Avalon Palace Hotel is in the heart of Zakynthos Town, which makes it the best option on this list for travellers who prefer a city base to a beach resort. The capital's rebuilt arcades, Solomos Square, the church of Agios Dionysios, the Byzantine Museum and a long seafront promenade are all within walking distance, and the harbour is where ferries to the mainland arrive. Evenings here are the main attraction: tavernas and cafes fill the squares, the arcades glow and the island feels like a place with a past rather than just a beach.
A town stay changes the rhythm of a trip. You can walk to breakfast and a museum, spend the middle of the day on a boat trip or at a beach and return to a lively but civilised evening. The nearest sandy beaches are a short drive or bus ride away, at Argassi to the south and Tsilivi to the north, so plan to travel for swimming, and consider that the best sea trips depart from other harbours. Many tours collect from central hotels, so you do not need a car for the main sights.
The town suits couples, culture lovers and food fans. Local specialities worth seeking out include skordostoumbi, a garlic-rich meat dish, rabbit stifado, island sausages with orange peel, mandolato nougat and Verdea wine. Browse the old-town lanes for shops selling oil, honey and handmade products, and take the climb to the castle on Bochali hill for a view over the town at sunset. For history, the Byzantine Museum on Solomos Square and the church of Agios Dionysios add depth.
Things to check
Room types, parking, air conditioning, breakfast and noise from the centre. In summer, the squares are busy late into the evening, so ask for a quiet room. The best months are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and sightseeing is comfortable, while July and August are hot, with fewer reasons to stay in town beyond the evenings. Outside the main season, the town is a pleasant base that stays open, which suits those who travel in shoulder months.
Overall, this is a good choice for travellers who want a central, walkable base with culture, restaurants and easy ferry and airport access, and who are happy to travel to the coast for beach and boat days.
Because the town is compact, it is easy to build a rhythm of a morning walk, a long lunch and an evening stroll. If you have a few days, add a half-day winery visit or cooking class, a boat day from the north coast and a sunset at the castle, and let the town hotel serve as a calm, comfortable return point each evening.
Why stay here
- ✓Zakynthos Town centre
- ✓Walk to Solomos Square
- ✓Near the harbour and ferries
- ✓Arcades, cafes and tavernas
- ✓Museums and churches close
- ✓Tours collect from the centre
- ✓Good for couples and culture
- ✓Check property for facilities
Good questions
Is Zakynthos Town a good base?+
Yes for culture, dining and ferries, but beaches and boats require short trips elsewhere.
Do I need a car?+
Not for the town. Tours and buses cover many sights, but a car helps for beaches and villages.
When is the best time to stay?+
Spring and autumn are mild for sightseeing, while summer evenings are lively.