Zakynthos is a beautiful village full of stunning views, but it offers more than that. The culture of Zakynthos spans millennia, mentioned even by Homer in both the Iliad and the Odyssey. We already talked about Zakynthos’ beaches and caves in a different article, so now it’s time to cover the culture of Zakynthos through the towns and what they hide.
Where do you start? What is there to see? How do you plan your trip? These are the questions we answer in this article.
Planning your visit to Zakynthos
A good plan will help you focus when the temptation of visiting everything at once is too great. The island of Zakynthos has a lot to offer, so you should know what your priorities are and how you will move around. When it comes to transport, your best option is renting a car or scooter, as it is expensive and pointless to bring your own vehicle.
Renting a car in Zahynthos
You can find on-the-spot rentals in Zakynthos, but prices might be higher, it’s usually less safe, availability is not guaranteed, and the vehicles can be of poor quality. The better alternative is to book a car or a scooter, as you can research the companies before making a decision.
The general rule is “book as early as possible”, especially if you travel in the high season (June-September). At Top Rentals, you can book different cars, scooters, and ATVs at the lowest prices in Zakynthos, alongside free E-marked helmets (which are mandatory), and we offer a full refund for cancellations made more than 48 hours before the rental start or pickup date. Also, 24/7 Road & Phone Assistance is included in all rentals.
Where should you start your trip to visit the culture of Zakynthos?
We cover this topic a lot, as it is a common and important question. You can choose Zakynthos Airport or Zakynthos Town as your pick-up point. Also, when booking your vehicle, you can choose from all available hotels, ports, and common places, as well as choose a custom point. If you want to make the best choice, we have prepared an article about the best pickup option between the airport and town in Zakynthos, depending on your needs.
Zakynthos Town: the heart of the culture of Zakynthos
Zakynthos Town is not just the administrative capital but also the island’s cultural heart. This town alone is worth spending some time in, as you have plenty to visit if you want to enjoy a slow day before exploring the island.
You can start your walk at the largest square in town, lined with elegant Venetian-style buildings and the statue of national poet Dionysios Solomos. Some of the historical attractions are:
- Agios Dionysios Church: It was dedicated to the island’s patron saint of Zakynthos. It is the most important church in Zakynthos. Its bell tower is a town landmark. The lavish interiors with golden icons, chandeliers, and frescoes combine Orthodox tradition with Western artistic touches
- Museum of Post-Byzantine Art: Located on Solomos Square, it houses icons, frescoes, and religious art salvaged from churches that were destroyed after a great earthquake in 1953, which also devastated Kefalonia and Ithaki. The museum is now a treasure chest of that lost heritage.
- Local Market & Shops: Greece is known for its local goods. If you have the chance, browse stalls for local products like Zakynthian olive oil, honey, or mandolato (a traditional nougat sweet), which also make for great gifts.
Must-visit villages on your drive
Besides the capital of the island, the towns on Zakynthos are charming and hide gems worth visiting.
Bochali Town and Bochali Castle
Above the town of Zakynthos, in the charming district of Bochali, you will find the ruins of the Venetian castle. This served once as the main fortress of Zakynthos, built to protect the island from pirates and invaders. Its charming ruins offer one of the best panoramic views of Zakynthos Town and the Ionian Sea.
For an unforgettable experience, visit Bochali just before sunset, when the golden light casts a romantic glow and the panoramic view over Zakynthos Town is simply breathtaking.
Strani Hill
A cultural stop of a different kind, Strani Hill is where the national poet Dionysios Solomos composed the “Hymn to Liberty” (“An Ode to Freedom”) in 1823, which later became the Greek national anthem. Here you will see a monument to the poet on top of the hill. The spot offers both literary history and panoramic views of the town and harbor.
Compared to Bochali, which is often more crowded, Strani Hill offers a more serene experience. A short 20–30 minute stop is enough to soak in the atmosphere, making it ideal for an
The Village of Keri
Further afield, Keri combines traditional stone houses, narrow lanes, and a timeless rhythm of life. A stop here offers a glimpse into the rural culture of Zakynthos. Visiting the village and its small churches takes about 1–2 hours, depending on whether you linger in a taverna for local specialties or prefer to pass through.
