Port Guide | Greece | Dive Deep
Zakinthos
Samantha Cruz | Editor
Published on 2025-03-12
Welcome to Zakinthos (or Zakynthos, or Zante, depending who you're asking and how much ouzo they've had), the kind of Greek island that's comfortably sunbaked, deliciously chaotic, and gracefully indifferent to your carefully-planned itinerary. Once notorious as a Venetian playground-then briefly a British colony, because who hasn't been-we now behold Zakinthos as the unpretentious starlet of the Ionian Sea, equal parts dazzling beaches and casual charm. Sure, you'll find postcard-perfect photo-op nirvana at Navagio Beach with its absurdly photogenic shipwreck (book ahead, trust us, everyone else already has), but do leave time for an off-script wander through Zante Town's stubbornly charming squares and backstreets. Here, gyros drip juicy rebellion onto your sandals; local wine tastes suspiciously better the more locals you toast; and history strolls alongside you effortlessly, like Aristotle in flip-flops. You're here for just two to five precious days-embrace the happy chaos, skip the generic fluff, and dive straight into island life.
Greece has 10 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Famous for its beautiful beaches, particularly Navagio Beach; good local cuisine; best to book excursions in advance during peak season.
Where do cruise ships dock in Zakinthos?
Port Name Zakinthos
Country Greece
Region Southeast Europe
Ship Terminal Zakynthos Port Terminal
Port Type Commercial/Passenger port
Accessibility The port is located approximately 2 km from the city center, easily accessible by taxi or local buses.
What's the weather like in Zakinthos?
Best Season to Visit Spring to early autumn (April to October)
Climate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Weather Notes Cruise ships typically visit during late spring to early autumn when weather is stable and pleasant.
Temperature Range 70F to 85F (21C to 29C)
High Temp 90F
Low Temp 50F
Average Temp 70F
What do I need to know about Zakinthos?
Language Greek
Currency Euro (EUR)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population 40,000
Timezone EET (UTC+2)
How do I get around Zakinthos?
Taxis, local buses, and rental cars are available.
What are The Best Things to do in Zakinthos?
Discover what you should do while you're in Zakinthos.
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach)
N/A
Iconic cove featuring a rusted shipwreck on pristine white sands, accessible only by boat.
Distance from Terminal: 14.9 miles
Loggerhead Turtle Spotting in Laganas Bay
Laganas Bay, Zakinthos
Witness the rare Caretta-caretta loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat.
Distance from Terminal: 5.6 miles
Xygia Sulfur Spa Beach
Xygia Beach, Zakinthos
Natural therapeutic beach renowned for sulfur mineral springs.
Distance from Terminal: 13.7 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Blue Caves Exploration
N/A
Boat tour into striking sea caves exhibiting shimmering blue water hues.
Distance from Terminal: 16.2 miles
Keri Lighthouse Sunset Viewing
Keri Village, Zakinthos
Spectacular sunsets from coastal cliff viewpoint at historic lighthouse.
Distance from Terminal: 12.4 miles
Boat Rental Around Marathonisi Island
Laganas Bay, Zakinthos
Rent a boat and cruise crystal-clear waters to 'Turtle Island'.
Distance from Terminal: 5.8 miles
Ionian Sea Sailing Experience
Zakynthos Port, Zakinthos
Sail in stunning azure waters absorbing Mediterranean sunshine and maritime beauty.
Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles
Limnionas Beach Diving
Porto Limnionas, Zakinthos
Dive in secluded coves along rugged western shoreline.
Distance from Terminal: 12.9 miles
Historical and cultural landmarks
Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa
Mount Skopos, Zakinthos
Historic monastery offering stunning island vistas, atop Skopos mountain.
Distance from Terminal: 6.2 miles
Zakynthos Venetian Castle
Zakynthos Town, Zakinthos
Explore historical ruins and fortifications overlooking Zakynthos Town.
Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles
Agios Dionysios Church
Zakynthos Town, Zakinthos
Visit the holy relics of Zakynthos' patron saint in an ornate island cathedral.
Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles
Anafonitria Monastery
Anafonitria Village, Zakinthos
Monastery linked with Saint Dionysios and island religious traditions.
Distance from Terminal: 14.3 miles
A Little Extra
Grampsas Winery Tasting Tour
Lagopodo Village, Zakinthos
Sample indigenous island wines in a family-run winery.
Distance from Terminal: 6.8 miles
Greek Cooking Class in Vanilla Villa
Mouzaki, Zakinthos
Authentic hands-on cooking course in traditional island cuisine.
Distance from Terminal: 5.1 miles
Zakynthos Eco Cooperative (Local Arts & Crafts)
Zakynthos Town, Zakinthos
Unique artisanal crafts promoting Zakynthian traditions and sustainability.
Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles
Overnight Trips
Overnight Excursion to Kefalonia
N/A
Stay overnight to discover spectacular neighboring Ionian isle.
Distance from Terminal: 23.6 miles
Ancient Olympia Day Trip
Olympia, Mainland Greece
Visit birthplace of the Olympic games-the iconic ancient Olympia.
Distance from Terminal: 30.8 miles
Greece Regional Tip
Eating Pace Meals in Greece are enjoyed leisurely; rushing is uncommon and might signal dissatisfaction. Embrace a relaxed dining pace.