Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to explore Zakynthos beyond your resort. With beaches, traditional villages, viewpoints and coastal areas spread across the island, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to decide where to go and how long to stay.
If it is your first time driving in Zakynthos, however, you may be wondering what the roads are like, where you can park and what you should know before setting off.
This guide covers some useful driving tips for Zakynthos to help you enjoy your journey around the island.
What Is Driving in Zakynthos Like?
In Greece, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, which is important to remember if you are visiting from a country where traffic drives on the left. Seat belts should be worn and handheld mobile phones should not be used while driving.
Driving around Zakynthos is generally a great way to see more of the island, but road conditions can vary depending on where you travel.
Around the main towns and tourist areas, you will find busier roads and more traffic during the summer. As you head towards villages, mountainous areas or parts of the coastline, roads can become narrower, steeper and more winding.
There is no need to rush. Take your time, pay attention to road signs and adjust your speed to the road and traffic conditions.
Expect Narrow and Winding Roads
Part of the charm of exploring Zakynthos by car is leaving the main tourist areas and discovering quieter parts of the island.
Some roads leading through villages and towards more remote beaches or viewpoints can be narrow. Mountain and coastal routes may also include bends and steep sections. Levantino’s existing driving information specifically advises extra caution on narrow, winding and steep roads.
When driving on these roads:
- Slow down before bends.
- Leave enough space between you and the vehicle ahead.
- Be prepared for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on narrow sections.
- Avoid stopping on bends or anywhere that could block traffic.
- Give yourself more travel time than you think you will need.
The journey itself can be part of the experience, especially when travelling through the island’s inland landscapes and traditional villages. Visit Greece, for example, highlights the drive towards Volimes as an opportunity to enjoy Zakynthos’ mountainous scenery.
Driving During the Summer
Zakynthos becomes much busier during the summer season, particularly around popular resorts and tourist attractions.
Allow some extra time for your journey during peak periods and avoid planning your day around very tight schedules.
If you are visiting a popular beach or attraction, starting earlier in the morning can make your day more relaxed. It also gives you more time to enjoy each destination rather than spending your holiday rushing from one place to another.
A rental car gives you the flexibility to change your plans whenever you want. If one area feels particularly busy, you can simply continue exploring and find somewhere different.
Parking in Zakynthos
Parking depends largely on where you are visiting.
At beaches, villages and attractions you may find dedicated parking areas, roadside spaces or private parking depending on the location. In busier parts of the island, available spaces can naturally become harder to find during peak summer periods.
Always check local road signs before leaving your vehicle and make sure you are not blocking an entrance, another vehicle or the road itself.
When visiting Zakynthos Town, it can sometimes be easier to park slightly further from your destination and walk the remaining distance rather than looking for a space directly beside the busiest streets.
The same principle can be useful in popular resort areas during the busiest hours of the day.
Fuel in Zakynthos
Before starting a longer day of exploring, check your fuel level.
This is particularly useful if you plan to spend the day discovering quieter parts of the island rather than travelling between the main resort areas.
When collecting your rental vehicle, make sure you know which type of fuel it requires and understand the company’s fuel-return policy.
A simple habit is to refuel before beginning a longer journey rather than waiting until the tank is almost empty. That way, you can concentrate on enjoying the route rather than searching for a petrol station during your trip.
Use Navigation, But Pay Attention to the Road
Navigation apps are extremely useful when travelling around an unfamiliar island, but they should always be used together with common sense and local road signs.
Before starting your journey, take a quick look at the general route so you have an idea of where you are heading.
If you are unsure about the best route to a particular beach, village or attraction, asking your rental company for local advice can also be helpful.
Levantino Rentals provides customers with a complimentary road map with car rentals and offers 24/7 customer support during the rental period.
Choose the Right Car for Your Trip
Your choice of rental car can make a difference to your experience.
A small car can be convenient for couples and travellers who prefer something compact, particularly when navigating narrower streets and looking for parking.
Families and larger groups may prefer a vehicle with more passenger and luggage space.
Think about:
- How many people are travelling
- How much luggage you have
- How much driving you plan to do
- Whether you prefer manual or automatic transmission
- The level of comfort you want for longer journeys
Choosing the vehicle that matches your plans is more important than simply choosing the biggest car available.
Plan Your Day, But Leave Room to Explore
One of the best things about having a rental car in Zakynthos is that your itinerary does not have to be fixed.
You may see a beach that looks inviting, discover a small village you had not planned to visit or find a viewpoint where you want to stop for photos.
That freedom is one of the biggest advantages of exploring Zakynthos by car.
Instead of trying to fit too many places into a single day, choose a general part of the island and give yourself enough time to explore it properly.
Take Care When Driving After Dark
Driving conditions naturally change once the sun goes down.
Roads outside the main built-up areas may feel very different at night, particularly if they are narrow or winding. Reduce your speed, stay alert and allow extra time for the journey.
If you are unfamiliar with a route, travelling it for the first time during daylight can make the drive easier.
Keep Your Rental Company’s Contact Details With You
Even with good planning, questions can come up during your rental.
You might need help with the vehicle, want advice about your rental or simply be unsure what to do in an unexpected situation.
Keep your rental company’s contact number easily accessible throughout your trip. Levantino Rentals currently provides 24/7 support and roadside assistance, giving customers a point of contact throughout their rental.
Explore Zakynthos at Your Own Pace
Driving in Zakynthos gives you the opportunity to see much more than the area around your hotel.
Take your time on narrower roads, follow parking signs, check your fuel before longer journeys and always drive according to the conditions around you.
Most importantly, enjoy the freedom that comes with having your own vehicle.
With Levantino Rentals, you can choose from a range of rental cars and explore Zakynthos on your own schedule. The company offers unlimited kilometres, a complimentary road map with car rentals and 24/7 support, making it easier to plan your own island adventures.
Choose your car, plan your first route and discover Zakynthos one drive at a time.
