travel to zakynthos

The spectacular Shipwreck beach, accessible only by boat

The impressive Blue Caves of Zakynthos

The paradise-like islet of Marathonisi

TRENDING IN ZAKYNTHOS

Best beaches

Tours & Activities

Things to Do

Selection of restaurants

TRAVEL GUIDE TO ZAKYNTHOS

Housing the world-famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach and the endangered sea turtle species Caretta Caretta, Zakynthos (or Zante) is among the most popular and most beautiful islands in Greece. The exotic island of the Ionian Sea boasts spectacular nature, beaches, and villages.

To help you get ready for your trip, we provide a travel guide with all the essential information. Keep reading to find out everything about the island's hotels , sights , restaurants , beaches, and things to do, and discover a wide selection of breathtaking photos !

You can get to Zakynthos Island by plane from Athens and many European airports or by ferry from the port of Killini in the Peloponnese.

How to get there?

Best Hotels

Things To Do (12)

Where to Swim?

Sights & Attractions

Where to Eat & Drink?

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN ZAKYNTHOS

Book your trip to Zakynthos with Greeka, the Greek islands specialists! We help thousands of people every year to plan beautiful and trouble-free holidays. From tours to hotels and from car rentals to ferry tickets, we provide all the essential services to make your travel to Santorini the most epic and smooth one. Our travel services are rated . Our guide and services won the Silver Award (2020) at the annual Tourism Awards in Greece . Read reviews about our services.

ABOUT ZAKYNTHOS GREECE

Zakynthos is one of the most exotic Greek islands. Sitting adjacent to the Peloponnese in the mesmerizing Ionian Sea, it boasts a wonderful natural landscape and magical beaches . Exploring the island, you’ll discover picturesque hilltop villages, traditional monasteries and dreamy natural landscapes . What’s more, the beaches are home to the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles, which lay their eggs in the fine white sand every year.

The trademark of Zante, as the island is known in Italian, is the scenic Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach . Many pictures and postcards have tried to capture its beauty, but the reality is far better! Only accessible by boat, Navagio Beach has magical turquoise waters and white sand, surrounded by dramatic towering cliffs. While the view from above alone is simply breathtaking, you should also experience a dip in its enticingly clear water.

Apart from Shipwreck Beach, though, many more paradisiacal beaches are always open to visitors, including Laganas, Gerakas, Vasilikos and Spiantza . Some of these beaches are where the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles lay their eggs every spring and summer. You might be lucky enough to see them getting out of the sea to hide their eggs under the sand! In that case, you must not disturb them.

After exploring the emerald bays of the island, take a break from the beach life to visit Zakynthos Town , the capital of the island. Strongly influenced by the Venetians, who had also named the island "Fiore di Levante" (flower of the East), the Town has many hidden gems to explore! Saint Mark Square, the Venetian Castle, Solomos Square and the Post-Byzantine Museum are some of the best places to visit.

As for things to do, you’ll never run out of options! Partying, scuba diving, tours, and water sports will keep you entertained during your holidays! Get ready for an exotic holiday experience! Floating on the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, south of Kefalonia, Zakynthos is the closest to paradise on earth!

PHOTOS OF ZAKYNTHOS / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Zakynthos island through the lens of the talented members of the Greeka community . Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Seafront hotels, luxury suites, resorts with swimming pools and modern villas are among the accommodation facilities of Zakynthos. Accommodation facilities for all budgets are usually located near the beach or in the mountains. The top areas to look for a place to stay in Zakynthos are the Town, Laganas and Tsilivi.

Some of the most popular hotels are: • Porto Zante   • Zante Maris Suites • Lesante Blu   • Denise Beach Hotel   • Eleon Grand

HOW TO GET TO ZANTE & MOVE AROUND

Zakynthos island has an International airport with flights from many European cities. Another way to reach Zakynthos is by ferry from the port of Killini in the Peloponnese. Book your ferry tickets with us !

Discover the different ways to get to Zakynthos:

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF ZANTE

Discover the highlights of Zakynthos! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, we present you the best recommendations for the ultimate holiday experience! You can also view the best things to do .

WHERE TO GO NEXT?

Continue your trip to the best destinations in Greece! Kefalonia and its neighbor, Ithaca, as well as Lefkada and Corfu are all members of the Ionian Island.

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Zakynthos Greece Travel Guide & How To Visit

The beautiful island of Zakynthos Greece has become famous for its picturesque shipwreck beach , but there are also many other things to do and see on this scenic island in the Ionian Sea.

Zakynthos features steep limestone cliffs, white pebble beaches, and some of the most colorful blue water you’ll ever see in your life. You can explore the sights on this island by boat or by land, and it’s relatively easy to get to Zakynthos from Athens.

To be fair, the island of Zakynthos has become a very popular and crowded summer tourist destination in Greece nowadays, but it’s still worth a visit for the bucket list sights and photo ops.

This travel blog will explain what to do in Zakynthos, how to get there, where to stay, best transport options and tour packages, and some of the top sights to see. I’ve also included a handy Zakynthos island map for trip planning!

Best Zakynthos Tour Packages

The coastline of Zakynthos is full of sea caves, beaches, and other wonderful sights that can only be seen with a boat tour.

We recommend GetYourGuide for boat tours in Zakynthos! They have high rated tours for all of the best sights like Navagio Beach , Blue Caves, Turtle Island, and more. These tours usually include free hotel pickup and drop-off from most of the popular areas in Zakynthos.

We’ve used this company for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Zakynthos Island Tour

Where Is Zakynthos Island?

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is an island located in the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece. The distance from Athens to Zakynthos is only about 240 kilometers (150 miles) as the plane flies.

There are a total of seven Ionian Islands in Greece, and Zakynthos is the most famous of these, but the other nearby islands like Kefalonia are also very scenic and worth a visit if you have time.

Myzithres Rocks — one of our favorite views of Zakynthos Greece

How To Get To Zakynthos Greece

Zakynthos island can be reached by flight or ferry.

Flying to Zakynthos is the easiest, fastest, and most expensive (but recommended) way to get there. The Zakynthos airport (ZTH) is served by daily nonstop flights from Athens, as well as some international cities like Amsterdam, Rome, and Warsaw.

The flight time to Zakynthos from Athens is 1 hour, and it costs anywhere from 50 to 100 Euros for a one way ticket with Aegean/Olympic Air or Sky Express.

The best airline to use is Aegean (or its subsidiary Olympic Air) instead of Sky Express if you have a choice, but any of them are fine. Free checked baggage is usually included in the ticket prices.

Shop Now: Zakynthos flights at Skyscanner

Drone view of Navagio point

Taking the ferry to Zakynthos from Athens is cheaper than flying, but it’s slower and a bit more complicated.

You first have to take a 4 hour bus ride from Athens to Kyllini (which costs 25 Euros), and then hop on the ferry there. The boat ride from Kyllini to Zakynthos takes around 1 hour and costs about 12 Euros.

If you’re interested in doing some island hopping in Greece and you want to see more than just Zakynthos, you can also mix up the itinerary a bit.

For example, you can fly into Zakynthos for a few days, take the ferry to Kefalonia , and then fly from Kefalonia back to Athens. That’s what we did, and it worked out great!

The coastline of Zakynthos Greece is full of surprises

Transport: How To Get Around On Zakynthos Island

Zakynthos town proper is small enough to be walkable by foot for restaurants and most other things, but if you want to do some exploring outside of town you’ll need transport.

The main way to get around on Zakynthos island is by renting a car or ATV (4 wheeler). There are many companies offering car rentals on the island, but we recommend DiscoverCars !

There’s also an affordable bus service offered by KTEL Zakynthos , although keep in mind some of the bus routes are seasonal (summer only). Their website has a full list of prices and routes on the island.

For short distance trips near town, you can walk to beaches, shops, and such places. There’s no Uber, but you can hire a taxi or book an airport transfer .

The limestone cliffs of Zakinthos island

Driving in Zakynthos is a little stressful, but not too hard, and most of the roads are in good condition. The west side of the island is more mountainous, so you’ll occasionally have steep roads with plenty of bends, but these are usually well paved.

A few remote roads on the west side of the island may still be gravel with occasional potholes, but even those roads are quickly improving as the island becomes more accessible and popular with travelers.

The main difficulty is driving in Zante town, where there’s more traffic and the roads are narrow, with lots of cars parked on both sides. Drive slowly in town and stay alert. Once you get out of town, the roads are smooth sailing for the most part.

Greeks drive on the right side of the road, similar to the US and Canada. The locals like to drive fast, and they frequently ignore speed limits and pass on double yellow lines. Just be aware of this, and move over to let them pass.

The bluest water in the world!

Since the law was changed in 2021, foreign tourists from Australia, Canada, UK and the United States do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Greece anymore.

The actual text of the new law (in Greek language) can be found in Law 4850, art. 25, par. η, page 10697 , and it’s also been confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Greece .

With that said, it still doesn’t hurt to have an IDP for Zakynthos in case there’s confusion from the authorities or your local car rental company. Many people in Greece still seem to be unaware of this change.

The coastline of Zakynthos is stunningly beautiful, and many of the best sights on the island are worth touring by boat. You can rent a boat or join a shared tour at one of the many harbors on the island, or you can book tour packages online that include free hotel pickup and drop-off.  

Where To Stay In Zakynthos

Contessina Suites

Alykanas Beach Hotel

Zante Calinica Hotel

Vanessa Hotel

What To Do In Zakynthos Greece

• navagio viewpoint.

This famous shipwreck beach is what first put Zakynthos island on so many travelers’ bucket lists. It’s probably one of the most famous travel pictures in the world!

Navagio is a beautiful secluded beach surrounded by turquoise water and dramatic, winding cliffs. In the center of the beach sits a smuggler ship that ran aground during stormy weather in 1980.

If you’re mainly wanting to see the iconic postcard view and take photos of it, you can do that from a viewpoint on the cliffs high above the beach.

Navagio Viewpoint

You can drive to the Navagio viewpoint yourself, or book a tour package that includes the viewpoint along with several other sights in Zakynthos.

Keep in mind, it’s not possible to reach the beach itself from the viewpoint. There’s no path to go down to the beach, because the cliffs are too steep. The only way to walk on the beach is with a boat tour, and that’s explained below in more detail.

However, the viewpoint is still one of the best sights in Zakynthos, so you should definitely add it to your itinerary!

Read More: Navagio Viewpoint

Book Now: Navagio Beach & Viewpoint / Private Tour

Shipwreck beach

• Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon

This is a small monastery that you’ll pass on the way to the Navagio viewpoint. In fact, it’s just a 5 minute drive from the viewpoint!

The Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon was founded in the 16th century, and it’s still a functioning monastery, with monks living and working there. Remember to dress appropriately if you want to go inside, although plenty of nice pictures can be taken from outside.

It’s free to visit the monastery, and they have a little workshop where they make mosaics and other art. You can buy their wares if you want, but they aren’t pushy about it. The mosaics are very nice.

Behind the monastery, there’s a walking path that takes you to a cross with wonderful views of the Ionian Sea, and it’s also a great sunset spot.

• Navagio Beach

Even though the best pictures of Navagio shipwreck are actually taken from the steep cliffs above, it’s also fun to get in a boat and go see the beach at eye level, if you’re willing to brave the crowds.

Boat tours to Navagio Beach generally depart from the nearby harbor at Porto Vromi. You can show up there and try to arrange a boat rental on the spot, but it’s generally better to book a tour package online .

This beach gets very crowded and chaotic during the daytime, when it’s bombarded with tourists and boats. During the summer, the only time you can avoid the crowds at Navagio Beach is by arriving before 8 AM or after 6 PM.

Nevertheless, it’s still a very nice beach and the rusty shipwreck is fun to see up close!

Read More: Navagio Beach

Book Now: Navagio Beach & Blue Caves / Private Tour

Up close view of the Navagio shipwreck

The back side of MV Panagiotis

Top down view of the shipwreck bay

• Hidden Treasure Cave (Maravelia)

Out of all the many wonderful caves in Zakynthos island, this was one of our favorites.

The Maravelia Cave, also known as Hidden Treasure Cave, is located on the coast near the shipwreck beach, and you can only get there by boat.

In fact, the cave is only big enough for one small boat to fit inside it at a time, and only private boat tours go to this spot. Shared tours skip it.

To go inside the cave, you’ll have to step directly off of your boat and climb up the smooth rocks that meet the water’s edge near the cave entrance.

The rocks can be slippery from sea water, so watch your step! Hidden Treasure Cave has a high ceiling with an opening at the top that pours in sunlight and makes the whole cave amazingly beautiful and photogenic.

It may not be famous just yet, but this was one of our favorite hidden spots in Zakinthos!

Book Now: Zakynthos Private Boat Tour

Hidden Treasure Cave (Maravelia)

• Myzithres Rocks

This is one of the most spectacular and underrated places in Zakynthos Greece, with dramatic white rocks and private beaches on both sides of the rock.

The Myzithres Rocks are located on the southwest corner of Zakynthos island, and you can view them from the cliffs above, or take a boat directly to them from Keri Harbor and land on the beach!

There’s a viewpoint and a restaurant on the cliffs above, called Keri Lighthouse Restaurant. It’s a little overpriced, although the views are unbeatable. Afternoon until sunset is the best time to dine there and take pictures.

You can also walk further up the road and enjoy the view of Myzithres Rocks without any people, but be careful not to get too close to the edge, because the cliff may be unstable.

Book Now: Myzithres Viewpoint Tour

Myzithres Rocks

Restaurant views from above the Myzithres Rocks

• Marathonisi Island

Also known as ‘turtle island,’ Marathonisi is a small island near the south coast of Zakynthos. Part of the island is a protected breeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles.

The front side of this island has a nice beach with clear water, and the south side has a couple of caves you can enter with a small boat. It’s a fantastic island, but it’s becoming pretty crowded.

You can visit Marathonisi Island on a half day tour from Keri Harbor along with other sights such as the Keri Caves (below), or it’s also possible to take a boat taxi there from nearby places like Laganas Beach.

Book Now: Marathonisi Island & Keri Caves Tour

Aerial view of Marathonisi (also known as Turtle Island)

Drone pic of the beach at Marathonisi

• Keri Caves

The Keri Caves are usually visited on a half day boat tour that includes Marathonisi Island (above) and sometimes the Myzithres Rocks.

Inside these caves, the water seems to glow blue, giving it a gatorade-like color that almost doesn’t look real. It’s hard to capture with a camera. Small boats can float into the caves see them up close.

There are also several pebble beaches and two rock arches on this coastline that your boat captain can drive through if he’s feeling adventurous!

Overall, the Keri Caves were one of our favorite places in southern Zakynthos.

Book Now: Keri Caves & Marathonisi Tour

Inside one of the Keri Caves

Drone pic at the Keri Caves

• Blue Caves

This is a group of small caves on the northern tip of Zakynthos island, reachable by boat from Agios Nikolaos harbor.

As you might guess from the name, these are some of the most colorful caves in Zakynthos, and little boats can pass through the caves and come out the other side. Usually you can do some swimming here too, if there’s enough time.

The Blue Caves tour is generally shorter than any of the other boat tours in Zakynthos, but it’s also cheaper, so it’s well worth it!

Book Now: Blue Caves & Navagio Tour

Small boats can pass through the Blue Caves

Incredible water color

The Blue Caves from above

• Plakaki Beach

This viewpoint is still kind of a hidden gem in Zakynthos, with amazing views of the coastline and that dark blue water the Mediterranean Sea is famous for.

Calling it a beach is kind of a stretch, but at the bottom of the cliff there’s a nice swimming spot that can be reached with a bit of short, intense hiking. The path is still unfinished rock, and there are some steep sections, so it’s not good for kids or older folks.

When the access improves, I’m sure this place will be one of the highlights of Zakynthos island. It definitely has some of our favorite views.

Plakaki Beach — rocky access, but stunning views!

• Potamitis Viewpoint

Potamitis is another viewpoint with a nice restaurant, a windmill, and easy access by road. It’s located on the north end of Zakynthos island.

There’s a photogenic winding staircase that takes you down to the seaside, where you can watch the tour boats coming and going from the nearby Blue Caves. It’s a really nice view, and there are also sunbeds if you want to stay and relax.

We had heard that the restaurant asks you to buy something before taking pictures at the viewpoint, but in our case they didn’t ask for anything. The restaurant has good ratings too, so I’m sure it’s worth a visit!

Potamitis views

• Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa

This is a medieval church that sits at the top of Skopos mountain in southeast Zante, at an elevation of 543 meters (1,782 ft). Surrounding the church are the ruins of a monastery that is even older. It’s like a trip back in time.

To reach the church you can drive or hike, but the road is rough gravel all the way to the top of the mountain. We made it there in a rental car, but it wasn’t a very comfortable drive. If you hike, bring a hat and lots of water.

If you drive, it’s best to come from the northeast side, because apparently the road from Kalamaki is worse and requires a 4×4 vehicle.

Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa

Above the church

The atmosphere at the monastery is quiet and special. If you come in the daytime, they open the doors to the main building for visitors, and the inside has nice frescoes and a guestbook.

There’s a good breeze and you have panoramic views of much of Zakynthos island, with Kefalonia visible in the distance. I’m sure it’s a great spot for sunset too, although we didn’t stay that late.

Behind the monastery, there’s a rocky summit you can climb for even better views of the whole area! The path for this climb starts on the southeast side of the rocks, and there’s a rope to help you go up.

All in all, this place is a true hidden gem in Zakinthos, and most people still don’t know about it!

A peaceful walking path at the monastery

• Pelagaki Beach

There are lots of beaches in Zakynthos, but this one stands out because of its snow white pebbles and nice clear water. It’s similar to some of the scenic beaches in Kefalonia Greece .

This is one of the quieter and less touristy beaches in Zakynthos, with no music or sunbeds, although it’s occasionally disrupted by noisy boats dropping off tourists, so that’s the only downside. At the top of the hill, there’s a small canteen selling food and drinks.

The beach itself is fantastic from above or below, and you can reach it in about 5 minutes by hiking down a steep dirt path. Even though it doesn’t have the easiest access, the beach is beautiful and well worth a visit!

Calm waters at Pelagaki Beach

• Korakonissi

This beach might be one of the most unusual locations in Zakynthos Greece.

Actually, it’s not really a beach, but more like a little rocky peninsula with a natural arch and some tide pools for swimming.

The path down to the water is rocky and a bit steep in places, so it’s not the greatest. You can go down in about 5 minutes. I wouldn’t recommend it for kids or older folks, but you can enjoy great views of Korakonissi without going all the way to the bottom.

Korakonissi

There are three places to swim: in the tide pool to the right, in the open sea to the left, or inside the cave below the arch.

It’s a spectacular location, and climbing on the rocks gives you some different views of everything. The water inside the cave is incredibly blue.

Parking is limited here, so you’ll want to arrive early if possible. The road is a bit steep and turns into gravel near the end, so depending on your vehicle, you may need to park before you reach the bottom of the road.

There is a cafe in the parking lot with nice views and reasonable prices for Greek food. Enjoy!

Inside the natural rock arch at Korakonissi

Best Zakynthos Photo Spot

There are many beautiful photo spots in Zakynthos Greece, but I think the winner would have to be the Navagio Viewpoint , followed by the Myzithres Rocks in second place. Third place for me might be Plakaki Beach.

If you only have time for two boat tours in Zakynthos, do Navagio and the Keri Caves. These are on opposite sides of the island, so you may need two separate days to do them, but we thought the tour at Keri Caves was even better than the Blue Caves! It’s also a longer tour, so you get more time to enjoy the scenery.

For drone pilots, it’s possible to take amazing photos on the west coast of Zakynthos island, which is all lined with steep limestone cliffs.

The locals in Greece aren’t strict about drones. EU regulations on drones aren’t really enforced here, and there are lots of quiet places to fly without disturbing anyone. If in doubt, just ask before you fly.

There are limitless photo ops along the coast of Zakynthos Greece

Best Zakynthos Beaches

To be honest, Zakynthos beaches generally aren’t as nice as the ones on say, Kefalonia island , and they’re very overrun with tourists during the summer months. For the best experience, you’ll want to arrive early and find a good parking spot before the crowds get there.

If you want sandy beaches in Zakynthos, check out Banana Beach, Porto Zorro, or Alykanas Beach. If you’re mainly wanting spectacular views, go to Porto Limnionas or Plakaki Beach. These aren’t sandy beaches, but the views are wonderful and they can still be great spots for swimming and sunbathing.

The famous Navagio Beach also has amazing views with nice sand and water, although it’s usually crowded with boats and people.

Above Pelagaki Beach

Zakynthos Island Map

Here’s a Zakynthos island map you can use to plan your trip in Greece.

You can click the icons on this map to get more info and directions for each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations may be approximate.

Attractions to visit by land are marked in blue, while harbors (and nearby attractions to reach by sea) are marked in orange.

Best Sunset Spot In Zakynthos

Zakynthos island has a long west-facing coastline, so naturally there are lots of good sunset spots to enjoy.

One of the most popular places to watch the sunset is at the Navagio Viewpoint (above the beach), where you can use a wide panoramic photo to capture the beach together with the sunset.

For a more quiet sunset, our favorite spot was the cross at the Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon, which is also located near the shipwreck viewpoint.

To find the cross for sunset, walk along the short path behind the monastery until you’ve gone about 150 meters down the hill. It’s a really nice spot, and you’ll most likely have it all to yourself!

Sunset at the cross behind Agios Georgios Krimnon

Sunset at Navagio viewpoint

If you want dinner in Zakinthos with an epic sunset view to end the day, check out Aeras Taverna , Porto Schiza Restaurant , Cross Taverna , or the Keri Lighthouse Restaurant .

All of these restaurants and sunset spots are located on the west side of the island, so a bit of driving is required if you’re coming from town.

There are also some tours available that will take you to one of the good sunset spots in Zakynthos and handle all of the transportation for you.

Book Now: Romantic Agalas Sunset Tour

What To Bring

Here are some packing suggestions for your trip to Zakynthos Greece.

