Zakynthos is a relatively small island and the most famous places can be explored in 2 days. However, if you're keen to explore the lesser-known sites and not just drive past the magical beaches with turquoise blue waters, you'll have fun for the duration of your stay.

Book your hotel in advance

If you're heading to Zakynthos with a travel agent, you can take advantage of optional tours where you don't have to worry about transport.

By car

A car is the easiest and actually the only way to get to know the whole island completely. Besides the big rental companies, there are small local ones on every corner and the cheapest ones offer cars from about 293 eur / 7 days.

We definitely recommend booking a car at least 1-2 months in advance, for example through the comparison site booking.com.

Think about the nature of Zakynthos, which is very hilly, and especially if you have to carry more people, pay extra for a more powerful vehicle. The weakest ones scrape up some hills very hard with only 2 passengers.

For detailed information on travelling by car around the island, see the special chapter on Renting a car in Zakynthos.

Buses Zakynthos

The only type of public transport that operates on the island are buses. They operate between the major towns and come out very cheaply, but even here the nature of the Greeks is reflected. Buses run quite irregularly and it is often not worth trusting the timetables completely.

Moreover, you can practically only get a bus in the south-eastern part of the island in the most populated area around the capital Zakynthos. Most of the beautiful beaches, caves and viewpoints can only be visited by car.

For specific information on connections and prices, visit: ktel-zakynthos.gr, but for peace of mind, check with the locals on the spot.

Tickets are always bought from the driver and prices range from 1,60 eur to 2 eur and can only be paid in cash.

All buses leave from the central bus station (see location on map) in Zakynthos town.

The most frequent bus routes are as follows:

• Zakynthos - Tsilvi: approx. 6 times a day
• Zakynthos - Kalamaki - Laganas: approx. 6 times a day

Scooter / motorbike

Similar to the car, renting a scooter or a motorbike is also an option. However, here you especially have to watch out that a weak scooter doesn't leave you under a hill.

Scooters are generally considered very dangerous for tourists in Greece, as other drivers are very inconsiderate to their passengers. Greeks take both car and scooter driving irresponsibly and routinely ride around in slippers and without a helmet. Local rental companies have a great selection, definitely just pick up locally.

Moreover, scooter rental prices are not that much lower than car rental prices.