Navagio Beach, Zante – Image courtesy of Dimitris Mourousiadis on Pexels
Zakynthos Honeymoon Guide
Zakynthos (also known as Zante) – the southernmost of the Ionian Islands – offers elegant neo-classical buildings, medieval churches, weather-sculpted sea caves and a choice of gorgeous golden-sand beaches – perfect for honeymoon couples.
What to do and see in Zakynthos
Stroll the picturesque waterfront of Zakynthos town from Solomos Square to the Church of Agios Dionysios, patron saint of the island.
See artefacts dating back to the 12th century at the Byzantine Museum, enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop ruins of the Venetian fortress and have fun at the Zakynthos Water Village, with its numerous slides and pools.
Take a water taxi to swim in the remarkable nature-sculpted Blue Caves of Volimes and visit the 14th century Church of Agia Mavra at the traditional Greek village of Macherado.
With its impressive Venetian belfry and collection of icons and frescoes, the church is considered one of the most important on the island.
Best beaches in Zante
Zante offers a choice of excellent beaches to enjoy, including…
Navagio Beach
Discover one of the most famous beaches on Zakynthos, a pocket of gorgeous white sand that sits surrounded on three sides by towering vertical cliffs of white rock.
The beach faces a small inlet renowned for its amazing crystalline turquoise waters and perfect swimming conditions.
The remains of a shipwreck sits semi-submerged in sand in the middle of the beach.
Located on the west coast, this picture-perfect beach is only accessible by a 30-minute water taxi ride from the port of Porto Vromi.
Gerakas Beach
Unwind on this long crescent of soft golden sand that nestles between a rugged bush- and sand-covered hillside and the turquoise waters of a beautiful bay that is framed by cliffs.
Except for sun beds and umbrellas, there are no facilities on the beach as it is part of a marine park established to protect the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (known locally as caretta-caretta). The turtles come ashore at night during June and August to lay their eggs.
Gerakas Beach is located at the end of the Vassilikos Peninsula on the southeast coast around 16km from Zakynthos town and is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches on Zakynthos.
Laganas Beach
Part of the protected marine reserve, this 9km-long golden-sand beach is the most popular beach on Zakynthos.
Facilities include sun beds, umbrellas, numerous water sports and a huge selection of beachfront bars, restaurants and tavernas.
Escape the summer crowds by wandering across the wooden bridge to the pretty pine-clad islet of Agios Sostis, located opposite the main beach.
Beachfront Laganas village hosts a range of shops, bars, nightclubs and accommodation options.
Laganas Beach is located on the south coast, around 11km south of Zakynthos town.
Kalamaki Beach
This long and fine golden-sand beach nestles between unspoiled bush-covered hills and the eastern side of Laganas Bay.
There are no motorised water sports at the beach as it is part of the marine reserve to protect endangered sea turtles.
Facilities include a range of toilets, sun beds, beachfront tavernas and nearby hotels.
Kalamaki Beach is located on the south coast, around 7km south of Zakynthos town.
Porto Zoro Beach
This picturesque crescent of golden sand shelves into a turquoise bay framed by picturesque rocky islets and a bush-covered headland.
Facilities include sun beds and beachside tavernas that sit behind the beach in verdant bushland.
Porto Zoro Beach is located on the north side of the Vassilikos Peninsula, around 17km from Zakynthos town.
Banana Beach
Pick your own spot to sunbathe on this long golden-sand beach that shelves into crystalline turquoise waters perfect for swimming.
Facilities include sun beds, umbrellas and a few beach bars.
Banana Beach is located on the east coast of the Vassilikos Peninsula, around 14km from Zakynthos town.
Makris Gialos Beach
Escape to this secluded white-pebble beach, nestling beneath bush-covered ochre cliffs and shelving into a stunning turquoise bay that’s just perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
There are no facilities here so you need to take your own food and drinks.
Makris Gialos Beach is located on the northeast coast, around 30km north of Zakynthos town.
Where to stay
A wide choice of honeymoon accommodation options can be found in Zakynthos Town, and close to the main beach resorts, including the following…
Lesante Luxury Hotel & Spa
Location: Tsilivi
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD337 per room
Description: The 5-star Lesante Luxury Hotel & Spa is just 80 m from Tsilivi Beach and features 3 pools and 2 hot tubs. Rooms include spacious furnished balcony, a plasma TV and free WiFi, and guests have free access to the spa, sauna and fitness centre. All rooms offer a flat-screen satellite TV, DVD player and coffee maker. Some units feature a private, outdoor hot tub. Ambrosia Restaurant offers buffet breakfast, and a buffet of local and Mediterranean specialties for dinner. The a la carte Neptune Restaurant offers lunch and dinner dishes prepared in an open kitchen. The lounge piano bar serves champagnes and cocktails hosting jazz and various entertainment nights. The Lesante Luxury Hotel & Spa offers an indoor heated pool, adventure shower and a hot tub. There are 4 massage rooms available and a hammam. Lesante is conveniently close to the centre of Tsilivi and only 5 km from Zakynthos Town.