Most of the items below can probably be found on the island in a pinch, but the quality of stuff you buy on the street won’t be guaranteed (personally, I’m not about to use a junky knockoff bag from a street vendor to protect my expensive camera gear).

It’s best to buy vetted products online!

• Waterproof Bag: Essential for keeping your electronics safe on the boats. I brought a 30 liter bag and was able to fit my drone, tablet, camera, phone, and a bunch of other stuff inside. Everything was kept dry, even when I took the bag swimming a few times!
• Waterproof Phone Pouch: Same as above, but these are for your phone only. Great if you don’t have other electronics and just need something small to protect your phone.
• Snorkeling Gear: Good for exploring the clear waters around Zakynthos, and sometimes you can even see turtles. Snorkels and masks can be borrowed or rented from the boat companies too, but if you plan to do multiple tours it’s better to bring your own gear.
• Water Shoes: Save your feet some grief and wear water shoes! Many of the beaches in Zakynthos have rocky shorelines, so water shoes are very helpful for getting in and out of the water.

Plakaki coastline blues

Other Zakynthos Tips

• Credit Cards: You can pay by credit card for most hotels, restaurants, and other things in Zakynthos, but it’s still a good idea to carry cash (in Euros). Some smaller restaurants only take cash, or the card machines may go down. If you show up at the harbor and want to book a boat tour on the spot, then they’ll ask you to pay in cash. This is part of the advantage of booking tours online, that way you can pay by credit card and save your cash for those little family owned tavernas with top notch food and low prices.
• ATM: There are ATMs within reach of every corner of the island. We usually pulled 200 Euros at a time, and never had any issues. One thing to note is that the ATMs will offer you their own conversion rate (which is a really bad rate), or you can continue in Euros. Make sure you choose Euros without their silly conversion rate. This is a well known scam at ATMs in Greece, but it’s easily avoided if you know what you’re doing.
• Cell Service: Phone reception is strong across most of Zakinthos island, although you may lose service in some places while driving around because of the hilly terrain of the island.

The perfect place to go for a swim

• WiFi: Internet quality in Zakynthos is not the greatest, but it’s improving, especially in the main town areas. Don’t expect WiFi speeds on par with Athens (or other European countries), but it’s generally good enough for emails, browsing, and maybe a little bit of streaming.
• Language: The local language in Zakynthos is Greek, of course, but almost everyone speaks and understands enough English for conversation. Lots of UK tourists visit the Ionian islands, so the locals are accustomed to speaking English with travelers.
• Mosquitoes: We had very few encounters with mosquitoes in Zakynthos, and the island isn’t known to be home to the West Nile Virus, so it’s not really a significant concern here.
• Water: The tap water in Zakynthos is supposed to be safe to drink, but it doesn’t taste good. It’s better to drink bottled water, which is cheap and can be found at any mini market. You can use the tap water for cooking or brushing your teeth.

Is Zakynthos Safe?

Yes, Zakynthos is a very safe place to visit!

Greece has one of the lowest homicide rates in the world. Just take normal precautions and you shouldn’t have any issues with crime.

The locals in Zakynthos are very friendly, especially if you get out of the busy town and go to some of the quiet villages in the countryside.  

Is Zakynthos Worth It?

If you still can’t make up your mind, then yes, Zakynthos is definitely worth it!

This is a beautiful Greek island with great food, people, and scenery. You can enjoy a sunset dinner by the cliffs, or explore a sea cave by boat. Famous bucket list views like Navagio Beach are also icing on the cake.

In spite of the summer tourist crowds, Zakynthos is undoubtedly one of the quintessential Greek islands in my opinion. It’s also fairly easy to reach from Athens, and the infrastructure is improving every day.

Myzithres Beach

Navagio is one of my favorite travel pictures anywhere in the world!

How Long To Stay

There are loads of good things to do in Zakynthos Greece. The best highlights will take at least 3 days to see, but one week is more ideal.

We spent two weeks in Zakynthos, and easily could have found more activities to do if we had stayed longer.  

Zakynthos Itinerary

Here’s what a sample 4-day itinerary for Zakinthos island could look like, assuming you’ve rented a car :

• Day 1: Northwest Zakynthos . Visit the Navagio Beach viewpoint and see the famous shipwreck from above. Make a quick stop at the nearby monastery, and then drive to Porto Vromi, where you can take a boat to the shipwreck beach and also tour some of the nearby caves. Relax at Porto Limnionas Beach or Korakonissi, and then have dinner at San Leon Tavern or one of the other great restaurants in the area.
• Day 2: North Zakynthos . Drive to Agios Nikolaos Harbor and rent a boat to go to the Blue Caves for scenery and swimming. Next, drive to the Potamitis Viewpoint and walk down the stairs by the ocean. Lastly, relax at Pelagaki Beach or Xigia Sulfur Beach.
• Day 3: Southwest Zakynthos . Drive to Keri Lake Harbor, and then rent a boat to go to Marathonisi Island, Keri Caves, and Myzithres Beach. Next, drive to Plakaki Viewpoint and hike down to the beach (if you’re fit and able). Lastly, go see the Myzithres Rocks from above and enjoy the sunset at Keri Lighthouse Restaurant.
• Day 4: East Zakynthos . If you’re feeling adventurous, hike or drive up the steep gravel road to Monastery Panagia Skopiotissa, and enjoy the historic buildings and panoramic views of Zakynthos island. Bring plenty of water. Afterwards, relax at Banana Beach, Porto Zorro, or one of the many other beaches in the area. If you have extra time, check out the Cameo Island Beach Bar.

I hope this sample itinerary gives you some ideas for your own trip to Zakynthos! As always, feel free to ask any questions if you have them.  

Zakynthos Hotels

Best time to visit zakynthos greece.

The best time to visit Zakinthos island depends on what you’re looking for, but generally the nicest weather is from early May to late October. All of these months are mostly warm and sunny. The shoulder months in spring and autumn can be nice if you’re wanting good weather without the crowds.

The hottest months in Greece are July and August, and Zakynthos during this time has temperatures of up to 32 °C (91 °F) during the day time, and lows of 21 °C (70 °F). This can be great for swimming in a pool or lounging at the beach, although these two months can also be a a lot more busy with tourists.

Winter in Zakynthos is fairly mild, but it’s wetter, cooler, and more overcast. High temperatures are around 14 °C (57 °F), and lows are around 8 °C (46 °F). Not as many boats and tours are running at this time, but you may get a good deal on hotels and things.

Regardless of when you decide to visit Zante, you’re sure to have a memorable trip!

Colorful souvenir plates at a roadside market in Anafonitria village

More Greece Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Zakynthos island in Greece.

We have more travel guides for the Greek islands coming soon, so don’t forget to check back later!

Happy travels!

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Do you need to rent a car to get around on this island?

Hi. A car isn’t required if you stay near town, but it can still be nice for exploring other parts of the island. We used DiscoverCars in Greece and would recommend them. The other option for getting around is to book day tours that include transport. There are shared and private tours that go to many of the best places on the island.

What are the other ways to get around the island if you don’t have a car? Does the island have buses?

Hi. There’s also an affordable bus service offered by KTEL Zakynthos , although keep in mind some of the bus routes are seasonal (summer only). Their website has a full list of prices and routes on the island. For short distance trips near town, you can walk to beaches, shops, and such places. There’s no Uber, but you can hire a taxi or book an airport transfer .

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Zakynthos, also known by its Italian name Zante, is an island of two stories. The southern and southeastern shorelines are dominated by heavy – and often low-quality – package tourism, although even here there are some attractive lower-key bases hiding just out of sight of the larger, run-of-the-mill resorts; examples include Keri and Limni Keriou in the remoter southwest. Once you leave the south behind, however, and set off to explore the rest of the island, you'll discover a different place altogether. It's one where plenty of forested wilderness and traditional rural villages remain, but it’s the spectacular scenery of the rugged west coast, where mighty limestone cliffs plummet down to unreal turquoise waters, that’s the true highlight.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Zakynthos. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Byzantine Museum

This magnificent museum of ecclesiastical art is housed in a beautifully restored building on the central waterfront plaza. Almost everything here was…

Shipwreck Beach Viewpoint

The most dramatic sight along the west coast is magnificent Shipwreck Beach. A favourite of Instagrammers travelling through the Greek islands, the beach…

Church of St Dionysios

Devoted to Zakynthos' patron saint, the Church of St Dionysios (1948; rebuilt following the 1953 earthquake) stands at the southern end of the waterfront,…

Logothetis Organic Farm

The 80-hectare Logothetis farm produces purely organic olive oils (some flavoured with orange, lemon and other fruits) as well as olive-oil products. You…

Monastery of St George

In an evocative clifftop site, the Monastery of St George has an interior covered in faded frescoes. The strange tower at the centre of the complex was…

A ruined Venetian fortress sits atop the wooded slope that looms over the town centre. Reached by a steep but enjoyable 15-minute hike or a circuitous 2…

Gerakas Beach

The best beach in the south, Gerakas is a strand of fine sand that faces the Bay of Laganas. It's also a crucial turtle-nesting site, so visitor numbers…

National Marine Park of Zakynthos

Covering an area of 135 sq km, this marine park in Zakynthos' Bay of Laganas was created in 1999 to protect the endangered loggerhead turtle.

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Experience the real Greece

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Zakynthos with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Destinations | EUROPE

12 things to do in zakynthos travel guide.

21 Jun 2021 | Destinations , Europe , Greece

Greece is a popular holiday destination for many reasons. A trip to Greece or one of the smaller islands can also be very affordable. In this post, I am sharing an epic Zakynthos travel guide to help you plan yours. Find all the amazing and beautiful things to do in Zakynthos and more. 

My trip to Zakynthos was special, as good friends of ours were getting married there. They wanted to celebrate both of their bachelor parties in Zakynthos Greece. So in no time, a date was arranged, and we boarded the plane to Greece with ten men and nine women.    

This was my first visit to Greece – is it just me, or are you also super excited when you’re about to discover a new country? The moment I get off the plane my eyes start to sparkle, I’m instantly happy and I’m ready to take on a new adventure. This time was no different.

** Disclaimer: This post contains affiliated links which means that purchases made through these links reward Bey of Travel a small commission without any additional charge for the purchaser.** 

Ultimate Zakynthos Travel Guide

Zakynthos is located on the western side of Greece . 

Zákynthos is also known as Zante. The town is home to a ruined castle of the Byzantines, the beautiful Cameo island , a belfry of the 16th-century Agios Markos Church, an epic Solomos Square, and art in the form of frescoes and icons. 

The weather in Zakynthos is super pleasant. Greek food, especially Greek Meat Pie , is delicious and you must give it a try.  Although the island itself is relatively small, there are countless fun activities to experience. 

Within the space of ​​approximately 410 km², you can find all the ingredients for a diverse holiday under the sun. Zakynthos is a super popular tourist destination for bachelor’s parties, friend’s trips, and family summer holidays. 

How to get to Zakynthos

Zakynthos is located in Greece. It is a European Union member and uses Euro as its currency. Passport holders from other EU countries, the US and Canada can enter Greece without a visa. For others, a Schengen Tourist Visa is required for entry. 

When arranging your trip to Zakynthos, keep in mind that it’s a tourist destination so it’s not easy to get there by plane during the off-season. Most airlines only fly here during the summer season – which is from the end of May until September. 

Cost-wise it isn’t too pricey. On our trip, we paid 90€ for a return flight from Zaventem Brussels. 

The nearest airport to Zakynthos is Zakinthos (ZTH) Airport. You can also connect via other nearby airports like Kefallinia (50.9 km/ 31.62 miles), Preveza (128.4 km/79.90 miles), Corfu (220.4 km/136.702 miles), and Athens (268.2 km/166.52 miles).

You can pick up a rental car from the airport or use a private transfer. Here is a private transfer from the airport to Zakynthos town.

Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands are connected to the ports of Patras and Kyllini. From Zakynthos, you can visit the nearby islands of Ithaka, Lefkada, Kefalonia, and Corfu. 

Depending on the day and the ferry company you choose, the journey can take around 3 to 5 hours. Ferries run daily from Kyllini, Patras to Zakynthos all year round. In summer, there are several boats that sail out daily.

Where to stay in Zakynthos

Many tour operators offer packages with activities and accommodation and this is generally the easiest and cheapest way to arrange your trip to Zakynthos, especially if you are traveling with children. 

Pro tip: Be sure to reserve boat tours and hotels ahead of time in the peak seasons.

If you feel like something a little more authentic, though, here are some great options.

Olea All Suite Hotel

The five-star Olea All Suite Hotel lies right in the midst of nature, surrounded by beautiful olive trees. Surprisingly, it’s still within walking distance of Zakynthos town and the beach. The question is whether you want to leave this beautiful hotel at all! More info and booking can be found here.

Zante Maris Suites

In this beautiful adults-only hotel, enjoyment comes first. It is a five-star venue – you can even book a room with a private pool. For more info and booking click here.

Take a Half-Day Trip to Marathonisi and Keri Caves

Keri Caves is located on the southern coast of Zakynthos, and this is a perfect half-day trip idea where you can go swimming. 

When you start from Zakynthos town, you will arrive at the Argassi Bridge which was constructed in 1885. Stop here for photos, and then continue on to Kalamaki Beach to learn about the turtle nests in the area.

Up next is the town of Laganas and the island of Marathonisi. At Marathonisi, you can admire beautiful caves and white sand beaches and soak in the sun. 

From here, you will finally get to the Keri Caves for a swim. If interested you can also travel to the Aristeon Olive Oil Press, and learn about the long history of olive oil production on the island and taste some samples in the Greek Islands. 

You can also book a day tour here .

Go horse riding

Fancy surprising your other half with a romantic date? Go horse riding along the beach during sunset. 

We did this activity during the bachelorette’s day and were really pleasantly surprised. Laganas Horse Riding Center guided us wonderfully – you can enjoy a ride even with no experience at all.

Explore a Greek Farm and visit Zante Town

The Greek island of Zakynthos is known as “the flower of the East”, and you can experience all of it by embarking on a guided tour at an organic farm. 

As part of the tour , you can also enjoy samples of the local produce. 

You must also explore the town of Zante or Zakynthos. By joining a tour with a local you get to learn about the port city’s history and its art and culture.

Visit the Greek Orthodox St. Dionysios Church, which was named after the patron saint of the island. Spend some time here, and see the silver casket that houses the remains of St. Dionysios.

Scuba Diving 

One of the coolest things about Zakynthos is that you can enjoy beach vibes, cultural exploration and indulge in water activities including scuba diving. 

Turtle Beach Diving Centre, located at Limni Keriou Beach is great for new and advanced divers. You can sign up for a lesson, and they train you and also provide you with diving equipment. 

Swim at Porto Limnionas Beach

Other than scuba diving, you must go swimming at Porto Limnionas Beach. This is one of the prettiest beaches in Zante.

Although small it is truly breathtaking with a secluded cove surrounded by jagged cliffs. This beach does get crowded though (as it is picturesque), so do plan ahead. 

Climb to the Panagia Skopiotissa monastery

Love to hike? Head to the Panagia Skopiotissa monastery. This Monastery is situated on the top of Skopos on the Greek island of Zakynthos, and takes you through a scenic 4-km climb. 

It starts from Argassi Village to the remains of Panagia Skopiotissa via a well-marked walking trail. The old monastery is beautiful and has gone through recent renovations, plus the view from here is magnificent – highly recommended! 

Eat delicious food in Zakynthos – Where to find the best restaurants and markets in  Zakynthos

Holidays and good food go hand in hand (or so my husband always says!). 

Fortunately, there are several restaurants in Zakynthos where you can enjoy delicious meals in a beautiful setting. 

Here’s a list of where you can find the best Greek food during your stay in Zakynthos:

• Nobelos SeaSide Bio Restaurant – The name says it all. The restaurant is located directly on the waterfront, and from your cozy wooden table, you look out over a small beach, a blue-green bay, and many fishing villages. The ultimate holiday feeling! The cocktails can definitely be recommended here as well.
• Porto Roma – Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine, fresh seafood, and fish, with a beautiful sunset and the sound of the waves in the background. Be sure to try the specialty of the house – delicious lobster spaghetti.
• Tropic’s Beach Bar – The perfect restaurant for anyone who likes good food, tasty cocktails, and a romantic setting.
• Porto Limnionas Tavern – The menu is full of delicious Greek dishes, all reasonably priced. From the terrace you can enjoy a beautiful view over the sea – it’s a place where the people of Zakynthos like to go to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature.
• Mythos Restaurant – Experience the ultimate holiday feeling here. The dishes are simply heaven, and the setting is beautiful and romantic. 

Read next |  The best hotels in Zakynthos 

Zakynthos is a great destination for couples, groups, and families. Keep in mind that it is touristy especially from late June onwards as travelers flock there to have a good time.

For us it was not an obvious destination, in the beginning, we prefer something along the Amalfi Coast . However, Zakynthos is definitely a beautiful place to explore and one with gorgeous scenery, crystal clear waters, art, and great food.

I hope you found this post useful in planning your trip. If you have any questions do let me know in the comments below.

Pin for later: Ultimate travel guide to Zakynthos Greece

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20 Best things to Do on Zakynthos Island

Looking for the best things to do on Zakynthos Island? I have created the perfect Zakynthos travel guide to help you plan your next trip to Greece!

The guide provides information about how to get to the island, where to stay, what to see and do, a Google Zakynthos Map, and detailed information about the spectacular Navagio beach .

Zakynthos island in Greece, also known by its Italian name Zante, is a gorgeous island south of Kefalonia island in the Ionian Sea. It is famous for the stunning caves and cliff views with a shipwreck, the sea turtles nesting, the long, sandy beaches, and its bustling nightlife in Laganas.

The Venetians who conquered Zakynthos in 1485, were also fascinated by the many charms of the island and called it ‘The Flower of the East’ (Il Fiore di Levante). Zante is famous for its abundance of flowers, plants, and herbs.

History Tip: My grandparents come from Zakynthos and I am very proud that I originate from this island: during the Nazi occupation, the mayor of the town Loukas Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos did not allow the Germans to create concentration camps for Jews on their island. The 275 Jews on Zakynthos (out of 78.000 Greek Jews) found protection in small villages from the residents and all survived, unlike the 80% of Jews on the Greek mainland. For that reason, Zakynthos is amongst the righteous areas in Europe!

Enough with history, let’s explore the  best things to do on Zakynthos Island !

*Some of the links in the post are affiliate links. If you click and buy something through them, I may earn a small commission — which costs you absolutely nothing!

20 Top Things To Do on Zakynthos Island

1. visit navagio beach.

In the northeast of Zakynthos lies the most famous landmark of the island: the rusting remains of the MV Panagiotis, a container ship smuggling contraband cigarettes that ran aground in 1980. The cove, where the ship lies, is surrounded by imposing white limestone cliffs and white sand.

Often the water around Navagio is tinged with an electric blue, due to the numerous sulfur springs in the caves that hug the beach, allowing wonderful photographs.

How to get to the Zakynthos Navagio

There are three ways to see Navagio Beach:

• For the top view of Navagio , you can get there by car (32 km from Zakynthos town): Halfway between the mountain villages of Volimes and Anafonitria, there is an asphalt road leading to a spacious parking area. Then, you have to descend a few steps to reach a platform suspended in the void, from where you can admire and take photos of the beach.

• There is also the cliff area with no protective barriers at the edge where most photos are taken. However, there have been some accidents there. Be very careful and don’t risk your life for a photo.

• You can visit the actual beach by using the daily taxi-boat (30′ trip) service offered by local boats from the nearby Porto Vromi Bay, Zakynthos Town, Skinari, or Agios Nikolaos
• You can also visit as part of an organized tour like this  Shipwreck Beach day – trip excursion departing from Zakynthos Town!

2. Explore the Blue Caves

The Blue Caves is a long chamber of successive limestone caves, located in the very north of Zakynthos island. The caves, which are one of the best things to do on Zakynthos island, were discovered in 1897 and were named after the amazing blue color of their waters.

There are also blue caves in Paxos and Antipaxos islands in the Ionian Sea.

They are only accessible by boat and the best time to visit them is early in the morning. It is the time when the reflection of the sun creates beautiful formations on the walls of the caves that are mirrored and create wonderful colorations in the waters.

A little further down the road, past the turn-off for the windmills, is the Skinari Lighthouse. This active lighthouse watches over the crossing between Zakynthos and Kefalonia. 

3. Scuba Dive in Skinari

You can scuba dive and see up close the rich marine around Skinari: big reefs, 2 species of sponges, 2 species of flowers, stonefishes, morays, and sometimes sea turtles and dolphins.

Where to stay nearby: In Agios Nikolaos village and beach you can take the boat to both the Blue Caves and Navagio. I love the beautiful fine decoration lines of Emerald Villas , the stunning views of the sea, the privacy, the swimming pool, and above all the great hostesses of the villa.

4. See the Newly-Hatched Turtles

What is Zakynthos famous for? Zakynthos is famed as one of the major nesting areas for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. In spring the turtles start their trip from the Gulf of Libya and the northern Adriatic, to reach Zakynthos.

Are you looking for a superb hotel in Zakynthos for your honeymoon? Check out the breathtaking Lesante Blu !

The majority of the nesting is around Laganas Bay, 8 km from Zakynthos town, where the protected area of Greek National Marine Park is.  An estimated 1,300 loggerhead turtles, an endangered and protected species, live around Laganas Bay. If you are lucky you may get to see the thousands of baby turtles that hatch on the beaches, taking their first steps on earth, or one of the adult turtles swimming right next to you.

You are reading about the best things to do on Zakynthos Island!

5. Explore Main Town, Zakynthos

Kephalonia, Ithaki, and Zakynthos, in particular, were hit very hard by the 1953 earthquake and it has remained the most catastrophic earthquake in modern Greece. The Zakynthos town was completely destroyed and was rebuilt from scratch with only a handful of the old buildings still standing today.

One of them is Agios Dionysios church, built in 1798 and the town’s main church that houses the relics of the town’s patron saint. It is a three-aisled basilica with an internal arch that miraculously survived intact after the earthquake of 1953.

