Zakynthos is famous for its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs and lively seaside resorts, yet some of its most memorable experiences begin when you leave the busiest tourist areas behind. A Zakynthos scenic drive gives you the freedom to discover quieter coastal corners, traditional villages and viewpoints that are not always easy to reach by public transport. In the south-western part of the island, the area around Keri and Marathia offers a different atmosphere, with winding roads, olive-covered hills and beautiful views across the Ionian Sea. If you want to explore beyond the usual holiday itinerary, this is an excellent place to start.
This guide follows a route from the southern coast towards the more remote western side of Zakynthos, including Marathia and Porto Vromi. Although these destinations are not located in the same part of the island, they can be combined into a longer road trip for travellers who want to experience more of its rugged coastline. With a rental car or motorbike from Top Rentals, you can organise your day around the places that interest you most, take breaks whenever you wish, and enjoy the journey at your own pace. The key is to plan your route carefully and choose roads that are suitable for your vehicle.
1. Planning your Zakynthos scenic drive: From Zakynthos Town to the southern coast
A good starting point for this Zakynthos scenic drive is Zakynthos Town, from where you can head south towards Laganas and continue in the direction of Limni Keriou. The journey takes you away from the island’s busier resort areas and into a landscape shaped by green hills, olive groves and smaller settlements. As you approach Keri, the scenery becomes increasingly coastal, with glimpses of the sea appearing between the hills and along the road. Rather than rushing towards the final destination, allow time for a few short stops whenever you find a safe place to pull over.
For an easy route to follow, you can use the following Google Maps directions: Zakynthos Town → Laganas → Limni Keriou. Once you reach Limni Keriou, you can continue towards Marathia and explore the nearby coastline. The exact journey time depends on traffic, your starting point, and how often you stop along the way, so it is worth leaving some flexibility in your schedule. If you are planning to visit several places in one day, check the route before departure rather than relying entirely on last-minute navigation.
Choosing the right vehicle for the journey
The vehicle you choose can make a noticeable difference to your experience, particularly when your itinerary includes several stops and different types of roads. At Top Rentals, we offer cars, motorbikes and ATVs, allowing you to select an option that suits your travel plans, driving experience and comfort preferences. A rental car is a practical choice for couples, families and groups who want extra space for their belongings, while a motorbike can be convenient for travellers who prefer a more compact way to explore the island. If you are considering an ATV, make sure you understand the relevant licence requirements and safety rules before booking.
It is important to remember that none of our rental vehicles are intended or permitted for off-road driving. Cars, motorbikes and ATVs must be used on permitted roads, and choosing an ATV does not mean that you can take it onto rough tracks, unpaved trails or areas that are unsuitable for normal road traffic. For a more detailed overview of the requirements, read our guide to ATV rental rules, licensing and safety tips, as well as our article about motorbike rental in Zakynthos. Before setting off, familiarise yourself with local road signs, speed limits and driving etiquette by consulting our guide to Zakynthos traffic rules and safe driving.
Starting your trip with Top Rentals
To make collecting your vehicle easier, we have two rental locations in Zakynthos: our main office on Laganas Main Road and a second office at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). You can arrange to pick up and return your vehicle at either location, depending on what works best with your accommodation and travel schedule. Both offices are open from 08:00 to 21:00, giving you flexibility when organising your arrival or departure. If you are flying into Zakynthos, collecting your vehicle directly at the airport can be a convenient way to begin your road trip without needing to arrange additional transport.
At Top Rentals, we want you to feel comfortable with your travel arrangements before you start exploring the island. That is why we recommend checking your booking details, confirming your collection point, and making sure you understand the rental conditions before departure. You can find more information about our services and available vehicles on the Top Rentals website. With your vehicle arranged in advance, you can focus on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about how to reach your next stop.
2. Marathia: A peaceful coastal escape near Limni Keriou
Marathia is one of the places worth adding to a southern Zakynthos itinerary if you prefer smaller coastal spots to crowded resort beaches. Located near Limni Keriou, this area combines rocky scenery, clear Ionian waters, and green hills that create a quieter atmosphere along the coast. The beach itself is relatively small, with a pebbly shoreline and water that can be especially appealing for swimming and snorkelling when sea conditions are suitable. Its natural setting makes it a lovely place to slow down, enjoy the view, and take a break from driving.
