Zakynthos Town

Is Zakynthos town worth visiting? That’s a question many people ask when planning their Greek island holiday. I spent an afternoon exploring the capital after a thunderstorm during our family trip, and whilst our visit was cut short (more on that later), I came away with some helpful insights to share.

Zakynthos Town – also called Zante Town – is the island’s capital and main port. It’s where you’ll arrive if you’re coming by ferry, and it’s quite different from the resort areas that most tourists stick to. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Updated April 2026 – Zakynthos Town continues to serve as the island’s main port and capital. Opening hours and specific businesses may have changed. Always check heat advisories during summer months and carry water when exploring.

What to Expect in Zakynthos Town

The town sits on the eastern coast of the island and serves as the commercial and administrative centre. After a devastating earthquake in 1953, much of the town was rebuilt, so whilst you will find pretty buildings and traditional architecture, it’s not as ancient-feeling as some Greek island capitals.

The main shopping area runs inland from the waterfront, with a mix of tourist shops, local boutiques, and everyday stores where residents actually shop. You’ll find everything from souvenir stands to pharmacies and supermarkets. The streets can get quite busy, especially when cruise ships are in port.

The seafront promenade (known as the Strata Marina) is the highlight for most visitors. It’s lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars where you can sit and watch the ferries come and go whilst enjoying the sea breeze. This is where we ended up spending most of our time, and for good reason – it’s the most pleasant part of town.

Things to Do in Zakynthos Town

Whilst Zakynthos Town isn’t packed with major tourist attractions, there are a few worthwhile spots:

Solomos Square is the main square, featuring a statue of the Greek poet Dionysios Solomos who wrote the Greek national anthem. The Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians is here if you’re interested in local history.

The Church of St. Dionysios is an impressive Byzantine church right on the waterfront. It’s dedicated to the island’s patron saint and features beautiful frescoes and a striking bell tower. Entry is free and it’s worth popping in if you’re nearby.

Bochali Hill sits above the town and offers panoramic views across the port and mainland Greece on clear days. The ruins of the Venetian Castle are up here too, though there’s not a huge amount left to see.

Shopping is decent if you need basics or want to pick up local products like olive oil, honey, or wine. The prices are generally better than in the tourist resorts.

Where to Eat and Drink in Zakynthos Town

The waterfront is lined with restaurants and cafés. We stopped for a drink at one of the harbourside spots – can’t remember the exact name – and whilst the prices were touristy, it was lovely sitting in the shade watching the boats. The sea breeze made it bearable despite the heat.

If you want more authentic local food at better prices, head into the side streets away from the waterfront. That’s where you’ll find the tavernas that locals actually use.

Our Experience (The Good and The Bad)

I need to be honest about why our visit was cut short. My Dad caught the stomach bug that had been working its way through our family group, and with eight of us feeling rough, we had to call it a day after just two hours. My niece and I were feeling dodgy too – we actually ended up at the medical centre on a drip later that day (not fun, but the healthcare was excellent).

So whilst I can’t give you a full day’s worth of insights, I can tell you what we managed to see and what I wish we’d had time for.

Important Warning: The Heat

This is crucial: Zakynthos Town gets absolutely baking hot in summer. We visited in September after a thunderstorm, and the storm did precisely nothing to cool things down. The shopping streets inland don’t have much shade, and the combination of heat reflecting off the pavement and buildings creates quite an uncomfortable environment.

If you’re planning to explore the town properly, go early morning (before 10am) or late afternoon (after 5pm). The middle of the day is genuinely unpleasant for walking around. Stick to the waterfront where at least there’s a breeze, or pop into air-conditioned shops to cool down.

Bring water, wear sunscreen, and don’t underestimate how draining it can be. We’re not particularly heat-sensitive people, but it was tough going.

Getting There and Getting Around

Most people visit Zakynthos Town as a day trip from their resort. We got a taxi from Laganas, which took about 15 minutes and cost around €15-20. Buses run regularly from most resorts and are much cheaper (a couple of euros), though they can be crowded in high season.

The town itself is walkable, though as I mentioned, the heat makes that challenging in summer. Taxis are readily available if you need one, and there’s parking if you’ve hired a car (though finding a space can be tricky).

So, Is Zakynthos Town Worth Visiting?

It depends what you’re looking for.

Visit if: You want to see a bit of ‘real’ Greek island life beyond the resorts. You need to do some shopping. You fancy a change of scenery from beach lounging. You’re interested in the Church of St. Dionysios or local history. You want to find better-priced restaurants than at the resorts.

Skip if: You’re only on the island for a few days and want to maximise beach/boat trip time. You’re visiting in the height of summer and heat bothers you. You’re expecting a picturesque, postcard-perfect Greek town (it’s pleasant but not stunning). You have mobility issues (hills, uneven pavements, not much shade).

I’d say it’s worth a half-day visit if you’re curious, especially if you’re staying on the island for a week or more. Go early or late to avoid the worst heat, have a wander around, grab a drink by the harbour, then head back to your resort or on to your next destination.

The pretty buildings and waterfront are nice enough, but Zakynthos Town isn’t the main reason people come to this island. The beaches, boat trips to Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves – that’s what Zakynthos does brilliantly. The town is a pleasant add-on rather than a must-see highlight.

Final Thoughts

Despite our visit being cut short by illness, I’m glad we made the effort to see Zakynthos Town. It gave us a different perspective on the island beyond the tourist resorts, and the waterfront was genuinely lovely.

Would I go back? Probably not as a priority – there are so many beautiful beaches and natural sights on Zakynthos that I’d rather spend my limited holiday time exploring those. But if you’ve got a spare morning or fancy a change of pace, it’s a pleasant enough way to spend a few hours.

Just remember: go early or late, bring water, and manage your expectations. It’s a working Greek town first, tourist attraction second.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zakynthos Town

How long do you need in Zakynthos Town?
2-4 hours is plenty for most people. You can see the main sights, have a meal or drink, and do a bit of shopping in that time.

Is Zakynthos Town safe?
Yes, it’s very safe. We walked around with no concerns. Just use normal common sense as you would in any tourist town.

Can you swim in Zakynthos Town?
There are small beaches near the town, but they’re not the island’s best. You’re better off heading to proper beaches elsewhere on the island.

Is Zakynthos Town better than Laganas?
They’re completely different. Laganas is a party resort with a long beach. Zakynthos Town is the working capital with local life, shops, and culture. Choose based on what you want from your day.

What’s the best time to visit Zakynthos Town?
Early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon/evening (5pm onwards) to avoid the peak heat. Many shops close for siesta 2-5pm anyway.