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Zakynthos, Zante, Zacinto (its Italian name), Hyrie, Il fiore di Levante … it’s no wonder that the island has so many names, given its fascinating history. If you are looking for inspiration and useful tips for your upcoming vacation in Zante, you came to the right place. As a local insider, I will show you how to enjoy this destination to the max. This article will help you to pick the best things to do in Zante!

Things to do in Zante

Zante is the third-largest in the archipelago of the Ionian Islands. It is one of the best-loved Greek tourist destinations, mostly famous for its gorgeous beaches and sea turtles. But there is more to Zante. The island has a rich cultural heritage and there are lots of fun things to do.

A short history of Zante

For history buffs like myself, Zante will not be disappointing. The island was already mentioned by Homer in the Iliad. During the Roman period, Zante became an important strategic place. It was also part of the Venetian empire for three centuries. During this time, the island flourished from both a cultural and architectonic point of view. In fact, it received the name of Florence of Greece!

After, the multicultural character of the island was enhanced by the domination of the French, the Russian-Turkish, and the British. In 1864, Zante reunited with Greece.

Things to do Zante Laganas

Laganas is the most famous and busiest resort of the island. It is particularly popular to young people as well as families. Laganas is located on the southern part of Zante at the longest beach of the island with a length of 9 km.

1. Nightlife

Laganas is packed with countless bars, clubs, pubs, cafés, and more. There is a constant party vibe, and it’s the place for anyone who is looking to have a good time. At night, the main road of Laganas is the most crowded spot of the island. The best club in Zante is Cherry Bay.

2. Cameo Island

From Laganas, you can visit Cameo Island. This island is the second most photographed place in Zante after the famous Shipwreck Beach. Cameo Island is located opposite Laganas within the Marine Park. You can reach it in 8 minutes on foot by a wooden bridge from the beach.

3. Marathonisi

Marathonisi is a beautiful small island across from Laganas. Its breathtaking beach with fine white sand, pines, and olive trees is a must-visit. The island is a protected area and

that is why you can only visit certain parts of the beach. You can go to Marathonisi by taxi boat, organized excursion, or by renting your own boat.

Things to do Zante town

Zante town has a beautiful architecture and a large main square where you should have a coffee. Note that not all buildings in Zante town are historic. In 1953, much of the rich architectonic history of the island was destroyed by an earthquake.

4. The Byzantine Museum

Art lovers should head over to the beautiful Byzantine Museum, located at the main square. Here you can admire Byzantine icons carved in the wood, original frescoes from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, as well as examples of post Byzantine art and Greek contemporary art.

5. Things to do Zante: The Museum of Solomos

The Museum of Dionysios Solomos is for anyone interested in Greek history. Solomos was a local Greek poet. He is considered to be Greece’s national poet. His most famous work is the Hymn to Liberty, aka the Greek national anthem.

6. Hill of Strani

For a beautiful panoramic view over Zante town, head over to Strani Hill. Sit down on one of the rocks and feel like Dionysios Solomos who wrote the national Greek anthem here. You can combine your visit to Strani Hill with the Castle of Bohali that I will mention later on.

Fun things to do in Zante

Zante is full of treasures and there are a lot of fun things to do. Many of these activities take place in or around the beautiful emerald waters of the island.

7. Shipwreck Beach Boat Tour

The most famous spot in Zante is Shipwreck Beach or Navagio. It has an impressive landscape with limestone cliffs, and there is a rusty shipwreck on the white sand. Shipwreck beach is a real tourist attraction. You can admire it by joining an organized boat tour.

8. Water sports

On Zante, you can dive, try jet ski, water ski, parasailing and more. Zante is a great island for boating and I recommend you to hire your own. By private boat, you can visit the beautiful Keri Caves located on the southwestern coast.

9. Sea Turtles and the Marine Park

Zante is famous for its sea turtles called Caretta-Caretta. Several places on the island are protected by Greek and international legislation as a breeding place of these endangered species. Laganas Beach, Marathonissi, and Gerakas are part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. If you want to learn more about these special creatures, visit the Zante Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Center.

Things to do in Zante with family

Families will have a great time in Zante. Most beaches are child-friendly and there are a lot of entertainment options for young and older kids.

