Zakynthos Town is the capital of Zakynthos (Zante), one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea — a town of squares, arcades, and a waterfront promenade that looks across the bay to the Peloponnese. It was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1953, but the new town followed the old Venetian plan, with wide streets, public squares, and a harbour that is the centre of island life. Hiring a car here lets you explore the island’s famous shipwreck beach, the Blue Caves, the turtle nesting beaches, and the mountain villages of the interior.

We compare local operators in Zakynthos Town and at the airport. Compact cars start around €18/day in low season and €30–€45/day in summer. The island is reached by ferry from Kyllini (1 hour) or by plane from Athens (45 minutes).

Why Hire a Car in Zakynthos Town

• Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach): The most famous beach in Greece — a cove of white sand and turquoise water, with the rusted hulk of a smuggler’s ship on the shore. Accessible only by boat (tours depart from the harbour) or by viewing platform from the cliffs above.
• The Blue Caves: On the northern tip of the island, sea caves where the water glows an intense blue as light reflects off the white limestone bottom. Boat trips run from Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari.
• Gerakas Beach: The most important nesting beach for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. The National Marine Park protects the turtles, and visitors must follow strict rules during nesting season (May–October).
• Keri Caves: On the southern coast, sea arches and caves with turquoise water. The lighthouse at Cape Keri offers spectacular sunset views.
• Bohali: A village above Zakynthos Town with panoramic views of the bay, the town, and the Peloponnese. The Venetian castle ruins are here.
• The Mountain Villages: The interior of Zakynthos is a landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and mountain villages. Anafonitria, Volimes, and Exo Chora are the most picturesque.
• kefalonia/”>Kefalonia: 1.5 hours by ferry. The largest of the Ionian islands, with Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave, and the port of Fiscardo.

Driving in Zakynthos

Greece drives on the right. The roads on Zakynthos are generally good, but the mountain roads to the west coast and the shipwreck viewpoint are narrow and winding. An automatic car is recommended for the steep hills.

Parking in Zakynthos Town is in designated areas near the harbour. At Navagio, there is no car access — park at the boat departure points. At the Blue Caves, parking is at Cape Skinari.

Booking Tips for Zakynthos Town

• Book 3–4 weeks ahead for summer — demand is high.
• If visiting the shipwreck, book the boat tour in advance — it fills up fast.
• If visiting Gerakas, follow the turtle protection rules — no umbrellas in the sand, no noise after dark.
• GPS is useful for finding the mountain villages.
• If combining with Kefalonia, the ferry is 1.5 hours. Both islands are worth a week each.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire in Zakynthos Town

Is Zakynthos worth visiting? Yes — it has some of the most spectacular natural scenery in Greece, with the shipwreck, the Blue Caves, and the turtle beaches.

Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine. An automatic is recommended for the steep hills.

Is Zakynthos family-friendly? Yes — the beaches are safe, the water is warm, and there are family resorts and activities.