Zakynthos looks small on a map — but it doesn’t drive small, and[3] it definitely doesn’t feel small once you’re on the road. Locals will tell you the island splits into two genuinely different halves, and knowing which is which before you plan your days can save you a rushed, frustrating drive and help you actually enjoy both sides properly.
North Zakynthos vs South Zakynthos: the short answer
The south and east of Zakynthos (Laganas, Kalamaki, Tsilivi, Argassi, Alykes, Alykanas) is flat, sandy, and easy to get around — long beaches[2], resort towns, and quick drives between them. The north and west (Volimes, Kampi, the Blue Caves area, the Navagio viewpoint, Keri) is mountainous and dramatic, with narrow, winding coastal roads that take real time to drive properly — and reward you with the best views on the island.
Neither side is “better.” They’re simply two different kinds of days, and most visit[4]ors end up loving both once they stop trying to squeeze them into the same afternoon.
South & East Zakynthos: beaches, resorts, easy driving
This is the Zakynthos most people picture before they arrive — long sandy beaches, warm shallow water, and resort towns with everything close together.
- Laganas — the island’s liveliest strip, plus one of its longest beaches, part of the protected National Marine Park (loggerhead turtle nesting zone).
- Kalamaki — right next to Laganas, same golden sand, noticeably calmer atmosphere.
- Tsilivi — a popular family base with easy beach access and a wide range of amenities nearby.
- Argassi — a quieter alternative close to Zakynthos Town, good for couples who still want restaurants and nightlife within reach.
- Alykes & Alykanas — long sandy beaches on the north-east coast with shallow, gently sloping entry — a favourite for families.
- Vasilikos Peninsula — the calmest, clearest water on the island, with quieter coves than the main resort beaches.
Roads here are flat, wide, and quick, so you can realistically beach-hop several spots in a single day without losing hours to driving.
North & West Zakynthos: cliffs, caves, and quiet villages
This side of the island feels like a different place entirely. Fewer resorts, more mountain roads, and some of the most photographed scenery in Greece.
- Volimes — a traditional mountain village known for weaving and olive groves, a world away from the resort strips.
- The Blue Caves area (Cape Skinari) — a series of sea caves and arches, best seen by boat in the morning light.
- The Navagio viewpoint — the clifftop lookout above the famous Shipwreck Beach cove (note: the beach itself is currently closed to landings — the viewpoint remains open and is still the classic photo spot).
- Kampi — dramatic west-coast cliffs and one of the best sunset spots on the island.
- Keri — a village at the island’s southwestern tip, with a lighthouse and sweeping sunset views over the Ionian Sea.
- Porto Limnionas — a rocky cove on the west coast with striking, clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Roads here are narrow, winding, and genuinely slower — not because anything’s wrong, but because the terrain is proper mountain coastline. Budget more time than you think, and treat the drive itself as part of the experience rather than something to rush through.
Which side should you visit first?
If you’re only on the island a short time, here’s a simple way to decide:
- Want a relaxed, easy beach day with minimal driving? Start south/east.
- Want dramatic scenery, photography, and a proper road-trip feel? Start north/west, and give it a full day.
- Travelling with young kids or want a lower-effort day? South/east’s flat roads and shallow beaches are the easier choice.
- Chasing sunset photos or a quieter, more adventurous day? North/west, hands down — the west-facing coast gets direct sunset views the east coast simply doesn’t.
Don’t try to do both in one unplanned day
This is the most common mistake visitors make. The south/east and north/west genuinely feel like two different islands, and trying to drive both in a single, unplanned day usually means rushing the part that deserved more time — often missing golden hour on the west coast because the day started too late or ran long in the south.
Our advice: split them across two separate days if you can, or if you only have one day for a full-island loop, plan the route in advance and start early.
Getting between the two sides
Public transport on Zakynthos covers the main south/east resort routes reasonably well, but it doesn’t really reach the north/west coast’s villages, viewpoints, and hidden coves. Most visitors who want to properly explore both halves of the island end up with their own vehicle — a car for comfort on the longer mountain drives, or a scooter or ATV if you want an easier time parking in the smaller villages and don’t mind a shorter range.
If you’re staying anywhere on the island and want to cover both coasts properly, Zaimi Rentals[1] offers cars, scooters, and ATVs with free delivery to your hotel, villa, or the airport, no deposit required on most rentals, and 24/7 local support if you want a hand planning your route between the two sides.
Book your car, scooter, or ATV with Zaimi Rentals →
North vs South Zakynthos: FAQ
What’s the difference between north and south Zakynthos?
The south and east are flat, with long sandy beaches, resort towns, and quick, easy driving. The north and west are mountainous, with narrow coastal roads, sea caves, cliffs, and quieter villages — more dramatic scenery, but a slower pace of driving.
Which side of Zakynthos has better beaches?
It depends what you’re after. The south/east has the longest, easiest sandy beaches (Laganas, Kalamaki, Alykes). The north/west has more dramatic, rocky coves with clearer water (Porto Limnionas) but generally smaller, harder-to-reach beaches.
Can I see both sides of Zakynthos in one day?
Yes, but it takes planning — an early start and a set route work far better than deciding as you go. Most visitors find splitting the two sides across separate days more relaxing and rewarding.
Which side is better for families?
The south/east, generally — flatter roads, shorter drives between stops, and shallow, calm beaches like Alykes/Alykanas and parts of Tsilivi.
Which side is better for sunset photography?
The north/west coast, since it faces the sunset directly. Kampi and Keri are two of the most popular spots for this.
