The best hotels in Zakynthos

Hotel Palatino sits right in the center of Zakynthos Town, a short walk from Solomos Square and the waterfront promenade. Rooms are basic but clean, with air conditioning that actually works well through the summer heat. The staff are friendly and helpful with giving directions and restaurant tips. Breakfast is included and decent enough for the price. A solid choice if you want a central base without spending much.

The Ionian Star sits directly on the Laganas beach road, putting you within a two-minute walk of the sand. Rooms are straightforward and clean, with balconies that look out over the pool or the street. The pool area fills up quickly in July and August so arrive early to claim a sunbed. Laganas itself is lively at night so light sleepers should request a rear-facing room. For the price, it delivers good value on this popular stretch of coast.

Zante Park is a reliable mid-range option set back just 300 meters from Tsilivi Beach, one of the calmer and more family-friendly beaches on the island. The pool area is large with a dedicated children's section and shaded seating around it. Rooms are comfortable and regularly refreshed, with most offering garden or pool-facing balconies. The on-site restaurant serves decent Greek food at fair prices. Tsilivi village itself is walkable and has plenty of tavernas and shops nearby.

Diana Hotel occupies a spot right on the main harbor front of Zakynthos Town, steps from the ferry port and the central squares. The views from front-facing rooms over the Ionian Sea are genuinely good, especially at sunset. Rooms are clean and modernized without being overly flashy. The location means you can walk to almost everything in town without needing transport. It books out fast in peak season so reserving early is important.

Astir Hotel sits on the Akrotiri peninsula just outside Zakynthos Town, offering sea views and a quieter setting than the town center hotels. The private lido area with sun loungers on the rocks is a genuine highlight. Rooms are well-appointed with modern furnishings and sea-facing balconies on the upper floors. Service is attentive and the breakfast spread is one of the better ones on the island. It works well for couples who want peace but still want to be close to town amenities.

Porto Koukla Beach Hotel sits directly on a quiet sandy cove near Lithakia in the southern part of the island, away from the main tourist crowds. The beach in front of the hotel is calm and rarely packed, which is a real advantage in August. Rooms are spacious and well-maintained, with a relaxed, slightly rustic feel that suits the location. The taverna on the beachfront serves fresh seafood caught locally. It rewards guests who want something low-key over a busy resort experience.

Nobelos is a boutique property perched on the hillside above Agios Nikolaos village in the quieter northern part of Zakynthos. The infinity pool overlooking the blue bay below is the centrepiece and genuinely impressive. Suites are stylish and well-finished with private terraces and good-quality linens. The spa is small but well-run, offering massage and treatment options. It is far from the party beaches which is exactly why many guests prefer it.

Peligoni Club is a members-style resort near Cape Skinari in the far north of Zakynthos, right by the Blue Caves boat departure point. The rocky sea access is excellent and the club organises sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding directly from the property. Accommodation is spread across cottages and rooms with a relaxed, almost private-club atmosphere. The food and bar scene here is consistently praised and feels genuinely social rather than just a hotel restaurant. It attracts a loyal crowd that returns year after year.

Lesante Blu is one of the finest resorts on Zakynthos, set on a private stretch of beach at Tragaki on the northeastern coast. The infinity pool running along the clifftop edge is spectacular and the rooms and suites are finished to a genuinely high standard with premium bathrooms and large terraces. Service is highly personalised and the staff-to-guest ratio is notably generous. The fine dining restaurant here is among the best on the island, using local Zakynthian ingredients thoughtfully. It is a proper luxury experience rather than just an expensive hotel.

Porto Zante is widely regarded as the top ultra-luxury property in Zakynthos, sitting on the Vassilikos Peninsula with its own private sandy beach. Accommodation is in standalone villas, each with a private pool and butler service included. The level of finish and attention to detail is exceptional, from the handcrafted furnishings to the curated amenities. The spa and beach club are both world-class and the property caters to guests who expect absolute privacy. It consistently appears on best-of lists for Greek island luxury and the reputation is earned.