10 Best Things to Do in Zakynthos on a Small Budget

It can get costly to lounge on a beach in Zakynthos, with renting lounge chairs or paying for ocean activities and food, but getting there doesn't need to cost anything. You can save money by using the free shuttle services provided by San Nikolas Beach and Banana Beach.

This big yellow bus with logos on both sides is hard to miss. You can hop aboard as early as 9.30am at Laganas. The bus has stops at several destinations including Kalamaki and Argasi. Just grab your beach bag and hitch a ride until you reach your preferred sunny beach destination.

The Agios Dionisios Church (or St Denis Church) may look plain from the outside, but its inside is a treasure trove of art, marble columns, chandeliers, and expansive stained-glass windows. Be sure to go during the day so you can fully appreciate how the sunlight brings to life the windows and mosaics depicting the life of St Denis, the island’s patron saint.

The church is open to visitors and holds annual festivals to honor St Denis on 23–26 August and 16–19 December, during which the relics are removed and parades, street food, and fireworks are in full display.

Roma’s Mansion is one of the few houses on the island that survived the devastating earthquake of 1953. It was the home of the aristocratic Roma family and is open to the public for a glimpse of what aristocratic life was like on the Greek island.

The building’s interiors showcase how the affluent lived, surrounded by gilded architecture, luxurious furniture, leather-bound books, detailed family portraits, and grand sweeping staircases. For a small fee, you can get a guided tour of the house and even learn a bit about the town’s history.

Keri Lighthouse in Keri Village offers idyllic views of the island and sea. The actual lighthouse itself is closed to the public, but by walking a safe distance along the edge where the lighthouse sits, you can see the Mizitres from the top. Flanked by a deserted island, the Mizitres are 2 huge rock formations that marking the start of the Keri Caves.

You can also order food at the adjacent Lighthouse Café, where you can enjoy the amazing cliffside view and treat yourself to a breathtaking sunset with a refreshing drink and some Greek cuisine.

The Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery is located on top of the Skopos. Visitors are recommended to hike to get there to enjoy the panoramic views on the climb as driving can be quite challenging. The monastery itself was built in the shape of a cross on the site of a temple of Artemis.

The monastery dates back to the 16th century, and while it retains much of its historical features, it’s also undergone extensive renovations throughout the years. You can walk around and enjoy the stone architecture and the murals along the monastery walls, which depict historical events and religious icons. Note that the inner church is usually locked but the grounds are open to guests.

The Aristeon Olive Oil Press is a family-owned business in Lithakia Zakynthos that dates as far back as 1850. They earned their fame throughout Greece for their delicious and wide variety of carefully crafted olive oil products.

The factory has a museum open to the public all year round, where you can learn about the traditional method of creating olive oil from the 1800s as well as the modern methods used today. At the end of the tour, you can try different types of olive oil with freshly baked bread.

Tazies is the place to go if you want to enjoy delicious food at prices friendly to your pocket. Located right on the main road of Kalamaki, the fast-food restaurant is known to get rave reviews for a tasty menu, generous portions, quick service and some of the lowest prices in the area.

From burgers to pasta to the best gyros around, there's plenty to choose from. They even do late-night snacks. Serving the delicious food are friendly staff members who make it a point to make both visitors and locals feel right at home.

Stroll through charming Zante Town for sights you can enjoy on foot. Walk down the picturesque seafront promenade that faces a harbor full of fishing boats, ferries, and sailboats or head inland for a wide range of restaurants, shops and street vendors.

There are several attractions you can enjoy, like the Byzantine Museum and Culture Center, which can be found in Solomos Square. You can also visit the Catholic Church of St Mark and the Solomos Museum. If you want to explore the whole town, you can try the Tourist Train of Zante Town to also learn more about the town’s history.

Xigia Sulphur Beach is one of Greece's beautiful beaches where you can have a more unique experience, especially with its calming waters. Like the name says, this beach’s waters contain sulphuric elements that come from the neighboring caves. People come to this beach to enjoy its healing properties, making it an especially great choice for beachgoers suffering from muscle pains and arthritis. It has also been known to help treat cellulite.

The beach is easily accessible with ample parking. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent. There is also a canteen serving drinks and food.