If you love religious artifacts and icons from the 12th century onwards, then a visit to the Byzantine Museum is a must. One of the interesting exhibits is the scale model of the town from around 1950 which gives you an idea of how the town looked before the devastating earthquake in 1953. The entrance ticket is €4 (€2 for November to March)

Address: Solomos Square, 29100 Zakynthos Town

 Are you looking for a family apartment in Zakynthos? Check out the seafront Red Sun Apartments!

6. Visit Dionysios Roma’s Mansion Museum

The mansion was erected in the 1660s by the English vice-consul of England in Zakynthos Robert John Geoffrey but it was purchased by the Greek Alexander Roma (former president of the Greek parliament) in 1880 as a family house.

Before the earthquake, Zakynthos was full of impressive villas and mansions. Today, Roma is the only example of a mansion left in Zakynthos, so it is a really unique place to visit. The large reception rooms, the libraries with rare old publications, and the collections of family portraits, prints, weapons, and other objects and works of art reflect the general lifestyle of the old aristocratic class of the island.

Address: Louka Karrer St 19, Zakynthos town. + 30 26950-28343

Other interesting museums you can visit on Zakynthos are:

• Aristeon Olive Press & Museum in Lithakia village
• In Agia Marina, Helmi’s Natural History Museum is packed with rocks, fossils, and stuffed animals
• If you love poetry, then you should visit the museum, dedicated to Dionysios Solomos , who penned Greece’s national anthem in 1823. The museum is home to personal items belonging to the poet, but also a mausoleum containing his remains.

7. Hike to Bohali Castle

It can be hard to narrow down just a few of the best things to do in Zakynthos on one trip. 2,5 km away from Zakynthos town you will find Bohali village where you will enjoy the panorama of the port, Argassi small port, and Laganas Bay. When you get to Bohali village, you can hike to the top – a steep but short hike, but come prepared with plenty of water as the trail is in direct sunlight.

On top of Bohali sits the ruined Venetian castle (built in 1480) surrounded by a pine forest and offering a beautiful view of Zakynthos town, the Ionian Sea, and the Peloponnese.

Tip: Don’t miss the Winged Lion of Saint Mark, a symbol of the Venetian empire, which stands above the main entrance.

8. Swim on the Golden Beach of Kalamaki

Kalamaki sandy beach is the continuation of the long sandy beach of Laganas. of Laganas Bay, a protected area and part of the Greek National Marine Park. That means there is almost no touristic development other than a single bar renting out sunbeds and umbrellas.

9. Dive in the Fjord of Porto Limnionas

One of the best things to do on Zakynthos Island is to go to Porto Limnionas. Limnionas is a fascinating, remote seaside area resembling a fjord, set against a backdrop of cliffs and caves. Featuring the clearest and brightest waters on Zakynthos, Porto Limnionas is ideal for diving and snorkeling in its many caves .

There you will find sunbeds & umbrellas (€5 per day), parking, and a tavern where you can grab some of the best souvlaki and homemade chips in the whole of Zakynthos. 

10. Stay in Tsilivi (great for families!)

Tsilivi is a beautiful seaside village located on the northeast coast of the island with traditional tavernas, market stalls, and beautiful sandy beaches, great for children. It is a popular place, with both organized and free beaches and a variety of sea sports that you can enjoy.

It is 5 km from Zakynthos town, a lively resort with many nightlife options.

Where Best to Stay: Trianon Studios (self-catering), is 5 min from the beach, with a great swimming pool and beautiful rooms!

11. Enjoy Laganas Beach and the Nightlife

If you are visiting Zakynthos island because you love cosmopolitan, sandy beaches and nightlife, then there’s no better place to be than Laganas (9 km away from Zakynthos town). The long beach is full of sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars, seafront taverns, and many water sports facilities that will keep you busy and entertained.

During the night, the endless bars, pubs, and clubs come alive with mostly young crowds that stay on until sunrise. It is one of the Greek Islands’ party capitals, and it is not everyone’s cup of tea (definitely not mine). I would say give it a try even if it is only for one night, just to get the experience!

Right across the beach of Laganas, lies the tiny pine-clad islet of Agios Sostis, where you can walk using a really lovely wooden bridge. The island was attached to the land but it got disconnected after the earthquake!

At the back of the island, there is a small beach bar and a private beach for a dive. Mind you, you will have to pay a small fee to enter.

Where to stay in Laganas

Cactus Hotel . This is a superb hotel just 2 minutes away from the Laganas beach with finely decorated rooms and a great breakfast!

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12. Swim near Marathonisi or Turtle Island

Marathonisi island is a hatching ground for the loggerhead sea turtle and home to monk seals. It is uninhabited and visitors need to keep their voices down and should have left the island before sunset in summer to allow the turtles to come ashore to lay their eggs.

Although the island is a protected area, unfortunately, due to the mass amount of visitors to Marathonisi (and Zakynthos as a whole), a lot of the eggs are destroyed – people allow their children to dig and get the eggs up or put their chairs on the nesting areas. I think they should stop allowing the tour to the Marathonisi during the summer, as turtles get very easily disturbed, and with hundreds of boats and snorkelers crowding them in the water, it affects their breeding and eventually their survival.

Instead of a tour you better swim in the area and you never know, you may see one of those amazing creatures swimming next to you 🙂

13. Go to Gerakas Beach

Gerakas is a beautiful beach of Zakynthos that stretches over a large stretch of golden sand. It is located in a bay with warm, shallow, blue waters that make it an ideal choice for families with children. Gerakas is also another nesting area for loggerhead turtles.

The beach’s access is prohibited after sunset to protect the turtles, so keep that in mind when visiting and move here with caution. There are members of the protection group on the nesting beaches and you can ask them for more information about the turtles. The left side of the beach consists of clay: Apart from swimming/sunbathing you can do a natural exfoliation on the spot.

14.  Discover the Mountain Villages

On the mainland of Zakynthos, there are beautiful villages that offer a completely different side of the island. Gyri is a traditional, small village very quiet to walk around and see how authentic Zakynthos is.

Louha is one of the few places on the island where tourism has not spoiled its beauty and one of the few villages that remained intact from the 1953 earthquake. It is a beautiful place with stone-built houses, manicured courtyards, and cobbled streets.

Agios Leontas (Saint Lion) is another village that looks as if time has stopped 50 years ago surrounded by lush vegetation. Those villages are best visited by private car.

15. Kayak in Keri Caves

Keri Caves is a row of dramatic white rock caves that open directly onto a crystal-clear turquoise sea. Kayaking around the caves and then diving into the perfectly clear waters is a unique experience you can indulge in.

16. Parachute over Banana Beach

Banana, gold sand, shallow with green-blue waters beach, is as fun and playful as its name suggests. There are many water sports options but I think one of the best is to parachute above the beach! Here you will find sunbeds & umbrellas, beach bars, restaurants, water sports, and parking.

The nearby Plaka beach is smaller and we recommend it if you want more privacy.

17. Indulge in Eclectic Wine Tasting

I don’t know about you, but I love my wine, and a visit to a winery or two, is definitely one of the best things to do on Zakynthos Island. Zakynthos has about 19,000 acres of vineyards and over 60 different varieties.

One of the best wineries you can visit is Callinico, located in the village of Kallipado since 1918. You can enjoy a wine tasting of their production a tour of their facilities and visit their dedicated museum. Learn more about the winery here.

18. Spa on Xygia beach

Xygia is a natural spa beach with healing properties that help with arthritis (among other ailments), thanks to the elements and minerals from the nearby caves. Surrounded by dense green vegetation and emerald-green waters, it actually consists of two beaches, which are also ideal for walking. The first is a small rocky cove, with vegetation going down to the sea and a canteen, while the second has white pebbly sand and a taverna above.

It is better if you  rent a car for the day to head to Xigia Beach as it can be difficult to access public transport.

19. Taste the local cuisine of Zakynthos

One of my favorite things to do on Zakynthos Island (or any place I am visiting, to be honest!) is to taste the local recipes. And there is no better place to do so than visiting a Greek traditional tavern, with the most authentic ones being in mainland villages.

Zakynthos’ rich agricultural production is based on farming. Olives, citrus fruits, and vines predominate in their local recipes.

Look out for those local foods in Zakynthos:

• Ladotyri , cheese from goat’s and sheep’s milk. It has a salty and spicy taste and is preserved in oil
• Prenza : Fresh cheese with a creamy texture
• Sofagiadoura , a casserole with greens, legumes, and potatoes
• The traditional sweet of all Ionian islands , Mantolato .

20. Go to Zakynthos Monasteries

Zakynthos has its share of Greek Orthodox Monasteries, scattered around the island and is usually set on a beautiful hill. A favorite monastery of mine is the one in Anafonitria, a small village, built 340 m high in the north of Zakynthos.

The monastery of Panagia Anafonitria (dedicated to the Holy Mother) was probably founded in the 15th century by Leonard III Tokko Count Palatino and his wife Lappa. At its entrance, there is a high medieval tower of the 15th century in which the inhabitants of the village sought shelter to protect themselves from pirate raids.

Its most important icon is a Byzantine icon of the Holy Mother from the 15th century.

Near Navagio, you will also find the monastery of Agios Georgios of Rocks, built on a small promontory from where you can admire the sea. We don’t know when it was constructed but it was destroyed by pirates in 1553 and rebuilt in Venetian style. The tower with its circular base was built to protect the monastery from any attacks.

How many days do you need in Zakynthos?

If you like doing things fast then 4 days is probably enough. But if you are like me, savoring a new place, exploring all the time, the beaches, the coves, caves, villages, museums, and monasteries, then I would advise you to stay for at least 7-8 full days on the island.

Where to Stay in Zakynthos

Astarte Villas – Istar Villa with Tennis Court . Located in a green area just 10/15 minutes away from Zakynthos town or Laganas, this is an amazing 4-bedroom villa, great for a group of up to 8 persons.

Strofilia Stone Residences , is perfect for a family as it has a children’s playground and BBQ facilities, and is just 50 m from Climati Beach. The stone-built property offers self-catering accommodation with a balcony overlooking the Ionian Sea. What I love about it, is its large garden full of olive trees❤️.

How to Get to Zakynthos Island

By Ferry (or bus/private car from Athens):

If you arrive at Athens airport you can rent a car or take the bus from Athens. The drive from Athens to Kyllini port takes approximately 3.5 hours. There are daily ferry crossings to Zante from the port of Kyllini in the Peloponnese and the trip lasts 1 hour. During the summer months, there can be up to 10 routes per day.

Book your ferry transfer with FerryScanner or FerryHopper to secure your seat, especially if you travel during the summer.

By Plane : You may be able to fly directly into Zakynthos Airport Dionysios Solomos. Many airlines fly here, including Ryanair, Air Serbia, Transavia, and Easyjet.

Island Hopping from Zante

What other Islands are near Zakynthos? The island’s location in the Ionian Sea makes it perfect for island-hopping. From Zante, you can easily travel by ferry to the following destinations:

• Kefalonia (or Cephalonia)

How to Get around Zakynthos?

There are public buses but if you want flexibility and heat bothers you, then you’ll want something with good air conditioning and shade from the sun like a rental car . Renting ATVs is popular but I would not advise it because of the pure sun exposure.

FAQ for Zakynthos Island

When is best to go to zakynthos island.

The warm months in Greece start in May and finish in mid-October. The hottest and busiest months are July and August. My favorite time to travel in Greece is always  September and October. The large crowds are gone, families are back as the schools are open, rates are better, the sea is warm and the weather is not as hot.

Is Zakynthos a party island?

Yes and no! Laganas Bay is very wild with young crowds and on a smaller scale, Tsilivi is famed for its beach clubs, sipping a cocktail and watching the sun drop down over the water.

You can also find many bars elsewhere in Argassi, Bochali, and Zakynthos Town but in a much quieter atmosphere and certainly with no foam parties 😀

What to wear in Zakynthos?

Bring summer clothes but also a light jacket for the evenings, you never know when the wind can get slightly chill. Some suggestions for Zakynthos are:

• Comfortable walking shoes for the slippery bays and apply plenty of organic sunscreen
• A white linen shirt that matches perfectly with your jeans
• A fantastic CUPSHE Bikini to swim on the beaches of Zakynthos
• A party dress for your wild nights in Laganas!

Plan My Trip to Greece

Do you need a custom travel itinerary or a transfer within Greece ? Are you traveling solo, with your family or friends and need a tailor-made multi-day tour or a transfer?

If yes, please visit my dedicated Plan My Trip Page for a free itinerary!

How to Get To Athens Port (Piraeus) from Athens Airport

• Bus: If you are arriving at Athens International Airport you can travel straight to the port by taking the X96 express bus (€5.5, children <6 yo, free entrance) , which departs every 40 minutes and the average trip lasts 1 hour – runs 24/7.
• Metro : (€9) is easily found across airport arrivals (blue line – M3) going directly to Piraeus port. The average trip to Piraeus lasts 1 hour.
• Taxis are available in front of the airport (around €40 to Athens, €55-60 to Piraeus (depending on the traffic in Kifisos), and take up to 3 or 4 people with small luggage)
• Rent a car with Discover Cars for reliable, new cars at affordable prices
• You don’t like driving but love hassle-free solutions? Book a Private transfer with an English-speaking driver from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Ferries, or anywhere else in Greece
• Are you looking for domestic flights in Greece ? Check out the official Aegean Airlines Website.

Where is your dream summer destination? Would you go to Zakynthos?

I’d love to hear about where you’re spending your vacation this year, especially if you have any exciting travel plans! There are so many things to do on Zakynthos Island. I hope that you get the chance to try as many as possible. Till next time, Evgenia❤️

20 Top Things to Do on Zakynthos Island

• Visit Navagio Beach (Shipwreck)
• Explore the Blue Caves
• Scuba Dive in Skinari
• See the Newly-Hatched Turtles
• Explore Main Town, Zakynthos
• Visit Dionysios Roma’s Mansion Museum
• Hike to Bohali Castle
• Swim on the Golden Beach of Kalamaki
• Dive in the Fjord of Porto Limnionas
• Stay in Tsilivi
• Enjoy Laganas Beach and Nightlife
• Swim near Marathonisi or Turtle Island
• Go to Gerakas Beach
• Discover the Mountain Villages
• Kayak in Keri Caves
• Parachute above Banana Beach
• Indulge in Eclectic Wine Tasting
• Spa in Xygkia beach
• Taste the local cuisine of Zakynthos
• Go to Zakynthos Monasteries

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The Ultimate Travel Guide For Zakynthos, Greece

• Last Updated On: September 7, 2023

Zakynthos, also known as Zante Island by locals, is an island in the Ionian sea known for its mesmerizing landscapes and stunning beaches. Couple that with fantastic accommodation options and soul warming Greek food everywhere, you have all you need for an amazing Greek getaway.

I spent four nights in Zakynthos as part of a greater Greece trip. There are direct flights from my home in Frankfurt which makes it very easy to visit. Previous to visiting the island, I only really knew it because of the Shipwreck Beach (more on that soon) which is probably the same for every other newcomer. I was also told my friends that Zakynthos is the big British party island. I know how these turn out and wasn’t super excited because I was expecting the drunken swarms and I’m officially too old for that I’ve decided.

However, visiting during the times of Coronavirus proved anything but. Of course this is a one of situation during a worldwide pandemic, but visiting in mid July of 2020 meant it was pretty much dead. It was of course extremely disheartening to see the livelihoods of the locals who depend on tourism severely strained, but it was quite amazing to see the island without the huge crowds that would typically accompany Greek islands in the summer.

In addition, make sure to read my Ionian islands travel itinerary if you want to see how I structured my trip to see these beautiful islands.

Where is Zakynthos?

Zakynthos is the most southern island in the Ionian sea. It’s located on the north western corner of Greece with the main islands being Corfu , Lefkada , Kefalonia , and Zakynthos. Corfu actually is right on the Greece-Albania border whereas Zakynthos is quite far south.

It’s easy to do a trip to all the islands mentioned by ferry which offer regular connections between the islands. I took the ferry from Zakynthos to Kefalonia to continue my Ionian adventure.

The island at roughly 40km long and 20km wide is one of the larger islands in Greece. While of course nowhere near as big as Crete , it is much bigger than the islands in the Cyclades.

Getting around Zakynthos

Zakynthos, like most Greek islands is a pretty sparsely populated island. With only 40,000 full time citizens, there’s not much of a public transportation system to speak of. In fact, I don’t remember seeing any buses driving between towns.

If you are planning to stay in a resort with the all inclusive style options, then you won’t need much more than a taxi from the airport. You can book day trips and tours to visit the famous sights and you’ll be sorted.

However, if you want to explore more of the island at your own pace, renting a car, scooter, or quadbike is a must. I rented a car for almost 2 weeks that I took to explore Zakynthos and Kefalonia. This is an absolute must in these islands if you want to do anything. From our airbnb on the beach (which was amazing), we had to drive at last 5 minutes to the town.

Driving on Zakynthos was largely fine. There’s not much traffic to speak of except in the main town. The roads are not in the best shape but it’s not a dire situation. However, be careful which roads you choose because Google Maps often told me to go down roads which ended up being nothing but dirt roads! There are a lot of these so be very mindful which paths you choose!

Shipwreck Beach – Navaggio Beach

If you don’t know anything about Zakynthos, you probably have still heard of the Shipwreck Beach. If you’ve never heard of Shipwreck Beach, it’s likely you’ve seen the pictures in your Insta feeds, blogs, magazines, postcards, or literally anywhere else.

Outside of the Acropolis in Athens, the blue domes of Santorini , the Shipwreck beach may just be the most iconic photo of Greece. Yes, it’s located on Zakynthos and no trip to this island is complete without visiting this absolutely beautiful place.

It’s one of the magical and impossibly beautiful places that look even more amazing in person if that’s even possible. The pictures already induce the most amount of wanderlust possible, but yes it gets even better!

History of Shipwreck Beach

Reading about the history of the beach is absolutely fascinating. The beach itself is of course spectacular in beauty but the huge rusting boat in the middle of the beach adds that dramatic factor that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s perhaps the most famous shipwreck in the world.

How this ship got there is quite the story. In 1980, the Merchant ship named “Panagiotis” was smuggling cigarettes from Albania to Italy. They were caught by Greek Authorities and chased down to this beach in Zakynthos before crashing and forming the beach we all know and love today. I wonder what prompted the authorities to leave the ship on the beach. Perhaps it was just too much of a mess to move or did someone have the foresight to realize what a beautiful site it would form in the future?

Regardless, a few illicit cigarettes has led to one of Greece’s most lucrative tourist attractions so it worked out in the end.

Viewpoint of Shipwreck Beach

The viewpoint of Shipwreck beach where all the iconic photos are taken is easily reached by car. It’s in the northwest of the island and is roughly 45 minutes driving from Zante Town.

It’s an absolute must like I’ve already said. From the parking lot, just follow the trail to the cliff edge where you will be afforded the most beautiful views of the beach! During normal times, this place is very packed but not the case when I visited!

About 10 minutes from the parking lot, you will see a Greek Flag which is a great area to take photos. If you walk past the Greek flag, there will be less people and a great place to get photos without the crowds.

It’s a VERY steep drop here and there have been plenty of people that have died chasing that elusive Instagram photo. The rocks here regularly break off so don’t mess around. I tried getting one of those legs hanging off the cliff type of photos which more than ramped up my adrenaline!

The best time to come here is in the late morning and early afternoon . This is because in the early morning, the sun hasn’t fully risen over the beach yet and you won’t get the same stunning water color until it is fully covered by the sun. However, there really is no bad time to visit; it is stunning at all times.

Visiting the Navaggio Beach itself

To visit the Shipwreck beach, you will need to go by boat. There is  no way of getting there by land. I heard some people actually tried climbing down from the viewpoint at the very top which after being there in person, is a big WTF? They of course died.

There’s zero way of walking down to this beach because it’s literally a vertical sheer drop. So you heard it here first, don’t try this!

To visit the island you have to go by boat. You can either:

• Join a group tour that visits the beach and blue caves
• Rent a private boat and go there by yourself.

The first option is roughly €30-€35 per person. During normal times, they crammed 100 people into these boats and now about half capacity during Coronavirus times. I saw one of these boats leaving the beach as I was arriving to the beach. I can safely say that I am very happy I did not book one of these.

I rented a boat for the day with a captain and we went to this beach as well as a bunch of other equally beautiful and deserted beaches. I’d  highly recommend  getting your own boat. It’s so much more relaxing. I paid roughly €50 per hour which included the captain and guide. If all you care about is just going to the Navaggio Beach, then simply rent a boat from the Porto Vromi beach which is 15-20 minutes from the shipwreck. If you’re more than 2 people, it’s a no brainer to do this because it will be cheaper and an infinitely better experience!

What to do in Zakynthos?

Zakynthos is so much more than just the Shipwreck beach. Although that is for sure a must do activity, you will not be bored afterwards that is for sure!

After the Shipwreck beach, the Blue caves are probably the next most popular activity. Located in the very northern tip of the island, these caves are some of the more impressive sea caves I’ve seen. The iconic shot here is the double arch which is so picturesque.

As with the shipwreck beach, you can only really visit these caves if you’re on a boat. Whether that’s part of a tour or your own boat, you can’t access it by land. Most tours will combine the shipwreck beach and blue caves.

St. Nicolas Church

There are several Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) churches on Zakynthos, this one is found on the south east corner of the island just next to St. Nicholas Beach.

It’s a delightful little whitewashed building with red doors and gates. Unfortunately you can’t get in to the church itself but it’s still a nice place to visit as the area offers spectacular views of the Ionian sea and the beach below.

There’s not a great deal to see or do at the church itself but there is a pleasant beach next to it if you fancy a dip in the ocean or a drink. Otherwise, take some nice photos here which are definitely Instagram worthy.

Xigia Sulfur Beach

Zakynthos has no shortage of beaches for you to enjoy. One of the most unique beaches in the Xigia Sulfur Beach. It’s located in the northeast of the island and is actually home to a large sulfur deposit in the water.

