Making the most of Zakinthos
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Most ships will tender you ashore to the center of town.
Zakynthos Town, the main port is a typical Greek scene of white houses, fishing boats and tavernas.
Printable map to take along.
The focal point away from the port is the Platia Slomou, where you will find the Museum of Post-Byzantine Art (Open tue-sun, admission charge).
Zakynthos Island was nearly destroyed by a series of earthquakes in 1953 which leveled all but three historic buildings on the island.
Getting around
Zante the most southerly of the Ionian Islands has a varied landscape, the west is characterised by striking mountain scenery and is largely uninhabited and the east is packed with fertile plains, picturesque bays and long sandy beaches. Zante is a beautiful island, with many varieties of pretty colorful flowers that seem to blossom all year round. The island captured the hearts of the Venetians who ruled here for many years and who nicknamed Zante ‘Flower of the East'.
There are many boat tours to the Blue Caves and the "Shipwreck"
Food and shopping
Shop in town for local wine, honey, jewelry, leather and pottery.
Money
Euro
Staying connected
Greek, English widely understood.
Opening Hours and
Public Services: open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and then again from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays, 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months.