Zakynthos is a popular choice for families looking for a Mediterranean holiday with a mix of beaches, scenery, and relaxed island life. The island is compact enough that you can reach most destinations in under an hour, which makes it well suited to families who want variety without spending long days in the car. This guide brings together practical ideas for family-friendly areas, beaches, activities, and day trips.
Beach conditions, facilities, and accessibility can change, so always check current information before you travel. Parents and guardians remain responsible for supervising children at all times, particularly near water, cliffs, and roads.
Best Family Areas & Beaches
Several resort areas in Zakynthos are popular with families, each with a slightly different atmosphere. Kalamaki, Tsilivi, Alykes & Alykanas, and the Vasilikos peninsula all offer sandy beaches and family-friendly facilities — the cards below highlight the most popular options. Zakynthos Town, while not a beach destination, is worth a visit for its waterfront, harbour, shops, and restaurants. Keri, on the south-western tip, is quieter and is the departure point for boat trips to Marathonisi.
Kalamaki Beach
- Area:
- South-east Zakynthos
- Type:
- Sandy beach
- Best for:
- Families wanting a long sandy beach close to the airport
A long sandy beach close to the airport and resort area. Part of the Marine Park zone, so some areas may be protected. Popular with families staying in Kalamaki.
Tsilivi Beach
- Area:
- East coast
- Type:
- Sandy beach
- Best for:
- Families staying in or near Tsilivi
A sandy beach in the heart of one of Zakynthos's most popular family resorts. The resort area has restaurants, shops, and accommodation nearby.
Alykes and Alykanas Beaches
- Area:
- North-east coast
- Type:
- Sandy beaches
- Best for:
- Families looking for a quieter beach day
Sandy beaches in a relaxed resort area on the north-east coast. The area is less built-up than the southern resorts and can suit families wanting a calmer atmosphere.
Gerakas Beach
- Area:
- Vasilikos peninsula
- Type:
- Sandy beach in protected area
- Best for:
- Families interested in nature and wildlife
A sandy beach within the National Marine Park, known as a nesting site for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Access is managed to protect the nesting environment. A good option for families interested in nature — see our Gerakas guide for more information.
For a complete guide to all the best beaches in Zakynthos, including sandy coves, rocky inlets, and hidden swimming spots, see our Best Beaches in Zakynthos guide.
Gerakas & Wildlife
Gerakas Beach, on the Vasilikos peninsula, is within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and one of the most important nesting sites for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. Visiting can be a wonderful educational opportunity for children to learn about wildlife and the importance of protecting natural environments.
If you visit Gerakas or any Marine Park area, please follow these guidelines. For more information, see our Gerakas Beach and Vasilikos guide.
- •Do not touch or approach turtles, nests, or nesting zones
- •Do not enter protected nesting areas — follow all signs and barriers
- •Keep the beach clean and take all rubbish with you
- •Avoid using lights or flash near nesting beaches at night
- •Follow all current official signs and guidance from Marine Park wardens
- •Teach children to respect wildlife from a distance
Boat Trips with Children
A boat trip can be one of the highlights of a family holiday in Zakynthos. Popular options include trips to the Marathonisi area from Limni Keriou (see our Keri and Marathonisi guide) and trips to the Blue Caves on the north coast (see our Blue Caves guide), offering children the chance to see the island from the sea, explore coastal caves, and swim in clear water. Not every trip suits every child or age, so check directly with the boat operator regarding:
- •Age suitability and any age restrictions
- •Safety equipment provided, including life jackets for children
- •Trip duration and whether it suits your children's attention span
- •Boarding requirements and accessibility
- •Whether swimming stops are included and what they involve
Family Day Ideas
Here are some inspiration ideas for family days out in Zakynthos. These are not strict schedules — adapt them to your own pace and children's needs. The best approach for most families is to plan fewer stops and allow more time at each one; children will remember a relaxed morning at a sandy beach more than a rushed tour of five viewpoints.
Relaxed Beach Day
- Area:
- Choose your nearest family beach
- Type:
- Family day idea
- Best for:
- Families with younger children who want a simple, relaxed day
Morning: Head to a nearby sandy beach with sun protection and snacks. Lunch: A taverna near the beach or a packed picnic. Afternoon: A short scenic stop or a relaxed return to your accommodation for rest.
Vasilikos Family Day
- Area:
- Vasilikos peninsula
- Type:
- Family day idea
- Best for:
- Families interested in nature and quieter beaches
Morning: A selected Vasilikos beach for swimming and sand. Midday: Visit Gerakas to learn about the Marine Park and turtle nesting. Afternoon: A relaxed return, with a stop in a village or at a viewpoint if time and energy allow.
North-East Family Day
- Area:
- Alykes and Alykanas
- Type:
- Family day idea
- Best for:
- Families wanting a quieter coastal day
Morning: A beach in Alykes or Alykanas. Lunch: A waterfront taverna in the area. Afternoon: A relaxed exploration of the north-east coast, or return to your accommodation for a rest.
