Hire a Car in Zakynthos Town and See the Best of Zante
Zakynthos Town is the capital of Zante, one of the most visited islands in the Ionian Sea. Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1953, the town follows a Venetian plan of wide streets, public squares and a long waterfront promenade that looks across the bay towards the Peloponnese. It is a pleasant place to spend an evening, but the real reason most visitors hire a car here is what lies beyond: the famous shipwreck beach, the glowing Blue Caves, protected turtle nesting sites and mountain villages that feel a world away from the summer crowds.
We compare deals from operators in Zakynthos Town and at the nearby airport, so you can collect where it suits you. The island is compact enough to explore in day trips, but the road network covers the coast and interior comprehensively. Book ahead in peak season, as demand for automatic and larger vehicles outstrips supply quickly.
Ionian Islands
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Zakynthos Town
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Beaches, sea caves, mountain villages, turtle watching
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Mountain roads can be narrow and steep; coastal routes are generally good
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Zakynthos Town: Harbour, Squares and Bohali Views
The town centres on Solomos Square, with its arcades, cafes and the church of Agios Dionysios, patron saint of the island. The waterfront promenade is lined with restaurants and bars, and the port sees ferries arriving from Kyllini on the Peloponnese. Above the town, the village of Bohali offers panoramic views over the bay, the castle ruins and the distant mountains of the mainland.
Beyond the Town: Shipwrecks, Caves and Mountain Villages
Navagio Beach — the shipwreck beach — is the image most people carry of Zakynthos, a cove of white sand and turquoise water with the rusted hull of a smuggler’s vessel on the shore. The Blue Caves on the northern tip glow an intense blue as light reflects off the white limestone bottom. On the south coast, Gerakas Beach is a protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles, with strict rules in place during the season. Inland, the villages of Volimes and Anafonitria sit among olive groves and vineyards, producing local honey and cheese.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Zakynthos has been inhabited since before recorded history, its fertile valleys and protected harbours drawing settlers from the mainland and beyond. The Venetians held the island for centuries, leaving behind a architectural tradition that the 1953 earthquake largely destroyed — though the rebuilt town follows the old street plan, and the castle above Bohali still shows Venetian stonework.
The island’s modern fame rests on two natural wonders: the shipwreck beach, where a smuggler’s vessel ran aground in 1980 and has since become one of the most photographed spots in Greece, and the loggerhead turtles that nest on the southern beaches each summer. The National Marine Park protects the turtles, restricting access and regulating boat speeds in the breeding areas.
Away from the famous sites, Zakynthos is still an island of olive groves, mountain villages and local produce. The honey from the hills around Volimes, the cheese from the upland farms and the wine from small vineyards are part of a culture that exists alongside the summer tourism industry. A hire car is the link between the two — the way to see the photographs and then drive inland to the quieter, older Zakynthos that most visitors miss.
Check the conditions behind the price
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Total payable price
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Deposit and payment card
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Excess and cover
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Fuel policy
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Mileage and territory
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Extras and return
Price additional drivers, seats, after-hours service and one-way return before payment.
Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Driving in Zakynthos
Traffic drives on the right. The main coastal roads are in reasonable condition, but mountain routes can be narrow, steep and winding, particularly around the interior villages. Parking in Zakynthos Town is limited in summer, and the waterfront area gets congested when ferries are loading. The road to Navagio viewpoint is rough and not suitable for all vehicles; most visitors see the beach by boat tour from the harbour.
Ferry and Access
Zakynthos is reached by ferry from Kyllini on the Peloponnese or by domestic flight from Athens. The ferry crossing takes around an hour, and the port is right in Zakynthos Town. If you are arriving by plane, the airport is a short drive south of the town, and most operators offer collection there.
Beach and Sightseeing Routes
The north coast road runs past the Blue Caves and on to Cape Skinari, with boat trips departing from small harbours along the way. The south coast road passes through resort areas before reaching the quieter beaches of Gerakas and Dafni, where the National Marine Park restricts access during turtle nesting season. The cross-island road through the mountains connects the two coasts and offers some of the best views on Zakynthos.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Visit Greece.
Build a realistic first journey
Zakynthos Town to Navagio Beach (by boat) and Viewpoint
Most visitors reach Navagio by organised boat tour from the harbour, which includes a stop at the beach itself and a viewing platform on the cliffs above. The viewpoint is accessible by road, but the final section is rough and steep. Check your rental agreement before attempting it, as standard insurance may not cover damage on unsealed tracks.
Zakynthos Town to the Blue Caves
Drive north along the coast road to Agios Nikolaos or Cape Skinari, where small boats depart into the caves. The road is scenic but winding, with sharp drops in places. Boat trips are the only way to enter the caves properly; the road gets you to the departure points.
Zakynthos Town to Gerakas Beach
Head south-east from the town through the resort belt and out to the quieter southern coast. Gerakas is a long sandy beach with shallow water, but it is also a critical nesting site for Caretta caretta turtles. During nesting season, access may be restricted to certain hours or zones. Check current rules before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth hiring a car in Zakynthos Town?
Yes, if you want to see more than the town itself. Zakynthos has famous beaches, sea caves, mountain villages and protected nature sites spread across the island. A car lets you escape the main resort areas and explore early or late in the day when the roads are quieter.
Can I pick up a car at Zakynthos Airport?
Yes, most operators have desks or meeting points at Zakynthos International Airport, a short drive south of the town. Some also offer town-centre collection or hotel delivery. Compare options when booking, particularly if you are arriving on a late flight.
What type of car is best for Zakynthos?
A compact car is sufficient for the main roads and most coastal routes. If you plan to explore rougher mountain tracks or travel with family and luggage, a small SUV or larger vehicle may be more comfortable. Automatics are in high demand and should be reserved well ahead.
Are there tolls or fuel stations to worry about?
Zakynthos has no toll roads. Fuel stations are found in Zakynthos Town, along the main coastal roads and near the airport, but remote inland areas have few. Fill up before heading to the northern caves or the southern turtle beaches.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Most non-EU visitors will need an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence to hire and drive in Greece. EU licence holders can usually drive on their national licence. Confirm specifics with your rental operator before travel.
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