Zakynthos, Greece | Cruises from Zakynthos 🚢

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Cruises from Zakynthos

Zakynthos — the emerald jewel of the Ionian Sea and one of the most photographed islands in Greece. This is a place where towering white cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, and the ruins of an ancient shipwreck resting on a sandy seabed have become one of the most iconic images of the Mediterranean. The third largest of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos stretches to the west of the Peloponnese coast between the Ionian Sea and mountain ranges, where olive groves, flowering plains and wild rocky shores create a truly breathtaking landscape.
For the cruise traveller, Zakynthos is far more than a stopover on an Ionian island itinerary. It is an island with a soul: birthplace of Dionysios Solomos, the author of the Greek national anthem; home to the Mediterranean's first marine reserve for loggerhead sea turtles; and the resting place of the smuggling vessel MV Panagiotis, whose rusting hull on the floor of a limestone-enclosed cove has become the stuff of legend. In 2023, the island welcomed 130,050 cruise passengers — a staggering growth of over 510% compared to 2022. 🐢

📋 Key facts to know before your cruise call to Zakynthos:
🇬🇷 Country: Greece
📍 Region: Ionian Islands (periphery)
👥 Population: approximately 40,000 residents
📐 Area: 405.6 km²
🗣️ Language: Greek; English is widely spoken in tourist areas
💶 Currency: Euro (EUR)
🕐 Time zone: EET (UTC+2), summer EEST (UTC+3) — same as Kyiv
☀️ Climate: Mediterranean, with mild winters (+10…+15 °C) and hot summers (+28…+33 °C)
✈️ Nearest airport: Dionysios Solomos International Airport (ZTH) — 5 km from the island's capital
⚓ Port type: tender port — ships anchor in the bay and passengers are ferried ashore by tender boats
🗺️ Coastline length: 123 km

🏛️ History of Zakynthos — from Homeric times to the "Flower of the East"
⏳ 3,500 years of continuous human presence
The history of Zakynthos stretches back thousands of years. Homer mentioned the island in both the Iliad and the Odyssey: according to legend, its first settler was Zakynthos — son of the Arcadian chieftain Dardanos and grandson of Zeus himself — who sailed here around 1500–1600 BC and gave the island his name. The island took part in the Trojan War and its name appears in Homer's "Catalogue of Ships." After the era of the Greek city-states, Zakynthos passed through the hands of the Spartans, Athenians, Romans, and later the Norman kings of Naples.
The island's true cultural golden age came during the Venetian period: from 1484 to 1797, Zakynthos was under the rule of the Venetian Republic. It was the Venetians who named it "Fioro di Levante" — "Flower of the East" — a name that endures to this day. The Venetian presence left a profound mark on the island's architecture, language, music and literary tradition, turning Zakynthos into a true cultural centre of the Greek world, shielded from Ottoman rule on the mainland.
⚔️ From literary capital to modern island paradise
In the 19th century, Zakynthos became the cradle of modern Greek literature. Born here in 1798, Dionysios Solomos wrote the "Hymn to Liberty" in 1823 on the Strani hill — the opening stanzas of which became the national anthem of Greece. It was on Zakynthos that he chose to write not in Italian, which he had mastered during his studies in Cremona and Pavia, but in the living Greek language of the people — thereby laying the foundations of modern standard Greek. 📜
In 1953, the island suffered a devastating tragedy: a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake destroyed more than 90% of its buildings. Zakynthos was rebuilt virtually from scratch — to strict anti-seismic standards — which shaped the city's modern appearance. In 1972, an international airport opened, and the island quickly rose to become one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations. In 1999, the Mediterranean's first national marine park for the protection of loggerhead sea turtles was established here. 🥇

⚓ The Port of Zakynthos — a tender berth beneath the Ionian sky
📊 Port characteristics and structure
The cruise port of Zakynthos is located directly adjacent to the island's capital — Zakynthos Town (also known as Zante Town). This is a classic tender port: the bay's depth does not permit large cruise ships to dock directly at the pier, so vessels anchor in the bay and passengers are transported ashore by tender boat. The ride from the ship to the Zakynthos Marina takes approximately 5–10 minutes.
The Zakynthos Marina — a picturesque quay framed by fishing boats and yachts — serves simultaneously as the cruise landing point and the island's main ferry terminal. From here, the promenade leads directly into the town centre, with its shops, tavernas and principal landmarks. ATMs and currency exchange are available in the centre, just a few minutes' walk from the pier.

🚢 How many ships and which cruise lines call at Zakynthos
The cruise season in Zakynthos runs from May to early October, with peak season falling between June and September. Given the tender nature of the port and environmental restrictions, the island does not receive large numbers of ships simultaneously — preserving its distinctive intimate atmosphere.

