The island is well served by its own international airport which receives direct scheduled and charter flights from both the major and the more provincial airports in the United Kingdom throughout the year. Understandably these are more frequent during the summer months.

Major Towns

The east coast town and port of Zakynthos is the capital. This is the commercial and cultural centre of the island and enjoys a magnificent setting. Historically known as “The Venice of the South”, the town was rebuilt following the earthquake of 1953 in its former Venetian and Byzantine style wherever possible. Places and items of interest here include the churches of Agios Nicholas and Agios Dionissios, both of which which survived the earthquake. Also popular are the Byzantine Museum and the statue of Dionysius Solomos – writer of the Greek national anthem – which can be found in the main square. Elsewhere excellent food is served in the cafes and tavernas surrounding Plateia Agios Markou and Strata Marina (“Marine Drive”), one of the busiest parts of town serving the ferry port.

Laganas features the largest sandy beach on the island, with warm, shallow water making it a very popular destination for beach lovers. The beach is also the largest breeding ground in Europe for the Loggerhead Turtle and a maritime reserve has been created in Laganas Bay for the conservation and protection of this endangered species. However, the resort of Laganas is not for the faint hearted, with the neon-lit “Golden Mile” full of thumping music and drunken revellers.

Argassi is also a popular tourist centre with an excellent variety of bars and restaurants to suit visitors of all ages. The beach here is quite narrow and largely shingle, with sand beyond. It runs the full length of the resort with the water being warm and very shallow. The nightlife in Argassi is somewhat quieter than that in Laganas but still with enough going on to entertain most people.