It’s very noticeable with the slightly milky turquoise water that still looks stunning from afar. It’s like a very mini Mediterranean of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. You can smell the sulfur from afar as well.

However, it gets very packed during the day so I’d recommend visiting this in the morning hours to avoid the crowds. However, it’s most beautiful and dramatic in color from the afternoon hours.

Plakaki Beach

Another must visit sight in Zakynthos is definitely Plakaki Rocks. It’s another magnificent viewpoint coupled with white rocks that lead into beautiful emerald colored waters.

Upon arriving, you can either venture right or left from the parking lot. The right will be a short walk to a breath-taking viewpoint over the cliffs and crags. I flew my drone here which allowed for some beautiful shots.

On the left side, will be a hike down towards the rocks and beach. The hike down is quite a journey. You will really have to be careful as you literally have to climb down the rocks. There are ropes, stairs, and things to grab on to that kind of reminded me of my hike in Lion’s Head, Cape Town. However, it is extremely steep so be very careful how you position yourself. I did the hike in flip flops but would not recommend.

Once you get down, you will be greeted with blindingly white rocks that lends itself to a stunning cove. Here you can snorkel, sunbathe, and just soak in the beautiful natural landscapes!

Rent a boat for the day – Highly Recommended

Without a doubt, one of the highlights of this trip was to rent our own boat. Yes, you can actually  rent your own boat without a boating license in Zakynthos and Kefalonia.

You can take the boat and explore the island and its hard to access beaches on your own. Pack some beers and wine in the cooler they provide and you have a good day ahead.

There are many companies that will rent a boat to you all over the island. It just depends on where you want to leave from.

You can choose to rent a boat and drive it yourself. This will usually entail someone teaching you how to operate the boats before sending you out on your own. Otherwise, if you’re not comfortable with this, you can rent a boat and have a skipper next to you to help you out.

If you want to visit the Shipwreck beach, some companies will require that you take a skipper because the water conditions on the west coast of the island are much rougher than on the east coast. It just depends on the company. As we wanted to take a boat to Shipwreck beach, we didn’t want to deal with the crazy waves so we hired a skipper. He was great and took us to some very deserted beaches that were just stunning.

The prices are variable depending on where you go. I paid about €210 for 4 hours with a skipper and this price  includes  gas. If you are more than 2 people, this is a no brainer. If we didn’t take the skipper, it would have been roughly €160-180 but we are glad we got the guy in the end because he did most of the hard work.

When we were not on the west coast of the island, we drove the boat ourselves which was a first for me!

Scuba diving in Zante

As an avid scuba diver, I had to get my fix in especially since it had been so many months since my last dive in Bonaire in the Caribbean. 

While I’ve dived in Crete as part of my diving experience, I wanted to get the comparison with other parts of the country.

I dove with Zante Diving School located in the Bay which was a fantastic experience. They are an absolute top notch shop with great customer service. They only take out a maximum of 6 divers which is the right way to do it in my opinion. As a divemaster myself , it’s unacceptable to see DMs, especially relatively new ones, responsible for taking huge groups of divers. They had 2 people for a group of 6 which is fantastic.

We did two dives which was €110 and included all the equipment. The diving itself, for someone that normally dives in SE Asia and the Caribbean is not the most impressive. You’ll see small schools of fish but largely it’s just rocky and devoid of much life. The water is also much colder here (around 22-24 degrees in mid July).

However, if you need a diving fix, I would highly recommend going with these guys!

Where to eat in Zakynthos

Having only visited Crete before Zakynthos which had some of the best food of my life, I was unsure how a smaller island like Zakynthos would stack up as it’s known for being such a party island.

After the first meal, I was quickly reassured. Greece is known for its amazing food and Zakynthos is no outlier. It’s absolutely delicious and you will enjoy some of the freshest and most tasty food on Zante.

Located high up in the mountains next to the Agios Nicholas Church, this is one of my favorite meals in Zakynthos. They have unobstructed views of the entire island as well as the church in the distance.

The food here is also very tasty as I had some of the best lamb chops of my life here.

Taverna Akrotiri

This was probably our favorite meal on the island. It’s a taverna run by a local family located up in the hills. The food here was just delicious. They were roasting a whole pig this evening and shaved the meat straight from the animal. The ambiance is also very inviting/a bit romantic. Highly recommended.

Taverna by the sea

If you want beautiful seaviews, this is the place for you. It’s located right on the beach with stunning views of the sunset. The food is absolutely on point and I had some of the best octopus in Greece here.

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Thanks Johnny! I found a nice family owned bed and breakfast in Vasilikos.

One of the tavernas you mentioned…Lofos, I’m having a hard time finding that same location on google maps. When I look up Lofos, several come up and there are also several Agios Nicolas churches. Would you mind sharing the link to them please?

Hey mate the restaurant is lofos restaurant und pizzeria. The church is at st Nicholaos Beach on the very south of the island

This is a very helpful post but youre just missing the section where you go over where to stay in Zante. What places do you suggest for folks in 30s, no kids?

Hi Cal, if you’re not renting a car and want to party then Laganas is probably the best place for you. However, if you rent a car, then mos tof the areas on the east side of the island are accessible. I just simply found a nice Airbnb with ocean views and drove myself to restaurants and such.

Hi, Johnny, I like reading your travel posts a lot! I especially like the photo of yourself at the location, that’s something give your posts a personal touch and distinguish them from other travel guides. Keep up the good work, and share more moments of yourselves!

Thank you Josephine! Really enjoy the kind words and glad you like the photos!

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The Ultimate Guide for Visiting Zakinthos Independently

Last Modified: April 12, 2024 //  by  Anda //   Leave a Comment

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is one of the major Ionian Islands – a mesmerizing archipelago located along the western coast of mainland Greece. Due to its spectacular white cliffs, hidden coves, as well as the famous Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos became one of the most popular islands in Greece.

We recently visited the island and had a wonderful time, but also learned a lot of things that we wish we knew before our trip. So we decided to put together a guide that will come in very handy for those who want to visit Zakynthos independently.

Table of Contents

How to Reach Zakynthos from Mainland Greece

When to visit the island, best way to explore zakynthos, renting a boat in zakynthos, boating on the northside of the island – best attractions, boating on the southside of the island – best attractions, visit cameo island, go swimming at porto limnionas, stroll along the port promenade, walk to the navagio beach viewpoint, swim at dafni beach, walk around zakynthos town, xigia beach (“sulphur beach”), step inside agios dionysios church, visit the old venetian fortress, go wine tasting, enjoy dinner at the windmill taverna, where to stay when visiting zakynthos, how many days to spend in zakynthos.

Zakynthos was one of the five islands we visited during our Ionian Sea itinerary. We rented a car in Athens , crossed the Peloponnese peninsula and then embarked on ferry. From mainland Greece you can reach Zakynthos either by ferry or by plane.

Ferry crossings to/from the island are available throughout the year and depart daily from the port of Killini, a seaside town on the western side of the Peloponnese . The journey lasts about an hour. During the high season, there is also a local ferry that connects Zakynthos with Kefalonia island.

In summer, during the months of July and August, there are also direct ferry connections between Zakynthos and the towns of Bari and Brindisi, in Italy. But this route is 17 hours long, so it’s not very popular.

If you want to fly to Zakynthos, there are direct flights from many European cities as well as from Athens, Kefalonia and Corfu, in Greece. The flight from Athens takes 50 minutes. The three main airlines operating this route are SkyExpress, Olympic and Aegean.

The peak season in Zakynthos is in the summer (June, July and August) when the weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. At this time of year you’ll get almost permanent sunshine and virtually no rainfall, but temperatures can be very high sometimes, reaching 39º-40ºC (100ºF). But summer is also the busiest time of the year, when hotels fill up to capacity and prices are at the peak.

The low season is from late fall to early spring (November to April). Although the weather stays nice for the most part, the water is too cold for swimming (around 60ºF). Because not many people travel to Zakynthos during the low season, most hotels and restaurants shut down from late fall to spring.

Autumn on the other hand offers the best of all worlds. In September and October the weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing with daily highs reaching 26ºC (78ºF) and water temperatures going as high as 28ºC (82ºF). Prices are also lower in fall and tourists are fewer. Because fall in Greece  is generally warm and pleasant, those who travel regularly to these islands consider September and October the best months for visiting Zakynthos.

Zante is mostly known for its breathtaking coastline with white pebble beaches and turquoise waters. Many of these beaches can be reached by land, but because the island is surrounded by colossal limestone cliffs many can only be accessed by boat.

The best way to visit the island is by car and by boat. Although there is a local bus service (called KTEL ) that goes to some of the tourist sites, buses do not serve the entire island. So without a car, a scooter, or a quad you won’t be able to get around in Zakynthos.

Hiring a boat in Zakynthos is the only way you can see its magnificent white cliffs and hidden coves. Depending on your goal and budget, you can either rent a boat for the day and drive it yourself (you don’t need a boating license), or you can hire a boat with a captain.

We did both. On our first day in Zakynthos we hired a boat tour with a skipper who took us on the north side of the island. On the second day, we rented a boat and drove around the Southside by ourselves. So here are the pros and cons for each option:

Renting a Boat with a Skipper

Renting a boat with a skipper can cost anywhere from €200 to €350+ depending on the kind of watercraft you want. The tour lasts roughly 4-5 hours. Skippers are usually locals who have a lot of experience of sailing the area.

The advantage of hiring a boat with a captain is that you get to kick back and relax as your captain takes you from spot to spot along the coast. These guys know the coastline like the back of their hand, so thy will show you hidden spots and glide the boat smoothly through hidden obstacles. They will also tell you stories about these places that you may not hear anywhere else.

The disadvantage of hiring a boat with a skipper is that you won’t have much privacy and you’ll only get to spend 4-5 hours at sea. But for most people this will be enough.

Renting a Boat without a Skipper

On the other hand, renting a boat without a captain on Zakynthos can be cheaper and more enjoyable. Depending on the season, you can expect to pay between €120 – €180/day for a small boat. The advantage of driving the boat yourself is that you get to spend an entire day at sea, stop wherever you want, swim in crystal clear water and sunbathe on secret beaches.

And don’t worry about getting lost. Most boats have trackers, so if you wander off the right path they soon come out and get you back on track.

The disadvantage of renting a boat without a captain is that you get A LOT more stress! The relatively shallow waters along the coast often have unexpected obstacles, so if you don’t keep your eye on the water surface constantly, you may hit a huge rock and ruin the boat. Also, you’ll only get a limited amount of gasoline, so you can’t really go quite as far as you’d like.

Where to Rent a Boat in Zakynthos

There are plenty of different companies offering boat rentals all around the island of Zakynthos, but the biggest concentration of rentals is around the northern and the southern part of the island.

If you want to visit Navajo Beach and the Blue Caves (in the north) your best bet would be around Porto Vromi, or Alykes/Alykanas up to Cape Skinari. You’ll see the rental booths along the beach. 

For Keri Caves and Marathonisi Island in the south, you should go down to Laganas or Keri Beach.

It’s difficult to say which side of Zakynthos is more spectacular. Both are unbelievably scenic offering spectacular views of the cliffs, secret coves and crystal clear waters. Here is what you can see on the north side of the island:

The Shipwreck/Navagio Beach

There is no land access to this beautiful beach which is surrounded by vertical white cliffs. However, until recently you could anchor down in Navajo Bay and swim to the shore to see the shipwreck upclose.

But in September 2022 a 5.4 magnitude earthquake occurred between Kefalonia and Zakynthos causing a big rockfall next to the beach. Some rocks from the wall caused a big wave, which in turn flipped several small boats in the bay. Although no human life was lost, the beach remains closed due to the high risk or landslides in this area.

The Hidden Cave

Just on the other side of Navagio Beach you’ll find a beautiful cave called the Hidden Cave .  At low tide, a little opening forms in the wall from where you can swim inside the cave. Once you pass through the narrow entrance you’ll find yourself in a 20 meters high cave. It’s nice to swim in the turquoise-blue water, especially if there are no other people around!

• Blue caves  – The Blue Caves are located on the northern coastline of Zakynthos, east of Cape Skinari. They can only be accessed by the sea, so you’ll need to rent a bot to get here. The serenity and beauty of these limestone arches and caves is incredible! Gliding in and out of them with the boat or swimming in the turquoise waters around is an experience you won’t soon forget.

• Hidden coves/beaches . There are so many beaches like these around this part of the island, with white sand, turquoise waters and vertical cliffs above. Stop to as many of them as you can to enjoy a good swim and some quiet time.

The southern side of Zakynthos is equally spectacular and quite easy to navigate. But you should keep your eyes on the water for hidden rocks that may hide right beneath the surface. This side also has a lot of small, friendly beaches on which you can stop for a quick swim. Here is what you can see when boating on the Southside:

• Marathonisi, aka “Turtle Island”

Marathonisi is a tiny uninhabited island just 3 km off Keri Beach. This seemingly insignificant isle provides one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the endangered Loggerhead turtles in Zante (scientific name: Caretta Caretta). We weren’t able to see turtles near this island, but that’s probably because we didn’t know where to look. But if you rent a boat with a captain you may be able to see some as the locals usually know where to find them.

• Keri Caves

Keri Caves took me by surprise and ended up being my favorite spot of the day. We went inside many of them through keyholes in the cliffs, swam around a bit and had a great time.

• Mizithres Cliff Rock

This fabulous limestone cliff is as impressive to see from above as it is to see from the water. Technically the rental boats are supposed to turn around from this point, but we ventured a little past the rock to catch a better view of it in the afternoon sun.

• Small Beaches

Just like the north shore, the southern part of Zakynthos has a large number of small beaches tucked between the limestone cliffs. The water around them is calm and clear, so be sure to stop at as many of them as you can.

Other Things to Do in Zakynthos Besides Boating

Trust me when I say that Zakynthos is one of Greece’s most unique islands. Yes, all the Greek islands are beautiful and worth visiting, but Zante is truly special! Not only does it have a magnificent coastline dotted with gorgeous beaches, hidden coves and impressive white cliffs, but it also has a great deal of inland attractions.

So here are some of the best things you can do on your holiday in Zakynthos:

This beautiful small island located off shore of Laganas was once part of Zakynthos, but in 1633 a big earthquake separated this piece of land from the main island. Cameo Island got its name from the church on it, which has been there sixteen centuries. Today the small island is easy to reach on foot via a short wooden bridge.

Because it’s a private island they charge a small entrance fee, but that comes with a souvenir or a free welcome drink at the beach bar. The island is often used for wedding receptions and other parties

If you were to visit just one spot on the island of Zakynthos, I’d say go to Porto Limnionas. This is one of the beautiful but most hidden places on the entire island. To get there you have to pass through the mountain village of Agios Leon and from there drive down down to the sea, following the signs. The road ends in a small square where you can park. Next to the parking you’ll see a picturesque taverna below which are two terraces with loungers and umbrellas.

From there a few steps carved in the rock lead you to the stupefying cove with turquoise, translucent waters. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom from high up, on the cliff. Except for the restaurant and a small improvised dive shop, there are no other facilities here.

Even though it’s pretty well hidden, Porto Limniona is packed during the summer months. But if you come off season, or very early morning, you may have this place all to yourself.

Right next to Agios Dionysios Church starts a lovely walk of roughly a mile along the seafront. There are loads of cafes and pubs along the promenade, a few small fishing boats moored here, fishermen selling their catch to passers by and quite a few benches where you can sit and admire the view.

Navagio is one of the most beautiful and photographed beaches in the world, so no wonder visitors flock to visit it. While the beach itself can be accessed only by boat, the best view of the beach and the shipwreck is actually from the vertical cliffs that surround it. But it takes a little work to get to the viewpoint where those iconic Navagio images are captured.

The viewpoint is about an hour away from Zakynthos Town, on the road to Anafonitria Monastery. The route is marked with signs for Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach. There is a small parking lot next to the signs and right beyond that you’ll see a suspended platform surrounded by railings. However, the best views of the beach are not at this point. If you continue to the right of the platform, you’ll see a narrow trail that goes along the cliffs’ edge. If you continue on it, you’ll get to a small promontory from where you’ll have a much better view.

The hike is considered pretty dangerous as in some places it gets pretty close to the edge of the cliff. Since accidents happened here in the past, the local authorities closed the access to the trail with a wire fence. But eager visitors managed to cut an opening into it, so you can proceed at your own risk. If you decide to venture on it, be very cautions and make sure you wear good hiking shoes, NOT flip flops!

This is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters is located in the southeastern part of Zakynthos. If you visit the beach off season chances are you’ll find just a few people here, but in summer this place is packed.

Access to the beach is on a narrow dirt road that that is kind of difficult to drive on. At the end of the road there is a free parking lot from where you’ll descend to the beach. Next to the beach entrance there is a nice restaurant that serves food and refreshments.

Daphne is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Vasilikos Peninsula and one of the places where Loggerhead Sea Turtles come for breeding. 

Zakynthos Town is the capital of the island and the best way to experience it is to walk around. The most popular part of the city center is the area between Alexander Roma Street and 21st Maiou Street up to San Marco Square. Here you’ll find a series of shops of various kinds, bars and restaurants. In the evenings, the city center comes alive with tourists looking for places to eat, have a drink or just buy souvenirs.

Zante Town has a few beautiful squares the largest of which is Dionysios Solomos square. Here you’ll see the Byzantine Museum and the statue of the poet Dionysios Solomos, who wrote the national anthem of Greece. 

At first sight, Xigia Beach may not seem any different from other small beaches you may have seen. But what makes it special is the fact that the waters here contain a large amount of sulphur, which is very noticeable as you approach the beach. Hence the nickname Sulphur Beach .

The sulphur comes from the neighboring caves and has healing properties. Sulphuros waters have antifungal and antibacterial properties that can soothe and even help heal the skin. They are also good for arthritis pain. But Xigia Beach is nice to visit even if you don’t suffer from any of these conditions.

Located in Old town, just a few steps from the port, you’ll see the imposing building of Agios Dionysios – the largest church in Zante. Agios Dionysos is considered the patron saint and the protector of the island.

The first chapel to honor the saint was built on this site in the 18th century, but it was completely destroyed in an earthquake in 1893 and then rebuilt in the 20th century. The building survived the devastating earthquake of 1953, which is why the locals consider it a miracle.

Above Zakynthos Town, on the hill of Bohali, stand the remains of an old Venetian Castle. During the Venetian rule, the Castle was the capital of Zakynthos island. The fortress was built on the ruins of an ancient acropolis, named Psofida. The date of the construction is uncertain, but it probably goes back to the 1480s, when the Venetians occupied the island.

Sadly, not much is left of the Venetian Castle that once stood guard over the city below. The strong earthquakes that have frequently struck the island destroyed the fortification almost completely. But whatever traces remain, will still give you an idea of how beautiful this castle once was.

Wine tasting may not be your first priority when you visit Zante, but don’t miss the opportunity to taste the island’s famous wines if you are here. There are over 19,000 acres dedicated to growing vines on Zakynthos and dozens of different grape varieties.

The island is famous for its red  Avgoustiatis  (which has been grown here since the 14th century) and yellow-gold  Robola , so be sure to taste them.

Zakynthos has plenty of restaurants, cafés and tavernas serving fresh, local specialties. We eat in quite a few places but were particularly impressed with the Windmill Taverna. The restaurant is located on the southern part of the island, in the Vasilikos Peninsula. We loved the view of the sea and of the Marathonisi Island from the restaurant’s terrace!

On the menu you will find many choices and we suggest you to try the bruschetta with aromatic oil, cherry tomatoes and parmesan, the mixed salad of young salad leaves with Greek prosciutto, gruyere cheese and balsamic dressing and the fresh fish. They serve delicious Greek dishes cooked with the purest ingredients. The service was also very prompt, so I can highly recommend this place

You’ll find plenty of hotels all over the island of Zakynthos. Whether you choose to stay in the northern or southern part of the island, you’ll find excellent lodging everywhere. Most first time visitors however choose to stay in Zakynthos Town, which is known for its boutique hotels nestled in the hills overlooking the Ionian Sea.

$$ Avalon Palace Hotel . This is a mid-range hotel located above the port of Zakynthos. We stayed here in October and because it was off-season they upgraded us to a suite with a private pool overlooking the sea. However, all the rooms are comfortable and modern, and breakfast is served up on the highest floor, on a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea.

$$ Palatino Hotel . This is a nice hotel located near the beach in Zakynthos, just a few minutes walk to Solomos Square. The hotel offers sea view rooms, free breakfast, free parking and has a good restaurant on the premises.

$$$ Lesante Classic – Preferred Hotels & Resorts . This is a luxury hotel located at Tsilivi Beach. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast and parking and features a nice swimming pool. Rooms are spacious and elegant. The hotel is kids friendly and has a playground and a playroom.

Most people visit Zakynthos as part of an island hopping itinerary and therefore wonder how much time to allocate to each island. When building your itinerary you should take into consideration the time you will use for your transfers between the islands.

Between checking in/out of hotels, going to and from the ports and the actual time used for the journey, you’ll spend the best part of one full day on the road. My suggestion is to plan around 3-4 days in Zakynthos to properly enjoy all its beautiful sites. Keep in mind that you’ll need two full days just for boating around the Northside and Southside. Conservatively, you should spend at least 3 full days on the island.

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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7 Things to Know Before You Visit Zakynthos, Greece

If you are the type of person that Google searches for everything before visiting a foreign country, then I strongly suggest that you go ahead and type “ best beaches in Greece ” on your search engine.

I bet all my money that you will not manage to find even one article which has omitted the Shipwreck (also called Navagio) beach. And that’s why Zakynthos is a worldwide famous island, aside from its incredible Ionian views and sea.

Of course, Zakynthos is also known for limitless partying among British teens, and a large number of visitors choose to visit for this reason and only.

That said, whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or a wild adventure, Zakynthos is the place for both. I experienced both sides of the island and I still cannot understand, how this can be true – but it is.

So if you’re not sure this year what type of vacation you’d like to do, then choose to have a bit of everything in Zakynthos.