🏢 Which cruise lines call at Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a regular port of call for ships belonging to the world's leading cruise companies: MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Azamara, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Oceania Cruises and others. The island features in most Ionian and Greek island itineraries, as well as broader Mediterranean programmes. In 2026, AIDA Cruises announced more than 450 cruises calling at Zakynthos as part of its summer schedule. 🌍

💡 Fascinating facts about Zakynthos and its port
A few lesser-known details will make your encounter with the island all the richer:
🐢 Zakynthos is the most important sea turtle nesting site in the Mediterranean. Laganas Bay is home to approximately 80% of the entire Mediterranean population of loggerheads (Caretta caretta); six beaches totalling 5.5 km in length are protected nesting grounds — active every summer.
🎵 Zakynthos is the birthplace of the man who wrote the national anthem of two countries. Dionysios Solomos (1798–1857) composed the "Hymn to Liberty," the first two stanzas of which became the anthem of Greece, while the full poem also inspired the anthem of Cyprus. His statue graces the main Solomos Square in the town centre.
⛵ The island's most famous beach is accessible only from the sea. Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) is surrounded by 200-metre limestone cliffs and has no land access whatsoever — the only way to reach it is by boat.
🚢 The iconic shipwreck hull really was a smuggler's vessel. In 1980, the cargo ship MV Panagiotis, suspected of cigarette smuggling, was washed ashore in an unnamed cove. The ship has remained there ever since and gave the cove its new name — Navagio ("Shipwreck").
🏅 Zakynthos is the only place in Greece where the entire Jewish community survived the Holocaust. During World War II, Bishop Chrysostomos and Mayor Loukas Carrer, upon receiving a Nazi order to provide a list of the island's Jews, wrote down only their own names. The 275 Jews of Zakynthos were hidden in mountain villages and survived.
🌊 The Blue Caves are a purely natural phenomenon. The sea caves near Cape Skinari cannot be artificially recreated: the effect of vivid blue luminescence inside the caves is produced by the reflection of sunlight off the sandy seabed through the crystal-clear water.
🌺 "Flower of the East" is more than just poetic language. The Venetians gave the island this name because of its remarkable — unusual for the Mediterranean — diversity of wild flowers blooming almost year-round, combined with the lush greenery of its olive groves and pine forests.
✍️ Andreas Vesalius, the father of modern anatomy, died on Zakynthos. The great Flemish Renaissance physician, author of the first systematic atlas of the human body, was shipwrecked off the island's shores in 1564 and died here — his place of burial has never been found.

📍 Top sights of Zakynthos — must-sees for cruise travellers
A cruise ship typically spends 7 to 10 hours in Zakynthos, so it is important to prioritise your time bearing in mind the tender transfer and distances involved. Below is a brief overview of the key locations that define the character of the island.
⛵ Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) — the most photographed spot in Greece: a turquoise lagoon enclosed by 200-metre white cliffs, with the rusting hull of MV Panagiotis lying on the sand. Accessible exclusively by sea — boat tours depart from several points around the island. Named the world's best beach in 2018 by one of the leading travel ranking platforms. Note: swimming directly beneath the cliffs may be prohibited due to the risk of rockfalls — always check the current status before visiting.
🔵 Blue Caves — natural sea caves near Cape Skinari on the northern coast. Sunlight refracting through the transparent water creates an extraordinary blue glow on the cave walls; the effect is most vivid in the morning hours. Accessible exclusively by sea excursion.
🐢 Marathonisi Island (Turtle Island) and the Zakynthos National Marine Park — a small island in Laganas Bay shaped like a turtle. Loggerheads can be observed in their natural habitat nearby every summer. The park was established in 1999 — the first in the Mediterranean created specifically to protect sea turtles.
🏛️ Solomos Square and Zakynthos Town centre — the heart of the rebuilt city, featuring a monument to the national poet, neoclassical buildings, cafés and tavernas. Home to the Byzantine Museum with its unique collection of icons and ecclesiastical art rescued before the 1953 earthquake.
🕌 Church of Saint Dionysios (Agios Dionysios) — the island's principal Orthodox shrine, dedicated to its patron saint. Having survived the 1953 earthquake, it houses the saint's relics; the tall white bell tower is visible from anywhere in the port.
🏰 Venetian Castle of Bochali — a hilltop castle overlooking the entire bay. Built during the Kingdom of Naples and expanded by the Venetians. Reachable on foot or by taxi — reward: a panoramic view of the island, the sea and the Peloponnese coastline.
🏖️ Gerakas Beach — one of the island's most beautiful and ecologically pristine beaches, a protected sea turtle nesting zone. Entry after sunset is prohibited; visitors are asked not to disturb the protected nesting areas.
🌅 Kambi and Cape Keri — scenic vistas on the western side of the island: the rocky cape of Kambi with its large cross is the place where sunset over the Ionian Sea becomes a true spectacle. Cape Keri with its lighthouse is ideal for lovers of natural scenery and quieter, less-visited routes.

✨ Why choose a cruise with a call at Zakynthos
Zakynthos is an island that defies every tourist cliché.
First, there is authenticity: despite substantial visitor numbers, the greater part of the island remains unspoilt, protected by nature conservation measures and the mountainous terrain of the west. ✈️
Second, there is the extraordinary natural environment: no other Mediterranean port offers the chance to encounter a wild sea turtle in its natural habitat, glide through luminous blue sea caves, and then gaze down from breathtaking clifftops at a shipwreck that has lain on the beach for more than 40 years. 🌊
Third, the tender port format — while it does require factoring in transfer time — adds a special charm all of its own: the ship lies at anchor in the open bay, and the journey to shore through the calm Ionian waves becomes part of the experience in itself. 🐢

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you find the ideal ship, itinerary and cabin for a cruise calling at Zakynthos, account for the specifics of the tender port and excursion time constraints, and offer exclusive fares from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and other leading brands with which we work as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference purposes and is current as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries and visit conditions may change without notice. Please verify up-to-date details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant organisations.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the professionals

How to Get to the Zakynthos Cruise Port

Zakynthos — an island that is easy to reach by both plane and ferry from mainland Greece, yet the route to the tender boat pier has its own specifics that are important to plan for in advance. Unlike classic cruise ports with dedicated ship berths, here vessels anchor in the open bay and passengers are ferried ashore by tender boats to Zakynthos Marina — a picturesque quay right in the heart of the island's capital. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide covering all transfer options, current prices and expert tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯

📍 Where exactly cruise passengers disembark
Zakynthos has no deep-water cruise berth, so all ships without exception anchor in the bay in front of Zakynthos Town. Passengers are ferried ashore by tender boat to:

⚓ Zakynthos Marina — the tender boat landing point:
• The pier is located in the central section of the Zakynthos Town waterfront
• From the pier to the central Solomos Square — 3–5 minutes on foot
• Nearby — tavernas, shops, ATMs, car rental offices and sea excursion booking points
• Local taxis wait here, ready to take passengers to any part of the island
📌 GPS address: Zakynthos Marina, Zakynthos Town (Zante Town), 291 00, Greece
🚶 Distance to the town centre: 3–5 minutes on foot to Solomos Square

⏱️ Important about tendering: the full disembarkation process takes up to 2–2.5 hours from the start of tendering. Passengers on cruise line shore excursions have priority access to tender boats. If you are planning independent excursions — factor in the tender process and allow 30–45 minutes for waiting and the journey to shore.

❗ Important: tendering may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions (wave height 3–4 metres). In such cases, the ship may change its port of call or remain at anchor with onboard entertainment organised. Information is provided by the ship's captain. The decision is always made on the grounds of passenger safety.

✈️ From Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) to the tender boat pier
Dionysios Solomos International Airport (ZTH) is located approximately 4–6 km south of Zakynthos Town and 3.5 km from the marina — the cruise passenger landing point. The airport handles seasonal charter flights from most European cities as well as regular services to Athens and Thessaloniki. The journey to the marina takes between 10 and 20 minutes depending on transport mode.

🚕 Taxi — the fastest and most convenient option
Official taxis are silver-grey in colour and wait directly outside the arrivals terminal. During peak season (July–August) queues can be substantial — booking a taxi in advance is recommended.
• Journey time: 10–15 minutes
• Fare: approximately EUR 15–20 to the town centre / marina
• Payment: usually cash; not all drivers accept cards
• Taxis do not use meters — a fixed price list for popular destinations is displayed inside the vehicle and on a notice board at the airport
💡 Tip from Four Gates: tell the driver «Zakynthos Marina» or «the port tender point» — they know the location and will take you directly to the pier.

🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
If you are travelling as a family or group with substantial luggage — a private transfer with a meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall is the optimal choice.
• Fare: from EUR 20–25 for a saloon car (1–4 people), from EUR 45–55 for a minivan (5–8 people)
• Journey time: 10–15 minutes
• Advantages: fixed price, flight monitoring, luggage assistance, no queue
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number at the time of cruise booking.

🚌 KTEL bus — the budget option
KTEL buses run between the airport and Zakynthos Town during the tourist season (approximately May to October).
• Fare: approximately EUR 1.80–2.20 per person
• Journey time: 15–20 minutes
• Frequency: only 5–6 services per day, mainly during daytime hours
• Stop: directly in front of the arrivals terminal
• Tickets: purchased from the driver or at the terminal desk
⚠️ Important: the KTEL timetable is limited and may not coincide with your flight arrival time. For cruise passengers with tight time constraints this option is not recommended — choose a taxi or private transfer instead.

⛴️ From mainland Greece — by ferry to Zakynthos
If you are planning a few days on the island before or after your cruise and are travelling through mainland Greece — the ferry connection is a convenient and scenic way to arrive.

🚢 Ferry route Killini — Zakynthos
The only regular ferry route to Zakynthos operates via the port of Killini on the Peloponnese (operated by Levante Ferries and others).
• Journey time: approximately 1 hour
• Frequency: several sailings per day (seasonal timetable)
• Fare: from EUR 8–12 per person (foot passenger), from EUR 30–45 with a vehicle depending on season
• Tickets: bookable online or at the Killini port ticket office
📍 How to reach Killini: from Athens (international airport or bus station) — approximately 3 hours by KTEL Intercity bus or rental car via Patras and the Peloponnese

⛴️ Seasonal service Argostoli (Kefalonia) — Zakynthos
In summer, a small ferry connection between the port of Agios Nikolaos (north Zakynthos) and neighbouring Kefalonia (Peskhada) allows you to combine a visit to both islands.
• Journey time: approximately 30–40 minutes
• Season: mainly June–October

💡 Tip: if your itinerary includes several Greek islands before or after your cruise — check the latest ferry timetables on OpenSeas.gr or FerriesinGreece.com, as schedules vary significantly by season.

🏙️ From a hotel in Zakynthos Town to the tender boat pier
If you have spent a night or a few days in one of the island capital's hotels or nearby resort areas — several options are available for reaching the tender boat pier:

🚕 Taxi from the hotel — EUR 10–15 depending on distance. Fast (5–15 min), convenient with luggage.
💡 Important: taxis in Zakynthos generally do not use meters — confirm the fare before the journey begins.

🚶 On foot from the town centre — if your hotel is in Zakynthos Town, the marina is within easy walking distance along the waterfront:
• From Solomos Square to the marina: 3–5 minutes
• The promenade is flat and easy to navigate with hand luggage
• Not recommended with large suitcases in hot weather

🛵 Scooter or bicycle — a popular form of transport in Zakynthos for getting around town, but impractical for reaching the marina with heavy luggage. Suitable for a light stroll to the pier and back.

🚗 Transfer from resort areas — if your hotel is in Laganas, Tsilivi, Argasi or Vasilikos:
• Laganas → marina: 15 minutes by taxi, approximately EUR 15–18
• Tsilivi → marina: 15–20 minutes by taxi, approximately EUR 15–20
• Argasi → marina: 10 minutes by taxi, approximately EUR 12–15

🚗 Car rental and parking
Hiring a car is the most convenient way to explore Zakynthos independently before or after a cruise, especially for visiting the northern and western coastlines.

🚘 Car rental in Zakynthos
• Main companies: Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Budget and numerous local rental agencies
• Cost: from EUR 20–50 per day depending on vehicle class and season
• Pick-up points: at ZTH airport, in Zakynthos Town and in resort areas
• Recommendation: book in advance online, especially in July–August — available vehicles go quickly in peak season

🅿️ Parking at the marina
Directly at the marina and along the waterfront there is a free parking zone, though spaces are limited.
• Free parking: Dionysios Solomos waterfront and adjacent streets
• Paid parking: organised paid car parks near the town centre
• Paid parking rate: from EUR 1–2 per hour
💡 Tip: if you are leaving your car for the duration of the cruise — enquire about long-stay parking at ZTH airport (from EUR 15–20 for 3 days with online booking) or at private car parks in the town centre.

🛣️ GPS route: regardless of your direction of arrival on the island, set your navigation to Zakynthos Town Marina or Limani Zakynthou — these are the official names of the port area on maps.

♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The tender port nature of Zakynthos must be taken into account by passengers with limited mobility:
⚠️ Tender boats may be unsuitable for passengers in wheelchairs or those with serious balance difficulties — always confirm this directly with your cruise line before departure
✅ Zakynthos Marina is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility after disembarkation — the waterfront is flat
✅ The centre of Zakynthos Town is relatively flat and manageable for mobility-impaired visitors
✅ Taxis on the island can generally accommodate passengers with special needs — confirm when booking
✅ Notify your cruise company of any special requirements in advance — they will arrange priority tendering or assistance staff
📞 To pre-book a taxi for passengers with special needs: +30 26950 48400

⏰ When to return to the tender boat
Unlike classic ports where arriving at the gangway is sufficient, in tender ports it is vital to manage your time much more carefully:
🕐 Last tender boat: usually 30–60 minutes before the ship's departure — the exact time is announced on board and indicated on your tender ticket
🕐 Buffer time from your last stop on the island to the marina: allow a minimum of 30–45 minutes for travel plus 15–20 minutes to wait for the tender
🕐 Priority boarding for the tender: passengers with cruise line excursions have priority; if you have planned independently — return well in advance
❗ The boarding deadline is serious: the tender does not wait for latecomers, and the ship departs on schedule. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the precise time of the last tender for your specific sailing.

💡 Expert tips from the Four Gates Group team
After years of working with Zakynthos, our cruise specialists have compiled a set of practical tips that will save you time, money and stress:

🌅 Factor in tender time when planning excursions. The full disembarkation process takes up to 2.5 hours — if you do not have priority access, you may not reach shore until 1.5–2 hours after tendering begins. Plan your day accordingly.

⛵ Sea excursions are your number one priority. Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves are accessible only by sea. If you have just 6–7 hours on the island — dedicate them to a boat excursion (3–4 hours) and spend the remaining time in the town centre close to the marina.

💶 Carry cash (EUR). Most taxis in Zakynthos and small sea excursion operators at the pier accept primarily cash. ATMs are available in the town centre but not at the pier — withdraw money in advance.

🎒 Travel light ashore. Leave large suitcases on the ship. Bring only a day bag on the tender — this makes boarding easier and getting around the island far more comfortable.

🧴 Sun protection is essential. The Ionian sun in July–August is very intense. Sea excursions involve prolonged time on the water and at the beach — apply sunscreen while still on board before the tender departs.

🐢 Respect the turtles and protected zones. If your excursion includes loggerhead sea turtle watching — follow the rules: do not touch the animals, do not enter protected beach sections, keep noise to a minimum. Fines for violations are real and substantial.

🏖️ Plan your return with a time buffer. If your boat excursion departs from the northern part of the island (Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos), the distance back to the marina can be considerable — arrange with your boat captain or excursion organiser to return directly to the pier, or use a taxi.

🍽️ Dine ashore, not on board. The tavernas along the Zakynthos waterfront offer authentic Ionian cuisine at reasonable prices. If you have a spare hour — spend it at a table overlooking the sea rather than in the ship's restaurant.

