Best time to visit: Zakynthos has a warm climate with hot, dry summers and very mild winters. The best time to visit is between June and September.
Key cruising areas: As the southernmost Ionian island, Zakynthos is an excellent place to begin a journey through the archipelago. A yacht itinerary in the Ionian Islands can include the breathtaking destinations of Corfu, Paxoi, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Ithaca and Kythira, each with its own personality and distinctive culture to discover. A yacht charter to Zakynthos also offers the chance to explore The Strofades, two tiny islets just 44 km away from the island. The Strofades have a long, mythical reputation, and the larger one, Stamfani is home to an ancient monastery. You can easily spend a few days sailing in this region, taking in rugged coastline and diving into the clear blue water.
Don't miss: A day trip to the islet of Marathonisi, also known as 'Turtle Island'. A breeding place for loggerhead sea turtles (called Caretta Caretta), visitors are not allowed to explore all of the island in order to protect these endangered animals. A beautiful destination, Marathonisi is part of the Zakynthos Marine Park and visitors may even catch a glimpse of monk seals in the area – one of the most endangered species in the world.
Best spots for wining and dining: Zakynthos has a huge variety of places to eat and drink. Porto Azzurro is a beachside restaurant that is an excellent spot for lunch with a view, with a casual atmosphere overlooking the water. There are several refined choices of restaurants to try on Zakynthos. Melia Fine Dining has fantastic views of the Ionian Sea and is located on the beachfront of Lesante Blu; an award-winning restaurant from chef Nikos Ispiroudis, it is one of the best fine dining experiences in Greece. Another elegant option is Neptune A La Carte, which is found within the Lesante hotel and offers an impressive menu of locally grown, organic food. For a nightcap, Bitters Cocktail Winebar, as the name would suggest, offers a variety of drinks and boasts an impressive selection of specialty wines to choose from.
Zakynthos is known as a party hotspot, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained throughout your stay. The Laganas strip attracts many late-night revelers and Zero's Club is one of the most famous places to go. You can expect well-known DJs to perform here throughout the summer.