Zakynthos Town Day
- Area:
- Zakynthos Town
- Type:
- Family day idea
- Best for:
- Families wanting a non-beach day
Morning: Explore Zakynthos Town — the waterfront, harbour, and streets. Lunch: A meal at a taverna or cafe. Afternoon: A relaxed walk along the seafront, or a short drive to a nearby beach if the children want to swim.
Choosing a Car & Child Seats
All destinations in Zakynthos are reachable with a standard rental car — you do not need an SUV or any specific vehicle type. The right choice depends on your family size, luggage, and comfort. Make sure the vehicle has enough seats for every passenger, including children and infants; luggage space should also be considered, as pushchairs and beach gear add up quickly.
Medium Car
- Area:
- Small family / light luggage
- Type:
- Vehicle category
- Best for:
- Families of 4-5 with light to moderate luggage
A practical and economical choice for a small family. Easy to park and economical on fuel. Seats up to 5 passengers.
Automatic Car
- Area:
- Automatic preference
- Type:
- Vehicle category
- Best for:
- Families who prefer automatic transmission
An automatic car for the simplest driving experience on unfamiliar island roads. Seats up to 5 passengers.
SUV
- Area:
- More luggage and comfort
- Type:
- Vehicle category
- Best for:
- Families needing more space for luggage and comfort
A higher driving position and more space for luggage, pushchairs, and beach gear. Seats up to 5 passengers. Available in manual and automatic.
7-Seater
- Area:
- Larger family or group
- Type:
- Vehicle category
- Best for:
- Families of 5-7 who need more seats
The right choice for larger families or groups travelling together. Seats up to 7 passengers. Available in manual and automatic.
Child seat options are available as optional extras, including Infant Seat, Baby Seat, and Booster Seat, covering different ages and sizes from infants to older children. Select the appropriate seat for your child's age, weight, and height. An Additional Driver extra is also available if more than one parent will be driving. Prices are shown at the time of booking.
Practical Driving & Safety Tips
What to Bring for a Family Day Trip
- •Water — bring more than you think you will need, especially in summer
- •Sun protection — sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and beach umbrella or shade
- •Swimwear and towels
- •Comfortable footwear for walking on hot sand or rocky paths
- •Snacks for longer outings, especially with younger children
- •Child essentials — nappies, wipes, change of clothes
Driving with Children
- •Plan regular breaks — the island is small, so stopping for a drink or a stretch is easy
- •Plan one main destination per day and avoid unnecessarily long days in the car
- •Choose main roads where possible — they are wider and easier than village lanes
- •Keep children properly secured in appropriate child restraints at all times
- •Drive carefully on unfamiliar roads — some village streets are narrow and winding
- •Keep water and snacks in the car for the journey
For legal child-restraint requirements, follow the current official requirements that apply in Greece, and do not rely on this article for legal guidance. See our Driving in Zakynthos guide for more general driving information.
Places to Approach with Extra Care
- •Navagio viewpoint — a clifftop viewpoint above the Shipwreck Beach, with unfenced or partially fenced edges. Keep children close and supervise carefully
- •Porto Limnionas — a rocky cove with stone steps and rocky access to the water. Can be slippery
- •Mizithres viewpoint — a clifftop viewpoint with dramatic drops. Supervise children carefully
- •Blue Caves — accessed by boat, which requires boarding and disembarking carefully
- •Xigia Beach — a small beach with rocky elements, accessed via steps and a path
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zakynthos good for families?
Yes. Zakynthos is popular with families, thanks to its sandy beaches, compact size, range of resort areas, and variety of activities. The island is small enough that most destinations are within a short drive, which makes it practical for families who want variety without long days in the car.
Can we rent a child seat?
Yes. Child seat options are available as optional extras, including Infant Seat, Baby Seat, and Booster Seat. These can be added during the booking process, and current prices are shown at the time of booking. See our Extras page for more information.
What size rental car should a family choose?
It depends on your family size and luggage. A medium car may suit a family of 4-5 with light luggage. An SUV offers more space for luggage and comfort. A 7-seater is the right choice for families of 5-7. All destinations in Zakynthos are reachable with a standard rental car — you do not need an SUV. Browse our fleet to compare categories.
Can a family of 6 book a 5-seat car?
No. The vehicle must have enough seats for all passengers, including children and infants. The booking system is designed to prevent overbooking. A family of 6 needs a vehicle with at least 6 seats — a 7-seater is the appropriate category.
Are boat trips suitable for children?
Many boat trips are enjoyed by families, but suitability depends on the child's age and the specific trip. Check directly with the boat operator regarding age suitability, safety equipment, trip duration, and boarding requirements before booking.
Can we start a road trip directly from the airport?
Yes. Zakynthos is compact, and you can reach any destination in under an hour from the airport. Many families start exploring on the day they arrive. See our Best Places to Visit by Car guide and 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary for inspiration.
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