Everyone says summer is the only time you can visit islands, go to the beach, and truly relax, but we can prove them wrong. Places like Zakynthos have a lot to offer all year round, not just during summer. The local culture and fun activities are something you can always enjoy. What is more, visiting Zakynthos off-season has its benefits, including the beaches and Caves. Not convinced yet? Here are some things you can do during Autumn in Zakynthos, some of the best car routes, and reasons why it’s the perfect off-season escape, besides lower prices.
Things to do in Autumn in Zakynthos
If you like warm weather, but 32 °C (86–90 °F) sounds like too much for you, then you’re off to a good start. Summers in Zakynthos are great, but visiting off-season has many benefits, and you can still enjoy most activities, but at a slightly colder temperature.
How is the weather during autumn in Zakynthos?
You might be inclined to say: „But isn’t it cold in October?” Well, not really. September feels like late summer, while October is spring-like.
In September, the average daily temperature is 26–28 °C (79–82 °F), while nights are a bit chillier, but still enjoyable at around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F). Sea temperature is around 25 °C (77 °F), which makes it good for swimming.
October starts getting colder, but the days are still warm at about 22–24 °C (72–75 °F) in early October, dropping to around 20 °C (68 °F) by the end, so you might want to add an extra layer to your outfit. October nights are a bit colder at 15–17 °C (59–63 °F). Surprisingly,
The sea is still warm at 22–23 °C (72–73 °F), making for a good swim or even a snorkel session, as there are many snorkel spots in Zakynthos.
The perfect time to see the culture of Zakynthos
As tourism slows down during Autumn in Zakynthos, it becomes the ideal time to visit the cultural attractions of Zakynthos, learn its history, and enjoy the vibe.
Visiting Zakynthos off-season: What are the benefits of?
- Prices are lower: As in any city or island focused on tourism, prices during summer tend to be higher compared to the rest of the year. This goes for plane and ferry tickets, rentals, hotel rooms, and more. For example, a hotel room can cost around 75–85 € in autumn, compared to 140–160 € during peak season.
- Everything is more peaceful: What people don’t talk about as often are big crowds, which can be annoying and overstimulating. Visiting Zakynthos in Autumn means it’s easier to get good plane tickets, make a reservation, and rent a scooter, a car, or an ATV. Also, visiting itself is more enjoyable, as you share the space with fewer people, lines are shorter, and everything is quieter.
- The traffic is lighter: Fewer people on the road means greater safety and shorter trips. This makes driving the best means of moving around.
A route for the main natural attractions of Zakynthos
When it comes to Autumn in Zakynthos, you can still visit most places, beaches, caves, and go on different guided tours.
This route includes 2 main attractions, with different stops on the way. The main stops are the Northern Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach.
Shipwreck Beach: Navagio Beach
Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach
As one of the most iconic and photographed spots in all of Greece, Navagio Beach can feel crowded during peak time, as many tourists visit the island daily. Also, you can swim nearby, but you are not permitted to land on the beach until at least October 31, 2025. If you want to get closer to the wreck, then you have to wait until November.
Visiting Navagio Beach in Autumn can make the trip feel more unique, as you will most likely be part of a smaller crowd, which matters a lot, as you can only access the island by boat.
The beach is located on the northwest coast of Zakynthos and it offers stunning views for photography lovers and a great story for history enthusiasts, so if you plan to visit Zakynthos, this should be on your checklist.
Blue Caves
As you probably already know, there is no one set of „Blue caves”, as this is a generic name. In Zakynthos, you can visit the Northern Blue Caves up north between Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari. They are famous for the intense blue glow created by sunlight reflecting off the limestone seabed.
There are also the Western Blue Caves. If the weather is good and you don’t mind chilly water, here you can freely go for a swim and snorkel, unlike the northern caves, where it depends on the tour you choose. Also, these caves offer a great background for stunning photos, and remember, the golden hour comes earlier than summer.
If you stay in Zakynthos Town and only want a quick trip, the Keri Caves are closer to you. They are known for the hidden chambers, towering arches, and clear water.
Other stops on the way
A small detour will drive you through Askos Stone Park, a small animal sanctuary. Here you will meet animals such as deer, ponies, goats, raccoons, turtles, and peacocks, and you can feed some of them under supervision.
On your way back, you can stop in Exo Chora, where you will find the famous 2000-year-old olive tree.
Olive tree in Exo Hora
A route south of Zakynthos Town
If you want to explore the southern part of the island, here is a route you can try. This route includes Cameo Island, known for the crystal-clear water, Marathonisi Island, also known as Turtle Island, and Keri Caves. We also included a secret stop on your way back to Zakynthos Town.
Cameo Island: the wooden bridge to paradise
Cameo Island, Zakynthos, with a wooden hanging bridge at sunset
Cameo Island is known for its stunning scenery, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and relaxed beach bar ambiance. While there’s a small entrance fee, the breathtaking photo opportunities and relaxed vibe make it well worth the visit. This is a great stop for a morning swim and sunbathing before venturing to Turtle Island.
Turtle hatching season on Marathonisi Island
Marathonisi Island, also known as Turtle Island, gets its name from two things, both adorable:
- It is turtle-shaped.
- It’s full of turtles.
If this is not a good enough reason to visit, you should know that you can book a tour on a boat with a glass bottom so you can watch the turtles swim under you. We included Marathonisi on this list especially because September is hatching season for baby turtles, so you have the chance to experience firsthand the sight of baby turtles on their first walk to the sea. You can get to Marathonisi from both Cameo Island and near Keri Caves, so you can choose the route that best suits you.
Discover the beauty of Keri Caves
On the south-most point of the island, you will find the Keri Caves, known for the hidden chambers, towering arches, and clear water.
Here, you will find guided tours that include Marathonisi, allowing you to customize the trip as you like. Laganas is considered a more popular (and often crowded) departure point, but Keri offers a quieter, more authentic gateway to the turtle haven. This makes it the ideal choice if you prefer a relaxed, self-paced adventure.
The drive from Zakynthos Town to Keri takes approximately 35-40 minutes by car and without stops. Combining it with Marathonisi and Cameo Islands, you will surely make a full day of excitement.
Party in Laganas on your way back
Just up from Cameo Island, you will get through Laganas, the heart of parties in Zakynthos. During peak season, parties are wild, including themed and foam parties until morning.
In Autumn in Zakynthos, the vibe shifts from “mega-party” to more relaxed. The main clubs usually stay open until late September, but some close earlier depending on demand. Smaller pubs and cocktail bars remain open longer. You can still find music nights, karaoke, and bar games. You’ll actually have space to dance, talk, and enjoy your time without fighting through crowds. Drinks and tables are easier to get, and staff have more time for guests.
As always, be careful when drinking, as you should not drive afterward. Some clubs offer transport options or shuttles so you don’t have to drive back to your hotel.
Make your own plans
Zakynthos has a lot to offer, even more than you can see in a couple of days, and more than we can include in one single list. If you want an extended article on discovering the nature of Zakynthos, we’ve got you covered. If you are more interested in the culture of Zakynthos, we have a good read for you.
And if you are ready to start planning, start with renting a scooter, car, or ATV, as this is your best way to move around. At Top Rentals, you will find quality vehicles at the best prices. We include 24/7 Road & Phone Assistance and E-marked helmets with the European standard ECE, so you can drive safely.
