Places to Stay in Zante in 2023

Regardless if it’s your first or fourth time in Zakynthos, choosing where to stay can be a task. The island is not encompassed by one vibe or atmosphere and each area may cater towards a particular type of visitor. This makes choosing a place to stay nearly critical for your trip. There are a handful of the best places to stay in Zante and here’s how to determine which is right for you.

It’s all about what you value most in your trip. Do you want to be closer to magnificent beaches or the nightlife in Laganas? Whether you’re looking to experience a boutique hotel tucked away in the mountains or share a villa with your bachelor party, you’ll be able to find your ideal solution in Zakynthos. From villages nestled in the hills to bustling seaside towns, having different options means the island is for everyone extending from romantic getaways to family friendly vacations. As a bonus, we’ve also included our picks for the best pet friendly stays in Zante.

If you’re still figuring out how you plan on getting to Zakynthos, check out the complete guide here.

Quick Guide

Map of Areas to Stay in Zakynthos

KERI

This one is a little bit confusing at first as there are two Keri towns in Zakynthos. One of them is positioned on the cliffside and above Keri Caves with many mesmerising viewpoints nearby. The other Keri and one which we’re referencing in this post as a place to stay in Zakynthos, is a beach town. Opposed to the other beach towns in Zante and on this list, Keri is much quieter and relaxed. The neighbourhood’s green scenerey with mountain views makes for a peaceful stay whether you’re traveling as a couple or family.

Keri offers its visitors a variety of things to do and see, from hiking trails to seaside restaurants. The small port of Keri is a haven for activities with diving excursions, water sports and boat tours readily available. One of the best things about Keri is that you don’t need to head far to reach one of the best beaches in Zante. Having easy access to Keri Beach, an immaculate slice of paradise with turquoise waters, is a major benefit of staying in Keri. Laganas, a much more populated area of Zakynthos, is also only a short 15 minute drive away for those who still want to be close enough to the action.

Can’t find any places to stay that you love in Keri? Check out the nearby town of Agalas instead.

best place to stay in zakynthos for couples

Attractions near Keri

Where to Stay in Keri

Best Villa for Big Group

Best Studio Apartment

Best Pet Friendly Option

AGIOS NIKOLAOS (Skinari)

You’ll find that Zakynthos (and Greece in general) has many places with the same name which can get puzzling. One example is Agios Nikolaos and for the sake of this post, we are referencing Agios Nikolaos near Skinari which is the cape and northern most point of the island. North of Alykes, Zante gets a bit more authentic with its tiny villages and lack of big resort developments that you may see in places like Tsilivi. From our experience, even sections of the main road turn into gravel out of nowhere! All of this makes Agio Nikolaos an exclusive and private area to stay in Zante.

Although the number is increasing, there isn’t a countless number of places to stay in Agio Nikolaos but the ones you will find are sensational and unique. In this area, you’re likely to find a boutique or luxury hotel with private beach access or villas tucked away in the mountains, all with million dollar sea views.

Afraid you’ll get tired of your private infinity pool? The popular sights of Pelagaki Beach, Xigia beaches and Makris Gialos Beach are within a short drive from Agio Nikolaos. The nearby port also provides easy access to catching a boat tour or yacht excursion for exploring the Zakynthos coastline.

Attractions near Agios Nikolaos

Where to Stay in Agios Nikolaos

Best Romantic Stay

Best Pet Friendly Option

TSILIVI

Planos and Tsilivi are both areas in Zante most suitable for family travel. Tsilivi in particular has no shortage of resorts catered to being family friendly with pools and easy access to the beach. One of the main attractions near Tsilivi is the waterpark which alone invites visitors to the area. You don’t have to look long before finding a restaurant which suits your family best as the area has a vast mix of traditional Greek and international food.

Paralia Tsilivi is a developed beach with fine sand and shallow crystal clear water. This is definitely one of the best places to stay in Zante for water sports. The beach offers activities ranging from pedal boats to inflatable obstacle courses. Basically, there isn’t a deficiency of things to do for kids. Nothing completes a family vacation like cutting down on travel time either. Parents will be happy to know the airport and port are only 15 minutes away which make getting to and from your hotel that much easier.

