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Where to Stay in Zakynthos

Where to Stay in Zakynthos

Ionian Islands Greece Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Variety of Stays

  • Hostels

    Limited, mainly for frugal travelers and backpackers in Zakynthos Town or Laganas. Dormitory rooms and communal spaces foster interaction.

  • Hotels

    From straightforward guesthouses to opulent resorts. Various amenities include pools, restaurants, and spa services. Small family-run or large chains.

  • Apartments/Studios

    Popular self-catering units with kitchenettes or fully-equipped kitchens. More space and freedom than a hotel room. Great for families or longer visits.

  • Villas

    Private properties with pools in quieter, scenic areas. Privacy, exclusivity, and ample space for families or groups. Traditional to luxurious.

Specialized Accommodations

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish hotels with unique design and personalized service. Usually found in Zakynthos Town or upscale coastal areas.

  • Traditional Guesthouses (Domatia)

    Simpler, often family-run accommodations offering a real local experience in villages or quieter town parts.

  • Staying outdoors

    A few organized campsites for tents or RVs with basic facilities. Wild camping is generally not permitted.

  • House Sitting

    For unique, cost-effective stays, consider house sitting opportunities. TrustedHousesitters connects homeowners with sitters.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area of Zakynthos has a distinct personality, catering to different travel styles.

Zakynthos Town Chora

Highlights
  • Island's capital, historic, cultural hub.
  • Good bus connections for exploring the island.
  • Diverse dining and shopping, year-round activity.
  • Generally safe.
Considerations
  • No major swimming beach directly in town.
  • Busy during peak season.
  • Limited nightlife compared to resorts.
  • Standard urban precautions.

Laganas

Highlights
  • Main party resort, appeals to younger visitors.
  • Extensive nightlife.
  • Longest sandy beach, water sports.
  • Close to the airport.
Considerations
  • Can be very noisy at night.
  • Highly commercialized.
  • Very crowded in high season.
  • Higher incidence of petty crime.

Tsilivi

Highlights
  • Family-friendly resort.
  • Blue Flag sandy beach, calm waters.
  • Good range of restaurants, bars, shops.
  • Generally safe and welcoming.
Considerations
  • Can be crowded during peak summer months.
  • A short drive from Zakynthos Town.
  • Resort atmosphere.
  • Some areas are busier than others.

More Neighborhoods

Kalamaki:

A quieter, family-friendly a hotel with a beautiful sandy beach, part of the National Marine Park for loggerhead turtles. Peaceful, relaxed, very safe. Close to the airport. Limited nightlife.

Vassilikos Peninsula:

Lush, green area with stunning natural beaches (Gerakas, Dafni, Banana Beach). Secluded, quiet retreat. Requires rental car; public transport is sparse. Limited dining and shopping.

Booking Strategies

Thoughtful booking strategies help secure suitable accommodation for the duration of your Zakynthos trip, most substantially during popular periods.

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (July-August): Book 3-6 months ahead. Popular properties become scarce.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): Book 1-3 months ahead for good selection.
  • Low Season (November-April): More flexibility, but check availability as many places close.
  • Prices can double or triple from low to high season.

Booking Platforms and Policies

  • Major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Vrbo.
  • Local websites sometimes offer slightly better rates by avoiding OTA commissions. Compare prices.
  • Walk-in rate negotiation is not common for established properties; feasible for long stays at small guesthouses in low season.
  • Review deposit and cancellation policies. Many properties offer free cancellation up to a point (e.g., 7 days prior).

Hostel Booking

For frugal travelers:
  • Hostelworld is a specific platform for budget accommodation.
  • Look at reviews for social atmosphere and cleanliness.
  • Book early for popular hostel locations during peak times.
  • Think about hostels for meeting other travelers.
Affiliate Link:
  • Find and book hostels via Hostelworld.
  • Explore a wide range of budget-friendly options.
  • Read user ratings and ratings.
  • Compare prices for dormitory and private rooms.

Seasonal Pricing Snapshot

Low Season (Nov-Apr):

Example: A studio may cost €40.

Shoulder Season (May-Jun, Sep-Oct):

Example: The same studio may cost €80.

High Season (Jul-Aug):

Example: The same studio may cost €120.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are recommendations suited to different traveler preferences and budgets, guiding your search for the ideal stay on Zakynthos.

Family & Solo Traveler Picks

Family-Friendly Options

Hotels like Tsilivi, Kalamaki, and Alykes are a good option for families. They offer organized beaches with calm, waters that are not deep and ample amenities.

  • Kids' pools and playgrounds frequently at hotels.
  • Kalamaki offers a notably peaceful atmosphere.
  • Easy beach access and child-friendly facilities.
  • Safety is of utmost importance in these areas.
Solo Traveler Recommendations

Hostels in Laganas offer a lively social scene. Studios or small hotels in Zakynthos Town are good for cultural exploration.

  • Easy access to public transport from Zakynthos Town.
  • Studios in Tsilivi or Kalamaki for a calm retreat.
  • Opportunities to meet others in social settings.
  • Diverse experiences from quiet to .

Long-Stay & Cultural Stays

Long-Stay Accommodations

For a week or more, apartments and villas generally offer superior value and comfort. Kitchenettes help with self-catering.

  • More space and separate common areas.
  • Reduces daily meal costs.
  • Consider quieter villages for a local immersion.
  • Especially appealing in shoulder or low season.
Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance

While few dedicated historical hotels exist, some traditional guesthouses (domatia) in Zakynthos Town or older villages feature local architectural charm and hospitality.

  • Glimpse into the island's past.
  • Often family-run establishments.
  • Authentic cultural links.
  • Unique design elements.

Budget Level Stays

  • Budget

    Hostels, basic studios/apartments, smaller guesthouses. Ideal for solo travelers, backpackers, young groups. Locations: Zakynthos Town, Laganas (some), Kalamaki.

  • Mid-Range

    3-4 star hotels, larger apartments, family-run resorts. Ideal for families, couples, general tourists. Locations: Tsilivi, Argassi, Alykes, Kalamaki, Zakynthos Town.

  • Luxury

    5-star resorts, private villas, boutique hotels. Ideal for couples, families seeking exclusivity, groups. Locations: Vassilikos, Northern Zakynthos, secluded areas.

  • Top Rated Options

    Look for properties with high user ratings on Booking.com and Agoda for reliable quality.

Villa & Vacation Rental Options

  • Private Villas

    For groups or families seeking privacy and space, private villas with pools can be a top choice. They offer exclusivity and home comforts.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Platforms like Vrbo list a wide array of vacation homes, from cozy apartments to spacious villas, often with unique local charm.

  • Direct Booking Perks

    Sometimes, direct booking with villa owners or local agencies may offer perks or better negotiation room for longer stays.

  • Location Considerations

    Villas are often in secluded areas, so a rental car is usually recommended for freedom of movement.

Unique Stays & Experience

Traditional Greek Guesthouse

Experience authentic local hospitality by opting for a traditional guesthouse, often family-run, which provides a glimpse into the island's special charm and history.

  • Has local design elements.
  • Peaceful, community-focused settings.
  • Direct cultural connection.
  • A more intimate stay.
Resort Hotel Pool View

Many resorts offer luxurious pools with stunning views, providing a refreshing escape and a perfect spot to relax under the Zakynthian sun.

  • Access to on-site amenities.
  • Convenient for families plus couples.
  • Often includes bars and places to eat.
  • A traditional vacation experience.

Accommodation Images

Zakynthian Villa

A beautiful private villa with an infinity pool looking out over the Ionian Sea, blending modern comfort with local aesthetics.

Where to Stay in Zakynthos. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation