Overview

Q: What should I do in Zakynthos for the first time?

Plan one anchor per day: a boat day, a Vasilikos beach day (Gerakas/Dafni/Banana), a west‑coast swim spot (Porto Limnionas), and one sunset viewpoint (Bochali, Keri, or Kambi). Keep the rest flexible.

Q: Zakynthos itinerary: is 5 days enough?

Yes-5 days covers the highlights if you plan smart: 1 boat day, 2 beach days, 1 viewpoint/land day, 1 repeat day. A base like Tsilivi helps you avoid wasted time.

Q: Where do boat trips leave from in Zakynthos?

Many tours depart from Zakynthos Town harbour; others depart from the north (Agios Nikolaos) for a stronger Blue Caves focus. Choose based on where you're staying and your preferred pace.

Q: What are the best beaches for first‑timers?

For sandy, easy days: Tsilivi Beach, Kalamaki, and Vasilikos beaches like Gerakas and Banana. For dramatic sea colour: Porto Limnionas and Porto Roxa (rocky entries).

Q: What's the easiest base for a first trip?

Tsilivi is one of the easiest bases: beach, restaurants, and access to town evenings. Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites is based in the Tsilivi area, so you can follow this itinerary with simple logistics.

Now let's go deeper with the full guide below.

How to plan your first Zakynthos trip

Zakynthos (Zante) is one of those islands where the "right plan" is mostly about pacing. You don't need to do everything-choose 1 big anchor per day and keep the rest flexible.

This itinerary mixes:

• a boat day (coastline highlights)
• 2-3 beach days (sandy and/or rocky swims)
• 1-2 viewpoint/village afternoons
• a couple of relaxed evenings in Zakynthos Town

Arrive, settle, and do an easy beach day

Keep day one simple. Choose a beach close to your base so you can reset after travel:

• Tsilivi Beach (easy services and classic holiday energy)
• Kalamaki Beach (long, sandy, calm)
• Argassi-area beaches (convenient if you're staying nearby)

Evening: head to nearby Town for a gentle first night-strolls and a casual dinner.

Boat day: choose your departure and your comfort level

Boat day is usually the highlight for first-timers. Common headline areas include the north coast and famous viewpoints.

Easy logistics options:

• Join a cruise from Zakynthos Town (simple planning).
• Join a smaller tour from the north (Agios Nikolaos) if you want a stronger Blue Caves focus and not big crowds.
• We recommend you get advice from the hotel you are staying as locals have the best tips.

What to bring: sunscreen, water, small lunch, towels, and a dry bag for your phone.

Vasilikos beach day (pick two beaches)

Vasilikos is the easiest "wow" zone for sandy beaches and clear water. You can choose two beaches so you can change scenery in the same day without rushing:

• Gerakas Beach (wide & sandy)
• Dafni Beach (quiet, natural feeling)
• Banana Beach (big, energetic when busy)
• Porto Zorro / Porto Azzuro (easygoing options)

Dinner: stay nearby for a low-key meal, or head back toward your hotel town.

Viewpoints (Bochali, Kambi, Keri)

This is your "land day"-short drives, big views.

• Bochali viewpoint (above Zakynthos Town): great for photos, especially late afternoon.
• Kambi area (west): known for dramatic sunset views.
• Keri lighthouse: classic stop and photo moment with a magnificent sunset

West coast swims: Porto Limnionas, Porto Roxa, Korakonisi

The west coast is rockier and more dramatic-perfect for strong swimmers and anyone who likes cliff-backdrop sea colours.

Good options (pick 1-2):

• Porto Limnionas
• Porto Roxa
• Korakonisi

Tip: bring water shoes for rocky entries.

Main title: Choose your repeat day + a final relaxed evening

If you have extra time, the best move is to repeat your favourite day-often Vasilikos beaches or another boat experience.

For a calm last evening: Zakynthos Town harbour + sunset from Bochali.

Staying at Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites keeps your plan flexible for town evenings and day trips, without feeling like you're constantly packing and moving.

If you're staying in Tsilivi, you're in a great spot for this itinerary: beach time is easy, and you can still do town evenings and day trips without feeling far away.

Staying in Tsilivi makes these itineraries easy. Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites (Tsilivi area) is a convenient base if you want beach time plus simple day trips.

Extra questions travellers search for about Zakynthos and Tsilivi

Do I need a car for Zakynthos?

A car helps if you want west‑coast swims and northern coves. If you prefer tours and easy beaches, a base like Tsilivi can work with fewer drives.

What is the best boat trip in Zakynthos?

Choose based on comfort: big cruises are easy and social; smaller tours can feel calmer. Many visitors choose a north‑coast route for sea colour and caves.

Best beaches near Tsilivi to add to the itinerary?

Start with Tsilivi Beach as your easy day, then add a 'wow' day in Vasilikos (Gerakas/Dafni/Banana).

Where to go at sunset?

Keri Lighthouse area and Kambi viewpoint are classic. Bochali viewpoint is great if you're already in Zakynthos Town.

Is Tsilivi a good base for first‑timers?

Yes-services, beach access, and easy day trips make Tsilivi one of the simplest first‑time bases.

Where to stay in Tsilivi?

If you want a comfortable base in the Tsilivi area, Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites is a strong option for this itinerary.