The coastline around Marathia is also interesting because it offers more than one way to enjoy the landscape. You can spend time by the water, explore the surrounding coastal area or stop at a nearby taverna for a meal overlooking the sea. However, facilities directly on smaller beaches can be limited and may vary depending on the season, so it is sensible to bring drinking water, sun protection, and anything else you may need. For more information about the wider area, you can consult this guide to Keri and Limni Keri, which also describes the nearby coastline and boat excursions.
How to reach Marathia and what to expect
From Limni Keriou, follow the local road towards Cape Marathia and the coastal area. The route offers a pleasant combination of hillside scenery and sea views, although some sections may be narrow or winding, so drive at a moderate speed and pay attention to oncoming traffic. You can follow this Google Maps route to plan your journey: Limni Keriou → Marathias Beach. Once you arrive, follow local signs and use designated or clearly permitted parking areas rather than leaving your vehicle in a way that blocks the road or access for other visitors.
It is also worth remembering that reaching a beach by car does not necessarily mean driving directly down to the shoreline. Depending on the access point, you may need to leave your vehicle in a suitable parking area and continue on foot, so comfortable footwear can make the visit easier. The final approach may be steep or uneven in places, which is another reason to avoid rushing and to assess the conditions before walking down. If you are travelling with children or anyone who has difficulty walking, consider these access conditions when deciding how much time to spend at the beach.
Making the most of your day around Marathia
Rather than treating Marathia as a quick stop along the way, consider setting aside a few hours to explore this part of the island properly. You can start with a relaxed visit to the coast, enjoy some time by the water, and then continue towards Limni Keriou for lunch or a break near the harbour. This slower approach gives you the opportunity to appreciate the area without having to rush from one attraction to another. It is also a practical way to make the most of a rental vehicle, as you can decide how long to stay at each stop instead of following a fixed excursion timetable.
If you are travelling with friends or family, agree on the main stops before setting off, while leaving enough room for spontaneous breaks along the route. Keep in mind that a coastal road trip can take longer than expected when you include parking, walking distances and time spent enjoying the scenery. It is better to plan a realistic itinerary with a few meaningful stops than to squeeze too many destinations into one day. With a vehicle from Top Rentals, you can adapt the journey to your own pace and make the drive part of the holiday experience.
Explore the wider Keri area
If you have extra time, Marathia can be combined with a visit to Limni Keriou, a small coastal settlement with a harbour, restaurants and opportunities to arrange boat trips. The area is particularly well known as a starting point for excursions towards Marathonisi and the nearby sea caves, giving visitors another way to appreciate the coastline. These experiences can complement a road trip nicely, especially if you want to alternate time behind the wheel with time on the water. For a broader look at the area and its attractions, the Keri and Limni Keri guide is a useful reference.
Another worthwhile stop is Keri village, which sits higher up in the hills and offers a different perspective from the coastal settlement below. You can continue towards the Keri Lighthouse area for expansive views over the Ionian Sea and the impressive rocky formations offshore. The drive involves bends and narrower sections, so take your time, particularly if you are visiting later in the day when other travellers may also be heading towards the viewpoints. You can add this stop to your route using Google Maps directions from Marathias Beach to Keri Lighthouse.
Combine your road trip with a boat excursion to Marathonisi
One of the advantages of visiting Limni Keriou is that your road trip does not have to end when you reach the coast. From the harbour area, visitors can look into local boat excursions towards Marathonisi, often known as Turtle Island, and the nearby sea caves. The island is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, an important protected area associated with the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). If you decide to join a boat trip, choose an operator that follows the park’s visitor rules and respects wildlife, particularly during the turtle nesting season.
Marathonisi is especially appealing to travellers who want to experience Zakynthos from a different perspective, with clear water, coastal rock formations and opportunities to admire the marine landscape. However, it is important to remember that wildlife observation should always take place from a respectful distance, and visitors should follow any instructions provided by their boat operator. You can read more about combining coastal exploration and time on the water in our article, 5 Snorkeling Highlights Around Marathonisi, Starting from Keri. This is a natural internal link because it expands on an experience already introduced in this section, rather than repeating the information about driving to Marathia.
