Where to Stay in Zakynthos: Area Guide and 13 Hotels

Zakynthos is the third largest of the Ionian Islands and one of the few places that effortlessly caters both to those seeking vibrant nightlife and those craving complete seclusion, depending on where you unpack your bags. When deciding where to stay in Zakynthos, the answer largely depends on your transport options and your preferred holiday style. The first thing to keep in mind is that the island spans 410 square kilometres, and journeys from one side to the other often take over an hour to drive due to the winding terrain.

In this guide, we break down every main area, including actual driving distances from the port and airport, the local character of each place, getting around, and typical seasonal rates. Alongside this, we recommend thirteen properties carefully vetted on Booking.com to help you make the best choice for your trip.

At a Glance: Which Area to Choose

• First-time visitors: Tsilivi. Close to Zakynthos Town, boasting an organised beach and a wealth of dining options.
• Couples: Tragaki and Akrotiri for secluded luxury resorts, or Limni Keriou for peace and quiet.
• Families: Kalamaki, Alykes, and Tsilivi. These areas offer shallow, warm waters and proper pavements.
• Nightlife and lively vibes: Laganas (for buzzing clubs) and Zakynthos Town (for evening strolls and chic bars).
• Budget-friendly stays: Outskirts of Laganas, Alykanas, and Argassi.
• Without a car: Zakynthos Town. This is the island's central bus hub.

Area Comparison Table

What to Know Before Booking

Zakynthos has two strikingly distinct landscapes. The western side is rugged, mountainous, and framed by sheer limestone cliffs plunging into the Ionian Sea. Here you will find quiet mountain villages like Volimes and Kampi, renowned for their dramatic sunsets, but very few accommodation options. By contrast, the eastern and southern parts of the island are flat, covered with sprawling sandy beaches, olive groves, and vineyards, which is where 95% of all holiday stays are concentrated.

A key feature of the island, helping you understand what Zakynthos is famous for, is the National Marine Park. The entire Bay of Laganas, encompassing Kalamaki, Laganas, Agios Sostis, Marathonisi, and Gerakas Beach, is a protected nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). In practice, this means that from May to October, access to these beaches is strictly forbidden between sunset and sunrise. Motorised water sports and strong beachfront lighting after dark are also barred.

Regarding famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach in the northwest: it is reachable exclusively by sea, on boat tours leaving mainly from Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos (Volimon), and Alykes. Regulations concerning whether you are allowed to disembark on the sand or swim in the bay change frequently due to landslide risks. The same applies to the cliff-top viewing platform, which is regularly closed for safety. It is best to check locally before planning your excursion.

The Areas in Detail: Where to Base Yourself

Zakynthos Town: The Urban Hub

Zakynthos Town was completely rebuilt following the devastating 1953 earthquake, successfully preserving elements of its elegant Venetian architecture. It features expansive squares (Dionysios Solomos and Saint Mark's), paved lanes, museums, and countless dining and coffee spots. The harbour promenade (Strada Marina) acts as the beating heart of the town throughout summer.

It is the ideal pick if you do not plan to hire a car. The central bus station is situated here, running routes to most villages and key beaches. The main drawback is that the town itself lacks a proper swimming beach (locals typically take a dip at Kryoneri, about 1.5 km from the centre). If staying here, do make the short late-afternoon trip up to the hill of Bochali, nestled below the Venetian castle, for panoramic vistas over the harbour.

Tsilivi and Planos: The Most Balanced Choice

Tsilivi (along with the neighbouring hamlet of Planos) sits just 5 km north of Zakynthos Town. It is one of the island's most developed holiday resorts, revolving around a sweeping Blue Flag sandy beach. The water deepens very gently, making it wonderful for young children.

Along the main strip of Tsilivi, you will find everything you need: supermarkets, chemists, tavernas, friendly pubs, mini golf, and a large waterpark. Despite its popularity, it maintains a much more family-friendly ambience than Laganas. If you want to dive deeper, read our dedicated guide on where to stay in Tsilivi, Zakynthos. Public bus connections into town are frequent.

