Are you planning a trip to Zakynthos and wondering where to stay? That’s a great question, because Zakynthos isn’t just one type of holiday. In the south you’ll find parties and long sandy beaches, in the northeast the family-friendly resort towns, and to the west dramatic cliffs and untouched nature.
It’s all packed onto an island that’s surprisingly easy to get around.
Zakynthos is the third largest of the Ionian Islands, located off the west coast of Greece. The island has been popular with tourists for decades, and for good reason. Here you get everything that makes a Greek island holiday fantastic – turquoise waters, incredible food, warm locals and a relaxed atmosphere – without the steep prices you’ll find on Santorini or Mykonos.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best areas to stay on Zakynthos, with hotel recommendations across different price ranges. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or just want to party, you’ll find the right spot here.
Where should you stay on Zakynthos? Let’s get started.
Best Areas on Zakynthos
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay on Zakynthos:
- Tsilivi – The best all-rounder for families and couples 🏖️
- Laganas – Parties, nightlife and a long sandy beach 🎉
- Kalamaki – A peaceful alternative close to Laganas, with sea turtles 🐢
- Vasilikos – The island’s most beautiful beaches and unspoilt nature 🌿
- Zakynthos Town – Culture, history and great food in the island’s capital 🏛️
Click on the area name to see the best hotels in the area.
The guide to where to stay on Zakynthos continues below with a walkthrough of each area and hotel recommendations across different price ranges.
Before You Book: Important Things to Know About Zakynthos
Before we dive into the individual areas, there are a few things you should know about Zakynthos.
Hire a car. This is my most important piece of advice. Zakynthos is small enough to drive across in under an hour, but the bus network is limited and unreliable. With a hire car, you can easily hop between beaches, visit the Shipwreck Beach viewpoint and explore the charming mountain villages.
Car hire prices are reasonable compared to many other Greek islands – check prices here.
The sea turtles are sacred. Zakynthos is one of the most important nesting sites for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (caretta caretta). The beaches in the south (Laganas, Kalamaki, Gerakas) are particularly protected under the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
This means certain restrictions – no parasols in some zones, the beach closes from sunset to 7am, and you must keep your distance from any nests. But it’s also a truly magical experience to see the turtles.
The island has two sides. The east coast is flat with sandy beaches and calm waters – perfect for families with children. The west coast is dramatic with white cliffs, wild waves and spectacular views, but very little beach you can actually swim from. Most hotels are therefore located on the east and south coasts.
Avoid July and August if you can. Zakynthos is warm and lovely from May to October, but in peak season (July-August) the island is packed and prices are high. June and September are ideal – warm enough for swimming, fewer tourists and significantly cheaper hotels.
Fly direct. Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) – named after the Greek national poet Dionysios Solomos – has direct charter flights from several European cities during summer season. Alternatively, you can fly to Athens and take a domestic flight onwards.
1. Tsilivi – The Best All-Rounder for Families and Couples 🏖️
Quick Facts – Tsilivi:
- Distance from the airport: Approx. 15 minutes by car
- Transport: Good bus connection to Zakynthos Town. Hire car recommended for the rest of the island
- Price level: 💰💰 (moderate – good value for money)
- Beach: Long sandy beach with shallow water – perfect for children
- Atmosphere: Lively but not overwhelming. Good balance between activity and relaxation
Tsilivi (also called Planos) is probably the best place to stay on Zakynthos if you’re visiting the island for the first time.
This well-organised resort town on the northeast coast strikes the perfect balance: enough restaurants, bars and shops to keep you entertained, but without the wild nightlife you’ll find in Laganas. The beach is long, sandy and with shallow, calm water – absolutely ideal for families with children.
Click here to see all hotels in Tsilivi.
Here you’ll find water sports, mini golf, shopping and a good selection of international and Greek restaurants.
In the evening there’s a pleasant atmosphere with cocktail bars and tavernas, but things wind down at a reasonable hour. From Tsilivi it’s about 10 minutes’ drive to Zakynthos Town and under an hour to most of the island’s attractions.
Best for: Families with children, couples who want a bit of everything, first-time visitors.
Hotels in Tsilivi
Contessina Suites & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An adults-only boutique hotel with a stunning pool, spa and elegant decor. Contessina is close to the beach and offers a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and modern with private balconies.
The restaurant serves excellent Greek and international cuisine, and the bartender makes a fantastic cocktail by the pool. Perfect for couples who want luxury without paying Santorini prices.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “A wonderful hotel with impeccable service. The pool is beautiful, the food is fantastic, and the staff do everything to make your stay perfect.”
Check prices and availability at Contessina Suites & Spa
Alexandra Beach Tsilivi Resort & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A popular family hotel right on the beach with a fantastic pool area, water slides and kids’ club. The rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, and the all-inclusive package offers good value for money.
The hotel has its own private cove with a cosy beach bar – Makai Beach Bar is actually one of the most photographed spots on all of Zakynthos. A safe choice for families.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Perfect family holiday. The children loved the pool and beach, the food was varied and good, and the staff were incredibly kind to the children.”