Mabely Grand Hotel
Location: Kampíon
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD169 per room
Description: Covering a lush 60.000-m² area in Kampion Village, the 5-star Mabely Grand Hotel features 16 pools, 1 children's pool and a restaurant. The classically decorated property offers a variety of leisure and sports facilities. Opening to a furnished balcony or a patio, the air-conditioned rooms of Mabely overlook the Ionian Sea or the garden. Each features draped curtains, luxurious linen and parquet floors. A fridge and an LCD satellite TV are available. The marble bathroom is stocked with toiletries and a hairdryer. Continental breakfast is served daily at the dining area. Guests can enjoy local and traditional flavours at “Lydia” restaurant with views of the Ionian Sea. Mabely Grand Hotel is located 29 km from Zakynthos Town and Port and 25 km from Zakynthos International Airport. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel's lobby.
Best Western Galaxy Hotel
Location: Laganas
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD169 per room
Description: Ideally situated 500 m from Laganas Beach and surrounded by beautiful gardens, Galaxy Hotel offers 24 hour reception services. Free WiFi is available in all areas. Galaxy Hotel houses an abundance of indoor and outdoor facilities such as bars and restaurants, children’s playground, lounge areas with games, swimming pools and water sports. Wedding ceremonies can be hosted at the hotel's spacious gardens upon request. All the hotel’s spacious rooms are equipped with satellite TV, air condition and refrigerator and feature balcony with view. The roof garden enjoys beautiful views of Lagana Bay. Laganas, the most well known resort area of the island, besides its beautiful sandy beach, offers a wide array of shopping and day time activities, entertainment, bars as well as fine dining. The port of Zakynthos is located within 6 km of Best Western Galaxy Hotel. Zakynthos airport is at 8 km.
The Bay Hotel & Suites
Location: Laganas
Rating: 4.5-star
Prices: from AUD293 per room
Description: Set in spacious grounds and surrounded by gardens, the 4-star Bay Hotel is located on its private sandy beach in Vassilikos. Guests enjoy free beach sun beds, and a 250-square-metre pool. Bay Hotel guest rooms are decorated in neutral tones with modern furnishings. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a satellite TV and a fridge. Some rooms have a separate living area. Balconies have Ionian Sea or mountain and garden views. Bay Hotel offers both an indoor and an outdoor restaurant, and guests can take a buffet-style breakfast each morning. The bar serves drinks and coffees throughout the day. Bay Hotel guests can relax by the furnished poolside, or have a drink and watch TV at the lobby lounge. More active guests will find 2 tennis courts on site, as well as hot tub and sauna facilities. With a children’s pool and a kid’s club, younger guests will find plenty to do. The Bay Hotel is approximately 14 km away from the town of Zante, 16 km from the airport, and 10 km from the busy resort of Argasi. Free on-site parking is available.
Zante Maris Suites
Location: Tsilivi
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD391 per room
Description: Set in Tsilivi, 1 km from Tsilivi Beach, Zante Maris Suites is less than 1 km from Tsilivi Beach and within 5 km of Gaidaros Beach and Amboula Beach. All 23 rooms feature thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers, plus free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Minibars, room service, and free bottled water are among the other amenities available to guests. Along with 2 restaurants, this hotel has an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Free cooked-to-order breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a poolside bar, and a snack bar/deli are onsite. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. Byzantine Museum is 3.3 km from Zante Maris Suites, while Dimokratias Square is 3.2 km away. The nearest airport is Zakynthos International "Dionysios Solomos" Airport, 6 km from Zante Maris Suites.
Best time to honeymoon in Zante
For dry and hot days averaging 28°C (82°F), time your honeymoon during summer – from late June to early September. The mountainous areas are generally cooler.
Zante and the Ionian Islands generally escape the heat found in mainland Greece and the strong meltemia wind that blows across the Aegean Islands.
Zante enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and mild, wet winters.
For more climate info: Zante Weather Guide…
Getting to Zante
Zakynthos (also spelled Zakinthos and known as Zante) is one of seven Ionian Islands that lie off the west coast of mainland Greece.
In addition to Zakynthos, the Ionian Islands comprise the islands of Corfu, Kefalonia, Ithaki, Paxos, Kithira and Levkas.
The most convenient route to Zakynthos is by air to Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH), located around 4km (2.7mi) from Zakynthos (or Chora) town.
From some international destinations, this may require flying into Athens International Airport (ATH), followed by a connecting flight to Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH).
By ferry, Zakynthos is less than an hour from the neighbouring island of Kefalonia and one hour from the Peloponnese port of Kyllini.
Information on how to get to Zante…
More about Zakynthos…
Latest update: Where to honeymoon in Zakynthos: 11 May, 2022
Advertising