Kalamaki: Family Calm Close to the Airport

Kalamaki lies around 6 km south of town and merely 3 km from the airport. Its beach is the natural continuation of Laganas Beach, but the atmosphere is worlds apart. Because the area falls within the protected core of the National Marine Park, you will find no noisy beach bars on the sand and no bright lights late at night.

The village high street is lined with welcoming tavernas and shops, catering predominantly to families and couples who enjoy an unhurried rhythm. One point to keep in mind is that several hotels are located near the airport flight path. Check our specialised guide to Kalamaki Zakynthos and where to stay.

Laganas: The Nightlife Capital

Laganas is the most renowned (and occasionally misunderstood) resort on the island, situated roughly 8 km south of the capital. Its main thoroughfare is packed with clubs and bars catering largely to younger travellers from the UK and Northern Europe. If you are looking for all-night partying, this is the place to book.

That said, Laganas Bay stretches for 9 km. By choosing a hotel on the edges of the resort or directly by the water away from the main strip, you will find quiet beachfront spots with fine sand and warm, shallow waters. Rates here are traditionally among the most competitive across the island. Discover more tips in our article on where to stay in Laganas.

Vassilikos: Nature and Superb Beaches

The Vassilikos peninsula unfolds towards the southeast and represents the greenest quarter of Zakynthos. Beginning after Argassi and concluding at Gerakas, the area features no large single village, but rather clusters of holiday apartments and villas tucked among pine trees and olive groves.

The primary reason to stay in Vassilikos is its coastline: Kaminia, Porto Zoro, Banana Beach (the most organised, offering water sports), Agios Nikolaos, Porto Roma, and the breathtaking Gerakas. If you stay in Vassilikos, a car is completely indispensable. Distances from the main road to the beaches are considerable, hills are steep, and evening bus services are virtually non-existent.

Alykes and Alykanas: Northern Value

Located around 18 km northwest of the capital, the adjoining resorts of Alykes and Alykanas share a wide bay. Alykes takes its name from the historic salt pans in the area, visible even today. Both share long sandy coastlines and plenty of tourist amenities.

They provide an excellent alternative if you find Tsilivi too lively but still want easy convenience. Small boat excursions to the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach depart directly from here, saving substantial travel time compared to departures from Zakynthos Town. Find out more in our guide on where to stay in Alykes.

Tragaki and Akrotiri: Modern Luxury

Akrotiri and Tragaki are perched on the hillsides between Zakynthos Town and Tsilivi. While they lack wide sandy beaches right on their doorstep (offering mostly small pebble coves instead), they reward guests with sweeping views across the Ionian Sea toward Kefalonia and the Peloponnese. In recent years, several of the island's premier five-star resorts have opened here, making the area a favourite for those wanting bespoke privacy and upscale amenities.

Limni Keriou: The Southern Retreat

At the southwestern tip of the island, approximately 15 km from town, Limni Keriou is a quaint, scenic coastal village. The beach is pebbly with shade-giving trees practically touching the shore. It is the calmest base along the southern coast. From the small marina, you can hire motorboats (no licence needed) to explore nearby Marathonisi and the Keri Caves.

Getting Around: Reaching Your Hotel and Travelling the Island

Dionysios Solomos Airport (ZTH) serves the entire island. There are no direct public bus services connecting the terminal to the various holiday resorts. Travellers must either take a taxi from the rank (typically around €20 to €25 to Tsilivi or Laganas), arrange a pre-booked private transfer, or pick up a hire car at the airport.

The port of Zakynthos, welcoming ferries from Kyllini on the mainland, is situated right in the capital. If your accommodation is in town, you can easily walk there with your luggage. For other resorts, the taxi rank is positioned directly beside the ferry ramp. The central bus station is about a 15-minute walk from the docks.

