Where to Stay in Zakynthos (the 12 best areas in 2024)
Still not sure where to stay in Zakynthos for your next trip?
Well, whether you’re seeking stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, or tranquil retreats, we’ve got you covered.
From picturesque coastal towns to lively hubs of activity, we’ll take you through the best areas to stay in Zante highlighting their unique features, attractions, amenities, and hotels to help you make an informed decision and ensure a memorable trip.
Let’s dive in and discover your ideal destination in Zakynthos!
No Time to Waste? Here’s my #1 Favorite!
- Tons of activities
- Fantastic location
- Historic city
Where to Stay in Zakynthos for YOU
Right below, find out the best places to stay in Zante by travel style or purpose:
⭐️ The BEST Place to Stay in Zante: Zakynthos Town
🥂 Where to Stay in Zante for Nightlife: Laganas
💑 Where to Stay in Zakynthos for Couples: Argassi
👨👩👦👦 Zakynthos Where to Stay for Families: Vassilikos
🏖️ Best Area to Stay in Zante for Beaches: Tsilivi
🚶 Where to Stay on Zante Without a Car: Zakynthos Town
😌 Zante Where to Stay for Relaxation: Alykes/Alykanas
🌳 Best Place to Stay in Zakynthos for Nature: Kampi
📍 Best Zante Area for the Local Vibe: Agalas
Keep scrolling to learn everything about these best places to stay Zante has to offer with pros & cons, and get hotel recommendations by area.👇
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Zakynthos – Pros & Cons
The Cyclades is one of my favorite areas in all of Europe if I’m honest. It is a wonderful place with warm beaches and magnificent landscapes, the people are nice and the food is tasty. Zante is one of these islands and I definitely recommend visiting it if you can.
However, not every area will fit your needs, whether you are on a tight budget or want instead to enjoy a very comfortable stay. Also, whether you want to hike in unique places or simply rest on the sand of Greece, you should go to different areas.
Find out the one that is right for you in the list below.
The BEST Place to Stay in Zante: Zakynthos Town
Ah, this was a very difficult choice to make, as there are tons of incredible places in Zante; however, I truly think that Zakynthos Town is overall the best choice amongst all of them, combining all of the most convenient perks that most travelers are looking for, from nightlife and activities to beaches and public transportation.
The capital of the island is also the central commercial and tourist hub of the area. This city actually used to be ruled by the Venetians for several centuries, believe it or not, and the influence of this era can still be felt there to this day, with the magnificent 13th-century castle as well as the overall atmosphere of the city.
If you are into history, the Byzantine Museum is the place to go, with its art dating back to the 15th to 17th centuries, but the castle, overlooking the city, is a must-visit.
Plus, there are plenty of activities for you to try in Zante Town, from scuba diving into the deep blue waters of the pristine coastline to simply resting on the warm sand of Greece.
Historic city
Tons of activities
Fantastic location
Very difficult to drive around
Where to Stay in Zakynthos Town
Zakynthos Town is the best resort to stay in Zante, for sure, but that doesn’t mean that it is easy to find your best hotel there. As a matter of fact, there are so many of them, and the competition with other tourists can be so tough, that it can rapidly become a pain to plan your trip.
Here are my 3 favorite personal picks though:
✅ Best Hotel: Lambros Sea View
Ideally located, the Lambros Sea View has an insane perfect rating of 10 out of 10! This incredible accommodation is very spacious, tidy, and clean. The best thing about it is, of course, its sea view.
✨ Luxury Choice: Bitzaro Boutique Hotel
This amazing 4-star accommodation has it all, from a cozy and romantic atmosphere to modern decoration and spotlessly clean rooms. Your stay will for sure be a success if you stay there!
💰 Budget Pick: Petros Giatras – Rooms
While most of the time you need to sacrifice something to find cheap accommodation in Zante, this is not the case with this hotel. Petros Giatras – Rooms is set in a great location AND offers everything you could need.
Where to Stay in Zante for Nightlife: Laganas
Picture this: you just finished your night out, the bass still resonates in your head and you are walking onto the -still- warm sand of the beach. The scenery is absolutely dreamy, it is on an isolated island in the middle of the Mediterranean, you are having the time of your life, and you are maybe even watching the sun rise early in the morning.
