Zakynthos offers a wide range of places to stay, each with its own character and pace. From lively coastal towns to quiet villages in the hills, choosing the right area can shape your entire experience on the island.
Zakynthos at a Glance
Zakynthos can be loosely divided into three zones:
- East Coast – lively beach towns and family resorts
- South Coast – long sandy beaches and turtle nesting areas
- West Coast – dramatic cliffs, sunset views, and quieter villages
Most of the island’s famous landmarks — Shipwreck Beach, Porto Limnionas, the Blue Caves — lie on the west and north coasts, while the south and east offer easier swimming beaches.
Because the island is relatively small, many visitors prefer staying somewhere central and peaceful, then exploring different areas during the day.
Choosing the Right Area at a Glance:
- Zakynthos Town → cafés, harbour walks & local life
- Tsilivi → easy beaches & family-friendly stays
- Laganas / Kalamaki → lively beach areas & nightlife
- Vasilikos → quiet beaches & nature
- Keri / Limni Keri → sunsets & relaxed evenings
- Hillside villages → sunsets & relaxed evenings
1. Zakynthos Town – Culture, Cafés & Harbor Walks
Zakynthos Town (also called Chora) is the island’s main hub. It combines Venetian-inspired architecture with a relaxed waterfront promenade lined with cafés and tavernas.Zakynthos Town is the island’s cultural and administrative center, but it also has a softer side that many visitors enjoy more than expected. Along the waterfront, cafés and tavernas spill out toward the sea, while evening walks through the harbor and nearby squares reveal a more local rhythm than the beach resorts.
Staying here places you close to museums, shops, and evening strolls along the harbor. Staying here suits travelers who enjoy having restaurants, shops, and cultural sights close at hand. It is also one of the easiest places to manage without a car for a short stay, especially if your trip includes relaxed evenings and day excursions rather than full-island road trips.
Atmosphere
Lively but not chaotic. Evenings are animated with locals gathering in squares and cafés.
Why stay here
- Easy access to restaurants and shops
- Beautiful waterfront walks
- Cultural landmarks like the Church of Agios Dionysios
Best for
- First-time visitors
- Travelers who enjoy a town atmosphere
- Short stays without a car
Ideal for those who want to stay close to the island’s cultural and social center.
2. Tsilivi – Easy Beaches & Family-Friendly Energy
Just north of Zakynthos Town, Tsilivi is one of the island’s most accessible beach resorts. Just north of Zakynthos Town, Tsilivi offers one of the easiest holiday setups on the island. The beach is long and sandy, the water is calm, and daily life feels simple, with cafés, bakeries, and tavernas all within easy reach.
The beach here is long, sandy, and shallow, with plenty of tavernas and cafés nearby. It is especially popular with travelers who want a beach-focused stay without too much planning. Families often appreciate the convenience here, while couples looking for something relaxed but not too remote may also find it a comfortable base.
Atmosphere
Relaxed and family-oriented.
Why stay here
- Sandy beach with calm water
- Plenty of restaurants and bakeries
- Easy drive to Zakynthos Town
Best for
- Families
- Beach-focused holidays
- Visitors wanting everything nearby
A balanced choice for travelers looking for comfort without the intensity of busier resorts.
3. Laganas & Kalamaki – Long Beaches & Lively Nights
The southern coast hosts two of the island’s most well-known resort areas.
Laganas is famous for nightlife and beach clubs, while neighboring Kalamaki offers a quieter atmosphere along the same sweeping bay. Although these neighboring areas share the same broad bay, they offer very different holiday moods. Laganas is known for its nightlife and energetic atmosphere, while Kalamaki feels calmer and more family-oriented despite being just a short distance away.
This coastline is also part of the National Marine Park, where loggerhead sea turtles nest during summer months. This stretch of coast is also tied closely to the island’s marine park, with long sandy beaches that appeal to both swimmers and walkers. Travelers choosing between the two are really choosing between convenience and nightlife on one side, or a quieter beach-town rhythm on the other.
Atmosphere
Laganas: energetic and nightlife-oriented
Kalamaki: calmer and family-friendly
Why stay here
- Long sandy beach
- Restaurants and beach bars
- Close to the airport
Best for
- Nightlife travelers (Laganas)
- Families (Kalamaki)
Best suited for those who enjoy lively energy and long sandy beaches, with options ranging from vibrant nightlife to calmer nearby stays. Check our guide Do you need a car in Zakynthos for another perspective.
4. Vasilikos – Nature, Sand & Turtle Beaches
At the southeastern tip of the island lies Vasilikos, one of the most beautiful areas in Zakynthos. Vasilikos is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of Zakynthos, where pine-covered hills slope gently toward sandy beaches and quieter coves. The area feels greener, softer, and more scenic than many of the busier resort zones, with a rhythm that encourages long beach days and slower evenings.
Here the coastline alternates between golden beaches, pine-covered hills, and small seaside tavernas. Travelers staying here usually come for the beaches first, but the overall atmosphere is what makes the area memorable. It works especially well for those who want nature, sand, and a more peaceful experience without feeling completely remote.
Gerakas Beach, part of the marine park, is one of the island’s most iconic nature spots.
Atmosphere
Peaceful and nature-focused.
Why stay here
- Some of Zakynthos’ best sandy beaches
- Quiet atmosphere
- Beautiful scenery
Best for
- Couples
- Nature lovers
- Slow beach days
Ideal for travelers seeking a quieter, more natural setting, with some of the island’s most beautiful beaches within easy reach. Discover more at our Best Beaches guide.
