Zakynthos offers far more than the main resort areas. Beyond the hotels and the organised beaches, there is an island of pine-covered peninsulas, limestone cliffs dropping into deep blue water, traditional mountain villages, and quiet roads winding through olive groves. Having a car gives you the flexibility to explore all of it — beaches, viewpoints, villages, the western coastline, the northern tip, the Vasilikos peninsula, and the scenic countryside — at your own pace.
Why Explore Zakynthos by Car?
Zakynthos is a compact island — you can drive from one side to the other in under an hour — but the variety of coastline and countryside is remarkable. The south is flat and sandy, the north is mountainous and dramatic, the west coast is wild and cliff-edged, and the east coast has a mix of resort towns and quieter stretches. A car lets you move between these different worlds in a single day.
It is worth being clear about what a car can and cannot do. Most destinations on Zakynthos are accessible by road, and a car is the most practical way to reach them. A few attractions — the Navagio beach itself, the Blue Caves, and Marathonisi — require boat access. In those cases, a car gets you to the departure point, and the boat takes you the rest of the way.
Main Destinations to Explore by Car
Mizithres & Keri
Mizithres Viewpoint
- Area:
- South-western Zakynthos (Keri area)
- Type:
- Clifftop viewpoint
- Best for:
- Scenery, sunset, photography
Dramatic white rock stacks rising from the sea below the cliffs at Keri, with one of the most spectacular sunset views in Zakynthos. A short drive from the village of Keri, with a viewing platform above the rocks.
The Keri area, on the south-western tip of the island, combines the Mizithres viewpoint with the harbour at Limni Keriou, from which boat trips depart to Marathonisi (Turtle Island). Marathonisi itself is an island in Laganas Bay and can only be reached by boat — a car gets you to the departure point at Keri. Our Keri & Marathonisi guide covers the full area, including boat trips and the best sunset spots.
Porto Limnionas
Porto Limnionas
- Area:
- Western Zakynthos
- Type:
- Rocky cove / natural inlet
- Best for:
- Swimming, scenery, snorkelling
A stunning rocky inlet on the west coast with deep, crystal-clear water and natural rock platforms. Not a sandy beach, but one of the most beautiful swimming spots on the island, reachable by a short drive through the western countryside.
Xigia Beach
Xigia Beach
- Area:
- North-eastern Zakynthos
- Type:
- Small pebble cove
- Best for:
- Scenery, swimming, photography
A small, striking cove fed by natural sulphur springs, with deep turquoise water unlike anywhere else on the island. One of the best swimming spots in Zakynthos, accessible by road with a short walk down to the cove.
Navagio / Shipwreck Viewpoint Area
Navagio Viewpoint
- Area:
- North-western Zakynthos
- Type:
- Clifftop viewpoint / pebble cove
- Best for:
- Iconic scenery, photography
The famous Shipwreck Beach, best seen from the clifftop viewpoint above. The beach itself is accessible by boat, while the viewpoint is reachable by road. Access conditions may change, so check current information before travelling.
Blue Caves / Skinari Area
Blue Caves (Skinari)
- Area:
- Northern Zakynthos (Cape Skinari)
- Type:
- Sea caves / coastal area
- Best for:
- Boat trips, scenery, swimming
A network of sea caves at the northern tip of Zakynthos, where the water glows an intense blue inside the caverns. The caves themselves are visited by boat, but a car is useful for exploring the northern peninsula and reaching departure points.
Gerakas & Vasilikos
Gerakas & Vasilikos
- Area:
- South-eastern Zakynthos (Vasilikos peninsula)
- Type:
- Sandy beaches & natural coastline
- Best for:
- Beaches, nature, scenic driving
The Vasilikos peninsula is one of the greenest and most scenic areas of Zakynthos, with a string of beaches along its coastline — from the popular Banana Beach to the protected nesting beach of Gerakas. A beautiful area for a leisurely drive and a day of beach-hopping.
Traditional Zakynthos Villages
Inland Zakynthos has a network of traditional villages that are a pleasure to explore by car. The roads wind through olive groves and pine forest, and the villages offer a quieter, more authentic side of the island than the coastal resorts.
Volimes, in the mountainous north of the island, is one of the most traditional villages, with stone houses and a famous weekly market. Keri Village, on the south-western tip, is a small traditional settlement with tavernas and sea views. Anafonitria, in the north-west near the Navagio viewpoint, is a quiet mountain village with a historic monastery. Exploring these villages by car gives you a sense of the real Zakynthos — the countryside, the agriculture, and the slower pace of inland life.
Zakynthos Town
Zakynthos Town, the capital of the island, is worth a visit for its waterfront, central squares, and relaxed atmosphere. Rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake, it retains a pleasant Mediterranean character with a seafront promenade, a harbour, and a grid of shopping streets. There are churches, museums, and a good selection of restaurants and cafes, making it a good place to spend a morning or an evening.
Choosing a Car for Exploring Zakynthos
The right car for exploring Zakynthos depends on your travel group and preferences, not on the roads you plan to drive. The main island roads are paved and suitable for standard vehicles. Small cars are economical and easy to park, ideal for couples or solo travellers. Medium cars offer more space for longer drives. SUVs provide a higher driving position and more room for families, while 7-seaters suit larger groups. Browse our full fleet to see all available categories.
Driving Around Zakynthos – Practical Tips
- •Allow extra time on unfamiliar island roads — distances are short but roads can be winding
- •Drive carefully on narrow sections and be prepared to let other vehicles pass
- •Follow local road signs and respect speed limits
- •Be careful around pedestrians, scooters, and agricultural vehicles, especially in villages
- •Park only where permitted and avoid blocking narrow village lanes
- •Do not enter prohibited or unsuitable roads — if a road looks unpaved or signed against access, turn back
- •Keep enough fuel when exploring more remote areas like the west coast and northern peninsula
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