Things I Wish I Knew Before Travelling to Zante

Updated: Jun 11

The Greek island of Zakynthos, otherwise known as Zante, is one of Greece’s 200+ inhabited islands. Located in the Ionian Sea, approximately a 1 hour flight from Athens, Zakynthos is known for the bluest waters, and beautiful lush green landscapes. I have been coming to Zante my whole life, and have visited many of the resorts and attractions that the island has to offer. Zante is a must visit place for your summer holidays, whether you are coming with friends, family or a loved one. In this blog I have put together some things you need to know before visiting the beautiful island of Zakynthos.

Skip Laganas! It is a Brit abroad dream. Even the clubs are British. Go to Agassi or into Zante Town instead if you are looking to go clubbing - here you will find more local clubs. Don't worry, they still play a lot of English music, but the vibes are just so much better, and it’s a much more enjoyable night out.

There is very limited public transportation in Zante… everyone drives. There is a bus going from Zante Town to Kalamaki and Laganas, but your main mode of transort, if you are not driving or doing a coach tour, will be by taxi. The taxi prices are often advertised on a board outside hotels, or popular taxi stop areas, so make sure you read these before you go. It’s not a common thing, but it has been known more recently where some taxi drivers try to increase the price of their fare, which they are not legally allowed to do. Like I said, it’s not everyone, and I’ve never had this problem myself, I have just heard through word of mouth. So check your price before hand, and get some cash. Most taxis will only accept cash.

Zante is segregated by the main town, and the coastal resorts. Whilst these are lovely, (and each resort has its own niche… you can see my Zante resorts video for more on this), as someone who has grown up in Zante, I think it is extremely important that you get a car for the day and road trip around the island. There are some amazing sights to see that you just won’t be able to see from the resorts, or even on a tour operator island tour. I will be putting up a video on my channel with a locals guide to Zakynthos, as well as numerous vlogs from different parts of the island that you can go and watch if you want to, to give you some inspiration of where to visit.

You NEED a boat day! To experience the bluest waters your eyes will ever see, you need a boat day. Take it from my mum, who hates boats, doesn’t swim, and yet has been on a boat in Zante more times than she can remember, it is a must do. It is the closest you can get to the shipwreck now too (since the beach has been closed due to risk of landslides) and the only way you can see the beautifl sight of the blue caves and the keri caves. You can also snorkel in some exclusive areas that you can’t reach by land.

Get your cash out before you arrive, and if you need more money, wait until you visit Zante Town and go into the bank. This has never happened to me, but when I was younger and would come to the island on a package holiday, the reps would often advise against certain atm’s as scammers were using them.

Don't drink the tap water… be careful of ice and salads (washed veggies) if you have a sensitive stomach. I am okay to drink the ice and eat the salads, but my mum has a near death experience every time!

Toilet etiquette. No paper in the toilets please. Don't be that idiot that blocks the pipes. It may seem disgusting to you, but it is normal for the Greeks so they won’t be offended. Just put your tissue in the bins provided, and flush as normal.
Remember your sun screen and your sun hat! It may seem obvious but it can get up to 40 degrees and beyond during the summer months and the cooling beach breeze may catch you out! Temperatures on the island remain high even into October! Buying your sun screen, after sun and branded toiletries on the island can be expensive so bring them with you!
Remember the turtles. The caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs on the beach in Kalamaki, generally between April and August, and as such there are no-go areas. The turtles and their eggs are protected and there are large areas of the beach that are roped off. The beach actually closes at sunset, not re-opening again until 7am the following morning.