Island in Ionian Islands, Greece
Zakynthos
Ionian island of turquoise coves, caves and Navagio shipwreck beach, plus loggerhead turtle nesting. Easy for short beach trips; Laganas is loud, and you need a car or tours for the best spots.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,690–2,590Comfortable, one person · €1,500–2,300Details
- Value for money47/100Better value than 46% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Internet91 MbpsFixed broadband, Greece medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilWater is treated but often brackish or chlorinated; most visitors and locals drink bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundKTEL Zakynthos busWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; cash for buses, kiosks and small tavernas.Details
Where to stay in Zakynthos
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Zakynthos Town | Harbor, old streets, restaurants and ferries; calmer than resorts |
| Tsilivi–Planos | Family beach resorts near town with easy buses |
| Laganas | Party strip and turtle bay; loud and busy |
| Alykes–Agios Nikolaos (north) | Quieter coast and boat trips to the Blue Caves |
Apps that work in Zakynthos
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber and WhatsApp
- Ferryhopper: Compare and book ferries between islands
- Taxis: No ride-hailing apps. Taxis and buses cover the main routes; book transfers for Navagio boat trips and the airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Greece.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; cash for buses, kiosks and small tavernas.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most Greek bank ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros; Euronet costs more. Decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Round up or leave 5–10% in tavernas and cafés, ideally in cash; card tips often can't be added.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; IRIS bank transfers are for locals with Greek accounts.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Ferries from Turkey and Albania cross the Schengen external border, so expect full passport checks there.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 166 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1571 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from Telekom, Vodafone and Nova at Athens airport and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Greece
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.