Where to stay in Zakynthos Greece For Families: 2024 Guide
Heading to the Greek island of Zakynthos this year? Here’s a complete guide to where to stay in Zante to help you decide which area of Zante to stay in and the best accommodation in Zakynthos. We’ll also help you find the best hotels in Zakynthos for your family to help you plan the perfect trip to Greece with kids.
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About Zante
Zante island which is also known as Zakynthos is one of the most famous and most popular of the Ionian islands. Zante is popular with package holiday tourists, families and clubbers alike. The island has its own airport which serves flights from most major European airports.
Click here to view cheap flights to Zante
Click here to view hire car prices and availability in Zakynthos
View ferry times and prices:
Where to stay in Zante | Map of Zakynthos
Best places to stay on Zakynthos Island
There are so many areas to stay in Zante. Here are some of the best for a family break:
Zakynthos Town
Zante town is the capital of Zante and the main town on the island. It’s also the location of Zante port and a great place to stay ‘near the ferry port’ for island hoppers. If you want to spend your time in Zante exploring the island, or you’re not staying long in Zante, Zakynthos town is the perfect place to base yourself.
The main hub of Zakynthos town is Solomus Square where you’ll find excellent local tavernas, shops and coffee bars. Make sure you take a look at the statue of Dionysios Solomus, a poet who wrote the national anthem for Greece! To visit other resorts, there’s a tourist train which links Zakynthos town with Argassi – just 4km away on a beautiful coastal road.
Where to stay in Zante Town
Hotel Varres
0.7 miles from the centre of Zakynthos town, Hotel Varres features an outdoor pool and a stunning sun terrace with views. There are plenty of food options here from the morning buffet breakfast, traditional Greek lunches and poolside snack bar. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults+ kids. Cots and extra beds CAN be provided at an extra cost
. View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Phoenix Hotel
The Phoenix hotel is right next to Zakynthos port and within 200 yards of the beach. The hotel itself is in Solomus square, a hub for souvenir shops, bars and traditional restaurants. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults depending on the room chosen. Cots ARE available on request and extra beds can be provided for a fee.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Strada Marina Zakynthos
Strada Marina is also right next to the port (100 yards) right in the centre of Zakynthos town. The hotel features a sea view terrace and a fantastic swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy luxury sea and mountain views. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults + kids. Cots CAN be provided on request. Extra beds can be provided at a fee.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Tsilivi and Planos
Tsilivi is one of the most popular resorts in Zante for families, located on the east coast of Zakynthos island. Tsilivi is also one of the largest towns on Zakynthos island, and there’s plenty to see and do. There are lots of shops where you can find a perfect souvenir.
Tsilivi also has its own beach. Like most beaches in Zakynthos, it’s quite thin, but there’s still room for rows of organized sunbeds. You can also try your hand at watersports. Pedaloes, jet skis and banana boats are available to hire.
Where to stay in Tsilivi Zakynthos
Budget – Paradise Hotel Zakynthos
This boutique hotel is the perfect budget-friendly option. The hotel is just 250m from the beach as well as plenty of nearby shops and restaurants.
The rooms are furnished in a traditional style with the option of having a sea view room. If you were to upgrade to a suite, there’s a fully equipped kitchenette.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Luxury – Lesante Classic Luxury Hotel and Spa
The Lesante Hotel pride itself in having natural beauty, a high level of service and deluxe accommodation – one of the few 5-star hotels in Zante. There are four exclusive swimming pools to choose from (a kids pool, 2 outdoor pools and an indoor heated pool), leisure facilities, wellness and spa facilities and a range of fine dining restaurants.
There are plenty of room types to choose from, and they’re all very spacious. A la carte dining facilities are on offer including a piano bar and the nectar pool bar. As well as the kid’s pool. There are a playroom and babysitting service.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Our Recommendation: Aqua Bay Hotel
Located in the Planos area, within walking distance of Tsilivi, this hotel features a range of smaller pools for that exclusive experience. Guests are part of an all-inclusive package where there’s a restaurant, bookable a la carte restaurant and a waterpark snack bar available free.
Guests have access to the Tsilivi waterpark which is accessed through the hotel down a 1-minute walkway. Here, there’s a kids climbing frame and splash pool, lazy river, wave pool and plenty of bigger slides for the older ones.
There’s also a gym, spa and regular entertainment. For a beach trip, guests can walk through a picturesque walkway through olive groves to reach Tsilivi beach. The shops, restaurants and bars of Tsilivi are also a short walk away.
Family rooms are located on the bottom floor and feature a baby gate and a room partition. All rooms have a private bathroom. After visiting the waterpark and looking at the hotel in 2014, I stayed in 2015 and 2016.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Laganas (Lagana)
When you’re visiting Laganas with kids, you should be very careful about what hotel you pick. Laganas is also popular with the younger party crowd and the ‘Laganas strip’ has some of the best nightlife in Europe. However, stay at the other end of the beach, and there’s a fantastic family-friendly atmosphere, plenty of tavernas and shops as well as watersports.