📞 Useful contacts for Zakynthos
Zakynthos taxi (advance booking): +30 26950 48400
Zakynthos taxi (alternative number): +30 26951 95640
Dionysios Solomos Airport (ZTH): +30 26950 29500
Levante Ferries ticket office (Zakynthos port): +30 26950 25403
Saint Dionysios General Hospital (3 km from the marina): +30 26953 60000
Emergency services Greece: 112
Zakynthos Tourist Police: +30 26950 24482
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53

The logistics of a tender port may seem more complex than a classic cruise berth, but Zakynthos is in fact a straightforward and well-organised destination for those who know the rules of the game. With the right time management, you can fit in the Blue Caves, Navagio Beach and a cup of Greek coffee on the Solomos Square waterfront all in a single day. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group will support you at every stage: from selecting the ideal itinerary to arranging transfers and advising on excursion timing. Reach out to our manager — and your day in Zakynthos will go without a hitch. 🛳️✨

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the professionals

Sights and Places of Zakynthos: the Complete Guide for Cruise Travellers

Zakynthos — an island where every boat trip reveals a new picture: dazzlingly white cliffs, turquoise caves, rose-coloured sand on hidden beaches and the ruins of a shipwreck at the heart of a sun-drenched cove. Here, 3,500 years of unbroken history, the Mediterranean's most important sea turtle nesting ground, and a small town centre where Greek poets were born and a bishop saved Jews from the Holocaust. For a cruise passenger with 7–10 hours ashore, the key is to remember the tender transfer and set the right priorities. Below is a tested guide to the island's key attractions with up-to-date 2025–2026 prices, opening hours and precise directions from the Zakynthos Marina pier to each site. 🎯

⛵ 1. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Navagio is the most photographed spot in Greece and one of the most famous coastlines in the world. The pristine turquoise lagoon-beach is enclosed by 200-metre snow-white limestone cliffs, with the rusting hull of the cargo vessel MV Panagiotis at its very centre. The fact that the beach looks "paradise-like" and is completely inaccessible by land is no coincidence — precisely these two qualities made Navagio the symbol of Greece it remains to this day. ⛵
🔹 MV Panagiotis ran aground in 1980. The captain claimed a storm had driven the ship ashore; police suspected the vessel was carrying contraband cigarettes. The investigation dragged on — the ship stayed. It has since become a legend.
🔹 Before 1980, the cove had no name. After the wreck, locals called it "Navagio" — which literally means "shipwreck".
🔹 The beach is part of Zakynthos National Marine Park and has repeatedly been named one of the best beaches in the world.
🔹 The beach has no infrastructure whatsoever: no sun loungers, no umbrellas, no restaurant, no toilets. Just cliffs, sand and the ship's hull — and that is entirely deliberate.
🔹 The popular clifftop viewing platform above the cove is one of the most spectacular vantage points in the entire Mediterranean. It can be reached by car or taxi.

⚠️ IMPORTANT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION (2025–2026):
Since September 2022, entry to the beach and swimming in the immediate vicinity of the cliffs has been officially prohibited by Greek authorities — due to the risk of limestone rockfalls. Geological surveys have confirmed the elevated danger, and the closure has been extended indefinitely. Boat excursions to the cove continue — vessels approach within 20–30 metres of the shore, allowing you to see the wreck and cliffs up close, but landing on the beach is prohibited. The clifftop viewing platform remains open.

🚢 How to get there from Zakynthos Marina pier:
• Boat excursion from Zakynthos port: full-day tour (6–8 hrs) including Navagio and the Blue Caves — EUR 35–50 per person; departures from the marina pier or Agios Nikolaos
• Boat excursion from Porto Vromi (the nearest point to Navagio): ~30 minutes each way, EUR 25–35 per person. Transfer to Porto Vromi — taxi ~50 min, approx. EUR 40–50
• Clifftop viewing platform (overland): taxi from the town centre (~32 km) — approx. EUR 35–45 one way, 50-minute drive

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Boat excursion to Navagio (group tour): EUR 25–50 per person depending on duration and operator
• Private charter to Navagio: from EUR 200–300 for a small group
• Viewing platform: free, open around the clock
• Boat excursion season: May–October
⚠️ Book your boat excursion in advance — on peak days (July–August) spots on group tours sell out. Cruise passengers are advised to choose tours with dedicated ship return time management.

🔵 2. Blue Caves
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Blue Caves are a natural wonder that no technology can replicate. A series of sea grottos and arched portals carved by the elements into the white limestone cliffs of Cape Skinari on the island's northern coast became legendary thanks to a single optical phenomenon: sunlight, refracting through crystal-clear water, reflects off the sandy seabed and illuminates the cave walls with a vivid electric blue glow. 💙
🔹 The effect is most intense in the first half of the day, when the sun is still low and rays enter the cave at a sharp angle. An evening visit is considerably less spectacular.
🔹 The phenomenon is similar to the famous Blue Grotto of Capri — but in Zakynthos the cave entrances are wider and there are far fewer tourists.
🔹 The largest of the caves is called Megali Spilia — even small motorboats can enter it.
🔹 Near Cape Skinari, dolphins are frequently spotted — the Ionian waters are a traditional habitat for them. 🐬
🔹 Nearby are the natural Xigia sulphur springs with their yellowish mineral water, said to be beneficial for the skin. An unusual natural phenomenon well worth seeing.

📜 About the caves:
The grottos were formed over thousands of years as sea waves gradually eroded soft limestone. The process continues today — the shape of the grottos changes slowly, so each season offers slightly different impressions. The closest equivalent is the Blue Grotto in Capri, though the Zakynthos caves are more intimate and more accessible.