Public transport (KTEL buses) operates on a radial network centred on Zakynthos Town. This means that travelling by bus from Tsilivi to Laganas requires riding into the capital first to change lines. This setup is the main reason why most visitors choose to hire a car or scooter.

13 Recommended Stays in Zakynthos

We selected the properties below based on real guest reviews, proximity to the beach and local amenities, and overall value for money. The list includes everything from all-inclusive hotels in Zakynthos to upscale private villas. Stated guide prices reflect a standard double room during the shoulder season (such as early June or mid-September).

1. Lesante Cape Resort & Villas
A stunning luxury retreat in Akrotiri, designed in the style of a traditional Ionian village. It features private pools, spacious villas, and exceptional dining venues. A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, it guarantees total privacy.

• Area: Akrotiri
• Average price: €480 per night

2. Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort
An adults-only beachfront resort in the Tragaki area. Many of its suites come with private pools, and direct access to the pebble beach just in front makes it a top retreat for couples. If you are searching for hotels with private pools in Zakynthos, this is one of the premier options.

• Area: Tragaki
• Average price: €420 per night

3. Olea All Suite Hotel
Set upon a verdant hillside between Tsilivi and Planos, Olea showcases striking architecture where water features take centre stage. This stylish all-suite property offers expansive pools, an exceptional wellness spa, and generous suites well suited to families.

• Area: Tsilivi
• Average price: €260 per night

4. Contessina Suites & Spa
A property blending calm with supreme convenience. Located a short walk from Tsilivi's sandy shoreline, it features tastefully decorated suites (some with private plunge pools), an artisanal breakfast, and a quiet setting sheltered from central noise.

• Area: Tsilivi
• Average price: €230 per night

5. Palatino Hotel
A dependable town hotel, ideal for off-season visits or trips without a car. Situated in Zakynthos Town right beside the waterfront road, it allows you to stroll easily to the port, museums, and historic Solomos Square.

• Area: Zakynthos Town
• Average price: €120 per night

6. Strada Marina
In a very central spot directly on the capital's coastal avenue (Strada Marina). A key highlight is the rooftop swimming pool, offering scenic views over the docked ferries and harbour. A practical choice for one or two nights before catching a flight or ferry.

• Area: Zakynthos Town
• Average price: €110 per night

7. Bitzaro Grande Hotel
A substantial and well-organised resort complex in Kalamaki, only three minutes on foot from the protected beach. With comfortable pools, a playground, and family activities, it is an effortless base for families wanting minimal hassle.

• Area: Kalamaki
• Average price: €170 per night

8. Mediterranean Beach Resort
A seafront resort situated on the sands of Laganas Bay. It features a grand main pool, a full-service spa, and direct private access to the expansive beach, while keeping you away from the noisy strip.

• Area: Laganas
• Average price: €200 per night

9. Zante Park Resort & Spa
A very solid option in Laganas known for attentive hospitality. Featuring expansive swimming pools, spa facilities, and an on-site restaurant, it delivers attractive value for money, especially for families or couples seeking quality amenities at a reasonable rate.

• Area: Laganas
• Average price: €150 per night

10. Marelen Hotel
A quiet, well-maintained hotel set amidst lush gardens in Kalamaki. It is celebrated for its warm, family-style service, spotless pool areas, and consistently high ratings from guests who return summer after summer.

• Area: Kalamaki
• Average price: €140 per night

11. Letsos Hotel
An affordable, family-friendly hotel in Alykanas. Located just minutes on foot from the gently shelving beach, it offers a large main pool, bar service, and comfortable, straightforward rooms. A brilliant choice for keeping holiday costs manageable.

• Area: Alykanas
• Average price: €100 per night

12. Emerald Villas & Suites
A complex of independent stone-built villas in scenic Vassilikos. Each comes with a private pool, a fully equipped kitchen, and uninterrupted sea views. An ideal base for groups of friends or larger families seeking self-sufficiency and peace.

