Overview
Q: Is 7 days enough for Zakynthos?
Yes-7 days is ideal. You can do a boat day, 2-3 beach days, a land/viewpoint day, and still have time to repeat your favourite swim without rushing.
Q: Where should I stay for a 1-week Zakynthos trip?
For convenience, Tsilivi is one of the best all-round bases: beach, restaurants, and easy access to Zakynthos Town plus day trips.
Q: What are the must-do highlights in one week?
Most visitors love: Vasilikos beaches (Gerakas/Dafni/Banana), one west-coast swim (Porto Limnionas or Porto Roxa), one sunset viewpoint (Keri/Kambi), and one boat day.
Now let's map out a 7-day plan you can actually follow.
The no-burnout rule: one anchor per day
A great Zakynthos week is about pacing. Each day below has one "anchor" (boat day, beach day, viewpoint day). Everything else is optional.
Why Tsilivi works as a base:
- You have an easy repeat beach (Tsilivi Beach) for reset days.
- You can reach Zakynthos Town for evenings without overplanning.
- You can day-trip to Vasilikos (south-east), the north-east coves, and the west coast when the sea is calm.
Hotel note: Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites is based in the Tsilivi area, which makes this exact mix-easy beach days + day trips-very straightforward.
Day 1
Arrive + easy beach + first evening
Morning/Afternoon (depending on arrival):
- Settle in and keep it simple with a first swim at a nearby Beach and then explore your surroundings, normally these towns are small so you can get the hang of it.
Evening:
- Head to local town for a walk, a relaxed dinner, and a gentle "first night" vibe.
Day 2
Boat day (choose your departure based on your style)
Boat day is usually the highlight. Your best choice depends on what you want:
- Want simple logistics? Depart from Zakynthos Town harbour (easy planning).
- Want a stronger north-coast focus? Depart from Agios Nikolaos
- Prefer calm, shorter swims? Choose a shorter cruise and avoid 'too many stops'.
- Prefer privacy? Get a private boat or hire a boat for a few hours ( you are limited where you can go).
What to pack:
- Dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, water, snacks, hat, and a light layer (wind).
Day 3
Vasilikos beaches day: pick two (Gerakas + Dafni or Banana)
Vasilikos is where many travellers find their favourite 'classic beach day'. Choose two beaches so you can change scenery without rushing:
- Gerakas Beach.
- Dafni Beach (quieter) or Banana Beach (bigger, livelier).
Alternative Vasilikos picks if you prefer variety:
- St Nicholas Beach (water sports)
- Porto Zorro (easygoing)
Evening: return to your base for a simple dinner and an early night if you want.
Day 4
Land day: viewpoints + villages (Bochali + Exo Chora + sunset)
This is your scenic driving day-short stops, big views.
Suggested route (easy from Tsilivi):
- Start: Bochali viewpoint (great light and a quick win).
- Midday: Exo Chora village stop (rural Zakynthos feel).
- Sunset: choose ONE main sunset spot:
- Keri Lighthouse area (view of Mizithres beach), or
- Kambi viewpoint (dramatic west-coast sunset).
Tip: plan one long lunch so the day feels relaxed, not like a checklist.
Day 5
West coast swim day: Porto Limnionas + Porto Roxa (conditions dependent)
The west coast gives the most dramatic sea colours, but it's rocky and conditions matter.
Choose 1-2 swim spots (don't over-hop):
- Porto Limnionas (iconic)
- Porto Roxa (often paired with Limnionas)
- Optional: Korakonisi (wild scenery, but the rockiest of them all)
Practical tips:
- Bring water shoes for rocky entries.
- If the sea is choppy, swap this day for a sheltered sandy beach day instead (Tsilivi/Kalamaki or Vasilikos depending on wind).
Day 6
North-east relax day: Alykes/Alykanas + a clear-water cove
Today is about easy rhythm-swim, lunch, repeat.
Option A (classic relaxed beach towns):
- Alykes or Alykanas for a laid-back beach day.
Option B (clear-water coves):
- Makris Gialos (north-east) for a cove-style swim on calm days.
- Xigia Beach
If you want a simple 'no driving' alternative: stay in Tsilivi, do Tsilivi Beach in the morning, then a late afternoon walk and dinner.
Day 7
Repeat your favourite + easy departure plan
The best last day is a repeat. Choose your favourite beach and keep the day light:
- Repeat Vasilikos (Gerakas/Dafni/Banana), or
- Do an easy Tsilivi Beach day and a final Zakynthos Town evening.
If you're based at Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites (Tsilivi area), this is the easiest kind of last day: one final swim, calm packing, and a relaxed finish.
Smart backups
What to do if it's windy, busy, or you're tired
Zakynthos can change by the hour. Use these simple backup rules:
- If the west coast is windy/choppy: choose east/south sandy beaches (Tsilivi, Kalamaki, Vasilikos, Alykes, Xigia, Makris Gialos).
- If a beach is crowded: go earlier next day if you like what you saw and change it with a different beach nearby.
- Includes kids or non-swimmers? Prioritise sandy beaches and calm bays over rocky swim spots.
Extra questions travellers search for about Zakynthos and Tsilivi
Is Tsilivi a good base for exploring Zakynthos?
Yes-Tsilivi is one of the easiest bases because you have an excellent 'default beach' plus quick access to Zakynthos Town and day trips across the island.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
A car makes the week much easier (especially west coast + Vasilikos + north days). If you don't drive, use organised tours for boat day and key highlights, and keep more time for Tsilivi Beach and town evenings.
Which day should I do the west coast?
Choose the calmest sea day you can. If conditions look rough, swap it with a sandy beach day and try again later.
Where should I stay in Tsilivi?
If you want a comfortable base in the Tsilivi area, Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites is a convenient option for beach days and island exploring.