunlight turns the water a vivid electric blue. Mornings are best.
Calm, shallow beaches on the north-east coast with lots of cafés and tavernas, a good base for families. The nearby salt pans attract birds in season.
A small cove on the north-east coast where natural sulphur springs flow into the sea. Bring an old swimsuit — the water smells and stains.
Driving times are approximate and do not include stops. Combine routes to suit the number of days you have.
Tip: Perfect for your first day with a rental car, or for the day you collect it at the airport.
Tip: Take a picnic: the peninsula is quiet and has few shops outside the beaches.
Tip: The mountain roads are slow — an economy car or small SUV is ideal.
Tip: Book the Blue Caves boat early in the day, when the light inside the caves is best.
Tip: Start early and keep your stops short. If you have more time, split it over two days.
Every sight on this page is reachable by paved road. For the narrow mountain and coastal roads of the west and north, a compact economy car is the most relaxed choice: easy to park at viewpoints, light on fuel and simple to handle on tight bends.
If you are travelling as a family or with a lot of luggage, a small SUV adds comfort on longer days. We deliver to the airport, the port and your hotel, and our prices include insurance and unlimited mileage.
Visit the west-coast viewpoints and Gerakas early or late. In July and August the middle of the day is the busiest.
Fill the tank in Zakynthos Town or Laganas before heading to the west and north, where stations are fewer.
Do not drive or park on nesting beaches, and follow all signs from the marine park. Nesting season runs from late spring to autumn.
Choose a compact car for the mountains. Drive slowly and use the horn on blind bends.
Mobile reception can be patchy in the west and north. Save Google Maps offline before you set off.
If you have any problem with the car anywhere on the island, call us. We are a local family business.
Three to four days lets you cover every region without rushing — roughly one day each for the south, the west coast, the north and the east/town side. With a rental car you can also do the highlights in two long days.
You can drive to the cliff-top viewpoint above the bay on tarmac roads. The beach itself is only reachable by boat, from Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos and other ports.
The island is only about 40 km long. Crossing it from Laganas in the south to Skinari in the north takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes without stops, but the mountain roads in the west are slower, so allow extra time.
No. All the sights in this guide are reachable on paved roads with an economy car or a small SUV. Off-road tracks are not covered by rental insurance, so we recommend avoiding them.
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In July and August the west-coast viewpoints and Gerakas are busiest around midday, and the light is softer and the roads quieter outside those hours.
Please do not drive onto nesting beaches. Zakynthos is home to loggerhead sea turtles, and their nesting beaches are protected from late spring to autumn. Observe signs and park only in marked areas.
Book your rental now and have a car waiting at the airport, the port or your hotel.