10. The Castle of Bohali

Does your family like castles? In Zante, you can find the Venetian Castle of Bohali, located just on the outskirts of the capital town. Kids can enjoy playing knights or queens, while parents can marvel at the architectural wonder and the magnificent panoramic views over Zante town and the Ionian Sea.

11. Water parks

wanter park zante — Photo by Zante Water Village

All kids love water parks and in Zante, there are two! Zante Water Village is one of the biggest water parks in Greece, situated on the southeast part of the island, 4 km away from the main town. Tsilivi Water Park is at the beach of Tsilivi. Ideal for families who want to combine a beach day with fun at the water games!

12. Fun Parks

Photo by Careta Fun Park Center Kalamaki

Need some adrenaline family fun? In Laganas you will find go-karts, and Formula Zante, the largest track in Zante. With young kids, head over to the Careta Fun Park Center in Kalamaki, There are bouncy castles, a trampoline, go-karts, water balls and many coin games. End your day with lunch or dinner at the snack bar-pizzeria.

Zante has something to do for everyone

From beautiful nature to art and fun, Zante has something to do for everyone. And with this list of the best things to do in Zante, you can start exploring the island. Whether you are with friends, family or traveling solo. Don’t hesitate, book and see for yourself!

Καλό ταξίδι! (Have a nice trip)

I love beaches, and Zante has so many it can be hard to choose which one to go to! I have family on the island, so I often visit.

Are you looking for a social beach with music, secluded coves, fine sandy shores, or a family-friendly beach? To help you pick the best Zante beach for you, I have created this top ten list based on key factors such as landscape, accessibility, services, and attractions.

The best Zante beaches

Many beaches on Zante are awarded the Blue Flag, which means that they are safe and well-organized with restaurants, bars, sunbeds, and water sports. And there are more secluded beaches, without music or taverns. Like, Dafni Beach, which can only be reached by dirt road.

If you are lucky, you may spot a sea turtle. Because Zante island is the most important Loggerhead sea turtle breeding ground in the Mediterranean.

Does Zante have sandy beaches?

Yes! The eastern coast of Zante has sandy beaches. The only exception is Makris Gialos, made of white pebbles.

map of Zante, Greece — Map by welcomezante.com

Are you ready to start planning your next beach trip? Here are 10 of the best Zante beaches!

1. Best Zante beaches: Shipwreck Beach

I am sure that you’ve already seen a picture of Shipwreck Beach (Navagio). This iconic spot can be found on countless postcards, calendars, coffee table books, and websites all over the world. Its impressive landscape of towering limestone cliffs, and the rusty shipwreck on a white beach, make this place a real tourist magnet.

You can visit Shipwreck Beach by organized boat tour. The departure points are Porto Vromi Maries, St. Nicholas, Zante town and Skinari.

Personally, I avoid crowds and admire Navagio from a panoramic view at the top of the cliffs. You can find this spot halfway between the villages of Volimes and Anafonitria. There is an asphalt road leading to a car park. Just go down a few steps, and you’ll see the shipwreck.

2. Best Zante beaches: Laganas, Zante

Laganas is a busy and popular beach packed with bars, restaurants, and more. There is a party vibe, and it’s for anyone who is looking to have fun. Are you in the mood for great food and cocktails? Check out Hamsa Beach Bar – Restaurant!

Laganas can also be good for family holidays. Because the seabed is shallow, and the water is clear and warm. It is a safe place for young kids, plus the grainy soft sand is perfect for building sandcastles!

3. Best Zante beaches: Banana Beach, Zante

If you enjoy paragliding, SUP, or jet skiing, head over to Banana Beach. Besides popular water sports, you’ll also find lots of bars with sunbeds and umbrellas. If you want to party, head over to Casa Playa.

Banana Beach is also good for kids because of its soft white sand and clear shallow sea. However, for those who are looking for a quiet, relaxing day, it is not the best option.

4. Best Zante beaches: Tsilivi Beach

Beautiful Tsilivi is a Blue Flag sandy beach with a few pebbled patches, surrounded by lush greenery. On the beach are many hotels, restaurants, and bars with beautiful decks. For the best Greek food, walk over to Taverna Paradeisos, one of my favorite taverns.