• Area: Vassilikos
• Average price: €350 per night

13. Zante Maris Suites
Designed strictly for adults, this boutique suite hotel is situated on a hill in Tsilivi. It enjoys sweeping Ionian Sea views, a restful environment, minimalist design, and an exceptional breakfast, making it tailored for romantic escapes.

• Area: Tsilivi
• Average price: €240 per night

How Much Does Accommodation Cost in Zakynthos by Season?

Accommodation costs vary considerably according to the calendar month. In May and October, representing the edges of the season, room rates dip under €80 for pleasant three-star hotels. Sea swimming in Zakynthos remains comfortable from mid-May straight through to late October, aided by the shallow bays of the southern coast.

In June and September, prices generally fluctuate between €90 and €140 per night for high-quality lodgings. These months present the finest balance between cost and holiday experience, allowing you to bypass peak August crowds while enjoying warm weather and all restaurants fully open.

July and August see peak demand, fueled by international charter flights, which drives prices up. Expect to budget between €150 and €250 for four-star hotels in locations like Tsilivi and Kalamaki. Five-star resorts in Tragaki and Akrotiri, alongside Vassilikos villas, easily exceed €400 per night. If travelling in high summer, booking four to five months early typically secures savings of 20 to 30 percent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Booking in Laganas expecting total quiet: The central strip plays loud music until dawn. If you want peace, request a room well away from the bar street, or choose Kalamaki instead.
• Staying in Vassilikos without a car: Vassilikos is gorgeous, but without your own vehicle, heading into town or discovering other beaches will get very expensive by taxi.
• Ignoring turtle protection guidelines: Several beaches close each evening after sunset. Do not count on night swims at Gerakas or Kalamaki, as entry is strictly barred.
• Assuming you can always step onto Shipwreck Beach: As mentioned in our guide to getting to know Zakynthos, geological instability often leads local maritime authorities to prohibit boats from dropping passengers onto the sand at Navagio.

Also Worth Reading

Planning an Ionian adventure? You may also enjoy our destination guides on where to stay in Kefalonia (our neighbouring island, easily reached by summer ferry), where to stay in Lefkada, and our guide to Corfu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Zakynthos?

Tsilivi is the top pick for an all-round balance of a lovely beach and great facilities. Zakynthos Town works best if you do not want a car, Kalamaki is excellent for families seeking proximity to the airport, and Vassilikos is unmatched for tranquility and prime sandy shores.

Do I need a car in Zakynthos?

Yes, if you wish to explore properly. If you stay in town, Tsilivi, or Alykes, you can manage reasonably well with KTEL buses and organised boat trips. For Vassilikos, Limni Keriou, and the west coast (such as Porto Vromi for Navagio), a car is essential.

Where should I stay in Zakynthos with children?

Kalamaki, Tsilivi, and Alykes are great family bases. They offer vast sandy shores with gently sloping waters, local chemists, footpaths, and plenty of tavernas. In addition, most hotels in these resorts provide generous swimming pools.

Where should couples stay in Zakynthos?

Tragaki and Akrotiri are known for high-end, adults-only resorts with private pools. Alternatively, Limni Keriou and Vassilikos offer a romantic, quiet atmosphere far removed from mainstream crowds.

How far is the airport from the main holiday areas?

The airport is just 3 km from Kalamaki, approximately 6 km from Zakynthos Town, and 8 km from Laganas. Driving to Tsilivi takes around 11 km, while reaching Alykes takes roughly 20 km.

Can you visit Shipwreck Beach?

Navagio is accessible solely by sea via day boats from Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos, or Alykes. Due to landslide risks, disembarking directly onto the beach is often restricted, meaning boats stay offshore for swimming and photographs.

When is the best time of year to visit?

June and September are the best months. You will encounter warm seas, far fewer traffic bottlenecks, and hotel prices up to 40 percent lower than peak August rates.

How many days are needed in Zakynthos?

To cover the essentials (Navagio, Bochali, Gerakas, Marathonisi), five full days are adequate. If you want to explore the mountains, Keri, and unwind on Vassilikos beaches at a leisurely pace, allow seven to eight days.