🚢 How to get there from Zakynthos Marina pier:
• Boat excursion from Agios Nikolaos (classic route): 1.5–2 hr tour to the Blue Caves only — EUR 12–20 per person. Transfer to Agios Nikolaos by taxi ~50 min, approx. EUR 40–50
• Combined boat tour (Navagio + Blue Caves + turtles) departing from Zakynthos port or Agios Nikolaos: 6–8 hrs, EUR 35–60 per person

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Short tour to Blue Caves only (1.5–2 hrs): EUR 12–20 per person
• Combined tour with Navagio: EUR 35–60 per person
• Private charter: from EUR 200 for 2 hrs per group
• Season: April–October; conditions at sea may be unfavourable outside season
💡 Pro tip: the most atmospheric option is an early tour departing at 8:00–9:00 from Agios Nikolaos. Minimum tourists, maximum blue luminescence.

🐢 3. Marathonisi Island (Turtle Island) and the National Marine Park
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Marathonisi is a tiny islet in Laganas Bay that, when viewed from above, resembles a turtle itself. It is here and in the surrounding waters that the highest density of loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting sites in the entire Mediterranean is concentrated. Every summer, approximately 80% of the entire Mediterranean population of this species returns to the shores of Zakynthos — and the vast majority nest here. 🐢
🔹 Zakynthos National Marine Park (established 1999) is the first in the Mediterranean created specifically for the protection of sea turtles. It encompasses six nesting beaches totalling 5.5 km in length in Laganas Bay and the islet of Marathonisi.
🔹 The densest nesting site is Sekania beach, purchased by WWF in 1997. It is completely closed to visitors.
🔹 Female turtles return to nest on the same beach where they themselves hatched — even after 30 years. If the species were to disappear from the island, no other populations would colonise these shores.
🔹 Peak turtle activity: late May–August (nesting) and August–September (hatchling emergence). The best chance of seeing turtles is from a fishing boat or tour vessel in the morning between 7:00 and 10:00.
🔹 Entry to protected beaches after 19:00 is prohibited. Sun loungers and umbrellas are positioned exclusively outside nesting zones.

🚢 How to get there from Zakynthos Marina pier:
• Tour to Marathonisi: departing from Laganas or Keri beach, 2–3 hrs duration, EUR 20–35 per person. From the town centre to Laganas — taxi 15 min, EUR 15
• Private excursion: from EUR 100 for 4–6 people (2–3 hrs)

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Group tour to Marathonisi with turtle watching: EUR 20–35 per person
• Entry to the park for daytime walking: free
• Observation season: June–September
⚠️ Park rules: do not touch the turtles, do not enter protected areas, keep noise to a minimum. Fines for violations are real and substantial.

🏰 4. Venetian Castle of Bochali
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Venetian Castle stands on Bochali hill above Zakynthos Town — on the very site where the island's ancient Greek acropolis once stood. Construction, begun by the Venetians after 1480, was finally completed in 1646. Above the main entrance the Winged Lion of Saint Mark — the symbol of the Venetian Republic — still stands proud. 🦁
🔹 From 1480 to 1797 the castle served as the residence of the Venetian provveditore — the island's administrator. During a siege it could accommodate the entire island population.
🔹 In 1812, under British administration, barracks, powder magazines and a British parliament building were erected inside. The remains of these structures still stand.
🔹 The castle survived numerous earthquakes and sieges, but was not systematically restored after the 1953 catastrophe — today it is an open-air museum with ruins and magnificent viewing platforms.
🔹 From the summit there is the finest panorama on the island: Zakynthos Town, the Ionian Sea, the Peloponnese coastline in the distance — and your ship at anchor in the bay. 🌊
🔹 Excavations here have uncovered the ruins of a 12th-century Byzantine church and other medieval structures.

📜 History:
Even before the Venetians, an ancient Greek acropolis stood here, followed by a Byzantine fortress. The Venetians arrived in 1479 and soon began rebuilding and expanding the fortifications. How many times the castle was destroyed and rebuilt is difficult to count: earthquakes, Turkish sieges of 1479 and 1514, the French occupation of 1797, the British Protectorate of 1815–1864. Today it is surrounded by a pine park and open for free exploration.

🚢 How to get there from Zakynthos Marina pier:
• Taxi: 5–10 minutes (about 2 km), EUR 8–12
• On foot: 20–25-minute uphill walk through the lanes of the Bochali neighbourhood
• GPS address: Venetian Castle of Zakynthos, Bochali, Zakynthos Town

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Entry: free (open-air museum)
• Accessible: mainly during daytime hours; verify current status on arrival
💡 Tip: even if part of the castle interior is temporarily closed, the panoramic terrace on Bochali hill is always open. Nearby tavernas offer terraces with views over the port and city.

