Zakynthos

Zakynthos

Greece

Swim with loggerhead sea turtles in crystalline waters beneath the dramatic cliffs of Navagio Beach.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language Greek
🕐 Time Zone EET (UTC+2)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Jun–Sep
🚢 Typical Duration 17-21 nights
💰 Price Range From $2,209 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the stunning Ionian Islands, Zakynthos is renowned for its pristine beaches, sea turtles, and dramatic blue caves that attract luxury cruise passengers exploring Greece's lesser-known gems.

Build Your Day in Zakynthos

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Navagio Beach Viewpoint Tour busses, cars, motorbikes, and pedestrians everywhere. Scenic spot · ★ 4.5 · 11k
Solomos Square There is a little church off to one side where you can light a candle. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 10k
Porto Limnionas Beach There's many activities that you can do here: there's a S.U.P. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 8k
Blue Caves Zakynthos 20$ per adult (10+) and half for kids. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 7k
Keri Beach Worth a look at but not much to do. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 7k
Zakynthos it's an immersive experience that lingers in memory. Island · ★ 4.7 · 6k
Spartakos Taverna Zakynthos Good food, attentive service and great cocktails. Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Porto Azzuro Beach Bar Bar · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
San Leon Tavern Restaurant We were blown away by the outstanding food and the even better service. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Alektor Excellent service, food and the atmosphere was top notch Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 3k
Xigia Sulfur Beach It can get crowded, but it’s worth a visit for the experience. Beach · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Grecos restaurant laganas Very good food, amazing cocktails and good service. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM
Porto Roxa Beach The public one has a platform you can jump from. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Yard of Taste Atmosphere--lovely, service--incredible, food--words hardly describe. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM
Palatium The steaks were some of the best we've had anywhere in the world! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
MANOO Raw Bar - Club Zakynthos ... food was fantastic, the decor was amazing and the service was top ... Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
National Marine Park of Zakynthos Safe for small people. National park · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Askos Stone Park It is really educational and exciting. Park · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Myzithres Worth the 2 hour cycle to get there. Ecological park · ★ 4.9 · 2k
Xigia Pelagaki Beach We went with 3 kids all under 10 years. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Venetian Castle of Bohali Beautiful and interesting pleace Castle · ★ 4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Saint Dionysios Zakynthos Holy Orthodox Church Dress appropriately and keep the noise level down. Greek Orthodox church · ★ 4.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Zante Water Village Plenty to keep people of all ages occupied for a few hours. Water park · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Temporarily closed
Kantouni restaurant Burgers were possibly the best I’ve ever had and the service was lovely. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Keri Caves Totally worth it is like a fairytale Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
JUMBO Ζάκυνθος They have beach gear, kitchen/ bathroom stuff, toys, deco, some clothes... Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Botanic Garden Excellent gourmet restaurant with a very good vibe and friendly staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Infinity Beach Club Zante Dennis is lovely and the staff, great cocktails and great vibes Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Porta del Mar Restaurant Food was phenomenal, kind customer service and the atmosphere was stellar. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM
Holy Church of Panagia Skopiotissa The best things in life are free. Monastery · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Cebu Club Beautiful atmosphere, nice music very tasty food. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 4:30 AM
Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos Great museum with amazing pieces of art. Museum · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Peripheral Zone of National Marine Park of Zakynthos This felt like a memorable experience and the whole family enjoyed it. Nature preserve · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Zeus Bar Excellent service, very good drinks, beautiful outside space! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM
Amigo Beach Bar Zakynthos – Pool Bar Vasilikos Zante A fantastic bar, good food, quiet beach, nice pool and exceptional service. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Anemos beach bar Impeccable service, good food and drinks and great bathroom facilities Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
ZAZÚ Amazing atmosphere and delicious tapas and cocktails.Service was superb. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Tsilivi Center Affordable clothes shopping in an area focused on catering to tourists Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Oasis Cocktail Bar The drinks and food are lovely and so affordable. Cocktail bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
ΣΠΑΘΗΣ ΑΕΒΕΕΚ (Σπαθής Κτίσμα & Διακόσμηση) Lovely food but expensive prices! Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Vlahioti Brilliant place Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
La Luna Bar Zante Lovely owners, gorgeous cocktails and reasonably priced Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
7th Heaven Tsilivi Nice tourist shop with really nice items on sale and friendly staff Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Anamnesia Zakynthos If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, this is the place to visit. Clothing store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
mirabilia shop I visited the shop yesterday, the owner was really kind. Fashion accessories store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
LUCKY STAR MALL Very nice staff, good place to buy essential clothing. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
3M Very nice store, good selection and also very friendly staff. Shopping mall · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM
Medusa Boutique Fabulous shop and lovely owner. Boutique · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Zakynthos

About Zakynthos

Zakynthos, a jewel of the Ionian Islands, serves as a popular port of call in the Mediterranean, welcoming three distinguished cruise lines including Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, and Atlas Ocean Voyages. With 30 upcoming cruises and a strong presence during the peak months of June through October, this Greek island offers cruise travelers an accessible taste of island life without the commitment of embarkation. Most voyages calling here are extended 21-night journeys that also visit iconic Mediterranean ports like Piraeus, Dubrovnik, and Sarandë, making Zakynthos part of a rich regional itinerary.

Stepping ashore, you'll discover why this island captivates visitors with its striking natural beauty and authentic Greek charm. The famous Navagio Beach, with its dramatic cliffside setting and shipwreck, is an unforgettable sight, while the island's laid-back villages and local tavernas offer a genuine slice of Mediterranean culture. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation during your port day, Zakynthos delivers an memorable experience that complements any Mediterranean cruise perfectly.
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Reasons to Visit

1

Swim with Loggerhead Sea Turtles

Zakynthos is home to the endangered Caretta-Caretta loggerhead turtles, and boat excursions from the port take you to pristine beaches where these magnificent creatures nest and swim. This unique wildlife encounter offers an unforgettable connection to nature and supports local conservation efforts protecting these ancient mariners.

2

Taste Fresh Feta and Local Wines

Visit traditional tavernas near the waterfront to sample authentic Zakynthian cuisine, featuring creamy local feta cheese, fresh seafood, and crisp white wines produced on the island. The combination of Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality creates an authentic Greek dining experience you won't forget.

3

Explore Navagio Beach's Dramatic Cliffs

This iconic shipwreck beach, accessible by boat tour from the port, features towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters framing an abandoned cargo ship. The breathtaking scenery and unique geological formations make it one of Greece's most photographed and visited natural wonders.

4

Hunt for Treasures at Local Markets

Wander through Zakynthos Town's vibrant markets and shops selling handmade olive oil, local honey, traditional textiles, and artisan crafts. The narrow streets reveal family-run boutiques and vendors eager to share stories about their island's rich cultural heritage and products.

5

Discover Venetian Castle History

The hilltop Venetian Castle overlooks the entire island and port, offering panoramic views and centuries of Mediterranean history. A short excursion reveals stone fortifications, museums, and vantage points that showcase Zakynthos's strategic importance during the Venetian era.

Cruise Lines at Zakynthos

Cruises Departing From Zakynthos

Cruises Visiting Zakynthos

Ship Schedule at Zakynthos

Zakynthos Location

Other Cruise Ports in Greece

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zakynthos best known for?

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) and turquoise Ionian waters.

How do you pronounce Zakynthos?

Zakynthos is pronounced Za-kin-thos; stress on the second syllable.

When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?

Late spring to early autumn offers warm weather and moderate crowds.

Is Zakynthos a good family destination?

Yes, with beaches, calm seas, and scenic villages.