What To Know Before You Visit Zakynthos

Choose the right place to stay.

Zakynthos is a pretty big place and your decision regarding your accommodation needs to be a bit careful. According to your age, type and needs, you can choose a different location on the island.

Zakynthos, also called Zante, is widely known among British teenagers and young adults, who are regular visitors of Laganas . Laganas, which is a bay of the island, is advertised as the place of “non-stop partying” and “wild entertainment well into the night”. And it’s exactly that and nothing less.

So if you’re looking for a hotel or room, in which you will sleep mostly… in the morning after a wild night of partying, then go ahead and book your stay in one of the countless studios and resorts of Laganas.

However, if you are the type of visitor that is attracted more to the… sleepy side of the island, then your options are plenty as well. Tsilivi, Argasi, Bochali or close to Vasilikos beach are the most appropriate accommodation hotspots and great starting points for your excursions.

Do not wait to visit Shipwreck Beach !

One of your first pro moves is to book your tour. Let’s get some things straight first. The Shipwreck (or Navagio in Greek) beach is accessible only by boat. That means that, if you try to get there alone with a car/ATV etc. you will end up taking only a (no-doubt very cool) selfie, with the panoramic view of the beach.

There are many boat tours offered and if you don’t find them, they’ll find you. Still, I recommend booking in advance to get the best tour and time slot, since if you want to avoid the big masses of tourists, you need to try to get an early boat tour and be there before 12:00.

There are several options for boat tours; our preferred option is this tour which combines the Shipwreck Beach & the Blue Caves on a full-day tour. We picked this one because you can choose an early 8 AM start so you can actually visit the beach before the main crowds hit, as well as add on the stunning Blue Caves to your itinerary.

Avoid the crowds – book your Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves tour today!

There are several other boat tours you can choose in case you don’t want to visit the Blue Caves or the thought of waking up before 8 AM is too much to beat. In the end, the only thing that matters is that you get to the beach and get to swim in the clearest and bluest waters you’ve ever seen.

On the beach, there is, of course, a shipwreck and it’s no other than “Panayotis” ship. There’s not really a dramatic story behind the ornament of the famous hotspot. Rumors have it that it was smuggling cigarettes and due to bad weather and technical problems, it stranded on the remote beach.

No passengers were harmed during the incident, so you can enjoy a dive without a pang of guilt.

But don’t forget that there are also other beaches worth visiting on the island

Shipwreck Beach is probably the highlight of Zakynthos. And yet, it keeps getting better.

Agios Nikolaos beach (Saint Nicolas) is the ultimate fun summer setting. If you’re looking for a place to drink a cocktail by the beach and have some relaxed time, Agios Nikolaos’s golden sand is waiting for you.

If then again you’re more fond of the silence, Gerakas beach is no doubt a great choice. Forget your Bluetooth speakers and private umbrellas, cause… you might scare the turtles! Gerakas beach has been chosen to be the “maternity home” by Caretta Carettas, who have surely noticed that the Ionian view has a soothing ability.

Moreover, you can pay a visit to a village, named Keri , where you can find another sandy beach offering watersports.

Last but not least, Porto Limnionas is one of the hidden treasures. It’s a real fjord that exemplifies the beauty of Zakynthos island. Porto Limnionas is not your typical sandy beach but offers crystal clear frozen waters in a beautiful scenic bay.

All in all, there are probably more beaches than your vacation days on the island! Other names you should have in mind while visiting are Porto Zoro, Dafni, Alikanas, Alikes and Porto Xygkia . Just in case you have time and energy left to try a different beach.

Spend some time with sea turtles because you can !

I could make probably 1000 cringy jokes about turtles that are shell-arious. But I’m gonna stop right here and move on with the crucial info. There are many ways to see turtles on Zakynthos: boat tours, turtle beaches, and diving.

What I believe is more enjoyable than being on a boat that “hunts” turtles for souvenir pics, is naturally bumping into a turtle on a beach. Of course, it’s all about what works best for you. Plenty of boat tours are offered on the island, and this is the one we recommend , as it brings you to Marathonisi Island where the Caretta Caretta turtles nest.

However, there’s the old fashioned way of simply going to Marathonisi (the Turtle Island), which is only approachable by boat and patiently wait for a turtle to show up. However, there is no guarantee that you will actually see turtles this way.

Snorkeling or diving, again, is a very natural way to observe turtles. But – wait for it – no one promises that you will come across the turtles underwater!

In other words, I cannot give you a magic insider’s tip, that will magically bring a gang of turtles to you, willing to hold a selfie stick and hang out with your group. But, what I can promise is that success is a journey, not a destination. Searching for them is half the fun!

Still want to seek out turtles? Check out this glass bottom boat tour which brings you to Turtle Island!

If then again, you absolutely want to spend time with this amazing sea creature, there’s always the option for you to volunteer in Archelon, the Sea Turtle protection society of Greece. Here’s their website for more info.

Eat like a Greek

We both know that the rest of the article is just a preface. This is the moment we were all waiting for: Zakynthos food tips.

The way I see it, there are always two types of travelers. The one that prefers the touristic restaurants and the one that wants to experience the local lifestyle and food. Don’t look at me, I like both and I eat everything. So I’m going to highlight both types of places with the same enthusiasm.

Since you’re on an island, expect amazing seafood. Grecos restauran t in Laganas is an excellent option for that and is highly suggested. For a more idyllic view, while enjoying your gourmet Greek salad, a visit to Aperitto is worth your time. The setting is very romantic, so it’s perfect if you’re still on a honeymoon phase or… you want to go back to the honeymoon phase.

Greek traditional tavernas, usually with local wine and culinary masterpieces, are spread all over the island. On your way to Vasilikos, the taverna O Aderfos tou Kosta is an amazing choice. There, you can enjoy your warm dinner after a refreshing dive in the beach, in a garden with Greek music.

If then again you start wondering where the so-called “Greek hospitality” is hidden, Xigia taverna is your type of place. Local food and a father and daughter serving you will make you feel welcome in the best possible way!

Last but not least, Malanos is a value for money taverna and definitely not at all worse than the previously mentioned restaurants. You might struggle a bit to find it, but the best places are always hidden.

Have a taste of Zakynthos nightlife

When it comes to the nightlife, it’s all about what you are looking for as a traveler. Luckily, there are options for all. And I mean it. Whether you are a party-goer or a party-pooper, Zakynthos has your type of night outing taken care of.

There’s a lot of criticism against Laganas as a party place, due to extreme behaviors of drunk visitors. Although I understand the point of the locals and local authorities, Laganas has its own character and a separate place in my heart (as all party places do).

My suggestion for Laganas is the Cocktails and Dreams club. When order at the Bartender a Gin&Tonic, he might ask you back “I have one that costs 3€ and one that costs 6€. Which one do you want?”.

Now, it’s not a time for money saving. You love your liver more than this, so choose the second option and have a safe and fun night!

Small hint, you can go out on the balcony of the club and enjoy the view of the party street and possibly masses of drunk people. Yes, that’s what we “sober ones” do when you get drunk.

Laganas is not, of course, your only option for a night outing. It is just the most intense. However, locals prefer spending their nights in all the other places left on the island. Argasi is considered the most appropriate place for Greek people, who usually prefer the clubs Barrage and Island .

In Argasi, you can also discover a hipster bar named Portokali (or “Orange”), with a great selection of drinks and sweets.

Additionally, you can enjoy a really well-made cocktail in the bars of Bochali . There, you can find an abundance of cafeterias, creperies and ice-cream shops as well. My personal favorite is Base , and I can recall drinking an amazing “pornstar martini” there.

Last but not least, in Tsilivi , you can find once again parties in Laganas’ style.

Add some sightseeing to your schedule

To begin with, Zakynthos has a castle. If you’re not aware of it beforehand, you can easily miss that point of interest… as it happened to me. The castle is above Bochali and during the morning hours, you can visit it to see the remains of the old capital of the island.

The Keri Cape is another must-visit place. Rumors have it that you can enjoy the best sunset view from this location. The lighthouse of the village offers a great view of the endless blue of the Ionian sea, on top of a 300 meter high cliff.

Remember that when you reach a large parking area in Keri, on your left you will find a small path, leading to the perfect view spot. Don’t try to go there by car, as it’s very probable that your car will end up being a part of the Ionian view. On your right, you can enjoy the view of the Keri Rocks (or in Greek “Mizithres”).

If you’re the type that cannot go to a place without visiting a museum, I suggest that you give The Byzantine Museum . There you can find paintings of the Byzantium era and religious art. Many of the pieces are of high value and it’s totally worth to see.

You could also pay a visit to Museum of D. Solomos and A. Kalvos . Located in St. Marco square is the museum of two well known Greek poets including Dionysios Solomos. D. Solomos is best known for writing the Hymn to Liberty, which became the Greek and Cypriot national anthem in 1865.

However, since the most important pieces are texts in Greek, I guess it wouldn’t be so exciting for a foreigner. Unless of course, you can read Greek! In that case, this museum is of great national interest and a visit is definitely recommended.

Want to Rent a Car for Zakynthos?

While not all trips to Zakynthos require a car, if you’re staying far from the main town for the local bus station or you want to tour the island independently without going on a guided tour, a rental car may come in handy!  [Just don’t drive if you’re going to be drinking, obviously — taxis exist for that reason!]

We’ve rented cars dozens of times in the Balkans through various search engines and have settled on Discover Cars as the best car rental search engine – it searches over 500 trusted rental companies to find the cheapest price for your rental!  Compare prices for car rental in Zakynthos here.

What to Bring to Zakynthos

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, you’ll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. For more packing tips, check out our complete  Greece packing list.

–  A physical guidebook, in paper or on Kindle . We love  Lon ely  Planet  Greece  for this region and strongly recommend it to supplement blogs. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips.

–  A water bottle with a filter . While often, the tap water in Greece is drinkable, there are places where it isn’t, including some popular tourist destinations like Santorini and Mykonos.

We generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you won’t drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant!

We recommend  the GRAYL water bottle  – it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc.

–  Motion sickness pills . Very necessary if you’ll be taking a ferry or boat! The ferries in the Mediterranean can be quite choppy. If you have a weak stomach as we do, save yourself and bring some  non-drowsy motion sickness pills .

–  Travel safety items . We think Greece is very safe to travel, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! Zakynthos is rather safe, but is not immune from pickpockets, so be cautious (this goes double if you plan to go to Athens – the metro is notorious for its pickpockets, and a travel blogger friend of ours got his phone stolen on it!). Some people like to carry  money belts , but neither Stephanie or I use these. Instead, we both carry the same  PacSafe anti-theft backpack .

It has locking zippers, slash-proof construction with metal mesh hidden in the fabric, and tons of other smart security features — all while being cute and stylish enough to be our everyday bag. We recommend it highly for both male and female travelers, as it’s neutral enough to be unisex. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! Our recommendation is at the bottom of the post.

More Zakynthos & Greece Travel Resources

Headed to Greece? We have some great travel resources to help you with your trip. First read our guide to  planning a trip to Greece , which covers visas, budgets, vaccines, and much more. Next, you’ll want to read our all-season  Greece packing list .

If you’ll be on Mykonos, we have our  Mykonos Instagram guide  and our  Mykonos itinerary , as well as our favorite  Mykonos beaches !

We also have guides to several other Greek islands, including Thassos , Ios , and more on the way!

If you are still trying to figure out your Greece itinerary, check out our guides on  where to go in Greece , the best places for  island hopping in Greece , and when is the  best time to visit. 

Many people combine a trip to Athens with a trip to Zakynthos. Check out our  Athens Instagram guide , the  best Athens day trips , and our complete  Athens hotel guide.  We also have  Athens safety tips  so your trip can be hassle-free. We are currently working on our mega-post of things to do in Athens as well as our itineraries, so stay tuned! 

We publish new content about the Balkans almost every day! For more information about traveling to Greece and the Balkans, bookmark our  Greece  and  Balkan  travel pages so you can find out what’s new before your trip.

Finally, Make Sure You Come to Greece with Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that it’s a good idea to have  travel insurance  for traveling in Greece, the Balkans, or anywhere in the world!

We have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.  While Greece is safe, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel like theft or injury, so it’s better to play it safe.

>>  Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here  <<

Pin This Guide to Tips for Visiting Zakynthos Here!

Ioanna is a Greek Medicine Student and a Professional Karaoke Singer. When she’s not slaving over really big books, she’s at the airport 4 hours before take-off, so she can drink a cup of coffee across from her gate and worry about missing her flight from there.

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The Complete Guide to Zakynthos Solo Travel (2023)

UPDATED 1/17/23

Adding Zakynthos to your first-time Greece solo travel this year is a wise thing to. Sparkling blue waters, white beaches, cave dives, swimming with turtles, wine tasting and more is what awaits you in Zakynthos, Greece.

Compiled from my first-hand Zakynthos solo travel, this ultimate Zakynthos travel guide has all things Zakynthos travel planning tips with bonus budget travel tips, eco-travel tips, and more throughout. Ready to discover one of Europe’s lesser known gems? Dive in now and find out how to travel Zakynthos, Greece with ease.

This Zakynthos Travel Guide is intentionally written for the solo traveler, the first time Zakynthos traveler, and/or older traveler (I am over 50 and have been solo traveling FOREVER) in mind. Yet, anyone can use this travel guide it to plan and book Zakynthos Greece travel.

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This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. For products, the goal is to first provide direct links to eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable companies, and then to those same type (i.e., Climate Pledge Friendly Certification ), of brands that use Amazon, if possible. Therefore, you may see multiple links for one option. Should you make a purchase through any link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my Disclaimers & Disclosures and Privacy Policy for more information.

Ultimate Greece Solo Travel Guide

What is zakynthos famous for, best time to visit zakynthos, how to get to zakynthos, getting around zakynthos, is it safe to travel to zakynthos alone, zakynthos packing essentials, best places to stay in zakynthos, 5 must dos in zakynthos greece video, more must see in zakynthos greece, best booking sites for zakynthos travel, how to get the best of zakynthos in 3 days.

If you need more Greece travel tips to supplement your Zakynthos travel planning, consult my ultimate Greece Solo Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more to plan solo travel in Greece.

I fell in love with Zakynthos. I’m sure you will, too, so get ready to get excited about traveling to the island of Zakynthos.

Also, don’t forget to check out my fabulous 3 Days in Zakynthos Itinerary perfect for first-time Zakynthos travel.

3 Days in Zakynthos Greece Solo Travel 2024

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Largest of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos (a.k.a. “Zante” in Italian) is just over 320 kilometers west of Athens and a very popular Greek island for getaways due to its calm turquoise waters, unique natural landscapes, culture, agriculture, and happening nightlife in Zante Town and Laganas.

I believe Zakynthos to be one of the best Europe beach destinations with its plethora of soft, sandy beaches, most notably Navagio beach (Shipwreck beach).

Zakynthos is also well known for its endangered Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) sea turtles. Conservation efforts for the species is well known, especially in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos . Encroaching on the species and nests is strictly prohibited, but if you are lucky you may see egg hatchings in the spring and summer.

Home to 15 villages that dot the interior and coastlines, each offers its own cultural and outdoor attractions. Zante island is exciting to explore.

Is Zakynthos worth visiting alone?

When it came to Mykonos or Zakynthos, I chose Zakynthos on my latest Greece solo travel, and I’m so glad I did.

It’s impossible to not take beautiful photographs of the Zakynthos island beaches, rock face cliffs, water caves, panoramic views, and sunsets. Zakynthos also boasts music, festivals, hiking, wine tasting, kayaking and other water sports.

The opportunity to relax on a quiet beach with the possible encounter of swimming with sea turtles was a big draw for me. I consider Zakynthos a well-rounded Greek island with much to hold my attention. The locals are also very friendly, adding to Zante’s charm.

An upbeat or lazy getaway, it’s no wonder Zakynthos attracts tourists of all ages. You’ll be enthralled with all that Zakynthos has to offer. I think Zakynthos Greece solo travel is well worth your time.

The best time to go to Zante, Greece depends on the weather, water, costs, activities, and events.

Zakynthos Weather & Costs

Zakynthos’ yearly average temperatures range from low 70°s F to high 50°s F. Zakynthos’ peak tourist season is during summer, June to early September, when Zakynthos is at its hottest and driest. These are ideal months to visit Zakynthos.

Summer is also when villages are full of tourists, however, so prices are at their highest. Nightlife is also liveliest during the summer. Book your Zakynthos accommodation well in advance for a summer stay. On a budget, book further away from the beach.

The weather is still dry and warm in the spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), but it can cool off at night and be windy, if not chilly.

Water and air temperatures, outdoor activities, and sightseeing are still pleasant in the spring and autumn (shoulder season) months. Accommodations cost less and there are fewer tourists than the summer months as well.

The wettest, windiest, and coldest months November through March. There may be less excursions and activities these months as well as tourist season really drops off. Of course, this is when tourist costs will be at their lowest if you are visiting Zakynthos on a budget.

Greece Eco Travel Tip s

Like traveling in Santorini , it is advised not to drink Zakynthos’ tap water due to the high mineral content . Tap water is, however, safe to use for cooking and brushing your teeth.

Unfortunately, the popular solution is to buy bottled water. If you do, buy a very large (1.5L or larger) of water and use it to fill up your BPA-free collapsible water bottle with filter when needed. If you have any left over, give it to your hotel. Do not waste it by throwing it out.

To cut down on plastic waste, ask if your hotel if they can fill up your travel water bottle with their own fresh water source (larger water containers).

Zakynthos Events

I always suggest checking the local events calendar when planning solo travel.

There are holidays and festivals in Zakynthos year round. Consult them to know how they may impact or enhance your solo travel in Zakynthos.

Is Zakynthos Expensive?

Zakynthos is not as expensive as some other Greek islands, like Santorini . Zakynthos accommodations may tend to higher in the nightlife towns of Laganas, Zante Town and Tsilivi. Accommodation prices should go down the further you stay from these villages or going in the off (or off off) season.

In the summer and shoulder season months, you could pay around 150-250€ a night for a nice hotel those three villages, if not more, depending on your accommodation tastes. It could be less if you book well in advance and shop around.

A lunch with beer could run 15€ plus tip, a night out with drinks could be around 40€ or more with tip. This, of course, does not include activities or excursions. Plan your solo travel budget accordingly.

If budget is a factor, consider going in winter or shoulder season months and/or stay further away from the beach.

You can also make your solo travel dollars stretch by doing free things to do in Zakynthos like going to the beach, lounging at your hotel pool, taking a self-guided hike, enjoying strolling the villages, and/or visiting the beautiful churches who gladly accept a small donation.

Zakynthos Greece Travel Tip s

When visiting churches in Greece, it is best to be respectful by covering your shoulders, arms and legs, and do not wear flip flops. In hot weather, consider packing light weight cotton pants and a scarf or wrap.

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• How to Travel Carry-On Only

Flights to Zakynthos

All flights to Zante arrive at the Zakynthos Airport Dionysios Solomos (ZTH) (a.k.a. Zakynthos Airport). Zakynthos Airport has one main terminal and there are multiple airlines that fly to Zakynthos .

The airport is located on the southeastern side of the island, 5 kilometers south of Zante Town and 7 kilometers northeast of Laganas. If your Zakynthos hotel does not offer airport shuttle service, there are other Zakynthos Airport transport options.

Search for Cheap Flights to Zakynthos

If flying short distances to or within Greece, take the train , bus , or ferry , instead. These transportation methods may save you time and money, and the scenery will be much prettier.

Zakynthos Airport Transportation

Zakynthos airport car rental.

Honestly, the best way to visit Zante island is to explore as much of it as possible, and as easily as possible. This means getting a rental car in Zakynthos , which is not very eco-friendly or affordable if you’re on budget solo travel in Zakynthos.

You could rent a car at the airport or, depending on your length of stay and budget, take your hotel shuttle, the public bus , or a taxi from the airport and rent a car later for just a day or two. Ask your hotel to assist you with a rental car.

It is helpful to know how to drive a stick-shift (manual) as the typical Zakynthos car rental is a manual. However, they do also come with UBS port and GPS, which makes for easy island navigation.

Four wheel ATVs are popular on Zakynthos but are noisy and dirty, and, in my humble opinion, ruin the tranquility of the island.

Explore Zakynthos Car Rentals

Zakynthos airport taxi.

Getting a Zakynthos Airport taxi is easy. The taxi stand is to your right when you exit the airport terminal. Taxi fares vary on where you are staying on island of Zante. Fares are posted on the taxi stand and on the Zante Taxi website .

I recommend a taxi as it’s not expensive and quick.

Zakynthos Airport Transfer

Hiring an airport private transfer may save money depending on where you are staying. Always have with cash for tipping, just in case you cannot tip on a credit card.

Try a Welcome Pickups private transfer . Welcome Pickups works with 5-star taxi companies, based on rider reviews, providing safe airport transfer service with local, English-speaking drivers. You can book the private transfer in advance on a flat, pre-paid fee, get flight-delay monitoring, and qualify for free cancellation.

I have not yet tried Welcome Pickups, but I hear they are a convenient, reliable and safe option for private airport transfers, something solo female travelers can truly appreciate.

Uber, at time of writing, is available in Athens, not in Zakynthos.

Zakynthos Bike & Scooter Rentals

Bike and scooter rentals in Zakynthos are also available, which could possibly save money on getting around parts of the island.

Save Time and Book Your Ride in Advance

More eco travel tips & ideas.

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Zakynthos Public Bus

The cheapest, and fairly quick way, from the airport is to take the Zakynthos public bus. However, it only goes to Zante Town.

Ferry to Zakynthos

If you’re already in Greece, like Athens, you can take a ferry to Zakynthos. However, there is no direct Athens to Zakynthos ferry. You will have to take a bus to Kilini to catch the Kilini to Zakynthos ferry , which takes an hour.

Passenger ferries arrive at the port in Zante Town. Like the airport, you have the same transportation options to get to your hotel.

Is Zakynthos walkable?