Check prices and availability at Alexandra Beach Resort
A good budget-friendly option with a central location in Tsilivi, close to the beach, restaurants and shops. The hotel has a nice pool with sun loungers and a cosy bar.
The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable. The staff are helpful and there’s a good breakfast buffet. Ideal if you’d rather spend your money on experiences than on the hotel.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Fantastic location, clean and well-maintained. Good breakfast and friendly staff. The best budget hotel in Tsilivi.”
Check prices and availability at Tsilivi Beach Hotel
2. Laganas – Parties, Nightlife and a Long Sandy Beach 🎉
Quick Facts – Laganas
- Distance from the airport: Approx. 10 minutes by car
- Transport: Good bus connection to Zakynthos Town
- Price level: 💰 (cheap – lots of budget options)
- Beach: 9 km long sandy beach – the island’s longest
- Atmosphere: Parties and nightlife. Think Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, but on a Greek island
Laganas is Zakynthos’ answer to Magaluf in Mallorca or Sunny Beach in Bulgaria. This legendary party town on the south coast has attracted young party-loving tourists for decades, and the nightlife is by far the wildest on the island.
Laganas Road is lined with bars, clubs and restaurants, and the party goes on into the early hours.
Click here to see all hotels in Laganas.
But Laganas is more than just partying. The beach is actually 9 kilometres long and one of the island’s best – with fine sand and shallow water. During the day you can enjoy a perfectly pleasant beach holiday here, and it’s also from here that many of the boat trips to Shipwreck Beach and Turtle Island (Marathonisi) depart.
Just be aware that Laganas Beach is part of the national marine park, and there may be restrictions on parasols and activities in certain zones.
Best for: Young travellers, groups of friends, party lovers. Not ideal for families with small children.
Hotels in Laganas
Mediterranean Beach Resort & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best hotel in Laganas – and proof that partying and comfort can go hand in hand. Mediterranean Beach is right on the beachfront with two large pools, spa, gym and several restaurants. The rooms are modern and spacious.
The hotel is large enough to have its own peaceful atmosphere, yet close enough to Laganas Road that the party is within walking distance. The perfect choice if you want the option to go out, but also sleep well.
Check prices and availability at Mediterranean Beach Resort
An adults-only hotel with modern rooms and a good breakfast buffet, just steps from Laganas Beach. Tzante has been recently renovated and offers a relaxed pool with bar, perfect for couples who want to be close to the beach life.
The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the location makes it easy to reach both the beach and restaurants on foot.
Astir Palace Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A 4-star hotel with direct access to Laganas sandy beach, pool and restaurant serving local and international dishes. Astir Palace is a good mid-range choice with clean, air-conditioned rooms and sea views from the balconies.
The staff are helpful and the breakfast is varied.
3. Kalamaki – Peace, Sea Turtles and Proximity to Laganas 🐢
Quick Facts – Kalamaki
- Distance from the airport: Approx. 5 minutes by car
- Transport: Bus connection to Zakynthos Town. Hire car recommended
- Price level: 💰💰 (moderate)
- Beach: Beautiful sandy beach – protected turtle nesting area
- Atmosphere: Quiet and relaxed. A favourite among nature lovers
Kalamaki is Laganas’ quiet neighbour. This small town sits just east of Laganas and shares the same fantastic long sandy beach, but has an entirely different atmosphere.
Here the pace is slower, the restaurants more authentic, and in the evening you can experience something truly magical: caretta caretta turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
Click here to see all hotels in Kalamaki.
Kalamaki Beach is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, which means the beach closes from sunset to sunrise and there are no bars or restaurants directly on the sand. This makes the beach unusually clean and peaceful during the daytime.
If you want to party, Laganas is only 5 minutes’ drive away – but you’ll sleep in peace and quiet.
Best for: Couples, nature lovers, families who want peace but still proximity to Laganas.
Hotels in Kalamaki
Meandros Boutique & Spa Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best hotel in Kalamaki – an adults-only boutique hotel with a stunning pool, spa and elegant restaurant. Meandros is within walking distance of the beach and offers a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere.
The rooms are stylishly decorated with private terraces. The food is outstanding – a blend of traditional Greek and modern cuisine. A perfect romantic choice.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “A fantastic hotel in every respect. The food is in a league of its own, the pool is beautiful, and the staff are incredibly attentive. We didn’t want to go home.”
Check prices and availability at Meandros Boutique & Spa
A cosy family hotel with pool, restaurant and close to the beach. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the staff are exceptionally friendly.
The breakfast buffet is varied and good. A great choice for families and couples looking for a straightforward stay at a fair price.
Check prices and availability at Kalamaki Beach Hotel
4. Vasilikos – The Island’s Most Beautiful Beaches 🌿
Quick Facts – Vasilikos
- Distance from the airport: Approx. 15-20 minutes by car
- Transport: Hire car is a must – limited public transport
- Price level: 💰💰💰 (moderate to expensive – many luxury resorts)
- Beach: Several stunning beaches, including the famous Gerakas Beach
- Atmosphere: Unspoilt nature, peace and romance
The Vasilikos peninsula in the southeast is where you’ll find Zakynthos’ most beautiful beaches.