Sounds good to you? If this is what you need for your next trip to the Cyclades, you should definitely head to Laganas, by far the best resort for partying on the island. This village has the busiest and most developed coastline in Zakynthos, and there are tons of nightclubs, restaurants, taverns, and bars there.
If you want to party and have a cool night out, head to Laganas!
Active nightlife
Longest beach of the island
Everything on one road
Not many activities for the day
Where to Stay in Laganas
Although going out at night and resting during the day is most likely what you are looking for, and you don’t care that much about your accommodation, there are still lots of things for basic comfort and affordable expenses you should think about.
Here are my 3 favorite picks:
✅ Best Hotel: Cactus Hotel
This hotel is one of the most stylishly decorated with tidy and cozy rooms. It is situated right next to the main points of interest of Laganas, such as restaurants and bars, so it’s perfect for partying!
✨ Luxury Choice: Castelli Hotel-Adults Only
If you want to enjoy a relaxing and calm stay, this kid-free hotel is definitely the one. You’ll be able to party all night long and relax all day without being bothered. The highlight of this place is definitely the on-site restaurant offering lots of choices.
💰 Budget Pick: Timos Hotel
When it comes to affordable accommodation, not many can compete with the Timos Hotel: it will offer the best value for money in the heart of Laganas. You will have everything you need, even a swimming pool, which is fairly rare for such attractive pricing.
Where to Stay in Zakynthos for Couples: Argassi
If you are traveling with your loved one, I am guessing the main things you will need are privacy, romance, and peacefulness. Did I get it right?
Then you should definitely head to Argassi, a small village on the northern coast of Zante. The best thing about it is that despite being very calm and relaxing (which might not be for everyone, I will give you that), it is located near Zante Town, the very active capital of the island, where you will find beautiful areas to visit and plenty of fun activities to try.l
Argassi is a romantic resort that will suit anyone looking for a relaxing time as a couple: there are lots of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as, of course, a magnificent beach, all of this within a relaxing area.
Romantic area
Close to the capital
Great for visiting
Not a very lively place
Where to Stay in Argassi
Sure, Argassi is a peaceful village. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of hotel options for you to choose from.
Let me help you and save you a headache by giving you my 3 best picks in Argassi, because I want you and your loved one to focus on your trip, not the boring details of it:
✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Palmyra
There are many reasons why this is the best hotel in Argassi, its clean and tidy interior, the wide and sunny exterior area, as well as the fantastic value for money it offers being some of them.
✨ Luxury Choice: Ionian Hill Hotel
If you put aside its luxury pricing, this 4-star hotel is also up there with the Hotel Palmyra, if not better. Not only is it the perfect place for couples to relax, but also overall I truly believe it could fit anyone’s needs.
💰 Budget Pick: Hotel Papillon
For a budget pick, Hotel Papillon is an incredible choice: it is situated next to the center of Argassi, has a beautiful swimming pool, and even furnished balconies. Honestly, for a cheap hotel, it is very rare to have all of these perks!
If none of these hotels convince you, check out this post for more top hotels in Argassi.
Zakynthos Where to Stay for Families: Vassilikos
When it comes to families, I believe that their main criteria are large, beautiful, and calm beaches, as well as an overall peaceful atmosphere. If you can relate to that, you need to go to Vassilikos, situated at the tip of the Vassilikos Peninsula, in the southeastern part of Zante. Actually, there is no real village, but instead a broad range of hotels and houses in the middle of olive groves and rolling hills, so it is an ideal place to relax!
Plus, the beaches there are some of the best of all on the island, and they are not that crowded, believe it or not. In fact, the resort as a whole isn’t very developed, which is lovely for some intimacy.
Although this place is quite far from the other points of interest and there aren’t that many activities there, it is the best area in Zante for families who just want to relax.
