Zakynthos splits neatly into four distinct zones: the main town in the east, the beach resort belt running north from Tsilivi, the busy south around Laganas Bay, and the quiet west coast. Where you stay determines your whole trip. All prices below are approximate as of 2026 and vary significantly by season.
Zakynthos Town
The island capital is the practical choice. The Venetian old town was destroyed in the 1953 earthquake and rebuilt in a similar style, with arcaded streets, a main square, and a waterfront lined with restaurants and cafes. The port connects to Kyllini on the mainland and to Kefalonia, so ferry logistics are straightforward. Car hire companies cluster here, making it easy to explore the rest of the island each day.
The town beach is a sea wall rather than sand, but Zakynthos Town is a 10-minute drive from the beaches at Argassi to the south or Banana Beach to the north.
Budget (from approximately EUR 50 per night): Palatino Hotel near the central square offers clean doubles with good air conditioning and a helpful reception for organising tours and car hire. Basic but well-located.
Mid-range (approximately EUR 85-130 per night): Hotel Strada Marina on the waterfront is the most recognisable mid-range option in town, with sea-view rooms, a pool, and walking distance to the main restaurants. Rooms facing the water cost more but the views across to the Peloponnese are worth it.
Luxury (from approximately EUR 200 per night): There are no five-star properties in Zakynthos Town itself. Visitors wanting premium accommodation typically base themselves outside town in private villa complexes or boutique resorts.
Tsilivi
The most family-friendly resort on Zakynthos, Tsilivi sits 6km north of the town. The beach is sandy and the sea gentle, shelving gradually. The main strip has supermarkets, restaurants, and watersports rentals. It is busy in July and August but significantly quieter than Laganas.
Budget (from approximately EUR 45 per night): Studios Spiros and similar apartment complexes on the back streets offer self-catering options at the lower end. Expect clean rooms with kitchenette rather than hotel services.
Mid-range (approximately EUR 80-120 per night): Tsilivi Beach Hotel is centrally located on the resort’s main road, with a pool and on-site bar. Caretta Beach Hotel sits slightly closer to the sea, with balconied rooms and a family-friendly pool setup.
Luxury (approximately EUR 170-250 per night): Tsilivi does not have large luxury hotel brands. The upper end is boutique resorts with pools and sea views, such as the Bitzaro Grande Hotel, which has more spacious rooms, a pool area, and organised activities.
Laganas
Laganas Bay holds the widest beach on Zakynthos, roughly 9km of flat sand with calm, shallow water. The resort town is the busiest on the island, with bars and clubs running late on the main strip. The area overlaps with loggerhead sea turtle nesting zones, and parts of the beach are restricted at night to protect nests. Early morning you may see nesting activity.
Budget (from approximately EUR 40-60 per night): Dozens of small hotels and studios line the streets behind the beach. Studios Laganis and similar places offer very basic rooms at the island’s lowest prices.
Mid-range (approximately EUR 70-110 per night): The Zante Maris Hotel and Blue Horizon Hotel offer better facilities, pools, and breakfast included. Both are within walking distance of the main beach.
Luxury (from approximately EUR 150 per night): Laganas is not a luxury destination. For pools, quieter surroundings, and better finishes, consider the Lesante Blu or Olea All Suite Hotel, which are located outside the main Laganas strip.
Alykes and Alykanas
The north of the island is calmer and less developed. Alykes and Alykanas have small sandy beaches, a handful of tavernas, and a noticeably more local atmosphere. The salt flats near Alykes attract flamingos in spring. This area works well as a base if you have a car and want to avoid resort-town crowds.
Budget to mid-range (approximately EUR 50-90 per night): Ionian Sea Hotel in Alykes is a well-reviewed small hotel with a pool and sea views. Studios Andreas nearby offers self-catering apartments at lower prices.
Booking Tips
July and August in Zakynthos require advance booking, particularly for sea-view rooms and popular mid-range hotels. May, June, September, and October are significantly better value and the island is less crowded. The sea stays warm into October. Most hotels close from November to April. Car hire booked in advance from the mainland is generally cheaper than arranging it on arrival at the port.