Gerakas Beach is a protected turtle nesting beach with fine sand surrounded by dramatic clay cliffs. Banana Beach is the island’s most popular beach with water sports and beach bars.
Click here to see all hotels in Vasilikos
Vasilikos is spread over a larger area with individual hotels and villas, so it never feels overcrowded. You’ll need a hire car here, as public transport is minimal.
In return, you get an authentic Greek experience with traditional tavernas and a feeling of being far from mass tourism – even in peak season.
Porto Zoro and Porto Roma are smaller and more peaceful. Here it’s all about nature and beach life in its purest form.
Best for: Couples on a romantic holiday, beach enthusiasts, nature lovers.
Hotels in Vasilikos
Montesea – Luxury Nature Villas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautiful boutique hotel on the hilltop in Vasilikos with stunning views over the Ionian Sea, just five minutes’ walk from the beach. Here you get well-appointed suites, an outdoor pool with hot tub and a peaceful atmosphere far from mass tourism.
It’s the perfect choice if you want luxury combined with Vasilikos’ unspoilt nature and proximity to Gerakas Beach.
A lovely 5-star hotel with its own private sandy beach, large pool and beautifully landscaped gardens in Vasilikos. The breakfast is excellent with plenty of variety, and the rooms are spacious with views over the sea or gardens.
The staff consistently receive top marks from guests for their friendliness and helpfulness. A really good choice for couples and families who want quality close to the island’s best beaches.
5. Zakynthos Town – Culture, History and Authenticity 🏛️
Quick Facts – Zakynthos Town
- Distance from the airport: Approx. 5-10 minutes by car
- Transport: The island’s bus terminal is here – the best base for public transport
- Price level: 💰💰 (moderate)
- Beach: Small town beach – not the best swimming area
- Atmosphere: Authentic Greek town life with restaurants, museums and a harbour front
Zakynthos Town (also called Zante Town or Chora) is the island’s capital and the only real “town” on the island. The town was rebuilt in Venetian style after the devastating earthquake of 1953, and today it’s a charming place with a lively harbour front, good restaurants and interesting museums.
Click here to see all hotels in Zakynthos Town.
The Church of Agios Dionysios – named after the island’s patron saint – is a must-see.
Solomos Square is the heart of the town, surrounded by cafes and the impressive post-Byzantine museum. From here you can stroll along the harbour promenade, explore the side streets and find fantastic tavernas with authentic Greek food at prices significantly lower than in the tourist areas.
Zakynthos Town is the best place to stay if you don’t have a hire car, as the island’s bus station is located here.
Best for: Culture lovers, budget travellers, those without a hire car.
Hotels in Zakynthos Town
Palatino Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best hotel in Zakynthos Town with a fantastic rooftop terrace featuring a pool and views over the town and sea. Palatino is centrally yet quietly located, with modern rooms and a good breakfast.
The staff are professional and helpful.
Check prices and availability at Palatino Hotel
Phoenix Hotel ⭐⭐⭐
A good budget choice in the heart of Zakynthos Town, right by Solomos Square. The rooms are simple but clean, and the location is perfect for exploring the town on foot.
The staff are friendly and know the area well – ask them for restaurant tips.
Check prices and availability at Phoenix Hotel
Where You Should NOT Stay on Zakynthos ❗️
Just as there are great areas, there are also places you should think twice about:
Laganas if you’re looking for peace. This one is probably quite obvious, but Laganas is LOUD at night. If you’re a light sleeper or travelling with children, choose Kalamaki right next door instead – you’ll be close to the beach but far from the noise.
Alykes and Alykanas without a car. These charming towns on the north coast are fantastic for families, but they’re quite isolated. Without a hire car you may feel stuck, as buses run infrequently. With a car, however, they’re an excellent choice.
Too close to the airport. Some cheap hotels are in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Avoid them – the noise from planes is noticeable, and you’re not close to anything of interest.
Still Unsure Where to Stay on Zakynthos?
Here are my recommendations based on travel type:
Visiting Zakynthos for the first time? Tsilivi is the safe choice with a good balance of beach, restaurants and entertainment.
Travelling with family? Tsilivi or Kalamaki – both have shallow water and calm beaches perfect for children.
On a romantic holiday? Vasilikos for unspoilt nature and romance, or Kalamaki for boutique hotels and sea turtles at sunset.
Want to party? Laganas is the only real answer.
On a budget? Zakynthos Town has the best prices and most authentic experiences.
Zakynthos is one of those Greek islands that truly has something for everyone. From the dramatic cliffs on the west coast and the iconic Shipwreck Beach to the calm family beaches in the east and the wild nightlife in the south – here you can tailor exactly the holiday you’re dreaming of.
If Zakynthos has given you the taste for more Greek islands, check out my guides to where to stay on Corfu, Crete and Rhodes. And if you fancy combining island life with city vibes, Athens is an obvious stopover.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?