There are plenty of boat trips from Laganas including one to Marathonissi (Turtle island) which is great with babies and kids alike. Visitors can also walk to the famous cameo island along a bridge from Laganas beach.
Where to stay in Laganas
Our Recommendation: Hotel Poseidon Beach (Mid-Range)
I stayed here with my 8-month-old twin cousins in 2018. The hotel is located at the opposite end of Laganas beach to ‘Laganas Strip’ in a quiet area of the town. You can walk to nearby Kalamaki along the beach and spot the protected turtle nesting sites. ‘Lagana’ beach is actually 9km long, so there’s plenty to explore.
Poseidon beach is a bed and breakfast although we chose the all-inclusive option. There are both Greek and European dishes that all the family will love. The hotel features a large pool, whirlpool and a baby pool. Some rooms are across the road and there’s another smaller pool that can be seen in the picture below.
There’s a lively atmosphere here with music around the pool, regular entertainment and a beach bar. Cots ARE available on request.
Kalamaki
Kalamaki is a resort of natural beauty set on the quieter and less built-up end of Laganas beach. The resort is perfect for a relaxing family holiday. The beach is backed with picturesque sand dunes and has fantastic sunsets.
Kalamaki beach is also a turtle conservation area. A well as hiring a pedalo, there are boat trips to spot turtles. Make sure you book an ethical tour.
Where to stay in Kalamaki Zakynthos
Crystal Beach Zakynthos
Crystal beach has a fabulous swimming pool overlooking Kalamaki beach, one of the main beaches for the protection of Caretta Caretta turtles. All rooms are equipped with modern furnishings and a furnished balcony.
The hotel has an a la carte restaurant with both traditional Greek food and international dishes. Rooms sleep 2-3 adults + kids. The hotel DOES NOT provide cots or extra beds, although kids are very welcome.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Metaxa
This family hotel is just a few minutes walk from Kalamaki beach. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, kids pool and kids playground on site. There are plenty of food options from a buffet breakfast each morning to a snack bar, bar and a la carte restaurant. Rooms sleep 2-3 adults + kids.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates at On The Beach.
Alykes Zakynthos
Alykes is a small village on the north coast of Zante island. The area is full of natural beauty from the beautiful beach to exploring the salt flats. The resort also features a shopping street where you can stock up on souvenirs or try traditional Greek food in a taverna.
Where to stay in Alykes
Top Recommendation: Zante Dolphin (Budget)
Just 1000 yards away from the beach, Zante Dolphin features self-catering studios with fully equipped kitchenettes. There’s also a fantastic outdoor pool and baby pool + a bar. Cots ARE available on request, and extra beds can be accommodated although there’s sometimes an extra cost.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Budget – Garden Studios
Just 100 yards from Alkyes beach, the Garden studios feature fully equipped kitchenettes for a self-catering holiday. Rooms sleep 1-3 adults. Cots and extra beds CAN’T be provided.
This is the perfect budget option for anyone island-hopping around the Greek islands or looking for a budget break in a coastal village location.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Mid-Range – Evan’s Studios | Evans Studios feature six apartments around a spacious pool area fully equipped with sunbeds and a snack bar. Cots are NOT available but extra beds can be provided for a fee. View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Alykanas (Alikanas)
Located on the northeast coast of Zante, Alykanas has a village location with a huge sweeping beach. Visitors to Alykanas can also walk to Alykes village, which is just 1km away.
The location is also popular for inland walks where you can explore olive groves. If you want to stay in a coastal village with an amazing beach then Alykanas is the place for you.
Best places to stay in Alykanas Zakynthos
Letsos Hotel
Nearby Alykanas town, the Letsos hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and kids pool with an on-site bar. The pool area is fully equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas.
The spacious rooms are furnished in a modern style with plenty of storage space – some even feature a private hot tub. Rooms sleep 3-7 adults and range from a budget studio to a suite. Cots CAN be provided at an extra cost.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
The Vasilikos Penninsula
The Vasilikos peninsula is famed for its fabulous beaches including one of the best beaches in Zakynthos – Banana beach. The area is less discovered by tourists and still just as amazing.
Another fantastic beach on the peninsula is Gerakas beach – larger than most beaches in Zante there are strict turtle protection laws in operation. While you’re in the area, why not visit the Turtle information centre where you can find out more about the unique turtle species.
Best places to stay on the Vasilikos Peninsula
Budget – Vasilikos Beach
Just 150m from Vasilikos beach, guests can also enjoy an outdoor pool and bar. The three-storey hotel is spread across 2 buildings. You’ll find many restaurants and shops 100m from the hotel
. View the latest prices and availability here.
