Zakynthos Car Rental | Car Hire Zakynthos Airport

Looking for car hire in Zakynthos? Zakynthos (Zante), famous for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant scenery, is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea best explored at your own pace. Rent a car, scooter, or ATV and easily reach iconic spots like Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), the Blue Caves, and resort areas like Laganas, Argassi, and Tsilivi.

Simplybook connects you with trusted, family-run agencies in Zakynthos. Compare prices, book online, and pick up at the airport or your hotel.

Pick-up and delivery are available at Zakynthos Airport (ZTH), Zakynthos Port, and locations across the island.

Getting Around Zakynthos

The east coast is flat with well-maintained roads connecting resort towns, while the mountainous west coast features winding roads and dramatic cliffs. Navagio viewpoint is accessible only via a steep, narrow road from the north. A scooter works well for the flat east coast, but the mountainous west requires a car.

Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) is just 4 km from Zakynthos Town, making pickup very convenient.

Top Driving Routes

Navagio Viewpoint and the North (40 km, 1 hour)

Drive north through Volimes village to the famous Navagio viewpoint — the platform overlooking Shipwreck Beach is one of Greece's most photographed spots. Continue to Skinari Cape for Blue Caves boat trips. Return via the west coast for dramatic cliff scenery.

Keri Peninsula and the South (25 km, 40 minutes)

Head south to Keri village, perched on a clifftop with sunset views rivalling Navagio. Below, Keri Caves are accessible by boat. Continue to Limni Keriou for turtle-spotting boat trips and Marathonisi (Turtle Island).

Mountain Villages Loop (35 km, 1 hour)

Drive inland through green mountain villages of Machairado, Agios Leon, and Loucha. Stone houses, ancient churches, olive groves. End at Kampi, a clifftop hamlet with a towering cross monument and spectacular sunset tavernas.

Beaches

Navagio (Shipwreck) — Iconic beach, boat access only. Viewpoint reachable by car.
Gerakas — Turtle nesting beach. Sandy, sheltered, beautiful. 15 km south.
Porto Limnionas — Hidden rock pool on the west coast. Crystal-clear snorkelling. 25 km west.
Xigia — Small sulphur beach with naturally warm mineral water. 20 km north.
Banana Beach — Long sandy beach on Vasilikos peninsula with bars and quiet stretches. 12 km south.

Marine Park and Turtle Conservation

The southern coast is home to the National Marine Park, protecting endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting sites. May to October, turtles nest at Laganas Bay, Kalamaki, and Gerakas. Follow marked paths and avoid beaches after sunset during nesting season.

Best Time to Visit

June to September — peak season, hot weather, lively nightlife in Laganas.

May and October — warm swimming, fewer crowds, lower prices. Turtle nesting season May-October.

Practical Tips

Pickup: Airport (ZTH), Port, or hotel delivery.
Navagio: Viewpoint via narrow road from Anafonitria. Beach only by boat.
Scooter vs car: Scooters for east coast. Car for west coast cliffs and mountains.
Fuel: Stations near town and Laganas. Fill up before the west coast.

Zakynthos Food

Ionian and mainland Greek cuisine blend here. Try stifado (beef stew), skordostoumbi (aubergine in garlic sauce), and mandolato (almond nougat). Fresh fish tavernas line the harbours of Zakynthos Town and Keri.

Why Book with Local Agencies

Simplybook connects you with local agencies who know every road and beach. Why support local companies?

Other Ionian destinations: Corfu, Kefalonia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I pick up my rental car at Zakynthos Airport (ZTH)?

We offer pickup directly at Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios Solomos). Our team greets you at arrivals and takes you to your vehicle. The airport is about 5 km from Zakynthos Town.

Can I drive to Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach?

You can drive to the famous Navagio Beach viewpoint, which offers spectacular views from the clifftop above. The road is paved and leads to a parking area. However, the beach itself is only accessible by boat from Porto Vromi or Zakynthos port.

What are the road conditions like in Zakynthos?

Main roads in Zakynthos are in good condition. The island is relatively flat in the south and east, making driving easy. The mountainous west coast has more winding roads. The island is small enough to drive from end to end in about 45 minutes.

An aerial view of navagio beach, with a shipwreck on its white sand shore and turquoise waters

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