Verdant gardens
The best beaches of the island
Very calm
Not a lot to do
Far from the other interesting areas
Where to Stay in Vassilikos
Although peaceful and remotely located, there are tons of accommodations, and if you want to make sure your family won’t lack anything, pick any of my 3 favorite picks, depending on your budget and needs:
✅ Best Hotel: Villa Levante
If you are looking for a lot of privacy in an already pretty private resort, you should book a room at Villa Levante. Located in a remote area in the countryside, every room has a balcony gazing at the Ionian Sea creating a very peaceful atmosphere.
✨ Luxury Choice: The Bay Hotel & Suites
Besides being exceptionally comfy, there is one thing I love most about it though: its location. Set in paradisiac scenery, The Bay Hotel & Suites are surrounded by gardens; you will love staring at the deep blue sea while basking in the sun there!
💰 Budget Pick: Stamiris Beach Hotel
If you are traveling with family and looking for affordable accommodation, I would pick the Stamiris Beach Hotel. It offers the best value for money, and even has direct access to the beach as well as a large swimming pool: what more could you ask for?
Not satisfied with these hotels? Discover here 15 more family-friendly hotels in Zakynthos
Best Area to Stay in Zante for Beaches: Tsilivi
As weird as that sounds, Tsilivi is also called Planos, which doesn’t look the same. This place is one of the most well-developed and popular resorts in all of Zante, and it is perfect for you, as a tourist, if you are looking for the best beach area. There are also plenty of bars, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and other facilities to ensure your stay is most memorable.
I am 100% convinced that Tsilivi is the place to be for beaches in Zante because it combines a bit of everything, for any kind of traveler. Not only does it have an amazing beach, but it is also less active and quieter than Zante Town, which is why it is slowly becoming more and more popular among tourists, for good reasons.
The warm beach of Tsilivi is absolutely picture-perfect, and it is also great for large groups such as families because it is perfectly safe, even for young children. There are also multitudes of sunbeds, parasols, and bars by the seaside, which I’m sure are always a great plus.
Something for everyone
More and more popular
Breathtaking beach
Lots of other tourists
Where to Stay in Tsilivi
Tsilivi does indeed have everything you could wish for, definitely, but it doesn’t mean that everything is easy to find either. Because of this, I have picked my 3 favorite hotels in the area, sorted by budget, and I hope you will find your fit:
✅ Best Hotel: Iakinthos, Tsilivi Beach
For such perks, this accommodation is very affordable. It also has an airport shuttle and a fitness center, and it is situated on the beachfront and serves great cocktails on the beach! What more do you need?
✨ Luxury Choice: Contessina Suites & Spa – Adults Only
For a stay in Tsilivi by the beach without kids, the Contessina Suites & Spa are your perfect choice. Relaxing is key in this place, as there is a swimming pool, a spa, and massages.
💰 Budget Pick: Sunrise Zante – Adults Only Hotel
Here is another great hotel that won’t work for families, but I need to share it: while this place is meant for adults only, it is a fantastic budget-friendly hotel not too far from the center of the resort and even has a large outdoor swimming pool.
Not satisfied with these hotels? Click here to discover more top beach hotels in Zante.
Where to Stay on Zante Without a Car: Zakynthos Town
I have already told you about Zakynthos Town since it is my personal favorite area to stay in Zante, but it is also the best one if you don’t have a car.
Because everything’s reachable on foot and there are tons of activities, taxis, and buses for you, I’m 100% convinced it is the best place to stay in Zakynthos without a car.
Historic city
Tons of activities
Fantastic location
Everything reachable by foot
Not always good food and drinks
Where to Stay in Zakynthos Town
Zakynthos Town is the best place to stay if you don’t have access to a car, but there is a lot of competition with plenty of other travelers, as well as a very broad range of choices, so planning your trip there could very well be painful… and that’s why I have here my 3 favorite picks:
✅ Best Hotel: Lambros Sea View
Ideally located, the Lambros Sea View has an insane perfect rating of 10 out of 10! This incredible accommodation is very spacious, tidy, and clean. The best thing about it is, of course, its sea view.
✨ Luxury Choice: Bitzaro Boutique Hotel
This amazing 4-star accommodation has it all, from a cozy and romantic atmosphere to modern decoration and spotlessly clean rooms. Your stay will for sure be a success if you stay there!