The sea at Tsilivi is clean and shallow, making it a great choice for children. There are no steps to get to the beach, so it’s perfect for families with babies. If your kids like water parks (mine do!) go to the Tsilivi Water Park, 5 minutes inland.

5. Best Zante beaches: St. Nicholas Beach

st.nicholas beach zante — photo courtesy Discover Greece

St. Nicholas Beach is located in a protected bay with a cute chapel built on top of the rocks. It is a busy, organized place with loud music coming from the hip beach bars.

It is also a great place for affordable water sports. Which is why it’s especially popular among young people. Here you can parasail, rent a jet ski, play volleyball, or just relax. PS. Don’t get lost; there is a town with the same name in the northern part of the island!

6. Best Zante beaches: Alykes

Alykes is another great spot for families. Its soft white sand gently shelves into the clear turquoise sea. There can be some waves here, but not high ones that knock you over. If you need a little excitement, you can also find water sports and beach bars on Alykes.

7. Best Zante beaches: Gerakas Beach

Gerakas is ideal for those who are seeking a quieter environment. It is not overdeveloped and there are no facilities because this beach is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and the breeding place of sea turtles. If you want to learn more about these special creatures, you can visit the Zante Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Center.

8. Best Zante beaches: Marathonisi

Another spot the Loggerheads love is Marathonisi, a small island in Laganas Bay. Its breathtaking beach with fine white sand, pines, and olive trees is a must-visit. Marathonisi is part of the marine park, and that is why you can visit only certain parts of the beach. I recommend you also check the back of the island, there are some small caves there, and it is an excellent place for swimming! Don’t forget to bring your own water and snacks. You can get to Marathonisi by taxi boat, organized excursion, or by renting your own boat.

9. Best Zante beaches: Porto Limnionas

Porto Limnionas is a fjord-like cove surrounded by green-blue water and caves. The cove is lined with flat rocks, where you can lay your towel down and soak up the sun. Due to its location, it is not suitable for children or people with health conditions.

To get there, drive through the village of St. Leon. Follow the signs on the asphalted road running down to the sea until you find a parking area. From there, you’ll get down by a few steps carved into the rock. There are no bars or facilities, but you can find a few loungers and umbrellas.

10. Best Zante beaches: Xigia Beach

xygia beach zante — Photo courtesy Discover Greece

If you want a spa experience, head over to Xigia. The area is famous for its sulfurous water, hence the stunning electric light blue color of the sea. The sulfur comes from a nearby cave, and you may notice the distinct aroma in the air.

There are two sulfuric beaches at Xigia, of which one is organized with umbrellas and chairs. The other one is wilder, about a 10–15-minute walk from the main road. For food, there is a small Greek tavern right by the cliff.

Zante has a beach for everyone

From the organized shore of Laganas to the sublime hidden coves of Porto Limnionas, Zante has a beach for everyone. And with this list of the best Zante beaches, the island is all yours to explore. Whether you are a solo traveler, with family, or on vacation with friends. Don’t think twice: come and see them for yourself!

Καλό ταξίδι! (Have a nice trip)

The island of Zante, the third-largest in the archipelago of the Ionian Islands, is one of the best-loved Greek tourist destinations. The reason is very simple: those who love the seaside find a genuine paradise here with dozens of fantastic beaches, including one that is perhaps the most famous in the world, Shipwreck Beach. But it is not only the coast that attracts tourists: in Zante the nature is lush, the climate is mild all year round, the local cuisine is truly delicious, and the culture and nightlife vibrant. Despite its well-deserved popularity, Zante also maintains a reserved and thoughtful character, which those who prefer idyllic and isolated scenery will like.

Start exploring the island with a tour of its capital, the beautiful city of Zante, where you can relax on the seafront, or in the central Solomos square, or admire the view of the fort on Bochali hill while appreciating the Venetian domination of the island. From there, set off to discover the splendid beaches, like Gerakas, where you can spot marine turtles or Limnionas. If you prefer soaring cliffs, you can visit Xigia bay, known for its sulfurous waters. The choice of where to stay in Zante will depend a lot on what sort of holiday you are looking for: Laganas is for those who want to party through the night, whereas Alykes is perfect for families. Agios Nikolaos, on the other hand, is the northernmost point of the island, and from there, boats leave for nearby Cephalonia.