Cruise port · Greece · Greek Isles
Zakynthos cruise port guide
Zakynthos is a green Ionian island famous for Navagio, the Shipwreck Beach framed by towering white cliffs, and for the loggerhead turtles that nest on its southern shores. Ships dock or tender at Zakynthos Town, a low-key harbor town, and most visitors head out by coach or boat to see the island’s coastline, sea caves and turtle bay.
- Shipwreck Beach
- Sea caves
- Sea turtles
- Boat trips
- Coastal scenery
Photo: Σαλαμούρας Σπύρος at Greek Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Greek Isles
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- Greek. Most taverna, shop and boat-trip staff speak good English.
- Currency
- Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in town; carry cash for boat trips and small cafés.
- Best time to visit
- May–September
- Average highs
- 58–86°F through the year
About Zakynthos
Zakynthos, also called Zante, is greener and gentler than the Aegean islands, with olive groves, vineyards and pine-covered hills rising to sheer limestone cliffs on the west coast. Zakynthos Town was almost completely rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake, but it kept its arcaded streets, its waterfront squares and its devotion to Saint Dionysios, whose church and tall bell tower stand near the harbor.
The island’s celebrity sight is Navagio, a rusting smuggler’s ship lying on a white-sand cove that you can only reach by sea. Most cruise visitors see it from a clifftop platform high above, or combine the viewpoint with a boat to the Blue Caves at Cape Skinari. In the south, Laganas Bay is a national marine park where loggerhead turtles feed and nest.
Zakynthos is a good fit for nature lovers, photographers and anyone who loves being on the water. Town sightseeing is limited, and the main scenery involves longish drives or boat rides that can be canceled in rough seas, so keep plans flexible.
Where cruise ships dock in Zakynthos
Ships dock at the harbor in Zakynthos Town or, when space is tight or the ship is large, anchor offshore and tender passengers in. Either way you land on the waterfront, a 5- to 10-minute walk from Solomos Square and the main streets. Taxis and tour coaches wait nearby. The Navagio viewpoint is about an hour’s drive northwest, Agios Nikolaos, the departure point for Blue Caves boats, is around 45 minutes north, and Laganas Bay is about 20 minutes south.
Best things to do in Zakynthos on a cruise
- 1
Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) viewpoint
scenery
A platform on the cliff edge looks straight down on the wrecked ship and the brilliant blue cove, one of the most photographed scenes in Greece. Landing on the beach by boat has been restricted in recent years because of cliff falls, so check current rules before booking a trip that promises a swim there.
- 2
Blue Caves at Cape Skinari
nature
Small boats from Agios Nikolaos or Cape Skinari slip into sea caves and arches where sunlight turns the water an electric blue and makes swimmers’ skin glow. Trips are short and often continue toward Navagio along the coast. Calm mornings are best.
- 3
Marathonisi and Laganas Bay
wildlife
The bay is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, protecting loggerhead turtle nesting beaches. Licensed boats run turtle-spotting trips and visit Marathonisi, nicknamed Turtle Island for its shape. Choose an operator that follows park rules on distance and speed.
- 4
Bochali hill and the Venetian castle
history
Just above Zakynthos Town, the village of Bochali has cafés with sweeping views over the harbor and your ship. Farther up, the overgrown ruins of the Venetian castle sit among pine trees, a peaceful spot for a short walk.
- 5
Solomos Square and Saint Dionysios Church
culture
The waterfront square honors Dionysios Solomos, the island-born poet whose Hymn to Liberty became the Greek national anthem; a museum to him and other local figures sits on an adjoining square. At the other end of the harbor, the Church of Saint Dionysios holds the relics of the island’s patron saint.
- 6
Keri cliffs and lighthouse
scenery
At the island’s southwestern tip, the Keri lighthouse stands above sheer cliffs and sea arches, with a café at the viewpoint. It’s a quieter alternative to Navagio and pairs well with a visit to Laganas Bay.
Zakynthos weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 5814 | 5915 | 6016 | 6518 | 7122 | 7926 | 8530 | 8630 | 8127 | 7424 | 6820 | 6116 |
| Low °F (°C) | 5412 | 5412 | 5513 | 5915 | 6518 | 7323 | 7825 | 8026 | 7524 | 6921 | 6418 | 5814 |
| Rain in (mm) | 4.7120 | 2.564 | 2.871 | 1.129 | 1.025 | 1.025 | 0.411 | 0.923 | 2.872 | 3.282 | 5.3134 | 4.6116 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 |
What to eat and drink in Zakynthos
Try sartsa, beef simmered in a garlicky tomato sauce, and ladotyri, a sharp sheep’s cheese preserved in olive oil. Mandolato, a white almond nougat, is the island’s classic sweet and a popular souvenir. Local Verdea is a distinctive white wine. Tavernas along the harbor and side streets of Zakynthos Town serve fresh fish and Greek staples at fair prices.
Tips for your port day
- Boat trips to the Blue Caves and Navagio depend on the sea. If the wind is up, have a land-based backup such as the Keri cliffs or Bochali.
- Allow plenty of buffer for the drive back from the north of the island; roads are narrow and winding.
- Choose turtle-watching operators that keep their distance. Turtles should never be chased, touched or fed.
- If you’re tendering, note the last tender time and expect lines in the final hour.
- Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if you take a caves boat; some trips allow a quick swim.
Cruise lines that visit Zakynthos
Often on the same itinerary
Zakynthos cruise FAQs
Can you visit Navagio Beach from a cruise ship?
You can see it, but landing may not be possible. Most cruise visitors view Navagio from the clifftop platform about an hour from the port. Boat landings on the beach have been restricted at times because of rockfall risk, so check current rules.
Is Zakynthos a tender port?
Sometimes. Many ships dock at the harbor in Zakynthos Town, but larger ships or busy days may mean anchoring offshore and tendering. Your cruise line will confirm on the day.
Can you walk into Zakynthos Town from the port?
Yes. The harbor is right in town, and Solomos Square and the main shopping streets are 5 to 10 minutes on foot.
Where can you see turtles on Zakynthos?
In Laganas Bay, part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, about 20 minutes south of town. Licensed boats run turtle-spotting trips, and nesting beaches are protected, so follow all posted rules.
Is Zakynthos worth it on a cruise?
Yes, if you enjoy coastal scenery and boat trips. The town is pleasant but modest; the island’s real appeal is its cliffs, sea caves and turtle bay, which need a tour or taxi to reach.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.