💰 Budget Pick: Petros Giatras – Rooms
While most of the time you need to sacrifice something to find cheap accommodation in Zante, this is not the case with this hotel. Petros Giatras – Rooms is set in a great location AND offers everything you could need.
Zante Where to Stay for Relaxation: Alykes/Alykanas
Situated about 2 km / 1.2 mi from each other and 16 km / 10 mi north of Zakynthos Town, Alykes/Alykanas are 2 small towns on the eastern coast of the island. Despite being considered one same location, they are actually 2 different places.
There are tons of great activities for you to try around Zante. The first and most obvious of them is of course the magnificent sand beaches scattered around the coastline, and while they might be your main point of interest, there’s also much more. For instance, the historic side of Alykes and Alykanas are, in my opinion, worth the time: these villages are situated in-between 2 ancient Venetian watchtowers. Other interesting activities include wine tasting, which is very popular in the region, or the various restaurants, shops, and other facilities.
All in all, I believe that Alykes/Alykanas are pretty good resorts and solid options for your next stay in the Cyclades. The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing, as there isn’t that much disturbance such as buzzing nightlife.
Peaceful atmosphere
Historic interest
Jaw-dropping beaches
A car would be useful
Where to Stay in Alykes/Alykanas
Considering how fantastic these 2 villages are, you most likely won’t be too surprised to learn that there are lots of great hotel options for you to choose from. And although that can feel overwhelming, I have made it easy for you. Just pick one of my favorite 3 choices, adapted to your budget:
✅ Best Hotel: Letsos Hotel
Not only is it located less than 1 km / 0.6 mi from the beach, but it also has an on-site bar and gift shop, as well as a breathtaking outdoor swimming pool. In case you are afraid to be bored, this hotel is an even better choice since it has darts tournaments and pool tables!
✨ Luxury Choice: The Lofos Studios
This place is particularly peaceful, and it also has a beautiful and pleasant swimming pool. These studios have a wide terrace, a fully-equipped kitchen, and an on-site bar, and they are all located near a beautiful beach, so just go for them.
💰 Budget Pick: Giannis Studios
This accommodation is situated in Alykes, about 400 m / 1,300 ft from the beach, and each of its rooms has a fully-equipped kitchen and air conditioning units. The airport of Zante is about 14 km / 8.7 mi away as well, which is fairly handy.
Read more: Discover more relaxing areas in Zante here.
Best Place to Stay in Zakynthos for Nature: Kampi
While the Cyclades are for sure famous for their intense tourism and bustling activity, especially at night, they also boast some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Europe.
If you are interested in that, and would rather explore the wilderness of Zante rather than simply staying near the beach, I highly advise you to stay in Kampi. Sometimes written as Kambi, this village is a fantastic option, if you don’t mind being further away from the main points of interest.
Kampi is a tiny village located on the western coast of Zante, and there are very few tourist facilities, but instead only taverns, villas, and restaurants, and that’s it! Even better to stay in a peaceful area right?
Very relaxing area
Little to no tourists
Only for motivated explorers
Where to Stay in Kampi
As I have just told you, there are not many things in Kampi overall, and that includes hotels. Trust me though, this place is still worth a visit, and depending on your needs, you can pick any of these 3 hotels:
✅ Best Hotel: SOHORO Forest Hill Apartment
This hotel has it all: not only does it stand out with its beautiful touches of colors, but it also offers magnificent, panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and will give you great value for your money, so just go for it!
✨ Luxury Choice: Villa Esperia
If you want the comfiest and fanciest hotel option in Kampi, look no further, this is the place to go. There is an outstanding outdoor swimming pool and a sunny terrace with breathtaking sea views and the area as a whole is very peaceful.
💰 Budget Pick: SOHORO Forest Hill Apartment
As surprising as that may sound, this place is actually so great, and offers such fantastic value for money, that it is also my budget pick for the village of Kampi. This place should be the go-to for most types of travelers, except those looking for a very comfortable stay and wanting specific amenities.
Best Zante Area for the Local Vibe: Agalas
For people who are looking for a genuine experience and who are looking to feel the local vibe during their trip to Zakynthos, I give you Agalas.
