Zakynthos town, also known as Zante town is the capital of the island. It’s found on the east coast just 10 minutes north of Dionysios Solomos airport.
The town doubles as the islands main port and links it to Kyllini on the mainland. That journey takes about an hour and the ferries run 3 to 5 times a day depending on the season.
The original town may have been destroyed by the 1953 earthquake, but the current town of Zakynthos has been reconstructed in a dazzling Venetian style and is back to being the heart and soul of this Ionian island. Its status as a commercial centre and close proximity to the airport means hotels are plentiful and affordable.
Around the town are loads of shopping opportunities with vendors offering clothes, shoes, jewellery, accessories, and many locally made products. You’ll also find several traditional tavernas dishing up fresh, locally caught fish and mouth-watering Souvlaki amongst other traditional Greek dishes.
If you'd like to stay in the area then have a look at the Zakynthos Town page of booking.com
here. Alternatively find a great package holiday through Tui
here.
The nightlife in Zakynthos town isn’t as lively as the likes of
Laganas but there’s plenty to keep you entertained. From watching a film under the stars in the open air cinema to enjoying authentic Greek music and dancing.
You’ll find loads of small bars and tavernas that are ideal for spending some time with a cocktail, beer or wine whilst watching the world go by. You can also pick a table at any one of the restaurants, many of which have harbour views and just watch the boats coming and going with an authentic Greek dish to enjoy.
There’s no night clubs in the centre of the town itself but just outside there’s a collection of them. Head south on the main coastal road that leads to
Argassi and you’ll find them, it’s about a 10-20 minute walk so no problem at all.
Hop on a guided tour of the town and visit one of the area’s museums like the
Post Byzantine Art Museum or the
Solomos Museum. Alternatively, take a more religious angle to your exploration and go to the
Church of St. Dionysios, Zakynthos’ patron saint. An August festival honours Dionysios with a parade and tremendous flea market.
There’s no major beaches in Zakynthos town but
Argassi beach is just 2km to the south and it’s the perfect location for a days relaxation. Alternatively you can head down to the Vassilikos peninsula where you’ll find loads of great beaches to choose from, visit our
Zakynthos beach guide to find the one that’s right for you.