As an island, some form of ground, or water, motor transportation is best to get around Zakynthos to enjoy the beaches, hiking, villages, historical sites, and wineries.

Zakynthos villages themselves are very walkable. Outside the villages are opportunities for hiking, which could be hilly.

You may also encounter steep paths to access beaches. Be sure to research the beaches before you go or book excursions. It’s best to have a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sandals to be prepared for any type of terrain or water activity.

Zakynthos Public Transport

Like Santorini, KTEL bus operates in Zakynthos . This is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way for access to many island locations. Although there are some inter-city buses, most start from Zante Town. Depending on where you are staying, this could add a lot of transportation time your solo travel.

Still, this is an option should you need Zakynthos island transportation. Buses are air conditioned and tickets are less than 2€. There could be wait lines without shade, depending on the stop, so be prepared to stay hydrated in the heat. Check the bus routes and schedule in advance.

More Zakynthos Transportation Options

Crime in Zakynthos is very low. It is also considered very safe to walk alone in Zakynthos day or night. I didn’t feel worried about my safety at night as a solo female traveler over 50.

I will reiterate, however, to be careful walking at night outside of villages where there may not be street lighting or sidewalks. People may drive fast on the island roads. If you’re unsure about walking at night, take a taxi.

Always practice general safety measures, such as keeping your belongings on you at all times, especially in crowded or touristy areas.

Only bring beach travel essentials to the beach. Never leave them unattended. Read more on solo beach trip tips .

In short, you should consider it safe to travel to Zakynthos as a single traveler over 50.

I’m not one to tell someone else how to pack, but there definitely some solo travel essentials I would recommend taking on your solo travel to Greece, like the following.

This list of travel essentials combined can make your Zakynthos Greece solo travel easier and more memorable while being friendlier to the environment.

Where to stay in Zante depends on what type of activities you want to do. If you want to go to the beach every day, stay in a beach village, not Zante Town. If you want nightlife, stay in Zante Town or Laganas.

As a first-time solo traveler to Zakynthos, I think it’s ideal to have access to the best of both worlds with activities accessible by foot including quick accessibility to the airport or port.

Therefore, I recommend staying at Laganas Beach on your Zakynthos solo travel. Laganas beach is 15 minutes to the airport and 20 minutes to Zante Town. Laganas beach is expansive with umbrella and lounge chair rentals, the Marine National Park of Zakynthos (think sea turtle spotting), and multiple bars, restaurants and clubs all accessible by foot.

Also, Laganas is serviced by the public bus and a departure point for many excursions. In short, Laganas is easy and, I believe, the best place to stay in Zakynthos for lively and relaxing first-time solo travel (see yellow area on the map below).

Note, if you are going to Zakynthos in peak season and not a lively nightlife fan, then you may wish to stay in a quieter village or just outside of the beach area of Laganas . Another option would be to travel to Zakynthos in the spring or autumn months when Laganas is quieter.

Greece Solo Travel Tip s

Have WhatsApp on your mobile device(s). Many smaller establishments and activities offices use this as a method of communication making it easier to make inquiries or booking and learn, or notify, of any scheduling changes.

Get the T-Mobile International Plan or something similar in price and features. I no longer work on WiFi only on international travel. I’ll use it when it’s there, but having access to roaming when needed for GPS and Google Maps is a game changer.

Accommodations in Zakynthos

Each Zakynthos village has different accommodation types to choose from. Going in the off season, or booking well in advance, will get you the best Zakynthos accommodation prices.

Book a Travel Sustainable-rated property in Zakynthos , or at least employs these methods into their business to reduce your travel carbon footprint.

Hotels in Zakynthos Greece

Hotels in Zakynthos range from budget to budget hotels to luxury villas and all-inclusive resorts. They also book quickly. The longer you wait, the more expensive they will be.

For location, price, breakfast, amenities (including free-cancellation), eco-friendly and sustainable operations, and customer reviews and ratings, here are my best Zakynthos accommodation recommendations for Laganas Beach ideal for first-time over 50 solo travel to Zakynthos (i.e., where I would stay):

Eco-Friendly Places Stay in Zakynthos in Laganas

• Cactus Hotel
• Villa Spiros II
• PRETTY SPÍTI Holiday Home
• Tzante Hotel Zakynthos, Adults Only

In fact, I last stayed at the Cactus Hotel , just a block away from the beach. The location was perfect. The room was very comfortable. It also had two pools, free parking, and a great breakfast and staff. Dennis was amazingly helpful in providing tips and arranging my rental car. I would definitely stay there again.

Reserve Zakynthos Early for the Best Price

In addition to Booking.com’s Zakynthos’ Travel Sustainable properties , Green Globe and Green Key Global also have eco-friendly certified lodging options.

So, what are the best things to do in Zakynthos as a solo traveler?

For an island, the list is long. Here are some of the opportunities to enjoy a quiet and relaxing solo trip, or meet others on fun activities on Zakynthos solo travel. Just don’t miss the Zakynthos must see items.

Start with this video of 5 must do Zakynthos activities. You’ll see what a wonderful Zakynthos solo trip you’ll have.

Top Ways to Do The 5 Zakynthos MUST DOs

After the must do’s in Zakynthos above, here are a slew of more must see in Zakynthos items for your Zakynthos itinerary. If you want to know how to see most of them on your first time Zakynthos travel, use my Best of Zakynthos in 3 Days Itinerary . I’ve laid it all out for you.

Churches & Cathedrals

• Agios Dionisios Church
• Zakynthos Metropolis Church
• Church Agios Nikolaos of Molos
• St. Markus Catholic Church
• Church of Ascension
• Ekklisia Faneromeni

Architectural Buildings & Historic Sites

• Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa
• Anafonitria Monastery
• Monastery of Spiliotissa

Zakynthos Landmarks, Points of Interest & Monuments

• Argassi Bridge
• Agios Markos Square

Museums & Galleries

• Museum of Zakynthos
• Museum of the Monastery of Strofados

Zakynthos Beaches, Parks and View Points

Sunbathing, walking, hiking, boating, sailing, kayaking and other water sports are dominant in Zakynthos outdoor activities. Zakynthos also offers many places for walks and viewpoints offering spectacular vistas and sunsets.

Unfortunately, thoughtless tourists go off trail or cross marked areas, like on Shipwreck View Point, just to get an Instagram photo, which can be life-threatening . They also litter.

Please obey the signs to respect the environment and protect your safety.

Zakynthos View Points

• Shipwreck Beach View Point & Cliffs
• Cliffs of Keri

Zakynthos Beaches

Zakynthos beaches (called “paralias”) are outstanding and, I consider, some of the top beaches in Europe .  Most offer beach umbrellas and lounge chairs to rent, as well as places to grab a drink or bite to each.

The following are probably the most noteworthy beaches to try in Zakynthos.

East Coast Beaches

• Kremidi beach
• Climati beach
• Makris Gialos beach
• Xigia Sulfur beach
• Alykanas beach
• Psarou beach
• Krioneri beach

West Coast Beaches

• Filippoi beach
• Atsiganos beach
• Navagio beach
• Porto Vromi beach
• Porto Limnionas beach
• Porto Roxa beach

Southern Beaches

• Plakaki beach
• Marathia beach
• Agios Sostis beach
• Cameo Island beach
• Laganas beach
• Kalamaki beach
• Crystal beach (and Marine National Park of Zakynthos)
• Gerakas beach
• St. Nicholas beach
• Banana beach
• Kaminia beach

It can get very hot in Zakynthos in the summer. Make sure you stay hydrated and wear your good marine and reef safe sunscreen all day.

For the best beach experience on your Zakynthos solo travel over 50, check out the 25 solo travel essentials for going to the beach alone and the top tips on how to do a solo beach trip .

Best Half & Full Day Group Zakynthos Beach & Boat Tours

Best private group zakynthos beach & boat tours, zakynthos dining & entertainment, zakynthos restaurants.

Zakynthos dining options are plentiful. From any budget, you can find enticing local dishes. You can explore any of the villages for dining, or stay within your own village.

Don’t just research the beaches. Also check out the different village restaurants in Zakynthos so you know where you’ll want to stop during your beach hopping:

• Restaurants in Zante Town
• Restaurants in Laganas
• Restaurants in Tsilivi
• Restaurants in Kalamaki
• Restaurants in Argassi
• Restaurants in Vasilikos

Don’t forget planning for sunsets while dining. The west side of the island is the best for this, of course. My recommendation for laid back sunset dining is L’ été Sunset Bar .

Zakynthos Food

Surrounded by water, fresh seafood is always a top dining choice. Try the calamari, mussels and shrimp.

Of course, you’ll also find the traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki pitas, gyros, stuffed grape leaves, Greek salad, and creamy, Greek yogurt covered in honey. Zakynthos dishes will be made with fresh local cheeses, olive oils, roasted meats, and fruit.

For after dinner, don’t forget a sip taste of Ouzo, the traditional Greek liquor.

Zakynthos Wineries

Of course, it wouldn’t be Greece without wine, right?

Zakynthos does have some nice wineries to try, such as Grampas Winery , Solomos Wines , and Goumas Estate Winery .

My favorite score was visiting Therianos Family Organic Farm . This family has been on this land for centuries and they cultivate their own organic olive oil, raisins, health and beauty products and wine. Such lovely people, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the property and sampling their products. Of course, I didn’t walk away empty handed.

It’s a unique experience and a must in Zakynthos. Stop in or call for a tour .

Top Zakynthos Wine and Food Tours & Activities

More wine travel ideas.

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Eco Travel Tips

Avoid using single-use plastics when dining, shopping and on food or boating tours in Zakynthos to reduce plastic waste and your carbon footprint by bringing your own reusable collapsible travel bags , collapsible water bottle , recycled plastic water bottle carry sling , and bamboo travel utensils so you’re prepared to travel with the planet in mind.

I always travel with the above items. Light weight and taking up very little space in my carry-on bags , I love the convenience and peace of mind these inexpensive, eco-friendly products provide.

Zakynthos Nightlife

The most notable town for Zakynthos nightlife is where you’ll be staying on your Zakynthos Greece solo travel: Laganas. However, stop in to Zante Town or Tsilivi for some festivities and libations.

Zakynthos is known for having music and festivals as well, if you are not into the club scene.

Perhaps your version of nightlife is going to a wine bar or simply a nice meal at a sunset followed by observing the stars. Yes, Zakynthos has those, too.

Here is a summary of the best booking sites I recommend you use to successfully book your travel to Zakynthos Greece solo travel. I use just about all of these for most travel locations. I even gave you my suggested Zakynthos hotel.

These booking sites give you multiple travel options and awesome travel deals for all travel budgets. They will certainly help get a jump on your solo trip to Zakynthos.

For the best travel deals, always book early . Bundling airline, hotel, and/or rental car may provide additional deals.

• Cheap Flights to Zakynthos
• Cheap Ferries to Zakynthos
• Zakynthos Hotel Deals
• My Suggested Laganas Hotel
• Zakynthos Rental Cars
• Zakynthos Bike and Scooter Rentals

Don’t forget to use my Greece Travel Guide complete your Zakynthos Greece solo travel planning and booking.

You’re all set to get your Zakynthos solo travel on, right? Need some ideas on how to plan your days?

My 3 days in Zakynthos solo travel itinerary will get your started. It even has suggestions on how stay longer on your first-time solo travel over 50 in Zakynthos.

Let Me Hear From You

I would love to hear if my Zakynthos Solo Travel Guide was helpful to you. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!

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The 10 best things to do in Zante

Z ante is renowned for raucous nightlife, but there’s a far more authentic side to the Venetians 'Fiore di Levante' (flower of the Levante) . 

For such a small island, scenery is extremely varied: the southern coastline - home to Laganas’ notorious nightlife strip - also encompasses the pristine beaches of Zakynthos Marine Park, where loggerhead sea turtle come to nest, whilst some of the island’s best-known attractions, including Navagio beach on the cliff-lined northerly coast, can only be reached by boat. 

Birthplace of the man who penned Greece’s national anthem, Zante was also a magnet for literary greats: Byron lay in state here and philhellene Edgar Allan Poe wrote a sonnet to the island’s ‘verdant slopes’.

Last but not least, food is a powerful lure here: sit in a rustic sea view tavern sipping local Verdea white wine with a plate full of traditional kouneli stifado garlic and tomato-soaked rabbit stew and you’ll be hooked.

For further Zante inspiration, see our guides to the isalnds's best  hotels ,  restaurants  and  nightlife . Plan an extended visit with our  ultimate guide to planning a Greek island-hopping holiday.

Take the train

The white trainaki (little train) which trundles out of Zante town to Kalamaki’s café-lined beach – stopping off en route to discover perfume workshops (scents are inspired by Mediterranean landscapes), and ceramic workshops selling Byzantine-style crocks – is an ideal and eco-friendly way to see the island’s sights. Another train leaving from Alykes beach chugs through ancient olive groves to visit the high flung mountain villages of Katastari and Pigadakia, and culminates in a boozy tasting session – local Graigos wine served with spicy lado tyri cheese and other specialties in the tree-shaded tavern Kaki Rahi.

Insider's tip:  Travel sickness sufferers should sit near the front.

Contact: trainaki.com

Discover the wildlife

Zante is a haven for the endangered loggerhead turtle that clamber ashore to lay their eggs on the protected beaches of Zakynthos’ Marine Park. Other critically endangered species that can be found frolicking in this protected zone, which stretches from wild and lonely Cape Marathia to Gerakas’ talc-soft beach, include doe-eyed Mediterranean monk seals. To get up close without disturbing them, take a day trip to Marathonissi – better known as Turtle Island – with eco-friendly experts Nefis Travel.

Insider's tip: Never disturb the turtles, or stay on the beaches after sunset when they could be nesting or hatching out. 

Contact: nefis-travel.com

Hitch a boat ride

Some of the island’s best attractions can only be reached by boat: Skinari is the starting point for half-day excursions to get a glimpse of Navagio, or Shipwreck beach, the dramatically picturesque cliff-framed sandy cove which earns its name from the rusted hulk of the MV Panagiotis, washed up here after an epic storm in the 1980s. Most trips also stop off at the Blue Caves, so-called because their pale limestone walls give the sea a ghostly turquoise hue.

Insider's tip: The Navagio viewpoint near Volimes village is accessible by road, but it’s impossible to access the beach from this high-flung spot.

Contact: potamitisbros.gr

Meet the literatis

Dig deep into the soul of this culture-loving island at the Solomos Museum, which is dedicated to Greece’s national poet, who was born here in 1798. The poet’s primrose-yellow neoclassical home, which was bombed during the Second World War, contains an eclectic and fascinating selection of the writer’s personal artefacts: look out for the desk where Dionysios penned the country’s rousing national anthem in 1823 and the mausoleum on the ground floor which contains the poet’s bones.

Insider's tip: Don’t miss the other rooms dedicated to the life and times of other famous island scholars, including celebrated Greek Revolution poet Andreas Kalvos.

Contact: zakynthos-museumsolomos.gr

Stroll the streets of Zante town

Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1953, then rebuilt in Venetian style, Zante town’s (semi-pedestrian) paved streets are lined with an elegant collection of buildings – low and well proportioned, with porticoes and pastel-painted facades – many of them are home to cafés and craft boutiques. 

Insider's tip : Look out for the Provençal-style façade of Archontiko Roma. One of the few buildings that wasn’t reduced to rubble, this 17th-century mansion which once belonged to President of the Greek Parliament Alexander Roma is now a small museum – family portraits, works of art and period furniture give an intriguing insight into the once lavish lifestyle of the island’s aristocracy, but it is not often open so call before visiting.

Contact: 00 30 26950 28381

Admire the views

A winding road just outside of Zante town leads to Bochali, a pretty pine-scented suburb where the ruined battlements of the island’s battered 15th-century castle offer eagle-eye views over Zante’s red-tiled roofs, glittering harbour and the dense pine forests and sand beaches of distant Vassilikos peninsula. Enter the incense-scented Zoodoxo Pigi church to see richly gilded Byzantine icons, and then hike back down to Bochali village nearby and order a beer and meze snacks in one of the cafés clustered around the square.

Insider's tip:  Phone in advance to check that the church is open.

Contact: 00 30 26950 22293

Price: Free

Roam with local deer

Families will love Askos Stone Park, named for its pond-sized 13th-century stone cisterns, whose tranquil green waters now squawk with ducks. Friendly guides lead walks out along the wooded hiking trails of this small nature park surrounded by dense pine forest: to pluck and sniff the wild thyme and oregano used to flavour countless local dishes, or to (hopefully) encounter Roe deer that run wild here. Children can also pick peaches and apples in the orchard or pet the farm animals which include portly pot-bellied pigs and fluffy chinchilla rabbits. 

Insider's tip:  Buy handcrafted goats cheese and homemade jams from the farm shop.

Contact: 00 30 26950 31650; facebook.com

Visit a winery

Historically, most of the island’s grape production was exported as currants – even so, Zante’s dry, highly alcoholic wine is well worth sampling in one of the island’s half a dozen wineries. The typical local wine is the oak-barrel-aged, intensely flavoured, highly acidic white Verdea, which has been produced here since the 19th century – another must-try is the silky-sweet Lianoroidi white. Sample both at Art and Wine, the Giatras-Gkoumas family’s century-old wine estate in the island’s north east region. Owner Giannis is also a skilled icon painter. 

Insider's tip: Hire a car – most wineries are well off the beaten track.

Contact: artandwine.gr

Learn about the local olive oil

The 2,000-year-old olive tree in the village of Exo Hora is living proof that world class extra virgin olive oil has been produced on Zante for millennia. Aristeon Olive Press is a (rather characterless) modern factory producing some of the island’s best organic oil, but the small well-organised museum inside is packed with olive oil-making paraphernalia – age-pitted stone mills, ancient wooden presses and tall clay pots. An informative guided visit is followed by a tasting session, when crusty local bread is dipped into fruity green oil.

Insider's tip:  Visits are free but remember to tip the guide. 

Contact:  aristeon.gr

Price:  Free

Hike to a high place

From the resort of Kalamaki on Zante’s south east coast, it’s a long, steep hike along thyme-scented, boulder-strewn paths to reach Panagia Skopiotissa (the island’s oldest monastery), but it’s well worth it for the views from this lofty leafy mountaintop whose name – Skopos – means watchtower. The monastery has been abandoned for decades, but the walls of the stocky 15th-century church blaze with 17th-century frescoes – the real gem is the gilded Panagia Skopiotissa icon said to have been brought here from Constantinople in 1341.

Insider's tip: Ask for the keys to the church at Skopos’ small café.

Price:  Free

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How to get to Zante

How to get to zakynthos by plane, ferry or bus, how to get to zakynthos in high season..

Flying to Zakynthos is undoubtedly the quickest and most popular way for many visitors to get to the island. From May to October there are several direct flights from most of the European cities to Zakynthos, as well as flights stopping in Athens, where there are daily direct buses or flights to the island. The ferry is still a valid solution for those travelling from Cephalonia Island, the Greek mainland, or Italy.

HOW TO GET TO ZAKYNTHOS IN LOW SEASON.

During low season, the only way to get to Zakynthos is by plane from Athens, which takes about 50 minutes, or by bus, which takes 6 hours including the ferry from Killini. The ferry is a valid option for those travelling from Cephalonia Island, the Greek mainland, or Italy.

GETTING TO ZAKYNTHOS BY PLANE

All year long, daily direct flights connect from Athens International Airport (ATH) to the newlybuilt Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). The flight takes 50 minutes. The three main airlines operating this route are SkyExpress, Olympic and Aegean.

However, from May to October, charter flights, scheduled flights and low cost carriers such as Ryanair, Volotea, Wizzair and EasyJet, have direct flights connecting most European cities to the island. For more info, refer to Skyscanner .

GETTING TO ZAKYNTHOS BY FERRY

In addition to flying, another available option is travelling to Zakynthos by ferry from mainland Greece, Cephalonia Island, and Italy.

From mainland Greece, ferries depart daily from the port of Killini to Zakynthos main port. The journey takes 1 hour and the service is currently offered only by Levante Ferries.

From Cephalonia Island, ferries depart twice a day from Pessada to the Agios Nikolaos port in the northern part of Zakynthos. The journey takes 1 hour and the service is currently offered only by Ionion Pelagos.

Finally, from Italy, ferries connect Bari and Brindisi directly to Zakynthos port in the months of July and August. The journey takes 17 hours and the service is currently offered by Red Star Ferries and European Ferries. That being said, it can be a long and tiring trip and we would recommend taking the ferry from Killini instead.

Ionian Ferries, tel. (+30) 210.3249.997, (+30) 211 2215502

Kefalonian Lines, tel. (+30) 2109515100, (+30) 2109518888

Before you start planning your trip to Zakynthos, you should visit the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to verify whether you need a visa.

GETTING TO ZAKYNTHOS BY BUS

In recent years, more and more tourists choose this solution thanks to the numerous low cost flights connecting Athens to most European capitals. KTEL operates the Athens-Zakynthos-Athens and Patra-Zakynthos-Patra bus routes. The bus ride from Athens to Zakynthos takes 6 hours, including the ferry from Killini, whereas the ride from Patra to Zakynthos takes 3hours, including the ferry from Killini.

From ATHENS to ZAKYNTHOS (every day, 4 times a day) price € 28.60

Athens Office: Leoforos Kifisou 100, Athens 2105129432

Zakynthos Office: Iatrou Mothonaiou, 29100, [email protected] 2695022255

From PATRA to ZAKYNTHOS (every day, 4 times a day) price € 8.60.

Patras Office: Othonos Amalias 85 & Dimitriou Gounari 1, 2610220129

Protect Your Trip »

The 22 most beautiful beaches in the world.

These stunning stretches of sand are bound to take your breath away.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

Getty Images

Appreciate nature's beauty at these picturesque shores.

Few vacation spots are as synonymous with relaxation as beaches. From tranquil options set near iconic sights to rugged spots that feel worlds away from reality, there are plenty of incredible choices across the globe for a seaside escape. To help you decide which picturesque coastlines to prioritize, U.S. News compiled this selection of the world's most awe-inspiring beaches. Whether you crave a leisurely afternoon of lounging atop powdery sand or an active day filled with hiking or water sports adventures, you'll instantly feel at ease while visiting these gorgeous beaches.

