Where you sleep on Zakynthos decides how much you see, because the island's headline sights are on opposite coasts and the roads between them are slow. The island is not large, but a drive from the south-coast resorts to the northwest boat harbours can take well over an hour. The good news is that every main base has real strengths, and boat trips and tours collect from most of them. Here is how the main areas compare.
Laganas: the lively south-coast resort
Laganas has the island's longest sandy beach, a busy seafront and the best access to the turtle bay. Boats to Marathonisi and the Keri caves leave from here, the airport is close and the marine-park beaches are minutes away. It is also the party end of the island, with bars and clubs on the main strip, so ask for a quiet room if you want sleep. It suits first-timers, groups of friends and families who want an easy beach holiday with plenty to do. Laganas Beach Hotel, White Olive Elite Laganas and Hotel Alexander the Great are options here.
Tsilivi: the family resort on the east coast
A long, shallow, sandy beach, watersports, shops and tavernas make Tsilivi a reliable choice for families. It is a short drive north of the capital and close to the island's water park, and it is calmer at night than Laganas. The north-coast boat harbours are a long but manageable drive away, and tours collect from the resort. Iakinthos Tsilivi Beach is an option.
Alykanas and Alykes: the quiet north-east
Further north, Alykanas has a wide sandy beach and a relaxed, family atmosphere, while neighbouring Alykes has a lively seafront and old salt pans. This is the best base for the Navagio and Blue Caves boats, since the departure harbours are much closer than from the south. The trade-off is distance from the turtle bay and Keri, so plan the south as a full-day trip. Alykanas Beach Hotel by Zante Plaza is an option.
Argassi: central and practical
Just south of the capital and close to the airport, Argassi is a long strip of tavernas and shops with an easy-going feel. It sits within about half an hour of Laganas, Keri, Vasilikos and the capital, which makes it the best all-round base for travellers who want to see the whole island without changing hotels. Argassi Beach Hotel is an option.
Vasilikos: quiet beaches and nature
The green peninsula in the south-east has long beaches, pine woods and the gateway to Gerakas and the marine park. It is calmer and more spread out, so a car is recommended. It suits couples and beach lovers who want peace. Vasilikos Beach Hotel is an option.
Zakynthos Town: culture, dining and ferries
Staying in the capital puts you among arcades, squares, museums and the best evening atmosphere on the island, with ferries to the mainland at the harbour. Beaches are a short drive or bus ride away. It suits couples, culture lovers and shoulder-season visitors. Avalon Palace Hotel and Bitzaro Boutique Hotel are options in or near town.
Resorts and luxury
If you want an all-inclusive or luxury stay with several restaurants, a spa and a kids programme, resort-style properties such as Domes Aulus Zante are worth a look. Check each property page for its exact location, since the distance to the sights shapes your trip.
How to choose
Think about the three things that matter most: how you will move around, what you want to see and what you want your evenings to feel like. If you want turtles, Keri and beaches, choose the south. If you want Navagio and the Blue Caves with the shortest drive, choose the north-east. If you want to see everything, choose Argassi or Zakynthos Town. If you want quiet, choose Vasilikos or Alykanas.
Booking tips
July and August fill early, and the best rooms and boat slots go first, so book ahead. May, June, September and October offer warm weather, lower prices and easier roads. Check air conditioning, pool access, breakfast and noise from the main road, and read recent comments before you book. Many seasonal properties close from late autumn to spring, so confirm opening dates if you travel then.