Agalas is another small, remote village on the island of Zante. It is situated in the western mountains of the island and is obviously not a major tourist hot spot, which is ideal for travelers who want peacefulness, but a very bad choice for people who want lots of activities in bustling areas.
This authentic village will definitely give you the best local vibe though, as it is particularly charming and is well worth the exploration. It is a great place to retreat from the crowds, and I’m sure anyone could enjoy some peaceful time in the sun of Zante.
Most authentic
Perfect for explorations
Literally no activities
Where to Stay in Agalas
While there aren’t that many accommodations to stay in Agalas, these 3 places stand above all others according to me, so I hope you will like at least one of them:
✅ Best Hotel: Castelo di zante
With such a fantastic setting, an overall great medieval decoration, and even a lit-up swimming pool, there is absolutely no way you don’t fall in love with Castelo di zante at first sight. It is also great to start hiking since it is situated in the middle of the hills.
✨ Luxury Choice: Castielia Residence
If you want the most luxurious stay in Agalas, with a large swimming pool and a stony decoration, you should book this place. This accommodation has 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms, so there is a whole lot of space for anyone else coming with you, and a wide, sunny terrace.
💰 Budget Pick: Christine’s House
Christine’s House is a perfect pick if you are traveling as a group, as it is an entire house fit for up to 8 persons, ideal for budget travelers who can split the bill. Plus, the decoration is overall beautiful, and it is clean, very tidy, and comfy, so just go for it!
Katastari
Wait, there’s more? Yes! While the 3 last areas aren’t the #1 in any of the above categories, they are all great places you should know about. First off, Katastari.
If you are one of these travelers who want to explore the wilderness rather than visit areas overwhelmed with tourists and you weren’t satisfied with Kampi, you should definitely go to Katastari; and trust me on this, as I particularly like to discover the wild during my own trips.
Katastari is one of the most authentic and picturesque resorts in Zante. This small village is situated near the monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, which dates back to the 17th century, and it has its own folklore museum, where you will learn more about the Greek traditions from a unique angle, through agricultural and traditional tools, as well as silver and embroidery.
Authentic village
Historic museum
A bit far from sea
Where to Stay in Katastari
Are you into culture, folklore, and traditions, and decided to stay in Katastari? Well, you most likely need a hotel then, and I would advise picking one of these 3 next ones if you don’t want to waste any time:
✅ Best Hotel: Wabi Sabi
This apartment stands out, especially thanks to its garden and view of the garden. Located only 10min from Alykanas Beach, Wabi Sabi has 2 fully equipped rooms and a terrace for your to enjoy your stay in the Cyclades and relax.
✨ Luxury Choice: -Grand house Tassos-
With its patio with views of the garden, its sun loungers, its on-site, continental breakfast, and its sun loungers, you will definitely have a memorable trip if you choose this hotel. It’s only 16 min walk from Alykes Beach, so you might not even need a car!
💰 Budget Pick: Katerina’s place/ panoramic view
Katerina’s place is incredibly affordable and will offer amazing value for money if you are ok with sharing the kitchen and lounge area with other guests. This family stay has a fully-equipped kitchen and air-conditioning units and the host is very kind.
Agios Sostis
Then, we have Agios Sostis. Located down, in the southeastern portions of the coastline of Zante, this small, peaceful resort is slowly becoming more and more attractive to tourists, and it is steadily spreading around the port and the beach.
Because of this, it is one of the (still) hidden gems of the island, and if you want to try it out, you should do it fast before it becomes too popular.
There are already lots of activities and facilities in and around the resort, and most of them remain close to the beach, while some others are inland.
Expanding place
Lots of facilities
Is slowly becoming crowded
Where to Stay in Agios Sostis
Since Agios Sostis is expanding and the list of the best hotels could then constantly change, I believe these are my current 3 favorite ones, and in any case, they won’t be bad so you can pick one of them anyway:
✅ Best Hotel: Tinos Blend Suites
This place is a blessing considering its very affordable pricing. The suites are large and fully equipped, and you can enjoy a jacuzzi, a terrace, a garden, and a swimming pool. This place is particularly loved by couples, who give it a rating of 9.1 out of 10.
