Renting a car in Zakynthos: Is it worth it? Everything you need to know

Although Zakynthos may look small on the map, it covers around 406 km², making it much larger than many visitors expect. The island stretches from lively southern resorts to rugged cliffs and traditional villages in the north, with many of its best landscapes located far from the main tourist areas.
 

Public buses connect Zakynthos Town with popular resorts such as Laganas, Tsilivi, Alykes and Argassi. They work well if your holiday consists mainly of beaches near your hotel.
 

However, buses are much less practical if you want to visit:
 

• Navagio Viewpoint 
   
• Porto Limnionas 
   
• Keri Lighthouse 
   
• Volimes 
   
• Blue Caves viewpoints 
   
• mountain villages 
   
• hidden coves on the western coa.
   

These places either have very limited public transport or none at all.
 

If you're spending a full week on the island, you don't necessarily need a car every single day. Renting a car for two or three days is often the perfect balance, giving you enough freedom to explore the island's highlights while keeping transport costs reasonable.

One of the biggest advantages of car hire in Zakynthos (Zante) is the freedom to explore the island beyond the organized excursions.

Navagio viewpoint
 

Although you cannot drive to Navagio Beach itself, you can reach the island's most famous viewpoint by car.
 

From Zakynthos Town, drive north on the main coastal road following signs towards Anafonitria and the Navagio Viewpoint. Shortly before reaching the viewpoint, turn left where clearly signposted. A small parking area is available, after which it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the viewing platform overlooking Shipwreck Beach.
 

It is one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Greece and well worth the drive.
 

Blue Caves Viewpoint
 

The Blue Caves themselves are accessible only by boat, but driving to the northern part of the island gives you several excellent viewpoints over the coastline.
 

Many visitors also drive to Agios Nikolaos Port, where numerous boat excursions depart to both the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach.
 

Porto Limnionas
 

Porto Limnionas is one of Zakynthos' hidden gems. Rather than a sandy beach, you'll find a rocky inlet with crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by limestone cliffs.
 

Public transport doesn't reach this part of the island, making a rental car by far the easiest option.
 

Keri Lighthouse
 

Located on the southwestern tip of Zakynthos, Keri Lighthouse is famous for its imposing cliffs and unforgettable sunsets.
 

Many visitors combine the lighthouse with nearby Mizithres viewpoint before enjoying dinner in the village of Keri.
 

Volimes
 

Volimes is one of the island's most traditional mountain villages, known for local crafts, olive oil and handmade products. It also serves as an excellent stop before continuing towards Navagio or the Blue Caves.
 

Marathonisi Departure Point
 

Marathonisi, often called Turtle Island, lies inside the National Marine Park and is accessible only by boat.
 

With a rental car you can easily reach Agios Sostis or Keri, where boats depart throughout the day.
 

Can you drive to Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach?
 

This is probably the most common question visitors ask before arriving.
 

The simple answer is no.
 

Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is accessible only by boat. Boats leave mainly from Agios Nikolaos Port and Zakynthos Town during the tourist season.
 

However, you can drive to the famous viewpoint above the beach. In fact, this is where the iconic postcard photographs of Navagio are taken.
 

You can drive to the viewpoint first before taking a boat trip later in the day, allowing you to experience the beach from both above and at the sea level.

Compared with many other Greek islands, car rental in Zakynthos remains affordable, although demand increases significantly during summer:
 

• May: €18–25
   
• June: €22–35
   
• July–August: €25–45
   
• September: €22–35
   
• October: €18–30
   

Of course, prices vary depending on:
 

• vehicle category 
   
• booking date 
   
• rental duration 
   
• insurance package 
   

For July and August, it's advisable to reserve your vehicle at least four to six weeks in advance, especially if you're looking for economy cars.
 

Zero-excess insurance is also worth considering. While the island's main roads are generally in good condition, some mountain routes are narrow and winding, making comprehensive cover a sensible investment.
 

Abbycar offers convenient rental locations at both Zakynthos Airport and Zakynthos Downtown, allowing you to choose the collection point that best suits your itinerary.

Choosing the right pickup location depends entirely on how you arrive on the island.
 

Zakynthos Airport
 

If you're flying directly into Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH), collecting your rental car immediately after landing is usually the most convenient option.
 

Thus, you avoid waiting for taxis or shuttle buses and you can begin exploring the island straight away.
 

Airport pickup is particularly suitable if you're staying outside Zakynthos Town or planning to visit several parts of the island during your holiday.
 

Zakynthos Downtown
 

The Downtown station is especially useful for travelers arriving by ferry at Zakynthos Port or those staying in the town for a couple of days before beginning a road trip.
 

Instead of renting a car for your entire holiday, you can collect it only when you're ready to explore beyond the town, saving both money and parking hassle.

Another common question is whether it's better to take your own vehicle on the ferry from Killini or simply rent one after arriving.
 

For most visitors, renting locally is the easiest and most economical solution.
 

Transporting a private vehicle on the Killini–Zakynthos ferry usually costs around €25–35 each way, excluding passenger tickets.
 

When combined with fuel and the inconvenience of ferry boarding, bringing your own vehicle often costs more than simply renting locally.
 

The main exception is for travelers already enjoying a longer Peloponnese road trip. If you're continuously driving across mainland Greece before visiting Zakynthos, bringing your own vehicle or a rental car from Athens may make sense.

Driving around Zakynthos is generally straightforward, particularly on the main roads connecting Zakynthos Town with the southern resorts.
 

However, there are a few things worth keeping in mind:
 

• The roads leading towards the north of the island become narrower and more winding. Drive slowly through mountain villages and take extra care on sharp bends.
   
• Around Laganas, traffic becomes particularly busy during summer evenings due to the area's lively nightlife. Scooters and quad bikes are also common, so remain alert.
   
• Parking is free in many parts of the island, especially outside Zakynthos Town.
   
• The southern region around Keri is generally quieter, making it one of the easiest areas for relaxed driving.
   

Respect the Caretta caretta nesting areas
 

Zakynthos is internationally famous as one of the Mediterranean's most important nesting sites for the endangered Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).
 

The beaches around Laganas Bay form part of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, where vehicle access is restricted in certain areas to protect nesting turtles.
 

Always follow local signs and avoid driving or parking near protected nesting zones. Responsible travel helps preserve one of the island's greatest natural treasures.
 

Is driving in Zakynthos easy?
 

For most visitors, yes.
 

The island's main roads are well maintained and distances are relatively short. Road signs are generally clear, and many destinations can be reached within an hour from Zakynthos Town.
 

The only sections requiring additional caution are the mountain roads in the north and west of the island, where bends are tighter and roads narrower.
 

Choosing a smaller economy car makes driving through villages and parking considerably easier.

If you're staying in Zakynthos for five days or more, renting a car is one of the best decisions you can make.
 

While some of the island's most famous attractions require a boat trip, many of its most beautiful viewpoints, beaches and villages are best reached by car. Renting a car for two or three days during a week-long holiday gives you the perfect balance between flexibility and cost.

Before setting off, read also our driving in Greece guide for licenses, road rules and local rental advice to learn everything you need to know.
 

Whether you're arriving by plane or ferry, Abbycar makes exploring Zakynthos simple with convenient Airport and Downtown stations. Pick up your vehicle where it suits your journey, enjoy transparent pricing, modern vehicles and flexible rental options, and discover the island at your own pace away from the crowds.