Zakynthos (Zante) is a compact island — roughly 35km north to south and 20km wide — with two very different landscapes: the flat, resort-heavy south and east coast, and the dramatic limestone cliffs of the north and west. Getting around them requires different approaches. Prices listed here are approximate as of 2026.
Understanding Zakynthos’s Layout
Zakynthos Town (the capital) is on the east coast, with the airport 5km south. The main resort strip runs south along the east coast through Argassi and south-west to Laganas bay — a long flat stretch of sand that is also the primary nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). The west and north coasts are cliff-lined and largely undeveloped — this is where Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves are located.
Key distances from Zakynthos Town:
- Zakynthos Town to Laganas: 9km (approximately 15 minutes)
- Zakynthos Town to Tsilivi (north-east resort): 6km (approximately 10 minutes)
- Zakynthos Town to Porto Vromi (west coast, Navagio ferry point): 22km (approximately 35 minutes)
- Zakynthos Town to Keri: 15km (approximately 25 minutes)
- Zakynthos Town airport to Zakynthos Town: 5km (approximately 10 minutes by taxi)
Car Hire
A hire car is the most practical way to see the north coast, interior villages, and viewpoints. Rental desks are at the airport and in Zakynthos Town.
- Cost: approximately €30–45/day for a small car in shoulder season, €50–70/day in July and August as of 2026
- Road conditions: south coast main roads and the east coast highway are good. The road to Porto Vromi and the north-west is paved and manageable. The road to Navagio viewpoint from the east involves a winding descent — fine in a standard car
- Parking: Zakynthos Town has car parks near the port; in resort areas, parking is generally straightforward
KTEL Zakynthos Buses
KTEL runs public bus services from the Zakynthos Town station (near the port) to the main tourist destinations. Coverage is adequate for the south coast resort strip; the north coast is not served.
Key routes (approximate fares as of 2026):
| Route | Fare | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Zakynthos Town to Laganas | €1.80 | 20 min |
| Zakynthos Town to Tsilivi | €1.80 | 15 min |
| Zakynthos Town to Argassi | €1.50 | 10 min |
| Zakynthos Town to Alykes | €2 | 20 min |
Frequency is approximately every 30–60 minutes on the main routes during summer. The last bus back from Laganas and Tsilivi runs around 10pm in peak season. There is no public bus to Porto Vromi, Navagio viewpoint, the Blue Caves, or Keri.
Getting to Navagio (Shipwreck Beach)
Navagio is the most famous image of Zakynthos — and the most logistically specific. There is no road to the beach; it is enclosed by vertical 200m limestone cliffs with no path. The only access is by boat.
From Porto Vromi: the closest departure point on the west coast, approximately 35 minutes’ drive from Zakynthos Town. Small boats depart throughout the day in summer; the crossing takes 15–20 minutes. Fare approximately €15–20 per person return as of 2026. Operating season: April to October, weather permitting.
From Zakynthos Town port: organised boat tours depart daily, typically combined with the Blue Caves. Duration approximately 5–7 hours, cost approximately €20–30 per person including stops. Book through hotels or local tour agencies; many offer hotel pick-up. See Zakynthos boat tours for options.
Navagio viewpoint: the clifftop above the beach is accessible by road — a marked parking area, then a short walk to the platform. Free. The view from above is dramatic but the beach itself is not reachable from here. Most visitors do both: drive to the viewpoint and then take the boat to the beach.
Getting to the Blue Caves
The Blue Caves (Galinies) are sea caves on the north-east tip of the island near Cape Skinari. Named for the intense blue light that filters through the cave openings, they are best seen in the morning when the light is at its most vivid. Boats depart from Agios Nikolaos port on the north-east coast (approximately €12–15 per person) or from Zakynthos Town as part of a combined day trip.
Drive from Zakynthos Town to Agios Nikolaos: approximately 40 minutes via the north-coast road.
Scooter and ATV Hire
Scooter hire is a practical option for the south and east coast resort areas. The flat terrain around Laganas and Tsilivi is easy to navigate on a 125cc scooter. The north and west coast roads are manageable but hillier; check that your hire includes appropriate insurance.
- Cost: approximately €20–30/day scooter, €25–35/day ATV as of 2026
- Most hire operators are in Laganas, Tsilivi, and on the Zakynthos Town waterfront
Taxis
Taxis are available at the airport, at Zakynthos Town port, and in the main resorts. Sample fares:
- Airport to Zakynthos Town: approximately €15–20
- Zakynthos Town to Laganas: approximately €15
- Zakynthos Town to Porto Vromi: approximately €30–35
Pre-booking is advisable for late-evening returns from Laganas in peak season.
For the full island overview, see our Zakynthos travel guide. For beaches, see our Zakynthos beach guide. For organised boat tours to Navagio, see Zakynthos tours.
See Also
- Zakynthos Travel Guide - island overview, what to see, and when to go
- Best Beaches in Zakynthos - Navagio, Gerakas, Porto Limnionas, and Laganas
- Things to Do in Zakynthos - sea turtles, Blue Caves, and boat trips
- Where to Stay in Zakynthos - Zakynthos Town vs Laganas vs Tsilivi
- Corfu vs Zakynthos - comparing the two most popular Ionian islands
- Kefalonia vs Zakynthos - which Ionian island suits your trip