✨ Luxury Choice: Maison Simone with private heated infinity pool & spectacular sea view
This very spacious, fancy house has its own infinity pool, from which you can gaze at the Ionian Sea, and it is extremely well-equipped with anything you could ever wish for, on top of being situated in a particularly quiet area.
💰 Budget Pick: Akti Aegeou
Located near the beach, Akti Aegeou is very interesting for all types of travelers despite being a budget pick. It is fairly spacious and even has its own swimming pool. Plus, this accommodation offers views of the sea, has its own garden, and the staff is very competent and kind.
Keri
And finally, last but not least, is Keri. Keri is a small village divided into 2 sections: the traditional village, situated up in the hills, and the main tourist area, known as Limni Keri.
This is, for me, particularly lovely: no matter what you want most, whether it is an authentic experience or bustling activity near the coastline, you can find it in Keri. So, what will you choose?
2 different areas
Beautiful views
Nothing to do in the village
Where to Stay in Keri
Village, or beach? That is the question. I can’t really help you answer that, but I know a bit about hotels, and here are my 3 picks:
✅ Best Hotel: Athenea Villas Private pools & private gardens totally individual
At Athenea Villas, the hosts are nice and helpful, the view of the sea is just incredible and the hotel as a whole is both romantic and classy. What I love most about it though is the fact that it is very calm and that it has a wide, sunny terrace.
✨ Luxury Choice: Eptanisos Beachfront Suites Zante
Located right next to Keri Beach, this place is a perfect option for a fancy stay in Keri. It is all in all of very good quality, from its terrace or wide balcony to the stylish furniture. Also, the area is excellent, even more for families and kids, and there are lots of restaurants nearby.
💰 Budget Pick: Dakis Studios
Although this hotel is particularly cheap compared to others, you shouldn’t worry as you will have everything you need there, as it is still fully equipped. Plus, it is situated only a 5 min walk from the beachfront, and it offers relaxing, peaceful views of the coastline.
How long should you stay in Zakynthos?
Depending on what you are looking for during your stay in Zakynthos, you will want to stay for different durations.
In 2 to 3 days, you will be able to see the main highlights of the island, rest on the beach, taste the Greek cuisine, and visit some monuments, so it is generally a good option if you are in a rush.
If you have a bit more time, I personally think spending 1 week in Zakynthos is ideal: you could have the time to explore the wilderness of the island, to go on a boat trip and to visit some idyllic, far-away areas.
Finally, if you truly are a fan of Zante, you could stay there for an entire 2 weeks, get to know everything about the island and almost become a local!
More Hotels in Zakynthos
Couldn’t find the best place to stay in Zante Greece through this post? Well, these other posts will certainly be helpful in that case:
Here are other neighborhood guides for you to find the right location, depending on your travel purpose:
- Where to Stay in Zakynthos Without a Car
- Where to Stay in Zante for Relaxation
- Where to Stay in Zakynthos for Couples
- Where to Stay in Zante for Older Couples
- Where to Stay in Zakynthos for Families
- Where to Stay in Zakynthos for Nightlife
- Where to Stay in Zante for Beaches
If you have chosen your area to stay in Zante, book the perfect hotel thanks to this complete guide 👉 The 22 Best Hotels in Zakynthos 👈
And if you are looking for specific hotels, here are other awesome pieces:
- Best Beach Hotels in Zakynthos
- Best Luxury Hotels in Zakynthos
- Best Party Hotels in Zante
- Best Hotels in Zante for Families
- Best Hotels in Argassi, Zante
- Best Resorts in Zakynthos
- Best Resorts in Zante for Couples
- Best Resorts in Zante for Nightlife
- Best Resorts in Zante for Families
Final Thoughts
So there you have them, these were all of my top picks for where to stay in Zakynthos Greece. I hope you loved this list, and most importantly that you found your perfect fit!
If I had to choose one single area, I’d recommend staying in Zakynthos Town, the capital of the island. There, you will find something that fits your needs, no matter what they are, as the city is filled with interesting activities and relaxing spots.
Hope you could’ve found the right neighborhood to stay in Zante through this guide. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to comment below, I love reading your feedback 🙂
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