Overview
Zakynthos, often known to holidaymakers as Zante, is one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands, famed for the turquoise waters of Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, the sea caves along its west coast and the loggerhead turtles that nest in Laganas Bay. It's a firm favourite with British travellers looking for reliable sunshine, lively resorts and quieter corners alike, and flights to Zakynthos from the UK are widely available throughout the spring and summer months.
Best time to fly to Zakynthos
The island enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Most UK flights to Zakynthos operate seasonally between April and late October, peaking in July and August when temperatures regularly reach the high 20s and low 30s Celsius. For fewer crowds and gentler heat, May, June and September are excellent choices, with the sea still warm enough for swimming into October. Outside this window, direct scheduled flights are scarce, so travellers wanting a winter break typically connect via Athens. See the When to book chart above for how fares tend to move across the season.
Airlines and routes
Several UK carriers serve Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) directly during the summer season, including easyJet, Jet2, TUI and Ryanair, with departures from airports such as London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Newcastle depending on the time of year. A direct flight from London takes around three hours forty minutes, with regional UK departures typically similar or slightly longer. Outside peak season, connecting via Athens with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air is usually the most practical option, though journey times are naturally longer with a transfer.
Things to do in Zakynthos
Beyond the beaches, Zakynthos rewards a bit of exploring, from dramatic coastal scenery to charming hilltop villages.
- Navagio Beach: The island's iconic shipwreck cove, best admired from the clifftop viewpoint or by boat trip.
- Blue Caves: Striking sea caves near Cape Skinari where the water glows a vivid electric blue.
- Zakynthos Town: The rebuilt capital with its Venetian-style architecture, waterfront cafes and hilltop Bohali castle offering sweeping views.
- Laganas Bay National Marine Park: Home to nesting loggerhead turtles, with boat trips that follow responsible wildlife guidelines.
- Keri Caves and Lighthouse: A quieter spot on the southern tip of the island, ideal for a scenic sunset walk.
At Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH)
ZTH sits just a few kilometres south of Zakynthos Town, making transfers to most resorts refreshingly short. Taxis and pre-booked transfer coaches are the most common options, with journeys to Laganas or Argassi typically taking 20 to 30 minutes, and slightly longer to resorts on the west coast such as Tsilivi or Alykes. Car hire desks are also available at the airport for travellers who want the freedom to explore the island's quieter bays independently.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Zakynthos
- Book in good time: Popular July and August dates sell out fast, so securing flights several months ahead usually gives the widest choice of times and airlines.
- Be flexible with dates: Flying midweek, or shifting your trip by a few days either side of your ideal dates, can open up better fares.
- Consider shoulder season: Late May, June and September often combine warm weather with lower fares than peak summer.
- Compare airlines and airports: Departure points across the UK vary in price and frequency, so checking a few regional options alongside London can pay off — use the price charts on this page to compare.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for holiday visits to Greece of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, though your passport should be valid for the whole trip and carry at least the recommended validity beyond your return date. Greece uses the euro (EUR), and card payments are widely accepted, though it's worth carrying some cash for tavernas and smaller shops on the island. No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Greece, and it's always worth checking the latest UK government travel advice before you fly.
