Zakynthos may be one of Greece’s top island destinations, but you don’t need unlimited funds to enjoy the harbour city. There's a variety of activities for you to participate in even on a smaller budget.

One top tourist destination in Greece, the island of Zakynthos offers a mix of lush olive groves, historical sites, museums, delectable cuisine, beautiful beaches as well as world-class diving. Many of these can be enjoyed without spending a single cent. For those that aren’t absolutely free, there are often a few low-cost options to choose from.

What are the best things to do in Zakynthos on a small budget?

  • 1

    Free beach shuttles

    Save on transportation by taking a free shuttle to the beach

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    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.

    Dirección: Laganas 290 92, Greece

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    Agios Dionisios Church

    A beautiful example of Greek Orthodox design

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    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 honour 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.

    Dirección: Markovitz 1, Zakynthos Town 29100, Greece

    Horario: Hours vary by season

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  • 3

    Roma’s Mansion

    Look into aristocratic life on the island

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    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.

    Dirección: Louka Carrer 19, Zante Town, Zakynthos 29100, Greece

    Horario: Mid-April–mid-October: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm

    Teléfono: 30 26950 28381

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    foto de Heather Cowper (CC BY 2.0) modificada

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    Keri Lighthouse

    Check out the view from the top

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    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.

    Dirección: Faros, Keri Village, 29092, Greece

    Horario: Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 11 pm

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  • 5

    Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa

    Enjoy excellent views on the hike up to this 16th-century site

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    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.

    Dirección: Zakynthos 29100, Greece

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  • 6

    Aristeon Olive Oil Press

    Learn how to make olive oil

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    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.

    Dirección: Lithakia Zakynthos, Greece

    Horario: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm

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  • 7

    Tazies

    Delicious food at budget-friendly prices

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    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.

    Dirección: Kalamaki, 291 00, Greece

    Horario: Daily from 12 pm to 2 am

    Teléfono: +30 698 408 8020

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  • 8

    Zante Town

    Take a walk around the seaside capital

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    Stroll through charming Zante Town for sights you can enjoy on foot. Walk down the picturesque seafront promenade that faces a harbour 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.

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  • 9

    Xigia Sulphur Beach

    Enjoy a swim in medicinal waters

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    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 neighbouring 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.

    Dirección: Koroni 290 91, Greece

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  • 10

    History War Museum

    A unique historical journey

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    The History War Museum is located in the Galaxy Beach Resort in Laganas and holds various exhibits and memorabilia from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Galleries exhibit modern and contemporary history, highlighting not just battles but even troop preparation. They showcase weapons, vehicles, and rare war devices that serve as windows to the past.

    Among the historical pieces, there are also 3D exhibits for guests to explore that allow them to 'relive history' and take photographs. For a minimal fee, you can also get a guided tour from passionate museum guides.

    Dirección: Galaxy Beach Resort, Laganas 291 00, Greece

    Horario: Daily from 10 am to 2.30 pm and from 7 pm to 10.30 pm

    Teléfono: +30 2695 051171

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Geri Mileva | Colaborador/a habitual