Whitehaven Beach: Whitsunday Island, Australia

Located off the coast of Queensland on the largest of the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach mesmerizes visitors with its bright white silica sand and turquoise water. When they're not snapping photos of their surroundings, beachgoers can swim in the clear water or walk to noteworthy spots like Hill Inlet – a shallow inlet on the northern end of the beach – and Chance Bay, which is a quieter area south of the beach that overlooks Pentecost Island. Keep in mind, though, this 4-mile-long stretch of sand is only accessible by boat, helicopter or seaplane from Hamilton Island (the most popular inhabited island in the Whitsundays) and Airlie Beach on the mainland. Consider staying at Hamilton Island's five-star qualia resort for luxurious waterfront accommodations. The hotel staff can assist with booking excursions to Whitehaven Beach, as well as scuba diving tours of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef .

Cannon Beach: Cannon Beach, Oregon

If your perfect beach vacation spot features postcard-worthy topography and lots of solitude, look no further than Cannon Beach. In this Pacific Northwest town about 80 miles northwest of Portland , you'll discover nearly 4 miles of shore with jaw-dropping rock formations jutting out of the Pacific Ocean. Head to the center of the beach between Ecola Creek and Tolovana Park to gaze at Haystack Rock, a 235-foot-tall sea stack known for its vibrant tide pools and puffin colony. You can even build a fire on the beach to relax beside while watching the sun set. When you need a break from the beach, walk to downtown Cannon Beach to browse its art galleries, boutiques and eateries. Or, retreat to one of the town's inns, lodges or resorts. Two traveler-approved options within steps of the beach include the Stephanie Inn and The Ocean Lodge.

[Read: The Best Oregon Beaches .]

Horseshoe Bay Beach: Bermuda

Visit Horseshoe Bay Beach to put a unique spin on your next beach getaway. Situated on Bermuda 's South Shore, this pink sand beach – made of a blend of crushed coral – is one of the island's most popular stretches of sand. Families come here to splash in its calm turquoise water and build blush-colored sandcastles. Meanwhile, active travelers love exploring its hidden coves, trekking its trails to Warwick Long Bay , and enjoying water sports like snorkeling and paddleboarding (loaner equipment is available for a fee). Horseshoe Bay Beach's proximity to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse also makes it a prime spot to unwind after you climb the 117-foot-tall structure. Don't forget to save time for a snow cone or rum swizzle (Bermuda's national drink) from the on-site Rum Bum Beach Bar before retiring for the evening at the nearby Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club , one of the area's top beach resorts .

[See: The Most Beautiful Pink Sand Beaches Around the World .]

Mohegan Bluffs: New Shoreham, Rhode Island

What the beach at Mohegan Bluffs lacks in easy accessibility it more than makes up for in natural beauty. Located at the base of its 200-foot-tall namesake, this Block Island shore offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and – on clear days – New York's Long Island. Upon arrival, pause to admire your surroundings and read about the bluffs' ties to the Indigenous Manissean people. Then, take the 141 steps down to the sand to sunbathe or swim. When you do climb back to the top, you can walk to Southeast Light to get an up-close look at its 19th-century lighthouse, then hop on a bike to explore the island. The lighthouse and beach are both stops on the self-guided Block Island Bicycle Tour. Travelers can end the day with a stay at the Spring House Hotel or the 1661 Inn, two boutique properties with spectacular ocean vistas.

[Read: The Top East Coast Beaches .]

Siesta Beach: Siesta Key, Florida

Regularly lauded for having one of Florida's best beaches , Siesta Key – which is located less than 7 miles southwest of Sarasota – boasts three gorgeous shorelines, including Siesta Beach. Here, you'll find colorful lifeguard stands sitting on soft sand made almost entirely of quartz, which gives the sand its pure white appearance and keeps it cool to the touch even on the hottest Florida days. Plus, Siesta Beach offers volleyball courts, a playground, concession stands and beach wheelchairs, among other amenities, making it ideal for everyone from families to fitness buffs. When you're ready for a change of scenery, venture a few blocks north to Siesta Key Village to shop, grab a drink or bite to eat, or listen to live music. For lodging, reserve a vacation rental or a room at a boutique hotel like Tropical Beach Resorts .

[Read: The Top Beach Chairs .]

Reynisfjara: Iceland

Though you may not think of Iceland as a beach vacation destination, its abundance of volcanoes sets the stage for an otherworldly beach experience. The country is home to several black sand beaches made from volcanic ash, but the most striking is Reynisfjara in South Iceland . At this desolate beach, you'll discover jet-black sand, an enormous cave, giant offshore rock formations and a series of stacked basalt columns that will all take your breath away. Plus, the beach offers proximity to Vík, a seaside village known for its Icelandic Lava Show – the world's only opportunity to safely observe molten lava – and outdoor adventures like glacier hikes and ice cave treks. If you time your visit right, Reynisfjara and other black sand beaches can make a great spot to see the northern lights in Iceland . Accommodations by Reynisfjara are limited, so consider making a daytrip from popular hotels like The Retreat or the Silica Hotel, which both overlook Iceland's world-renowned Blue Lagoon and sit about 30 miles southwest of Reykjavik .

[See: The Most Exotic Black Sand Beaches in the World .]

Hidden Beach: Marietas Islands, Mexico

This beach on Mexico's Marietas Islands – off the country's western coast – is truly a hidden gem. Only accessible by boat from tourist hot spots like Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita, Hidden Beach wows visitors with its soft sand, crystal-clear water and one-of-a-kind location. Upon arrival, beachgoers must swim or kayak through a long water tunnel to reach the secluded beach, which sits within an exposed cave reportedly used for bombing drills during World War I. The unique layout makes the beach incredibly photogenic, as well as a haven for all kinds of wildlife. Birders can look for blue-footed boobies from the sand, while snorkelers should keep their eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles and even humpback whales. Following your visit, travelers can unwind back on the mainland at a chic all-inclusive resort like Hotel Mousai or IBEROSTAR Selection Playa Mita .

[Read: The Best Beaches in Mexico .]

The Baths: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Head to The Baths in the British Virgin Islands if you crave awe-inspiring vistas everywhere you turn. Located on Virgin Gorda, this stretch of sand is one of the world's most beautiful white sand beaches – and it's easy to see why. Granite boulders tower above the beach and shelter rock pools and caves that you can explore on foot. Follow the path of steps and rope handrails to get to Devil's Bay, a prime place for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Or, spend the bulk of your time climbing The Baths' massive boulders and cooling off in one of the beach's grottoes. If you're not visiting The Baths on a Caribbean cruise – many of which offer shore excursions to Virgin Gorda when stopping in the British Virgin Islands – choose the luxe Rosewood Little Dix Bay as your on-island home away from home.

[Read: The Best Caribbean Beaches .]

Anakena: Easter Island

For a truly unique backdrop while sunbathing and swimming, visit Anakena on remote Easter Island. On the island's main beach, you'll find white coral sand, swaying palm trees, and eight broken and intact moai statues. The archaeological treasures sit atop two ahu (stone altars) set near the Pacific Ocean. Contemplate the statues' mysterious origins from up close – according to oral tradition, they mark the arrival of Polynesian settlers, the island's first inhabitants – then head down to the beach to relax on the beautiful sand and in the calm turquoise water. Once you've worked up an appetite, order a tuna empanada or a bowl of poe (a sweet pumpkin- and flour-based pudding) to enjoy picnic-style before exploring other parts of Rapa Nui National Park, which occupies roughly 40% of the island. Although Easter Island accommodations are limited, you'll have a few traveler-approved options to choose from, including Nayara Hangaroa and explora Rapa Nui.

[Read: The Top Beach Hats .]

Navagio Beach: Zakynthos, Greece

Nicknamed Shipwreck Beach because of the shipwrecked vessel that washed up onto its shore in the 1980s, Navagio Beach boasts a breathtaking setting on the northwestern coast of the Greek island of Zakynthos (also called Zante). What's left of the boat, which sits in the middle of the pebbly beach, is surrounded by vertical cliffs overlooking the turquoise Ionian Sea. Beach activities are limited to swimming and sunbathing. However, Navagio Beach's isolated location – which is only accessible by boat from Porto Vromi – means you'll likely see other noteworthy sights, such as the mesmerizing Blue Caves, on your way to and from the shore. Most Navagio Beach daytrips include hotel transfers from tourist areas like Planos (or Tsilivi) and Zante Town, so plan on staying in one of these locations. Traveler favorites include the Lesante Classic Luxury Hotel & Spa and TUI BLUE Caravel.

[Read: The Top Beaches in Greece .]

Papakōlea Beach: Big Island, Hawaii

Prepare to be wowed by the rare sands that cover this Big Island beauty. One of only four green sand beaches known to exist, Papakōlea Beach is a treat for the eyes. To reach the beach, which sits south of the Mauna Loa volcano on Mahana Bay, you'll have to hike nearly 3 miles down from its parking lot. Though the trek can be challenging, the unique setting is well worth the effort. You'll discover vivid green sand made from olivine deposited during volcanic eruptions, plus impressive gray cliffs and clear blue water. (Note, however, that there are no on-site amenities available at the beach.) After a few hours of lounging – swimming is discouraged due to the strong undertow – check out nearby attractions like the black sand Punalu'u Beach and Kula Kai Caverns. There are limited lodging options nearby, but the towns of Waimea, Kailua-Kona and Hilo are home to dozens of top-notch properties. If you're looking for luxury, base yourself in Waimea at a high-end hotel like the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii .

[Read: The Top Hawaii Beaches .]

Tulum Ruins Beach: Tulum, Mexico

This beach situated beneath the ruins of Tulum's famed archaeological site provides jaw-dropping views of El Castillo (a cliffside Mayan castle) and the Caribbean Sea. Descend the steps by the castle to get to the stunning white sand beach of Playa Ruinas and swim in its aquamarine waters. To rub elbows with fewer tourists, arrive right when the attraction opens in the morning. Keep in mind that an entrance fee of 85 Mexican pesos (about $4) per person applies. Once you've gotten your fill of the beach and its famous ruins, head to El Gran Cenote to snorkel or peruse the shops, restaurants and bars scattered throughout downtown Tulum . Then, hang your hat at a luxurious waterfront property like Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa or Jashita Hotel . Both sit around 10 miles northeast of the beach.

South Dune Beach: House Harbour Island, Quebec

Canada may not seem like an obvious choice for a beach vacation , but South Dune (Dune du Sud) Beach will sway you to think otherwise. Located on House Harbour Island (also called Île du Havre aux Maisons), one of 12 islands that make up the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this beach stands out for its towering red cliffs. Not only do the cliffs provide a gorgeous contrast to the gulf's blue water and the shore's white sand, but they also help shelter beachgoers from the wind, making the beach ideal for a stroll. Plus, you'll have access to picnic tables, should you wish to bring some food to enjoy by the water. Be sure to arrive during low tide so you can explore the cliffs' caves, and don't forget to visit the nearby Cape Alright lighthouse. For lodging, consider Domaine du Vieux Couvent, a charming former convent with around a dozen cozy rooms.

Mayflower Beach: Dennis, Massachusetts

The New England haven of Cape Cod is home to dozens of beautiful beaches, but few impress visitors like Mayflower Beach. At this Mid-Cape beach in the small town of Dennis, beachgoers will find amenities like a picnic area and a boardwalk, as well as plenty of space for beach games. But what sets this shore apart from others is what's exposed at low tide. When the water level drops, tide pools are available for kids to play in. Additionally, tidal flats appear, enabling visitors to walk for miles in ankle-deep water. Those who need a break from the sun can catch a performance at The Cape Playhouse – also in Dennis – or tour the Edward Gorey House in Yarmouth Port. Two top properties located within 15 miles of the beach include The Mansion at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club and Wequassett Resort and Golf Club .

[Read: The Best Cape Cod Beaches .]

Railay Beach: Thailand

Travel to Thailand's Railay Beach area for incredible scenery and plenty of amenities. Overlooking the Andaman Sea from its perch on this peninsula in southern Thailand , this beach destination's four shores feature massive limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water and clean white sand. Head to Railay Beach's northern stretch of sand (known as Ton Sai Beach) to rock climb, or venture to Railay East for a quiet spot to catch a colorful sunrise. If your main objective is to get in the water, you can check out Phra Nang Beach, a southern shore with shallow, calm water ideal for swimming and snorkeling. For those who crave a little bit of everything, there's Railay West. This beach provides countless opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and rock climbing, plus it sits close to restaurants, shops, bars and accommodations. Stay at Railay West's Rayavadee for five-star digs by the sea.

Marinha Beach: Portugal

Your jaw will instantly drop the moment you arrive here. Situated within southern Portugal 's Algarve region, Marinha Beach (or Praia de Marinha) boasts a hard-to-reach location alongside limestone cliffs. Getting to the beach requires traversing staircases and steep slopes down to the shore. Though this means Marinha Beach isn't suitable for travelers with mobility limitations, its remote location helps prevent overcrowding, meaning you can snap plenty of unobstructed photos. Soak up some sun on the sand, then go snorkeling in the clear water (but remember to bring your own gear, since rentals are not available on-site). If you visit during low tide, you can also walk to additional beaches, sea caves and the famed M-shaped rock formation. After exploring the beach, travelers can sign up for a boat tour to see more sights from the water or unwind at the upscale Vila Alba Resort, which sits about a mile northeast.

Baker Beach: San Francisco

Within San Francisco 's protected Presidio area, Baker Beach offers easy access to some of the city's best views. From the mile-long shore, visitors will enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Lands End , the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge . Head to the beach to sunbathe on the clean golden sand (keep in mind that the northern end is clothing-optional), or bring bait and tackle for a day of fishing. Baker Beach's position beneath towering serpentine cliffs also makes the shore a prime spot for hiking, so be sure to save time for a trek on the California Coastal Trail, one of several trails in the Presidio. Although most of the city's top hotels are located in the downtown area, a few noteworthy lodging options sit within 5 miles of Baker Beach, including the sophisticated Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights .

[Read: The Best Beaches in California .]

Grace Bay Beach: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Grace Bay Beach , a 3-mile-long white sand beach in Turks and Caicos , is incredibly picturesque thanks to its lack of seaweed and rocks. Plus, its position by Grace Bay makes it a terrific option for water activities. Venture a mile offshore to look for parrot fish, reef sharks and more while snorkeling around the barrier reef. Or, stay close to shore to swim in the calm, shallow water. Travelers can enjoy additional water sports (think: paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing) in the surrounding Princess Alexandra National Park by renting equipment via local outfitter Big Blue Collective. Resorts at Grace Bay Beach are easy to find, so plan on staying at a property with direct beach access, such as Seven Stars Resort & Spa or Point Grace .

Anse Source d'Argent: La Digue, Seychelles

Featuring massive rocks, soft white sand, clear blue water and lush tropical vegetation, Anse Source d'Argent is a feast for the eyes. It sits on the island of La Digue in the Seychelles , off the eastern coast of Africa. In either direction, you'll notice gigantic granite boulders perfectly positioned between the water and swaying palm trees. Follow the lead of countless filmmakers and photographers by capturing the beauty of this beach on camera before stretching out on the sand or dipping your toes in the calm water. Aim to arrive during low tide when the water is below your knees and more sand is exposed. Reaching the beach requires passing through L'Union Estate, a former coconut and vanilla plantation that charges an entrance fee of 100 Seychellois rupee (about $7) per nonresident. Lodging is limited on La Digue, so consider taking the ferry from the larger island of Mahé, where the highly regarded Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is located.

South Beach: Miami Beach, Florida

This tropical district on Florida's Atlantic Coast is world-renowned for its glamourous clientele, vibrant nightlife and powdery white sand. Although it is technically part of the greater Miami Beach area, South Beach is set apart by its Art Deco architecture evident in everything from the beachfront lifeguard towers to the high-rise buildings along the famed Ocean Drive . Lummus Park – equipped with sand volleyball courts, children's playgrounds and restroom facilities – flanks the crystalline shores. Situated on the northernmost corner of the park, The Betsy South Beach hotel offers luxury accommodations just a few blocks from the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall , where travelers will find opportunities for top-notch shopping, dining and people-watching.

Carmel Beach: Carmel, California

This laid-back beach town nestled along California's Central Coast harbors a dog-friendly swath of sand lined with trails and perfect for a beach fire. Carmel Beach is also known for its strong swell patterns ideal for surfing – but not so much for swimming, as riptides are common. Visitors who venture inland are treated to a charming village lined with boutiques, eateries and European-style architecture, plus a vibrant artist colony showcasing an array of work from local painters, sculptors and artisans. The historic La Playa Carmel hotel is located within walking distance to both the beach and the downtown district.

[Read: The Top Beach Wagons .]

Clearwater Beach: Florida

Families flock to this beautiful coastline – located on a barrier island about 25 miles west of Tampa – for its plethora of aquatic activities, waterfront restaurants and spacious sunbathing spots on sugar-white sands. Must-see attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and dolphin watching cruises keep travelers of all ages entertained for days on end. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Clearwater Beach , make sure you end the day by watching a picture-perfect sunset at Pier 60 . Beach parking can be a pesky (and pricey) problem that a resort with direct beach access – such as the SandPearl Resort – can help guests avoid (although resort and parking fees apply).

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Beaches in the U.S.
• The Best Islands in the World
• The Best Beach Bags
• Cheap Tropical Vacations Around the World
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Beach Vacations , Tropical Vacations , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Statement of the greek orthodox archdiocese of america on the conversion of the monastery of chora to a mosque, steve zervoudis to receive philotimo award at the 33rd hermes expo, george moutis to be honored for exemplary leadership and service to the greek orthodox faith at the hermes expo, cyprus foreign minister to headline pseka cyprus conference june 11-13 in washington, dc, access to famed navagio beach on zakynthos island to remain restricted through 2024, greece establishes experimental school for specialized training in tourism, us state department urges turkiye to respect ‘diverse history’ of its monuments, easter distribution: sharing joy and essentials with greek citizens in need, gyro kingdom is bringing authentic greek cuisine to brick, nj, memories of greece: byzantine museum of makrinitsa, in the footsteps of saint paul: a business, cultural and religious trip to greece, empowering greek america: 33rd hermes expo returns to new jersey, fostering networking and business growth, με την ελλάδα και τη μαρίνα σάττι στον β’ ημιτελικό – πέμπτη 9 μαΐου 2024 – καλή επιτυχία, ελλάδα καλή επιτυχία, μαρίνα, ανακοίνωση της ιεράς αρχιεπισκοπής αμερικής για την μετατροπή της μονής της χώρας σε τέμενος, άνθηση της αγοράς ακινήτων: ζήτηση από τα «μπετά» με επίκεντρο τις νέες αναπτύξεις, πασχαλινή διανομή τροφίμων από το ομογενειακό hellenic relief foundation.

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Opinion; Psychologically Safe Workplaces: Utopia Revisited

Zakynthos’s most iconic site, the Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, will remain closed for another year, according to a joint ministerial decision signed on 2 May by the Citizens Protection, Island Policy, and Tourism Ministers.

Following the decision’s publication and a recommendation of President of the Anti-Seismic Protection Agency Efthymios Lekkas, the circulation and approach or anchoring of any kind of vessel and swimming in the area beyond an imaginary line between the north and south ends of the bay is forbidden. Also banned is the approach to the beach from the rocky slope and to the plateau above the beach.

Visitors may not approach the shipwreck within 10 meters from the rocky slope.

The vessel was discovered in 1980 carrying a cargo of contraband cigarettes and ended up at the beach after being washed ashore.

In 2018, the beach was temporarily closed after a landslide, and reopened with restrictions. Another landslide occurred in 2022 following an earthquake, and use of the beach was banned to both locals and visitors, a measure that will be maintained through 2024.

SOURCE; ANA-MPA

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Popular Zakynthos beach to remain closed for a second summer

Zakynthos’ Navagio beach, a popular tourist destination famous for its signature shipwreck, will remain closed to tourists for a second summer this year by ministerial order.

The ministers of citizen protection, island policy and tourism decided to prohibit access to the Navagio beach on the recommendation of a team of experts from the Anti-Seismic Planning and Protection Organization (OASP).

The ministerial order bans vessels from approaching or anchoring near the beach from the sea and people from swimming in the cove within the northern and southern ends of the bay.

Visitors must also remain 10 meters away from the top of the rocky slope overlooking the bay.

The OASP team has previously said there was significant risk of landslides due to the erosion of the surrounding cliffs.

The beach was closed off in September 2022 after a 5.4-magnitude earthquake caused large rocks from the surrounding cliffs to fall into the bay.

Last January it was reported that the wreck of the MV Panagiotis, which ran aground in October 1980, has suffered extensive damage and is at risk of vanishing altogether.

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Moscow Vacation Packages

Moscow vacations are always a great idea when it comes to traveling in Russia. Plan your trip to Moscow with a leading tour operator for Russia and enjoy the ease and pleasure that comes from it. You will stay at the centrally-located hotels, enjoy guided tours to Moscow's best sights with charming local guides, and, most importantly, feel relaxed and immersed in the Russian culture at all times. Wondering what the ideal way to see the best of Moscow is? Well, with a private tour to Moscow, of course! We will listen to your travel preferences and prepare a custom Moscow itinerary just for you. Let's start talking about your upcoming vacation to the gorgeous capital city of Russia.

Moscow Tour Highlights

Explore the capital of the largest country in the world, Russia.

Learn about the most visited sights in Moscow that are worth adding to your Russian itinerary. Create a fantastic tour to Moscow with a destination, choosing your wished activities.

• Moscow walking tour
• The Red Square
• St Basil's Cathedral
• Moscow Subway ride
• Tretyakov Gallery
• The Red Square in Moscow
• The Bolshoi Theater
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Moscow's Kremlin exploration
• 'Seven Sisters' Skyscrapers

Tips for Moscow Travel

Take a look at the good-to-know tips before visiting Moscow and have a fantastic time in the capital.

