Planos Beach Hotel

Planos sits on the east coast of Zakynthos a few kilometres north of the capital, where the busy Tsilivi resort strip gives way to a longer, calmer run of sand and low-rise holiday buildings. Planos Beach Hotel puts you on this side of the island, which suits travellers who want a proper beach holiday without the late-night noise of Laganas. The water here is shallow and gentle for a good distance out, the beach shelves gradually, and the sunsets are not the main event because the coast faces east, so mornings are the bright, warm part of the day. Zakynthos Town is close enough for an evening out, and the airport is roughly a half-hour drive away.

The Tsilivi and Planos coast is the island resort most often picked by families and by repeat visitors who prefer a relaxed rhythm. Tavernas and small supermarkets are spread along the main road behind the beach, there are watersports stalls in season, and the walk from one end of the sand to the other is flat and easy with children or a pushchair. Planos itself is quieter than central Tsilivi, so ask when you book which rooms are furthest from the road and any bar or music, and request a higher floor or the side facing the garden if sleep matters to you.

The position is good for exploring the north and the middle of the island. Zakynthos Town, with its arcaded square, the Solomos Museum and a long evening promenade, is a short taxi or bus ride away. The Bochali viewpoint above the town gives a wide view across the bay and is worth a late afternoon visit.

Drivers can reach the northern villages, the cape at Skinari and the departure points for Navagio and the Blue Caves in under an hour, while the south, with the turtle bay of Laganas, is closer to forty minutes by road.

Boat trips to Marathonisi can be booked through the hotel desk or an agency in the resort, so you do not need to hire a car for every day.

Season matters. From June to September the coast is warm and fully open, and July and August can be crowded and hot, so a pool or beach plus a long lunch is a good plan for the middle of the day. May, early June and September are the sweet spot, with the sea warm enough for swimming and fewer people on the sand.

Many seasonal businesses close from late October until spring, so check when you book whether the hotel and its restaurant are open for your dates. Room types, meal plans, air conditioning, pool access and any resort charges differ, so check the details when you book.