The roads of Zakynthos feel like a dream: one moment you are surrounded by the beautiful architecture of a rural area, and a few minutes later, you are driving by the sea as if it were the edge of the world. The easiest way to travel the serpentine roads is by rental, as there is no need to bring your own car or scooter. At the same time, some islands are only accessible through boat trips, and many guided tours include a ferry trip. In this article, you will learn how to combine your Zakynthos car rental with boat trips, so you know when it’s time to drive and when you can relax.
Boat trips to Zakynthos Island
You have two main ways of getting to the Island of Zakynthos: by plane or by boat. Many flights come to Zakynthos, depending on the time of the year, although many are only during the summer. During the rest of the year, most flights connect through Athens,
The most popular flights during summer are:
Most popular ports on Zakynthos Island
There are many boat trips to get to the beautiful island of Zakynthos. You have direct routes and others for sea lovers who want to spend more time away from land. You can also stop in Zakynthos Town or other ports. The most popular ports are:
- Zakynthos Port: This is the sea entrance to Zakynthos Town.
- Agios Nikolaos: The gateway to the Blue Caves and northern Zakynthos.
- Porto Vromi: Closest access point to Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Bay.
- Alykes / Alikanas: Small harbors used by private boats and day cruises.
Boat trips to Zakynthos Town
The main starting port to get to Zakynthos Town is Kyllini. Many boats from here will get you directly to Zakynthos Town. It’s by far the most used and reliable route. It’s short (about 1h 15m), frequent, and operates all year. Some routes that include Kyllini are:
- Athens → Kyllini → Zakynthos Town
- Patras → Kyllini → Zakynthos Town
- Bari (Italy) → Igoumenitsa → Kyllini → Zakynthos Town
- Lefkada → Meganisi → Kefalonia → Zakynthos Town or Agios Nikolaos
Other routes include different stops, so plan carefully depending on whether you want to arrive quickly or enjoy the breeze on a longer boat trip. Some options are:
- Corfu → Lefkada → Kefalonia → Zakynthos Town (summer only)
- Kefalonia → Zakynthos Town, sometimes direct or via Agios Nikolaos (summer only)
If you want something less popular, many private yacht charters around the Ionian Islands offer custom boat trips. You can find them in various smaller harbors like Porto Vromi and Alykes, although most of them are available only during the summer.
Boat trips to other ports in Zakynthos
In some ports mentioned, you will also find trips to other parts of the island. These routes are ideal if you’re aiming to explore remote beaches, natural wonders, or avoid the bustle of Zakynthos Town. Some options are:
- Kefalonia (Pessada) → Agios Nikolaos
- Corfu → Lefkada → Kefalonia → Agios Nikolaos
Again, you have the option of looking for smaller yacht charters.
The roads of Zakynthos
Zakynthos Island’s road network is simple but scenic, with most major roads radiating from Zakynthos Town and branching out toward coastal resorts, mountain villages, and natural landmarks. Considering the way the attractions are kind of grouped, there are only a few main roads you should consider. They combine with boat tours and create a varied system worth exploring.
To keep things simple, we will consider Zakynthos Town the starting point for all routes.
From Zakynthos Town to Keri
The first route we cover extends towards the southern peak of the island. This gets you through the following main attractions:
1. Kalamaki
This is optional, as you can take an alternative road north of Kalamaki and head straight for Laganas. People usually stop here to relax and enjoy the calm beach. Kalamaki Beach is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, and it serves as one of the main nesting grounds for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). In autumn, you might even spot turtle hatchlings making their way to the sea. Here you can read more about sea turtles and other activities you can enjoy in Zakynthos in autumn.
2. Laganas
Laganas is the nightlife capital of Zakynthos, buzzing with energy from day to night. Its sandy beach is one of the busiest on the island during summer, popular for its beach bars, restaurants, and water sports options.
By night, the town turns into a party hub with pubs, clubs, and cocktail bars open until early in the morning.