🏛️ 5. Solomos Square, Church of Saint Dionysios and the town museums
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Solomos Square (Plateia Solomou) is the heart of rebuilt Zakynthos Town and the island's main pedestrian zone. It is named after Dionysios Solomos (1798–1857) — the island's most celebrated son, author of the "Hymn to Liberty," the opening stanzas of which became the national anthem of both Greece and Cyprus. The statue of the poet dominates the square. 🗿
🔹 Most of the city you see today was rebuilt after 1953: a catastrophic earthquake of magnitude 7.2 destroyed more than 90% of its buildings. Zakynthos rose from the ruins to strict anti-seismic standards.
🔹 The Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos on Solomos Square holds one of the most important collections of post-Byzantine icon painting in Greece: more than 1,000 icons and frescoes rescued during the 1953 earthquake, the majority dating from the 15th–19th centuries.
🔹 The Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians (St Mark's Square) — a neoclassical building housing the poet's manuscripts, portraits and personal effects; the mausoleum on the ground floor contains the remains of Dionysios Solomos and Andreas Kalvos.
🔹 The Church of Saint Dionysios (Agios Dionysios) — the island's largest church, with a 40-metre bell tower visible from any point in the port. Built in 1948, it survived the 1953 earthquake. The relics of the island's patron saint are kept here. The 400-year-old body of the saint is brought out in procession each year on 24 August.

🚢 How to get there from Zakynthos Marina pier:
• On foot: 3–5 minutes along the waterfront to the Church of Saint Dionysios; a further 5 minutes to Solomos Square; a further 5 minutes to St Mark's Square (Museum of Solomos)

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Solomos Square stroll: free
• Church of Saint Dionysios: free entry; open daily from morning to evening
• Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos (Solomos Square, 3): EUR 10; Wed–Mon 8:30–15:30, Tue closed
• Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians (St Mark's Square): EUR 4; open from 9:00 (verify current schedule)

🌊 6. Gerakas Beach
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Gerakas offers the finest combination of natural beauty and ecological responsibility on the island. The beach, with its fine golden sand, turquoise water and steep chalk cliffs at either end, is regarded as one of the best in Greece — and is simultaneously a protected sea turtle nesting zone. 🏖️
🔹 Markers indicating protected nests are placed along the beach — they must not be disturbed. Sun loungers and umbrellas are positioned exclusively outside nesting zones.
🔹 Entry is prohibited after 19:00 — to avoid disturbing female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
🔹 The water is clean and warm (25–28 °C in summer), with a gently shelving seabed — ideal for families with children.
🔹 Nearby is a small sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation centre, where visitors can learn more about turtle conservation.

🚢 How to get there from Zakynthos Marina pier:
• Taxi: approximately 14 km south of the town, 20–25 minutes, EUR 15–20
• Cruise operator excursion — the most convenient option for passengers with tight time constraints

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Beach entry: free
• Sun loungers and umbrellas: EUR 6–10 per set
• Open: May–October, until 19:00

🌅 7. Kampi Cliffs and Cape Keri
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Sunset at Cape Kampi is one of those spectacles that requires neither hurry nor explanation. Sheer red cliffs rising more than 100 metres plunge straight into the Ionian Sea, and as the sun descends in the west everything ignites in shades of red, gold and pink. For cruise passengers on a daytime call, this destination is best saved for the afternoon. 🌅
🔹 At the top of the Kampi cliff stands a large white Orthodox cross — erected in memory of local residents who perished during the Civil War of the 1940s.
🔹 Cape Keri with its lighthouse — a little further south, more accessible and less crowded. Excellent conditions for snorkelling and diving, thanks to underwater reefs and crystal-clear water.
🔹 Along the coastline near Keri there are sea caves accessible by boat excursion.
🔹 Near Keri is the charming Keri beach with tavernas and calm water.

🚢 How to get there from Zakynthos Marina pier:
• Taxi to Kampi: approximately 25 km west, 40–50 minutes, EUR 30–40 one way
• Taxi to Keri: approximately 20 km, 35–45 minutes, EUR 25–35
• Combined excursion: a number of local operators offer "West + Kampi + Keri" minibus tours — EUR 30–45 per person

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Entry to Kampi viewing areas: free
• Keri beach: free, sun loungers EUR 5–8

🎨 8. Other sights worth visiting
• 🕌 Monastery of Saint George Krimnon (16th century) — a medieval monastery on the wild western coast with a unique bell tower. Free entry; modest dress required.
• 🧵 Traditional village of Volimes — a mountain village in the north, renowned for its handmade lace and textiles. The ideal place to buy authentic souvenirs.
• 🫒 Olive groves and tasting tours — several local estates offer olive oil tasting programmes; EUR 15–25 per person.
• 🌊 Xigia Beach — a natural sulphur spa. Underwater springs give the water a yellowish tint and unique mineral composition. An extraordinary natural phenomenon. Free entry.
• 🏝️ Cameo Island — a tiny islet connected to the shore by a wooden bridge. A stylish beach club. EUR 5 entry; from the town centre — taxi 20 min (Argasi), EUR 15.
• 🐠 Zante Waterpark — if travelling with children and with enough time to spare. EUR 25–30 per person, discounts for children.

🗺️ Three self-guided itineraries around Zakynthos in 8 hours
A cruise call at Zakynthos typically lasts 7–10 hours. Bear in mind: the tender transfer adds 30–45 minutes at the beginning and end. Visiting 2–3 locations is realistic with the right planning. Below are three options depending on priorities and budget.

🥉 Itinerary 1. On foot — town only, up to EUR 30 per person
⏱️ Total time: 4–5 hrs | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 25–35 + food

🕘 09:30 — Disembark from tender boat, Zakynthos Marina
Right on the waterfront — the Church of Saint Dionysios (free entry).