What to pack

Make sure to check the weather prognosis before your trip and pack accordingly.

When to travel

Moscow is beautiful all around the year. Choose traveling time according to preferred activities.

We suggest to always have some cash with you. You will need Rubles (RUB) for Russia.

How much to tip

Tipping is not required in Russia, but it's considered good etiquette, tip 10%-15% of your bill.

The average summer temperature is approx 18°C (64°F), and winter is around -6°C (22°F).

Some of the most popular souvenirs from Moscow are caviar, Krasnaya Moska perfume.

Best Moscow Sights

One of the highest points in Moscow and one of its most breathtaking places - the Sparrow Hills.

See the 344-feet Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the tallest Orthodox church in the world.

Enjoy masterpieces of Russian opera and ballet in Moscow's legendary Bolshoi Theater.

Being the most recognizable symbol of Russia in the world, Red Square is an absolute must see when in Moscow. 

The famous GUM is a large department store in the Kitai-gorod part of Moscow facing Red Square.

History and luxury is revealed inside the Kremlin as the Armoury Chamber displays treasures like Faberge Eggs.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture set in the romantic Red Square.

The symbol of Moscow and entire Russia, the Kremlin is often described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world's largest collection of Stalinist Art.

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I have been using the Firebirds (Travel All Russia) services for a while. I am very satisfied.

WOW. From the choice of hotels to...

WOW. From the choice of hotels, an itinerary that ran to plan, the amazing Guides and drivers, and of course the stunning cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. No long queues for entry to museums, churches, and palaces.  I would gladly recommend using Firebird Tours (Travel All Russia) to anyone.

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I must say from the day I started to book my tip till the day I got home I had one GREAT trip and experience I always felt safe and cared for help was seconds away not that I needed any I will defiantly highly recommend your company to any traveler to Russia WELL DONE to the Whole team THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

We enjoyed the whole trip a lot

Overall we enjoyed the whole trip a lot. Moscow is beautiful and clean. Thank you very much for your patience and excellent organization of this tour. Everything ran very smoothly and according to schedule. The guides met us on time at hotels or at our train carriage on arrival. They all spoke good English, had a good local knowledge and were very kind and helpful.

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I’m most pleased with Travel All Russia in arranging our ‘Volga Dream’ Russia tour, I would recommend using your services again as every aspect of our tour went off without a hitch. The communication between our tour representative was excellent as we required additional days on both ends of our tour. The visa process and the logistics were flawlessly implemented.

We had a great time in Moscow!

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The trip was great. Especially want to mention the guides I had on the extra days were exceptional. Both guides and drivers worked out well. Thanks again for all your help and attention. Loved my time in Russia, and still haven’t stopped talking about it.

Exploring Magnificent Russian Capitals, June 2017

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The experience was great!!! We had an excellent guide. The hotel was fabulous.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

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If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

Alya and Campbell

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15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips From Moscow

Is the hustle and bustle of Moscow starting to wear you down? No worries. There are multiple great day trips from Moscow that will let you see a different side of Russia that you won’t find in the metropolitan area. Each day trip I’ve listed below can easily be done by train from Moscow, and there are trains every day of the week.

The area surrounding Moscow is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, and lines of the sprawling Russian capital. Since Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country it may take from half an hour to two hours to reach some of the landmarks on this list (by train or car) from the Moscow city center.

You can escape to the picturesque Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields, admire onion-domed churches, and get insight into the local way of life. Easy day trips from Moscow include the incomparable white-stone Trinity Cathedral in Sergiyev Posad, the spectacular Cathedral of the Assumption in Dmitrov, and the Russian military aircraft in Monino. For those who love rural tranquility, Suzdal and Vladimir are a must-see. History buffs will appreciate the Patriotic War of 1812 reenactment that took place in Borodino on the first weekend of September.

Without further ado, here are 15 best day trips from Moscow that are well worth your attention.

The Best Day Trips from Moscow

There’s a reason Moscow is one of Europe’s most enigmatic destinations. It’s got culture, class, food, history, and more, but even better, is that it is the country’s main transport hub with so many attractions within a day trip from Moscow. While you can definitely spend days or even weeks in Moscow, it can, of course, be done in just one week. What can you do in Moscow in seven days ? Well, you can do a lot if you know how to plan a trip to a place you know so little about.

If you’re ready to get out of the city a bit and soak up the culture, fresh air, and enchanting architecture, I’ve rounded up my favorite day trips outside of Moscow. I often get asked: What are the best cities to visit in Russia? And these are places that I’ve been and loved.

My Favorite Easy Day Trips from Moscow:

Dmitrov Kolomna Zvenigorod Sergiyev Posad Yaroslavl Arkhangelskoye Estate Vladimir Suzdal Korolev Borodino Patriot Park in Kubinka Melikhovo Gorki Leninskie Kaluga Monino

1. Day Trip to Dmitrov from Moscow

Dmitrov may not be as popular as other cities in Russia, but the fact that the city was founded only 7 years earlier than Moscow makes for a great day trip. This small city some 90 kilometers from Moscow is particularly beautiful in the summer. As you walk the streets you can see sparkling fountains, charming centuries-old buildings, yachts and boats transiting through the canal and, of course, the Museum-Reserve Dmitrov Kremlin.

The Kremlin (castle) is the city’s main draw. The 10m high and about 1km long earthen rampart remained behind the wooden wall and gives an idea of how the castle looked like 400 years ago. The oldest surviving building on the Kremlin grounds is the 16th-century Assumption Cathedral with a unique five-tier iconostasis.

Not far from the Kremlin there is a compact 15th-century Borisoglebsky convent. Its main building – the 16th-century Cathedral of Sts. Boris and Gleb is open to the visitors only for services of worship. In the 1930s in the convent housed a labor camp, which contained the builders of the Canal named after Moscow.

Getting There: Dmitrov sits an easy hour and sixteen minutes by train from Savyelovskiy Rail Terminal. This cheap day trip from Moscow is a great chance to soak up the historic charm to be found in Moscow Oblast.

2. Day Trip to Kolomna from Moscow

Situated to the south-east of Moscow, Kolomna is a beautiful port city on the Oka River. This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region. So you can discover the old history in museums and monasteries. Interestingly, the city was a site for important weapon factories under the Soviet Union. Although it was opened up in 1994 Kolomna is not as popular as other day-trip destinations in the region.

Nevertheless, it is a great place to visit with friends and family where you can explore the 15th-century Kremlin made of red brick, try incredibly sweet traditional pastila (marshmallow), and visit some of the cute little churches and 19th-century mansions.

Getting There: Take the express train (commuter line train) from the Kazansky rail terminal to Golutvin station. The trip lasts one hour and forty minutes.

3. Day Trip to Zvenigorod from Moscow

This one is usually a given due to its proximity to and ease of transport from Moscow. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Moscow by train. You can easily hop on the train from the city and land right in the town of Zvenigorod where you can visit the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and sample the sparkly and refreshing kvass, a Russian specialty beverage that’s enjoyed in the summer months.

Zvenigorod is an adorable little town just under an hour away from the Moscow city and is an amazing place to visit as it will give a relaxing break from the hectic life of Moscow. Check this day trip if you don’t feel like planning.

If you have a sweet tooth, spend some time in the quirky Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can indulge in uniquely delicious treats and explore the intersection of food and culture.

Then you may want to pay the Zvenigorod Museum of History, Architecture, and Art a visit. The museum’s exposition is located on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery, or rather, in the 17th-century Tsaritsyny chambers, built for the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Stroll through the museum halls to view the permanent exhibitions, which offer insights into various aspects of Russian history. The intricate museum’s building is adorned with a decorative porch, complex patterned elements, and looks very impressive in general.

4. Day Trip to Sergiyev Posad from Moscow

If you’re looking for cheap day trips from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad is a good choice at just a few dollar train ride away. Known as a major center of pilgrimage and home to one of the largest Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, Sergiyev Posad is a fun day trip from Moscow and can be combined with Abramtsevo Museum Estate. As the only town in Moscow Region which is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities, Sergiyev Posad is an incredible destination for a day trip from Moscow that packs UNESCO-protected Trinity Sergius Lavra, great museums, and gorgeous architecture into one day.

Make sure you see the six-pillared Assumption Cathedral that was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in mid-16th-century and go inside to marvel at the impressive iconostasis that features Simon Ushakov’s masterpiece, the icon of Last Supper. Enjoy a delicious lamb steak with wheat kasha, Ukha fish soup, or hand-made dumplings as you learn a lot about religious and cultural history.

Getting There: Known for its small-town charm and welcoming feel, you can get to Sergiyev Posad by train, by bus, or by car. Trains depart from Yaroslavsky Rail Terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus at the ‘VDNKh’ metro station. A bus trip to Sergiyev Posad takes two hours on average but can be reached in 90 minutes depending on traffic. If you go by car expect to spend about an hour and a half attempting to traverse the congested Yaroslavskoye highway.

5. Day Trip to Yaroslavl from Moscow

Going from Moscow to Yaroslavl may seem like a really long day trip, but honestly, if you take the comfortable train, it only takes about four hours to reach the city, so making a Yaroslavl day trip is totally doable. Although I do recommend much more than one day in Yaroslavl, especially if it’s your first time.

Cultural tourists visiting Yaroslavl should start their exploration by strolling the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spacious 100-hectare area enclosed by Sobinova and Republican streets is home to most popular attractions – the 17th-century Church of Elijah the Prophet that survived almost exactly in its original form, and in contrast to it, the white stone Assumption Cathedral, restored in the 2000s.

If you walk a bit further passing the Holy Trinity sculpture and city’s foundation stone, you will find yourself at Strelka, a park on the cape, which offers panoramic views of the spot at the confluence of Volga and Kotorosl rivers. On the way back, there is a pleasant walk along the picturesque Volga embankment to the Governor’s Garden with shadowy alleys and an open-air Sculpture museum.

Getting There: Yaroslavl is about 280 km (173 miles) northeast of Moscow, so the best way to get there is to take a morning train from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal. A tour is also a great way to see the Yaroslavl without having to worry about driving or searching for trains. You can book a tour here.

6. Day Trip to Arkhangelskoye Estate from Moscow

Situated on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th-century, Arkhangelskoye Estate was the domain of the nobility for over a century until the Russian Revolution swept people who owned the estate out of the country. The estate was turned into a museum, which it remains today.

The Arkhangelskoye Estate Museum holds the largest rare-book collection. The exhibition also includes old manuscripts, historical documents, photos from the past, a vast collection of sculpture, paintings, engravings, and exceptional examples of decorative art. These art objects once belonged to Prince Nikolai Yusupov, the former owner of the estate.

Arkhangelskoye Estate is often referred to as the Russian version of Versailles because of the intricately manicured garden and beautiful 18th-century park. Famous Russian writers and poets such as Pushkin, Herzen, Mayakovsky loved to spend their free time here making long excursions in the surrounding area. Arkhangelskoye is a perfect place to appreciate the terraces decorated by delightful statues, exquisite vases, and busts.

Visitors can take tours, which introduce them to vibrant examples of Russian art and culture.

Getting There: To reach the estate it’s best to take a bus or a privately-owned minibus that departs from Tushinskaya metro station.

7. Day Trip to Vladimir from Moscow

Situated only two hours east of Moscow, Vladimir is absolutely one of the best places to visit near Moscow for a day trip. This splendid city dates back to the 12th century and has a very rich history. If magnificent Orthodox cathedrals and traditional white-stone architecture entice you, then this place is perfect for a day trip with your significant other.

First things first, you need to see the Golden Gate, which indicates the entrance into the old town. This 12th-century medieval masterpiece of military architecture is associated not only with Vladimir but with the Golden Ring tourist route itself. At the top of the gate, where once was the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, there is the Museum of Weapons. Great looking arrowheads and spear points date back to the Grand Principality of Vladimir, while the exhibition in an impressively majestic setting features a number of Batu-Khan related artifacts.

There’s a variety of attractions to put on your must-see list: the Old Believers Trinity Church right behind it, the Cathedral of St Demetrius, and Dormition (Uspensky) Cathedral. If you plan on shopping for souvenirs like birch-bark masterpieces of Kunov’s masters, drawings, carving, embossing, figures of people and animals, stop by the Lacquer Miniature, the Museum of Crystal, and the Gingerbread Museum. Many of the local attractions were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

Getting There: The best way to visit this area is to catch an early train from Moscow and book a full-day tour of Vladimir in advance. This one includes the town of Suzdal as well.

8. Day Trip to Suzdal from Moscow

This gem of a little medieval town perched on a hill just a 30-minute ride from Vladimir is one of those places I’ve visited and could move there permanently and be happy! It’s a charming little piece of history that also has a Kremlin and visiting it feels like stepping back in time. if you’re a culture enthusiast you’ll be glad to know there are numerous churches, five monasteries, including Spaso-Yevfimiev Monastery in Suzdal. Check them out if you want to get a real taste of the country!

pend some time shopping at the Torgovaya ploshchad (Market Square), where you can buy baskets made of birch bark, ceramic handmade plates, honey or souvenirs and, of course, grab some afternoon tea!

Getting There: Trains leave regularly from Moscow’s Kurskiy Rail Terminal to Vladimir where you can hop on a bus to Suzdal. You can also take a bus from Moscow. In this case, it might take longer and you’ll probably encounter infamous traffic jams. If you go by express train the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are slower trains of course, but I’d recommend going with the fast one and save a lot of time!

9. Day Trip to Korolev from Moscow

Located some 30 kilometers northeast of Moscow, Korolev has become arguably the most important space research center with skilled workers from across the Soviet Union who came here to expand the space program.

It became a leading institute dedicated to aerospace research in the country. Today, that tendency can still be clearly seen on the streets and in the buildings. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the city retained its status as the headquarters of Russia’s space surveillance network and now it hosts the Russian Mission Control Center, an analogue of the American Mission Control Center at NASA’s Space Center in Houston.

If you want to learn more about Mission Control Center and the former Russian Mir space station, book a tour with a knowledgeable guide who can clearly tell the history of this place.

If you’re not into space exploration there is also a Memorial Apartment Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva in Bolshevo. With a picturesque park next to the museum, it’s a great place for walking in the fresh air. The highlight of the park is memorial stones with quotes from Tsvetaeva’s poems.

Getting There: I’d recommend going by train. Catch one at Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal that departs every 30 minutes to reach Bolshevo station.

10. Day Trip to Borodino from Moscow

The historic Battle of Borodino on September 7, 1812, took place just outside the small village of Borodino, about 140 km west of Moscow, and about 15 km from the nearest town of Mozhaysk. Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went to capture Moscow, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the pre-twentieth-century that is also predetermined Napoleon’s defeat.

While it was a battlefield back then, not much remains today. It’s mostly a green and grassy field now with a few monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to 19th and 20th century, and fortification facilities scattered throughout the area. The largest of these is the 27-meter high obelisk located right at the heart of the former battlefield.

Every year the military and patriotic festival and theatrical performance take place in Borodino. Early September is considered to be the best for visiting. But if you just want to feel the spirit of the battle, it’s better to go at any other time of the year.

Getting there: Hop on a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, disembark in Mozhaysk, and then take a bus to the museum. The whole travel time is about 2 hours.

11. Day Trip to Patriot Park in Kubinka from Moscow

Once a Red Army tank training ground, now it’s a military Disneyland with history, structure, guns, and armored vehicles! The tank museum originally housed one of the world’s largest and rarest collections of tanks. In 2016 they combined the training grounds with the newly-created Patriot Park. Since then, some of the notable and rare items have been moved to the Patriot Park site, so you may want to combine both sites into one tour (only about 20 minutes apart).

The exhibition grounds include some very rare specimens that are must-see for any military enthusiasts out there. The staff is friendly, helpful and kind, while the museum has a small shop. As this site is part of an operating military base, they may ask you to show your passport, or provide them with a photocopy of the front pages. There are vending machines for snacks and drinks, and there are bathroom facilities. There’s plenty to see, so I recommend setting aside an entire day!

Getting there: Situated halfway between Borodino and Moscow, the best way to reach Patriot Park in Kubinka is by car. Alternatively, if you don’t want to rent one, consider car-sharing apps like Gett or UBER. The price of ride-sharing services is cheap enough to make them a viable proposition for choosing them.

12. Day Trip to Melikhovo from Moscow

Located some 80 km from Moscow, Melikhovo is one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. This renowned Russian writer and playwright acquired Melikhovo in 1892. He lived there with his parents and close relatives for 7 years before moving to the Crimea in 1899. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “The Man in the Case” and “The Seagull”.

The estate faded into oblivion right after the Revolution but in 1939 Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew established a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1941.

Today museum’s exhibition reveals the legacy of a celebrated writer and shows his path not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. The collection also features some of the best-known paintings by famous artists like Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends. When it comes to fun and educational day trips from Moscow, Melikhovo is a nice place for learning more about Chekov’s life and work.

Getting There: You can reach Melikhovo by train from Kurskiy rail Terminal. Disembark in the town of Chekhov and hop on a minibus that will get to the estate. Alternatively, hop on a bus that departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station.

13. Day Trip to Gorki Leninskie from Moscow

Once the realm of Russian nobles, Gorki Leninskie was turned into Lenin’s museum some 25 years after his death. The estate sits some 30-minute bus ride from the Domodedovskaya metro station and houses Soviet-era memorabilia and Lenin’s memorial flat recently transferred from the Kremlin, as well as his vintage Rolls-Royce.

Most people only associate this place with the name of the first communist leader. In fact, the name of the estate was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 16th-century. Throughout its history, the estate was owned by a number of prominent figures. It’s in fact one of the best museums that holds the country’s finest collection 19th-century furnishings and a unique collection of domestic items owned by nobles. Plus, ancient Vyatichi native tribe or East Slavs who inhabited a part of the Oka basin’s burial mounds and a few notable sculptures are hidden behind the avenues of lime trees in the park.

Getting There: You could, of course, hop on a bus from Domodedovskaya metro station. But it would be much easier just to use UBER or Gett. The estate isn’t that far from the Moscow Circle Road but going there by bus may involve some navigating.

14. Day Trip to Kaluga from Moscow

If you’re looking for an educational day trip from Moscow, look no farther than Kaluga! This beautiful city could really entertain you for more than just a day, but to get a taste of science, be sure to visit the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics. Or in other words, the Space Museum.

Visitors to the museum will learn more about the history of space exploration. In fact, this is one of the largest Space Museums in Russia, which opened its doors in Kaluga in 1967. Here you can see a prototype of the iconic MIR space station and a duplicate of the Voskhod rocket. The very same rocket that took the first man to space. There’s also a planetarium, which from the outside resembles a spaceship.

Kaluga is a totally walkable city. Make sure to spend some time strolling Teatralnaya street with the authentic 19th-century pavement that now marks the Kilometer Zero. Then walk across the 18th-century Kamenniy Most (the Stone Bridge) that somewhat resembles a Roman aqueduct. If you’re an architecture buff marvel at the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian.

It is assumed that the church was erected by one of the followers of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1794. The church resembles the Smolny Convent in St. Petersburg. With five church towers directed upward and six tiers of oblong windows give the exterior a sense of lightness and airiness.

Getting There: Trains from Kiyevsky Rail Terminal to Kaluga leave every 90 minutes. The trip takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

15. Day Trip to Monino from Moscow

Are you looking for great family & kid-friendly day trips from Moscow? If so, consider visiting the Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino. This unique military open-air museum is home to over 180 Russian aircraft and 100 aircraft engines and the perfect place to go when your crowd is looking for a break from hectic city life. Check this tour if you don’t feel like planning.

This site was formerly an operational airbase from 1932 till 1956 and many of the Russian aviation Design bureaus have made a contribution to the operation and maintenance of the museum. Along with aircraft from the Second World War, there are the TU-95 Bear four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and the TU-144 Charger a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner (which resembled the Concorde). The museum also has exhibits related to military aviation history such as the uniform of captured U2 pilot Gary Powers.

Getting There: This museum is located at Monino Town, about 30 km from Moscow. It is open on all days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Mondays and Tuesdays. To get there take a train departing from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal and disembark at Monino station. Alternatively, hop on a bus from Schelkovskaya or Partizanskaya metro station.

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Moscow

I hope this post has helped you discover some amazing day trips from Moscow. From imposing cathedrals, mighty fortresses and monasteries, there are a lot of incredible places to visit the Russian capital, and the best part is that getting there is always ways to get around on the cheap.

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Great article for visitors in Moscow , thanks for sharing

Marie Hernandez

I hadn’t considered traveling to Moscow until NOW! Fantastic post and ideas for visitors! Thanks!

Graham Marsden

Nice to see so many options outside of Moscow, but I have to say I wish this list had a recommendation for a hike or a beautiful natural areas or national parks. Maybe the next list!

I have to admit that I knew nothing about the area surrounding Moscow. This is definitely an inspiring list of places to go.

When I read this article about Moscow. I wanted to pack my bags and get there sooner. thank you for the great write up.

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Why visit Moscow?

Majestic churches, impressive historic fortresses, and palatial buildings: Moscow is a fascinating city whose emblematic architecture reflects the turbulent history that has defined Russia throughout the centuries.

The traces of the USSR can be found around every corner of the city , side by side with the iconic relics of Imperial Russia , like the mythical Red Square , the imposing Kremlin , and the beautiful  St Basil's Cathedral . 

Discover a fascinating world of Cold War bunkers, golden-domed basilicas, world-class art museums, and the legendary "palace of the people,"  as the Moscow Metro has been nicknamed. Whether you fancy watching a classical Russian ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre , perusing the fine arts at the Pushkin Museum , or marveling at the sheer size of the monuments to the Soviet state's achievements at the  All-Russia Exhibition Centre , this travel guide will help you on your way!

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If you're going to travel to Moscow and you don't know much about the city yet, the first thing to do is to dive into its legendary history - understanding the past will help you understand the present. Next, check out our practical hints and tips on traveling to the city before discovering which of its most important museums , monuments , and attractions pique your interest.

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