Overview

Questions with quick answers

Q: Is 5 days enough for Zakynthos?

Yes-5 days is enough for the highlights if you plan smart: one boat day, one Vasilikos beach day, one west-coast swim or north-coast day, and one town/viewpoint evening.

Q: Where should I stay in Zakynthos for 5 days?

Choose convenience. Tsilivi is a strong choice because you have an easy beach plus access to day trips and Zakynthos Town evenings.

Now here's a 5-day plan you can follow without rushing.

How this 5-day plan works

Two versions: Classic Highlights vs More Relaxed

Not every traveller wants the same pace, so choose your version:

• Classic Highlights (more 'wow' stops): includes a west-coast swim day.
• More Relaxed (fewer drives): swaps the west coast for an easier north-east or Tsilivi reset day.

Base note: Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites in Tsilivi, makes both versions easy, beach days are effortless, and you can still do the island's headline highlights.

Day 1

Arrive + Tsilivi Beach + Tsilivi Town evening

• Settle in, then do an easy first swim at Tsilivi Beach.
• If you want a quieter nearby option: Amboula Beach or Donkey beach(Next to Bouka beach).
• Evening: Tsilivi Town walk + dinner.

Day 2

Boat day (make this your headline day)

Choose the boat day that matches your comfort:

• Zakynthos Town departures: easy logistics and lots of choice.
• Agios Nikolaos departures (north): often great for Blue Caves-style scenery.
• Porto Vromi (Anafonitria side): For small private boat trips.
• Agios Sostis: Also for small private boat trips.

Boat-day tips:

• Choose small group boat trips or private ones.
• In high season, book earlier and aim for morning departures.

Day 3

Vasilikos beaches: Gerakas + Dafni + Banana

This is your 'classic Zakynthos beach' day.

• Morning: Gerakas Beach (arrive earlier for calmer vibes).
• Afternoon: Dafni Beach (quiet) OR Banana Beach (big and lively).
• Evening: easy dinner back in Tsilivi or Zakynthos town for a nice harbour walk-keep it simple.

Day 4 (Classic Highlights)

West coast swims + sunset viewpoint

If the sea is calm, this can be a top day.

• Swim: Porto Limnionas or Porto Roxa (nearby).
• Sunset: choose ONE-Keri Lighthouse area or Kambi viewpoint.

If the sea is choppy: swap today with the relaxed option below and keep west coast for a calmer day.

Day 4 (More Relaxed alternative)

North-east beach day: Xigia Beach or Makris Gialos

If you want fewer drives and calmer swimming:

• Xigia Beaxh is a great choice, as long as your nose is not sensitive as there is Sulphur in the water.
• Makris Gialos for a clear-water cove swim on calm days.

This is also a great day to simply enjoy Tsilivi Beach and keep your trip stress-free.

Day 5

Repeat your favourite + simple departure

Your best last day is a repeat:

• Repeat Vasilikos (Gerakas/Dafni/Banana).
• Do Tsilivi Beach + a final Zakynthos Town stroll.
• Or a nice last scenic drive on the west side of the island.

If you're staying at Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites , this is the easy finish: one last swim, calm packing, done.

Mini checklists

What to pack + what to prioritise by trip style

Packing essentials:

• Dry bag, sunscreen, water shoes (rocky swims), extra water, and cash for small stops.

If you're travelling with kids:

• Prioritise sandy beaches (Tsilivi, Kalamaki, Alykes/Alykanas, Vasilikos beaches on calm days).

FAQ

Extra questions travellers search for about a 5-day Zakynthos trip

What's the best base for 5 days in Zakynthos?

Tsilivi is one of the easiest areas because you can relax at the beach and still reach island highlights without complicated logistics.

Do I need a car for 5 days?

A car helps a lot (especially for Vasilikos + west coast). Without a car, use tours for boat day and highlights, and keep more time for Tsilivi and Zakynthos Town.

Where should I stay in Tsilivi?

Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites is a convenient choice for any style of guest, as we have 9 room types from normal rooms all the way to private pool rooms & suites.