Where to stay in Zakynthos?

The town of Zante seen from above, from the kastro
The town of Zante seen from above, from the kastro © Laure M.

If you’re going on vacation to Zakynthos, you’re in luck. We really enjoyed this island with its splendid scenery and magnificent beaches. A very contrasting island, with coasts lined with sandy beaches, much appreciated by tourists, and a green, much wilder mountainous center.

However, Zakynthos is a very touristy island in summer, especially on the south and east coasts. Thousands of British tourists come here in search of sunshine. Fortunately, there are a few quiet spots on the island (especially in the west, north and center).

Obviously, accommodation in Zakynthos isn’t a problem, as there are plenty of quality hotels and Airbnb accommodations across the island.

Wondering where the best place to stay in Zakynthos is? This is not an easy question to answer, as it depends on what you’re looking for. Here are our very personal recommendations and tips, drawn from our own experience.

Opting for an Airbnb or a hotel in Zakynthos – town: a practical choice

Staying in Zante – ville (the island’s capital, located on the east coast) can be a practical choice for a short stay.

Honestly, the town isn’t terribly interesting as it was badly damaged by the 1953 earthquake before being rebuilt. As a result, virtually all the old buildings have been demolished. However, the city of Zakynthos is pleasant and offers a number of advantages:

  • it is well served by public transport. Buses to Alykes, Laganas and Keri depart from Zakynthos – town.
  • This is also where the ferries arrive, so sleeping in Zakynthos is particularly convenient if you don’t have a car.
  • You’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink here. The city comes alive at nightfall and the atmosphere is pleasant.
  • Finally, it’s a good starting point for exploring Zante. The location allows easy access to the whole island.

However, you should be aware that accommodation is not particularly cheap in Zante – city.

Our selection of accommodation in Zakynthos – city

Among our many addresses, you can choose from the following:

  • Diana Hotel: A hotel with no particular charm, but well placed and with a swimming pool.
  • Le Palatino: A hotel in a quiet area close to the city center

On the Airbnb accommodation side, we recommend, for example:

There are also a number of pleasant hotels located near the sea, just a few kilometers from the town of Zakynthos:

Sleeping in Zante in the south of the island: to be close to the beaches

Hotels in Zakynthos where to sleep
© Laure M.

The vast majority of hotels and vacation clubs are located in the south of Zakynthos, in the bay of Laganas, which alone accounts for half of the island’s tourist infrastructure.

Advantages of choosing to stay in the south of the island:

  • you’ll find a wide range of hotels at all price points
  • you’ll be close to some of Zakynthos’ most beautiful beaches
  • there are many“services”: bars, restaurants, water sports, boat excursions, games rooms, various activities, etc.

The downside:

  • It’s a very popular area for travelers, with its “mass tourism” atmosphere. In summer, you won’t be alone, to say the least. You’ll be sharing the place with a host of English tourists who have come here to bask in the sun and party. The streets are lined with pizzerias, slot machines, mini-golfs, souvenir stores and more.

You’ll find a wide choice of accommodation in Laganas Bay on the Booking website as well as on
Airbnb.

In particular, we spotted :

For a little more peace and quiet, opt for a hotel in Vasilikos, near Agios Nikolaos beach. It has a family atmosphere and a beautiful beach.

And for a truly authentic and peaceful stay in southern Zante (yes, it’s possible), we recommend
the Lithes Farm Houses agrotourism farm located in the heart of the National Marine Park.

Accommodation in the north or west of Zakynthos: a choice for lovers of tranquillity

While the south of Zakynthos is very touristy, the north and west of the island remain relatively peaceful. The central part of the island is also pleasantly wooded and mountainous. The atmosphere is calmer and more authentic.

Hotels in Zakynthos where to sleep
Hotel Stefania Apartments in Kypseli, North Zante © Stefania Apartments
  • Personally, we chose to stay in Kypseli, north of Zante, in a simple but quiet hotel by the sea, with the added bonus of a small garden and a traditional taverna right next door. The hotel is called Stefania’s appartments. We particularly appreciated the serenity of the place and the kindness of the owner. Please note, however, that this hotel is far from everything, so you’ll need to have a vehicle and be prepared to do a lot of driving to visit the island.
  • Finally, we recommend the Villas Therianos agro-tourism farm in Kallithea: small, comfortable traditional houses surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

And there are also accommodations for rent on the Airbnb website . We have selected :

The advantages of choosing accommodation to the north or west of Zante :

  • these parts of the island are less touristy and therefore quieter and more authentic
  • accommodation is generally less expensive than in Zakynthos city or in the Bay of Laganas
  • you can still find“little lost corners“.

Disadvantages:

  • car essential
  • lots of driving to reach the island’s various points of interest
  • few on-site options for dining or partying

Find out more about the island of Zakynthos

See also our articles :

Laure M.

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