The main and only real town bears the same name as the island itself: Zakynthos. Even if you're staying in a resort on Zakynthos, it's definitely worth a trip to the capital for at least an afternoon.

Top 10 hotels in Zakynthos

Zakynthos Town impresses with its lively atmosphere in the narrow streets of the centre and around the island's main harbour, as well as several sights.

Sights and attractions

The historic centre stretches along the harbour promenade in a narrow strip, and you can walk the whole thing in about an hour or two. However, it would be a shame not to stop on the seafront promenade at one of the many tavernas or patisseries, and you shouldn't miss at least these sights:

• The Church of St. Dionysios (Agios Dionysios) - the 1948 church is said to be one of only three buildings in the city that remained intact from the devastating 1953 earthquake.
• The bell tower - over 20 metres high and standing separately from the church of St. Dionysos, it is one of the main landmarks of Zakynthos
• Solomos Square - the central square with the Zakynthos Museum building, the statue of Zante and the ruins of St. Nicholas Church
• The Venetian Castle of Bóchali - the ruins of the old castle from the Venetian Republic period stand on a hill above the town and offer magnificent views of the whole of Zakynthos and its harbour. You will also find a number of restaurants and refreshments here, accessible only by car or on foot after about 1.5 km uphill.

Accommodation in town

Zakynthos-City is not a typical destination for a beach holiday, on the contrary, it serves great for individual travellers. Here you will find complete facilities in the form of shops, services as well as the widest and cheapest range of accommodation.

We would pick out the best of the best offers from the high quality Strada Marina Hotel **** right in the centre with very good prices around 66 eur per night in the holidays and around 37 eur per night outside the holidays.

• Search all accommodation in Zakynthos

Transport and parking

The best and quickest way to get around the town itself is on foot. All attractions are within 20 minutes walking distance of each other and there is no need to use the buses, which are also very lightly frequented.

If you rent a car on Zakynthos, be aware that parking in town can be very problematic, especially during the holidays. You can park anywhere on the street for free, but spaces are very limited and traffic is very heavy in the narrow streets. Your best chance of finding a free space is on the north-western ring road near the bus station.

There are no classic public transport buses here, only suburban and local buses leaving the city to several destinations around the island. Buses are far from all the attractions, or rather the opposite: they only take you to the larger resorts.

Prices are low and range between 1,60 eur and 2,60 eur, and tickets are paid at the driver's desk.

The bus station can be found on the north-western edge of the city about 10-15 minutes walk from the centre (see map for exact location).

Check the official website of the bus operator KTEL Zakynthos for timetables.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Zakynthos.