When is the best time to explore Marathia and Keri?
The time of day can influence how much you enjoy a drive through the southern part of Zakynthos, especially if you want to combine coastal stops with viewpoints further inland. Starting in the morning gives you more time to explore Marathia, visit Limni Keriou and enjoy a relaxed lunch before continuing towards Keri village. It can also make your itinerary easier to manage, as you will have more daylight available for driving and walking between stops. During the warmer months, an earlier start may be more comfortable than spending the hottest part of the day outdoors.
If you prefer to include Keri Lighthouse in your itinerary, consider how its location fits into your plans for the afternoon. The area is popular with visitors looking for views over the Ionian Sea, so allow enough time to reach the viewpoint, find suitable parking and enjoy the surroundings without rushing. Sunset can be a beautiful moment to experience the western coastline, but you should also plan your return journey before it gets dark. For more inspiration, take a look at our article Sunset Drives in Zakynthos: 5 Viewpoints You Can Reach by Car, which explores other scenic locations worth adding to a driving itinerary.
3. Safe driving along the southern coastline
The appeal of a Zakynthos scenic drive comes partly from the freedom to explore at your own pace, but that freedom should always go hand in hand with responsible driving. Roads around the southern hills and coastal areas can include bends, changes in elevation and narrower sections, which require more attention than the main roads connecting the island’s resorts. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, reduce your speed before corners and avoid sudden manoeuvres, especially when visibility is limited. If you are unfamiliar with the area, allow extra time for the journey instead of trying to follow a tight schedule.
You should also avoid stopping in the middle of the road or parking on bends simply to take photographs, even when the view is particularly attractive. Look for a safe, permitted place to pull over, and make sure your vehicle does not obstruct traffic or access for local residents and emergency services. Before setting off, check the weather and daylight conditions, particularly if you plan to visit several viewpoints or return after sunset. For additional advice on local driving habits and road regulations, our Zakynthos traffic rules guide offers useful information to help you prepare.
Respect the landscape and stay on permitted roads
The southern coastline is worth exploring because of its natural character, and protecting that environment should be part of every visit. Stay on public roads and marked access routes, avoid driving across vegetation or private land, and never take a rental vehicle onto beaches or unpaved tracks. These restrictions are not simply a matter of protecting the vehicle; they also help reduce damage to the landscape and keep visitors away from potentially unsafe terrain. At Top Rentals, our cars, motorbikes and ATVs are not permitted for off-road use, so please plan your route accordingly.
When you reach a coastal viewpoint or beach, take care around cliffs, uneven ground and slippery rocks, particularly after rain or in windy conditions. If you intend to swim or snorkel, assess the sea conditions first and do not enter the water when currents, waves or visibility make it unsafe. Smaller and more secluded beaches may have fewer facilities, so carrying water, sun protection and suitable footwear is a sensible precaution. A little preparation helps you enjoy the quieter side of Zakynthos while travelling responsibly.
The route towards Marathia and Keri is an excellent introduction to the quieter landscapes of southern Zakynthos. From the coastal atmosphere of Limni Keriou to the rocky scenery around Cape Marathia and the elevated views near Keri Lighthouse, this part of the island offers plenty of reasons to take your time and explore beyond the main resorts. A well-planned Zakynthos scenic drive allows you to connect these places in one flexible itinerary, with room for spontaneous stops and time to enjoy the coastline. It is a rewarding option for travellers who value scenic roads, peaceful surroundings and the freedom to create their own holiday schedule.
At Top Rentals, we make it easier to explore Zakynthos by offering cars, motorbikes and ATVs, with convenient collection and return options at our Laganas Main Road and airport locations. Choose a vehicle that suits your plans, follow permitted roads and make safety part of every journey. In the second part of this guide, we will continue towards Porto Vromi, exploring the dramatic western coastline and the practical details you should know before visiting this more remote part of the island.
