A yacht charter in Zakynthos puts the Venetians' "Fiori di Levante" — the flower of the East — within easy reach of your bow. Known as Zante and famous worldwide for the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta, the island pairs a lush, sandy east coast with dramatic west-coast cliffs, sea caves and the world-renowned Navagio (Shipwreck) beach.
Why rent a boat in Zakynthos
Zakynthos sits at the southern end of the Ionian Sea, an area prized for calm water, short hops and reliable afternoon breezes — one of the friendliest places to sail in Greece for families and first-timers. From the island's port you are a comfortable day's sail from the beaches of the Gulf of Laganas and, further afield, from Kefalonia and the wider Ionian.
- Gentle, predictable Ionian conditions with short distances between anchorages — ideal for a relaxed or first bareboat charter.
- Direct access to Navagio (Shipwreck) beach, the Blue Caves at Cape Skinari and the turtle waters of Laganas Bay.
- A long sailing season from spring to autumn, with warm, settled weather through the summer months.
- An easy stepping-stone to Kefalonia and the rest of the Ionian for one- and two-week cruises.
Zakynthos Town
The island's capital and port, also called Zakynthos, lies on the southeast coast. Although the 1953 earthquakes destroyed buildings and churches of great architectural value, it remains a handsome town of broad squares, elegant arcades — the Rouga among the most characteristic — and important churches adorned with works by Zakynthian and Cretan icon-painters.
On the waterfront avenue of Strata Marina stands the church of the island's patron saint, St Dionysios, built in 1708 and renovated in 1764, which houses the relic of the saint. Other landmarks include the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Museum and the Museum of Solomos and Distinguished Zakynthians. Above the town, Strani Hill offers a marvellous view over the port and the bust of national poet Dionysios Solomos, said to have been inspired here to write his "Hymn to Freedom" — later set to music as Greece's national anthem. The ruins of the Venetian Castle crown the adjacent Bochali Hill.
The Blue Caves and sea caves
Among the island's most striking sights is the Blue Grotto, one of the loveliest cave complexes in Greece. Close to the northernmost point, Cape Skinari, it was discovered by chance in 1897; in its two interconnected caverns the sun's reflection on the water throws up brilliant blue and sapphire shades. Further south lies the sea cave of Xygia, fed by a spring of sulphurous water.
Villages of the interior
Zakynthos hides many traditional villages in its verdant hinterland, with vernacular architecture, monasteries with distinctive belltowers and springs of cool water. In the south are Ambelokipoi, Lithakia, Agalas, Pantokratoras, Mouzaki, Romiri and Lagopodo, near the Eleutherotria monastery. At the island's southwestern edge, west of Laganas Bay, is the picturesque village of Keri, set beside precipitous cliffs and a lighthouse with a breathtaking view of the open sea; its Renaissance-style church of the Virgin Keriotissa (1745) merits a visit, and nearby Lake Keri has been known since Antiquity for its bitumen springs.
In the island's heart lie Machairado, with its notable church of St Maura, and Melinado, with the remnants of an ancient temple of Artemis, alongside Kalipado, Tragaki and Kypseli. Further north, near Volimes, stand important churches in Venetian Baroque order, while the western foothills of Mt Vrachionas shelter Aghios Leon, Kambi, Maries and Anaphonitria — the last with its monastery of the Virgin Anaphonitria, where St Dionysios was a monk, guarded by a 15th-century medieval tower.
Beaches of Zakynthos
The island's greatest attraction is its shoreline — glistening white and golden sand, quiet fishing villages and lively resorts, organised beaches and isolated coves where greenery grows to the water's edge.
- East coastKryoneri and Planos–Tsilivi north of town; Argasi, Kaminia, Porto Zoro, Vasilikos, Porto Roma and Gerakas to the south.
- Laganas BayA 9 km stretch through Kalamaki, Laganas and Aghios Sostis — and a protected nesting ground for the rare Caretta caretta turtle.
- West coastThe bays of Exo Chora and Porto Vromi, and the celebrated, prize-winning Navagio (Shipwreck) beach — often called one of the most beautiful in the world.
- Northeast shoreCalm swimming at Aghia Aikaterini, Alikana, Alykes, Aghia Kyriaki, Makry Yalo and Aghios Nikolaos.
Set sail from Zakynthos this season
Tell us your dates, group size and preferences, and our charter team will match you with the right yacht for the Ionian.
When to sail Zakynthos
The Ionian sailing season runs from spring to autumn. Late spring and early autumn bring quieter anchorages and gentle sailing, while high summer offers hot, settled weather, warm seas and lively harbours. The Ionian's light-to-moderate breezes and short distances make Zakynthos a comfortable choice at any point in the season.
Practical notes for sailors
Zakynthos Town has a water-supply facility for yachts, along with bars, tavernas, restaurants and other amenities in town and across the seaside villages. Typical local products worth seeking out include mandolato (nougat), ladotyri (cheese stored in oil) and the island's wines. The deserted Strofades islets lie some 42 nautical miles south, home to a fortified 13th-century monastery and reachable by caique.
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Zakynthos yacht charter FAQs
Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Zakynthos?
For a bareboat charter you need a valid sailing licence and some proven experience. If you don't hold one, you can book a skippered charter — a professional skipper handles the navigation while you relax and enjoy the Ionian. Either way, our team can advise on the right option for your group.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Zakynthos?
The season runs from spring to autumn. June to September brings hot, settled weather, warm seas and lively harbours, while May and October are quieter and calmer — ideal for a relaxed cruise. Zakynthos sails comfortably throughout the season thanks to the Ionian's gentle conditions.
What are the sailing conditions like around Zakynthos?
The southern Ionian is one of the easiest places to sail in Greece, with predictable light-to-moderate afternoon breezes, calm seas and short distances between anchorages. This makes Zakynthos well suited to families, first-time charterers and relaxed bareboat holidays.
Which places can I visit on a Zakynthos sailing trip?
Highlights include Navagio (Shipwreck) beach on the west coast, the Blue Caves near Cape Skinari, the turtle waters and long beach of Laganas Bay, and the quiet coves of the northeast shore. From Zakynthos you can also sail north towards Kefalonia and the wider Ionian.
Can I sail from Zakynthos to Kefalonia and the rest of the Ionian?
Yes. Kefalonia lies a comfortable sail to the north and is a natural next stop, with Ithaca, Lefkada and the southern Ionian islands beyond. One- and two-week charters give you time to combine Zakynthos with several of these islands.
What types of yacht can I charter in Zakynthos?
You can charter monohull sailing yachts, catamarans, motor yachts and more, as bareboat or skippered charters. Tell us your group size, dates and budget and we'll match you with suitable yachts available in and around Zakynthos and the Ionian.
