The best things to do in Zakynthos

From learning to cook with fresh Ionian ingredients to discovering Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos is an island rich in adventure, culture and natural beauty. With so much to explore and experience, it can be difficult to decide what to do first. To help you enhance your holiday itinerary, our experts have curated a collection of unmissable things to do in Zakynthos.

What to do in Zakynthos, Greece

Ringed with breathtaking beaches, the island of Zakynthos is one of the Ionian’s largest. Its interior is dotted with charming hilltop towns interspersed with verdant groves, woodlands, walking trails and twisting roads. From vibrant nightlife on the coast to peaceful monasteries in the mountains, this is an island of contrast and diversity, with something to capture the imagination of every visitor.

Our collection of Zakynthiot experiences will introduce you to the island’s most beautiful beaches and share the exceptional natural produce that underpins traditional Ionian cuisine. From wine tours to adventures on the Ionian Sea aboard your own private boat, this collection draws on the knowledge of our Local Specialists to share with you the very best that Zakynthos has to offer.

Should you wish to personalise any of the Experiences we’ve shared below or add bespoke extras to make the experience your own, our team are always happy to help. Contact us to design your Zakynthos experience.

Please note: Experiences are available exclusively to clients of The Thinking Traveller. Please view our full terms and conditions here.

View our entire selection of luxury villas in Zakynthos.

Zakynthos day tours: Wine tasting

A wine tasting experience is the ultimate way to — quite literally — drink in the beauty and flavours of Zakynthos. Tours of the local vineyards are not just unmissable for wine lovers — they also introduce guests to the gorgeous landscapes of Zakynthos’ interior and the centuries of agriculture that are embedded in its identity. Why not learn more about the weather in Zakynthos to pick the perfect time for your excursion?

A tour of the Goumas and Ambelostrates wineries

Nestled in Zakynthos's mountains, the wineries of Goumas and Ambelostrates are passionate about creating unique vintages using traditional methods. This wine tasting experience is a must for anyone with a penchant for wine.

Your driver will pick you up from your villa in the morning and take you first to Goumas, an estate that’s been in the same family for nearly 250 years. The welcoming owners will take you on a tour of their vineyards and give you a guided tasting of their best wines.

Your driver will then whisk you off to Ampelostrates (which translates to vineyard routes), a charming, rustic, wine-producing farm. Here, another selection of wines awaits you, as well as a delicious mezze lunch, prepared using only the most authentic local ingredients, served in their delightful gardens.

A tour of the Therianos Family Farm and Grampsas Winery

Greek people are known for their warm sense of hospitality and this delightful wine tour, which takes in two family-run wineries steeped in local Zakynthiot traditions, offers Hellenic philoxenia at its best.

This wine tasting experience starts in the afternoon, where you will be collected from your villa. From there, your driver will take you first to the Therianos Family Farm, a wonderful estate whose owners are utterly passionate about sharing their culture and traditions with the world. They also happen to produce an award winning olive oil, which you will be able to sample along with a selection of wines.

Your second stop will be at the Grampsas Winery, where bottling is still done by hand and the greatest care and attention is taken at every stage of the wine producing process. Here, you’ll enjoy a tour of the winery and a guided wine tasting session, accompanied by a mouth-watering selection of locally sourced cured meats and traditional dips.

Read more about wine in Zakynthos.

Boat trips around Zakynthos

Explore the transparent blue water, the white sand beaches, the rugged coastline and the idyllic hidden bays of Zakynthos. Our Think Experiences include an array of boat trips to some of Zakynthos’ most beautiful coastal treasures, including a not-to-be-missed  Navagio Beach boat trip. Whether you would like to take a boat trip around Zakynthos or enjoy a leisurely glass bottom tour of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, our travel experts can arrange boat trips designed especially for you. 

Contact us to craft your perfect boat tour, whether you dream of visiting the sheltered coves of Porto Limnionas and Porto Vromi, the wide open sands of Gerakas Beach and Agios Nikolaos or the atmospheric beauty of the Blue Caves and Keri Caves.

The north coast and Navagio Beach boat trip

The golden sands, turquoise sea and stunning sheer cliffs of Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach (thanks to the 40-year-old wreck of the MV Panagiotis that rests there), make it a must-see on Zakynthos.

This morning Navagio Beach boat trip will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beach before the crowds descend, and share other highlights of the northern coastline such as the fascinating Blue Caves, so named thanks to the unique colour of the sea water inside, which casts an ethereal blue glow wherever the light falls.

You’ll find towels and snorkelling equipment on board. This itinerary also includes a champagne brunch.

Book your Zakynthos boat trip

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos

Everyone knows Zakynthos for its gorgeous beaches and stunning coves, but the island is also home to one of the Mediterranean’s most important nesting spots for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos was established specifically to protect these wonderful animals, which are probably one of the oldest life forms on the planet.

On this all-day boat tour day trip, there’s every chance you could catch a glimpse of a loggerhead turtle during their summer nesting season. There are also monk seals and dolphins around, which you may be able to swim with.

Our guests can enjoy the wonderful marine nature of Zakynthos from the comfort of a beautiful environmentally-friendly sailing boat, chosen specifically so that you can access the protected areas. As true lovers of this island, sustainable travel in Zakynthos is very important to us and this boat tour helps ensure the Marine Park is preserved for future generations.

This magical boat tour is not to be missed and proves very popular with our guests.

Pre-book your boat tour here

Experience Zakynthos with The Thinking Traveller

Experience the very best things to do in Zakynthos for yourself. From the slopes of the Grampsas Winery to the shores of Navagio Beach, our experts will introduce you to the real beauty of Zakynthos. Whatever your passions, you’ll find inspiration on this island and a personalised experience to ignite them.

If you would like to add bespoke elements to any of our Experiences, our team would be happy to help. Experiences are available exclusively to clients of The Thinking Traveller. To book any of these unique enriching additions, contact your Villa Specialist.