🕘 09:30–10:15 — Church of Saint Dionysios and the waterfront
Visit the island's main church and bell tower. Stroll along the promenade to Solomos Square.

🕙 10:15–11:30 — Solomos Square and the Byzantine Museum
The square, the poet's statue, coffee shops. Byzantine Museum — EUR 10; Wed–Mon 8:30–15:30, Tue closed.

🕦 11:30–12:30 — Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians
St Mark's Square, 5 minutes on foot. EUR 4, poet's mausoleum.

🕐 12:30–13:30 — Lunch in the town centre
Waterfront and square tavernas — fresh fish, Ionian cuisine, EUR 12–20 with drinks.

🕝 13:30–14:30 — Walk up to the Venetian Castle
Taxi EUR 8–10 or 20 min on foot. Viewing platform, panorama. Free entry.

🕞 14:30–15:30 — Return to the tender boat pier
Allow 30–45 minutes' buffer — essential.

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Byzantine Museum: EUR 10
• Museum of Solomos: EUR 4
• Taxi to castle and back: EUR 16–20
• Lunch: EUR 12–20
💸 TOTAL: EUR 42–54 per person (excluding shopping)

🥈 Itinerary 2. Boat excursion + town — EUR 55–80 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hrs | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 55–80 + food

🕘 08:30–09:00 — Early tender disembarkation, book a boat tour
Head straight to the operators' pier. Boat tour to Blue Caves + Navagio — EUR 40–50.

🕘 09:00–14:00 — Boat excursion: Blue Caves + Navagio + swimming
5 hours at sea: Blue Caves, approach to Navagio from the boat, swimming stops.

🕝 14:00–15:00 — Lunch at a taverna by the marina after returning
EUR 12–18.

🕞 15:00–16:00 — Solomos Square and Church of Saint Dionysios
On foot along the waterfront. Free entry.

🕟 16:00–16:45 — Return to the tender boat. Allow 45 minutes' buffer — essential

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Boat excursion: EUR 40–50
• Lunch: EUR 12–18
• Reserve: EUR 5–10
💸 TOTAL: EUR 57–78 per person

🥇 Itinerary 3. Premium — private excursion from EUR 250 per group
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hrs | 💰 Estimated budget: from EUR 250–500 per group + expenses

🏆 What is included:
• ✅ Private guide meeting at the marina pier immediately after disembarkation
• ✅ Comfortable minivan or hire car for the full day
• ✅ Private boat for the Blue Caves and Navagio
• ✅ Licensed guide in English or Ukrainian
• ✅ Flexible itinerary — turtles, caves, panoramic viewpoints, town
• ✅ Restaurant reservation with sea view
• ✅ Guaranteed return to the tender on time

To book, contact your cruise manager or reach us through any convenient channel:

Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53

🕘 09:00 — Meet guide and driver at the marina pier

🕘 09:15–10:30 — Zakynthos Town: Church of Saint Dionysios + Solomos Square + Byzantine Museum
Private guided tour of all sites, minimal queuing.

🕚 10:45–11:30 — Drive up to Venetian Castle of Bochali
10-minute transfer by car. Panoramic view of the island from the top. Free entry.

🕦 11:30–12:30 — Lunch at a Bochali taverna with views over the town and sea
EUR 20–35 per person. Seafood, Ionian cuisine.

🕐 12:45–17:00 — Private sea programme: Blue Caves + Navagio + turtles
Private boat (from EUR 300–400 for 4–6 people). Early departure guarantees minimal crowds in the caves. Swimming and snorkelling stops.

🕟 17:00–17:30 — Return to the marina, board the tender

💰 Cost breakdown (group of 2–4 people):
• Private guide (8 hrs): from EUR 150–200
• Driver with minivan (8 hrs): from EUR 120–150
• Private boat (4 hrs): from EUR 300–400
• Lunch: from EUR 20 per person
💸 TOTAL: from EUR 570–750 for a group of 4 (~EUR 145–190 per person)

🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private excursions in Zakynthos with licensed guides, private transfer from the pier and guaranteed on-time return to the ship. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Zakynthos will be perfectly planned. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Important to know before going ashore
🕐 The "last tender" rule: the last tender boat back to the ship typically departs 30–60 minutes before the ship sails. Missing it means making your own way to the next port at your own expense.
⏱️ Allow time for the tender: return to the marina pier at least 30–45 minutes before the last tender departs.
🪪 Documents: carry a photocopy of your passport and your cruise card (Ship Card).
💶 Cash: most taxis and small excursion operators accept primarily cash. ATMs are available in the town centre. Have EUR 50–80 in cash on you.
👟 Footwear: for boat excursions — waterproof shoes or sandals that won't slip on wet rocks. For the town — comfortable, closed-toe shoes.
👕 Dress code for churches and monasteries: covered shoulders and knees are a mandatory condition of entry.
🌊 Sea sickness: if prone, take medication in advance on board. The Ionian Sea is relatively calm, but small boats can roll on the swell.
🐢 Turtles and protected zones: any breach of national park rules (touching turtles, entering a closed beach area at night) carries real financial penalties.
☀️ Sun protection: summer temperatures reach 30–33 °C and boat excursions mean several hours in the open sun. Sunscreen, a hat and a bottle of water are essential.
📱 Navigation: Wi-Fi is available in cafés and hotels in town. Download an offline map of the island in advance for areas beyond mobile coverage.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the professionals

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