5.Agios Nikolaos & Volimes – Gateway to the Blue Caves
On the northern tip of the island, the small harbor of Agios Nikolaos and the nearby village of Volimes offer a completely different Zakynthos experience. This area feels wilder and more rugged than the south, with dramatic cliffs, deep blue waters, and quiet mountain roads winding through traditional villages. In the north, Agios Nikolaos and Volimes reveal a more rugged and adventurous side of Zakynthos. The landscape here feels wilder, with dramatic coastlines, quieter roads, and easy access to some of the island’s most striking boat routes and viewpoints.
Agios Nikolaos is also the main departure point for boats to the Blue Caves and for excursions along the island’s northern coastline. This area appeals most to travelers who care more about scenery and exploration than easy beach-town convenience. It can feel less immediate than the south, but for the right visitor, that remoteness is part of the charm.
Atmosphere
Remote, scenic, and adventurous.
Why stay here
- Closest base for the Blue Caves
- Dramatic cliff landscapes and viewpoints
- Quiet villages and traditional tavernas
Best for
- Nature lovers
- Travelers seeking quiet scenery
- Visitors exploring the north coast
Good to know
A great base for exploring the island’s northern coastline, especially for those drawn to dramatic landscapes and boat excursions.
6. Keri & Limni Keri – Sunset Views & Quiet Villages
On the southwestern side of the island, the village of Keri and the small harbor of Limni Keri offer a slower pace of life. On the southwestern side of the island, Keri and Limni Keri offer a slower and more traditional feel. The atmosphere here is quieter, with small harbors, village tavernas, and sunsets that make the area especially attractive for couples and travelers seeking calmer evenings.
This area is known for its sunset viewpoints and traditional tavernas overlooking the sea. This is not the part of Zakynthos people choose for nonstop activity. Instead, it suits those who want their days to unfold gently — a swim, a late lunch, a scenic drive, and a sunset that feels far from the island’s busier corners.
From here, boat trips to Marathonisi (Turtle Island) are common.
Atmosphere
Authentic and laid-back.
Why stay here
- Stunning sunsets
- Traditional tavernas
- Quiet evenings
Best fordw
- Couples
- Travelers seeking calm and local charm
Perfect for slower evenings and scenic views, offering a peaceful atmosphere away from the busier coastal areas. Find more in our Off the Beaten Path Spots of Zakynthos.
7. Hillside Villages – Central, Quiet & Perfect for Exploring
Between the coasts lie Zakynthos’ quieter inland villages, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. These locations often offer sweeping island views, cooler evening breezes, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the busiest beach resorts. The inland hills reveal a quieter, more residential side of Zakynthos, where olive groves, vineyards, and scattered villages create a calmer rhythm than the coast. These areas may not offer a beach outside your door, but they provide something many travelers value even more: privacy, views, and a sense of space.
Because the island is relatively compact, staying in the central hills makes it easy to explore both directions — from the dramatic cliffs and Blue Caves in the north to the sandy beaches of Vasilikos in the south. Staying in the central hills, like Machairado often makes the most sense for visitors planning to explore the island fully. From here, it is easy to spend one day in the north near the Blue Caves and another along the southern beaches, before returning to cooler evening air and a quieter setting above the busier coastal zones.
This central location is also where Zante Soleil Villas are based — offering easy access to both the western cliffs and southern beaches, while staying away from the busiest areas.
Atmosphere
Relaxed, scenic, and residential.
Why stay here
- Central location for island exploration
- Beautiful views and sunsets
- Peaceful surroundings
Best for
- Couples
- Independent travelers
- Visitors planning to explore the island
Best for those who value privacy, authenticity and a central base for exploring the island at their own pace. If you’re planning to explore multiple parts of the island, see our 3-Day Zakynthos Itinerary.
Quick Guide: Best Areas to Stay in Zakynthos
If you want a quick overview before choosing, this comparison table may help:
Zakynthos Town
Lively harbor town
Culture, restaurants, short stays
Best for: couples, short stays
Tsilivi/Planos
Easy beach resort
Families, relaxed beach days
Best for: families, couples
Laganas
Energetic nightlife hub
Young travelers, nightlife
Best for: groups, party travelers
Kalamaki
Calm beach tow
Families, sandy beaches
Best for: families, couples
Agios Nikolas/Volimes
Rugged northern coast
Adventure, Blue caves
Best for: explorers, road trip travelers, adventure seekers
Vasilikos
Scenic and natural
Couples, nature lovers
Best for: couples, nature lovers, relaxed travelers
Keri
Sunset Village
Couple, quiet evenings
Best for: couples, relaxed travelers, returning visitors
Inland Hills (Machairado area)
Central and peaceful
Exploring the whole island
Best for: couples, families, travelers wanting privacy & flexibility
For many visitors, the best choice comes down to whether they value walkability, beach access, nightlife, or the freedom to explore the whole island by car.
If you’re planning your itinerary across the island, our Ultimate Zakynthos Travel Guide explores beaches, villages, and hidden spots in more detail.
See Where Each Area is Located
To better understand where each area is located, explore them directly on the map below.
Let the Island Choose Your Rhythm
There is no single “best” place to stay in Zakynthos — only the place that fits how you want to experience the island. Whether you stay by the sea or among olive-covered hills, the real magic of Zakynthos often lies in the quiet moments between destinations.
Choosing where to stay shapes your entire experience of Zakynthos. Whether you prefer lively beach areas, quiet villages or sunset views, each part of the island offers a different rhythm.
And when evening falls, returning to a peaceful retreat like Zante Soleil Villas becomes part of the island rhythm itself.
Καλή διαμονή — enjoy your stay.
