Zakynthos is the Greek island that you’re picturing when you lay your head on the pillow at night, dreaming about your upcoming holidays. It has some of the best beaches in the country, as well as excellent food, a great nightlife scene, and cute villages galore. It’s one the larger islands in Greece, and is a rising star in terms of popularity - so it’s not yet overrun with tourists, but still has a wonderfully lively vibe. Whether you’re after evening hotspots or peace and quiet, we here at Plum Guide are here to help. Our extensive knowledge covers all four corners of the island, so sit back and enjoy our expert guide to where to stay in Zakynthos.
Zakynthos Town
Alykes
Agalas
Vasilikos
Laganas
Argassi
Zakynthos Town
Rows of buildings and a church across a blue lake in Zakynthos Town, Greece
Just because it’s an obvious choice, doesn’t mean it’s a bad one. This is the largest city on the island, so you're certain to find exactly what you're looking for. It has a little bit of everything, but isn’t too big to navigate, so it’s not an intimidating place to stay. Beaches, shopping, eating, and drinking - you name it, you can do it here. While the buildings in Zakynthos Town might look very old (they’re built in a Venetian style), the whole town was destroyed in an earthquake in 1952 and subsequently rebuilt - there’s nothing like rising from the ashes. This town is conveniently located for exploring the rest of the island too, with great transport links.
Citrus & Linen, Plum Guide home in Zakynthos, Greece
Alykes
Blue sun loungers on a sandy beach by the sea in Alykes, Zakynthos, Greece
If you’re after a slightly quieter location, or are travelling with little ones, Alykes could be exactly where you want to stay in Zakynthos. With plenty of beaches, each boasting beautifully calm waters and a plethora of family-based activities just waiting for you to try, Alykes has something for everyone. Toddlers will thrill in the calm blue seas, while grumpy teenagers can burn off some energy jet skiing or windsurfing. The famous Navagio Beach is nearby, too. Only accessible by boat, it’s well worth a visit, featuring a large shipwrecked boat washed up on the sand, reputed to be a smuggler’s vessel. If your kids feel the need to run around screaming for a few hours while you put your feet up (ideal for everyone involved), the popular Tsilivi Water Park is a also just stone’s throw away.
Panagiotis, Plum Guide home in Zakynthos, Greece
Agalas
An aerial view of the Plakiki rocks in the Ioanian Sea, Agalas, Zakynthos, Greece
If you don’t mind sacrificing sea views for tranquillity, Agalas may take your fancy - it's a delightful town located inland. This is a great option for those wondering where to stay in Zakynthos with an abundance of hiking and riding bikes on the itinerary, as plenty of trails have their starting point here. It’s a small village, so you’re guaranteed to be far from the madding crowd while still being close enough to the centre of the island - so don't worry, you won’t miss out on any amenities or attractions. You should be sure to visit the nearby Agalas caves, a two-storey Damianos cave filled with awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites.
Zen in Zakynthos, Plum Guide home in Zakynthos, Greece
Vasilikos
A white boat driving in the blue sea near large rocks, Vasilikos, Zakynthos, Greece
Beach lovers, this one’s for you. While there are picture-perfect beaches seemingly everywhere on Zakynthos, the Vasilikos Peninsula really takes the biscuit. Comprising the entire southwestern peninsula of the island, Vasilikos has some of the most attractive beaches in the whole of Greece. We advise hiring a car if you choose to stay here, so you can spend your days hopping from beach to beach - topping up your tan on the way, of course. Depending on where in the area you choose to stay, you can find both quiet and lively locations. Just remember the suncream, and you’re guaranteed an amazing trip.
Simple Passion, Plum Guide home in Zakynthos, Greece
Laganas
An aerial view of Mizithres View in the blue sea in front of the picturesque horizon, Laganas, Zakynthos, Greece
If nightlife is top of your agenda when you’re looking for where to stay in Zakynthos, Laganas is the ultimate choice. This island offers an experience that’s not quite as pricey as the hotspots of Mykonos and Santorini, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less fun. Beach clubs, cocktail bars, and super-clubs - it’s all here. And we won’t judge you if that’s how you want to blow off steam. The beaches here are also second to none, with Laganas boasting the island’s longest beach. If you look closely, you might even spot some protected sea turtles on the sand - they tend to nest in this area, so tread carefully.
Argassi
The Monastary of Panagia Skopiotissa at sunset, Argassi, Zakynthos, Greece
For a slightly more under the radar section of the island, you want to be heading to Argassi. Fairly near to Zakynthos Town, the food here is excellent, with an impressive variety on offer. There are far worse ways to spend a holiday than lounging on a beach, selecting which traditional taverna or stylish restaurant you’ll try that evening. Skopos Mountain is nearby if you fancy burning off some of that feta on a long hike, and don’t miss the centuries-old monasteries of Panagia Skopiotissa at the top of the mountain. The oldest church on the island, it was built way back in the 15th century. The view from here is truly panoramic - just don’t forget your camera. How else will you make everyone back home jealous of your incredible trip?
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