Askos Stone Park
Askos Stone Park is located near Volimes, in the north of Zakynthos. Blending nature with heritage, Askos Stone Park is home to dry-stone architecture, olive groves, and a small animal sanctuary, a mix between a wildlife reserve and an open-air eco-museum. You can encounter animals such as deer, ponies, goats, raccoons, turtles, and peacocks, and you can feed some of them under supervision.
Beyond the animals, the park also preserves traditional Zakynthian rural life, showcasing old cisterns, stone wells, and farm equipment, all surrounded by hundreds of native plants. It’s a refreshing stop for families and nature lovers, as it’s the perfect mix of nature and culture in Zakynthos.
The visit usually takes around one and a half to two hours. Thanks to its location, you can pair a visit to Askos Stone Park with a relaxing afternoon at the stunning Blue Caves and the iconic Shipwreck Beach viewpoint. This makes it perfect for a day of unforgettable exploration.
The 2000-year-old olive tree in Exo Chora
The highest point on Zakynthos is Vrachionas, also known as Mount Vrachionas, which rises to about 758 meters (2,487 feet) above sea level. From the top, you get panoramic views of almost the entire island, the Ionian Sea, and even the Peloponnese on clear days. It’s located in the central-western part of the island, near the villages of Anafonitria and Exo Chora.
Many travelers combine a trip to Vrachionas with a stop in Exo Chora, where you’ll find a famous 2,000-year-old olive tree. This living monument still produces olives today and is considered one of the oldest olive trees in the world. The tree stands in the heart of the village square, where you can enjoy coffee at one of the small cafés and search through the local shops. Most visitors spend 15 to 30 minutes here, often as a quick stop on the way to Porto Vromi or the Navagio viewpoint.
The Olive tree in Exo Hora: A living monument of Greek culture
Argassi Town: Cooking class
Ten minutes south of Zakynthos Town, you will find Argassi, one of the most popular resort towns. It’s a lively seaside destination that balances relaxation, nightlife, and easy access to cultural or natural sights. Here you will find a Venetian stone bridge dating back to the 1800s. You can also play mini golf, attend a Greek cooking class, or go for a boat trip. The nightlife is also rich here.
Nightlife in Zakynthos
Zakynthos has something to offer for party lovers as well as those who seek a relaxing night. In summer, Laganas is the heart of nightlife, filled with beach bars, live DJs, and vibrant parties that last until sunrise. In autumn, the island slows down, and cozy cocktail bars in Zakynthos Town or Bochali Hill take the spotlight, offering sea views, soft music, and local wine. Whether you prefer dancing on the beach or a calm evening under the stars, Zakynthos nightlife always blends energy with charm.
Parties in Laganas
Laganas is the main party hub of Zakynthos. Clubs and bars often stay open very late, some until 4-5 am or even later on weekends. Here you will enjoy big crowds, foam parties, house music nights, and cheap drinks. If you plan to visit the clubs and pubs in Laganas, plan and ask around, as you might find yourself in the middle of a special theme party.
During July and August, Laganas is extremely busy. Also, it gets difficult to find a taxi late at night, so some clubs offer shuttles or transport options. By no means should you drive back home if you are under the influence.
Relaxing nights out
In the quieter resorts, bars tend to close earlier (around 2-3 am) and focus more on atmosphere and drinks rather than wild partying. In Argassi, Kalamaki, and Tsilivi, you can find different pubs, enjoy DJ parties, and have a good cocktail with friends and family without getting too wild.
If you want something more romantic, Zakynthos Town offers themed parties, romantic evenings, and good service in both outdoor gardens and indoor spaces.
Book a car and start planning your trip
Now that you have a clearer view of what the island has to offer culturally, it’s time to start making the plans. If you still want to read more about the natural attractions in Zakynthos, you can read another one of our articles. If you think you have done enough research, you can immediately book a car, scooter, or ATV at Top Rentals and get ready for your trip to visit the natural beauty and culture of Zakynthos.