Mid-Range – Zante Royal Resort
This modern, family resort has a water park on-site. It’s also just 200m from the beach. Guests have the option to go all-inclusive where you can enjoy one of the 3 onsite buffet restaurants and the pool bars free of charge. There are two swimming pools on-site, one of which has slides. There are daily entertainment and activities provided by the hotel staff including aqua aerobics, tennis and football. There’s also a kids club.
View the latest prices and availability at On The Beach here.
Luxury – The Bay Hotel and Suites Zakynthos
The Bay Zakynthos is one of the few 5-star hotels in Zante. The hotel is set on a private sandy beach in the Vasilikos area with free sunbeds available for guests use. The hotel also has an outdoor pool.
The rooms are very modern and some even have sea views. There are plenty of food options here too. Guests are served a buffet breakfast each morning and the hotel also has an indoor and outdoor restaurant. There’s a small bar selling drinks throughout the day.
There’s some extra luxury here as guests can also use the 2 tennis courts on-site and use the sauna and spa facilities. There’s a fully equipped Kids club as well as a kids pool. Cots CAN be provided on request.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is a small ferry village in the North of the island. Agios Nikolos is the starting point for most ferries and tourist trips to the next-door island of Kefalonia. You can view more places to stay in Kefalonia here if you are heading to the island next.
There’s also plenty of boat trips from Agios Nikolas where you can visit the Bule Caves, shipwreck beach and the Keri Caves just around the coast. There’s a small selection of unique accommodation in Agios Nikolos as well as a scattering of tavernas along the seafront.
Visitors can easily walk to several beautiful beaches including St Thomas Beach, Platis Yialos beach and Gaidoros beach which are all less than a 15-minute walk away from Agios Nikolaos.
Best places to stay in Agios Nikolaos
Luxury – Orfos Villas
Guests can choose between a 2 or 3 bedroom villa. Both have luxury large private pools with stunning sea views. The outdoor area is fully equipped with garden furniture, a BBQ, sunbeds and umbrellas.
The rooms are modern with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen and an open plan dining area.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Argassi
Argassi is located on the south coast of Zakynthos just 4km from Zakynthos town and nearby the resorts of Laganas and Kalamaki. Argassi is one of the most popular resorts in Zante with plenty of accommodation choices.
If you’re visiting Zante on a budget, you’ll definitely find something here. There’s a huge range of shops and tavernas in Argassi – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Argassi has a perfect beach, fully equipped with sunbeds to rent as well as watersports on offer.
Best places to stay in Argassi Zakynthos
Hotel Contessa Zakynthos
The Contessa hotel features a large outdoor pool as well as a roof garden with sea views with a restaurant. The hotel is just 250m from Argassi beach.
The two hotel bars provide plenty of snacks, light meals and drinks throughout the day. Rooms sleep 2-6 adults depending on the room chosen. Cots ARE available on request.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Our Recommendation: Katerina Studios
I stayed here on my first ever trip to Zante in 2014. The hotel has a family feel about it and features two pools, one large deep pool and one smaller shallower pool. The swimming pools are fully equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there’s a hotel bar selling snacks and drinks.
Guests can choose from staying in the hotel with breakfast or a self-catering studio with a fully equipped kitchenette. When you walk out of the hotel, you’ll be in the centre of Argassi with all the shops, bars and restaurants around you.
The hotel is also within walking distance to Argassi Beach for a picturesque walk or a fun day out.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Keri & Limni Keriou
A small village perfect for a quiet break. The village is set on a hillside that has old stone houses and narrow-winding streets to expl
ore. The village at the bottom of the hill – Limni Keriou has a small people beach characterised by tour boats taking tourists to the famous shipwreck beach, Keri caves and the blue caves. There’s also some lovely shops and restaurants to visit.
Best Places to stay in Keri/ Limni Keriou
Mid-Range – Bratis Apartments
Set in Keri Limni, these apartments are right by the beach. The property features a garden, BBQ and free parking. Each room has an equipped kitchenette and dining area. Rooms sleep 3-5 adults depending on the room chosen. Cots and extra beds CAN be provided at a charge.
View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
Luxury – Eptanisos Beachfront Suites Zante
These modern suites are fully equipped with a bedroom, living room and balcony with garden and sea views. Rooms sleep 2-4 adults. Cot’s and extra beds CAN’T be provided but kids are very welcome
. View the latest prices and availability for your dates here.
All-Inclusive Zakynthos | The Best Package Holidays
Easyjet holidays
A wide range of great value for beach holidays and city breaks in Greece, combining easyJet flights with 3, 4 and 5-star hotels and other extra services such as car rental and transfers
Jet2 Zante Holidays
Jet2holidays is the UK’s second-largest tour operator, offering great value package holidays from 9 UK bases You’ll enjoy a huge choice of 2-5 star accommodation, with holiday ranges including Family Favourites and All-Inclusive holidays.
Your package holiday also includes return flights, a huge 22kg baggage per person and return transfers, plus ATOL Protection, all wrapped up for just £60pp deposit
. Check out the latest offers here.