3. Marathonisi, or Turtle Island
Located in Laganas Bay, Marathonisi is a small turtle-shaped island. Besides the shape, the nickname comes from its only temporary residents: the turtles that hatch here every autumn. The island is part of the Zakynthos Marine Park and one of the most important nesting sites for loggerhead turtles.
You can get to Marathonisi only by boat from Laganas or Keri, and you can’t take your rental with you, even if it’s a scooter, so you have to go for a round trip.
4. Cameo Island
Cameo Island is a great stop for a morning swim and a couple of hours of sunbathing, famous for its turquoise water and beach bar vibe. There is a small entry fee, but the breathtaking photo opportunities and relaxed vibe make it well worth the visit.
5. Keri
Keri is a charming traditional village in the south of Zakynthos. Stone houses, narrow streets, and small tavernas create an authentic Greek atmosphere worth visiting at sunset. It’s also home to the famous Keri Lighthouse, which offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and Mizithres Rocks.
Just offshore, the Keri Caves invite visitors to explore by boat or kayak, being one of the most popular spots for boat trips in Zakynthos. Whether you come for culture, nature, or sunsets, Keri combines them all into one unforgettable experience.
From Zakynthos Town to the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach
This is one of the longest road-only trips you will take on the island, and it’s only a 45-minute drive. When you get to the northern side of the island, there are many natural attractions and activities you can check out, from horse riding in the sea to relaxing on the Xigia Sulfur Beach.
Agios Nikolaos → Blue Caves → Navagio Beach
This is one of the most popular boat trips in Zakynthos, as it includes two of the most attractive spots to visit: the Northern Blue Caves and Navagio Beach. The starting point is Agios Nikolaos, where you can find different routes, depending on your interests.
You will travel through the caves located north of Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari, famous for the intense blue glow. The caves are accessible only by boat trip. Some tours allow swimming, while others are viewing-only. We advise you to read all the information and ask around before making a choice. If you want a short tour, you can find options that include only the caves, while others will take you to Shipwreck Beach and other attractions.
We talk a lot about Navagio Beach, known as Shipwreck Beach, and for a good reason. It is one of the most iconic and photographed spots in all of Greece. Located on the northwest coast of Zakynthos, the beach is accessible only by boat, typically from Porto Vromi or Agios Nikolaos.
Hidden gems in northern Zakynthos
There are less popular attractions and activities that people often miss, but are totally worth experiencing.
As we mentioned before, some tours allow you to dive near the Blue Caves. For example, you can ask about the Potamitis Dive Spot, known for the cliff diving and snorkeling. It is surrounded by small, swim-accessible caves and rocky inlets. There are other rocky coves near Skinari ideal for snorkeling, and others between Navagio and Porto Vromi.
If you missed it on the road from Zakynthos Town, you can ask about trips to Xigia Sulfur Beach. It is less crowded than other beaches. The small, semi-hidden cove on the northeast coast is unique because the water is rich in natural sulfur and collagen from underwater springs, so the health benefits are great.
Full-Day Island Cruise from Zakynthos Town
If you don’t want to hit the road at all, there is an option for you. The full-day island cruise from Zakynthos Town begins at the main Zakynthos Port and offers a spectacular loop around the island’s coastline. You can visit iconic destinations like Navagio Beach, the Blue Caves, Marathonisi, and Keri Caves, with swim stops in hidden coves and scenic bays. It’s a full-day adventure that blends natural wonders, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable views, all starting and ending in the heart of Zakynthos Town. The downside is that you’ll miss the land beauties on land, but a mult-day stay on the island can include both.
Book a scooter and choose your trip
You are now more familiar with what the island has to offer, so it’s time to start preparing: book boat trips to Zakynthos and around the island, book a ride for the island, and choose the order in which you will visit its hidden gems. At Top Rentals, you can choose from a variety of cars, scooters, or ATVs at the lowest prices, so you will definitely find what best suits your style.