You’ll find many luxury hotels situated further away from the waterfront and in the hills. Some notable famous stays include the Zante Maris Suites and Porto Zante Villas which attract travelers looking for a higher end experience.

Attractions near Tsilivi

Where to Stay in Tsilivi

Best Villa for Big Group

Best Budget Studio

Best Budget Villa

ZAKYNTHOS TOWN

Zakynthos or Zante is the capital city of the island and a fantastic option for first time visitors. Why? It’s less than 10 minutes from the airport if you’re flying in and requires essentially no travel if you’re arriving by ferry. Maximize your first time on the island by being centrally located and close to boat tours which depart from the harbor regularly. Zante’s capital is also particularly great for shopping in case you want to pick up a souvenir or gift to take home.

The area is first and foremost a port town which is important to keep in mind when booking a place to stay. Street and traffic noise in addition to harbor honks are something you’ll have to accept when staying in the town center.

After a destructive earthquake in the 50s, Zakynthos Town was entirely rebuilt with a hint of Venetian influence kept in mind. You’ll still find your typical Greek concrete construction but also some beautiful architecture like the Church of St. Dionysios and Venetian Castle of Bohali. The town streets are extremely walkable and a pleasant activity for any type of traveler.

Zakynthos Town offers a mixed bag when it comes to hotels, ranging from swanky stays to hostels. By nature of being the main hub of the island, the restaurants are also plentiful to choose from. You’ll also find an assortment of cuisines compared to smaller parts of the island.

Attractions near Zakynthos town

Where to Stay in Zakynthos Town

Best Two Bedroom Apartment

Best Villa for Big Group

ARGASSI

The best deals on places to stay in Zante are found in Argassi. This is most likely because the area is without a proper beach when comparing it to other resort towns. The beach that does technically exist in Argassi can be found on the northern end but is still very narrow. A high tide easily swallows up the possibility of a beach day in Argassi.

What you lose in beach, you gain in finding low priced hotels and Airbnbs. It is one of the best places to stay in Zante when looking for a budget hotel. Even all inclusive resorts with swimming pools are easy on the wallet for travelers of all shapes and sizes. There is a particular feeling that Argassi has and it resembles one of a kitschy beach town. The main street is flooded with shops selling floaties and overpriced scoops of ice cream. Sidewalks are crowded with flip flop wearing visitors from all over the world, all looking for “the best seafood” to enjoy for lunch. Despite all of this, there is a sense of nostalgia and the area is sincerely enjoyable.

Attractions near Argassi

Where to Stay in Argassi

Best Budget Studio

Best Hotel Room with Sea View

Best Villa for Big Group

Best Pet Friendly Option

VASILIKOS

If you’re looking to visit as many beautiful beaches as possible during your time in Zakynthos, staying in Vasilikos is the right move. The town and area sits on the southeastern peninsula of the island and is rich in some of the island’s best beaches. Vasilikos is awfully well rounded with numerous scenic views and a stunning landscape. Add crystal clear waters and you’ve got possibly the best place to stay in Zante.

The beaches in the area are no secret which means they will get busy. The upside is that there are many of them so you can escape to quieter locations if desired. Porto Romo, Jason’s Bite and Paralia Dafni are a few beaches visited far less than the popular Banana Beach.

Don’t forget to take some time and head inland too. You’ll discover patches of local agriculture with farm shops and perhaps a sheep or two. The many olive groves in this area also mean that you’ll likely be able to find a locally produced bottle of olive oil or other fresh produce for purchase.

Attractions near Vasilikos

Where to Stay in Vasilikos

Best Adults Only Stay

LAGANAS

No island is complete without a party destination. If you ask the internet “Where is the best place to stay in Zante for nightlife?” The answer will always be Laganas. And rightfully so! It’s uncertain whether Laganas set out to be a nightlife hot spot or if it just happened but there’s no denying it checks all the boxes. Conveniently enough, it’s also the location of the island’s one McDonald’s.

Laganas is definitely not an area for every type of traveler and if you are not interested in partying, you should look to stay elsewhere. The town lacks the charm of Zakynthos and is instead replaced with a slew of night clubs, touristy surf shops and a cocktail bar on every corner. As the nights are taken up by clubbing, the days are spent sunbathing on Laganas Beach. The waterfront consists of a sandy beach which is equipped with amenities.