Logistics · Destination Guide
Ionian caves, turtle beaches, and easy day-boat diving
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most visitors fly into Zakynthos Airport (ZTH), the island's main gateway, with domestic Athens links and a large seasonal European network. Self-drivers and island hoppers can also use the Kyllini to Zakynthos ferry, a regular mainland route operated by Levante Ferries. ZTH is close to Zakynthos Town and the southern resorts, while Keri and Agios Sostis are the practical bases for Keri Caves, Marathonisi, and most dive mornings.
Zakynthos Airport Dionysios Solomos
ZTH • LGZA
4 km to Zakynthos Town; about 18 km to Limni Keriou • 10 to 30 minutesute drive depending on resort
The island's main airport serves domestic Greek connections and many seasonal European routes. The official airport site lists carriers such as Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Sky Express, easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair, TUI Airways, Transavia, Wizz Air, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss, and others, with schedules changing by season.
Transport: Taxi, Pre-booked transfer, Rental car, Public bus to Zakynthos Town
Renting a car is the simplest way to combine Keri, Blue Caves, Xigia, Porto Limnionas, wineries, Zakynthos Town, and remote viewpoints. Taxis and transfers are easy around the airport and resorts, but can be busy in peak summer. Public buses connect the airport with Zakynthos Town and selected resorts, but schedules are less flexible for early dive boats and sunset viewpoints.
Greece is in the Schengen Area. Many non-EU visitors, including U.S. and UK passport holders, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, but passport validity, EES border processes, and visa rules depend on nationality. U.S. guidance states passports should have at least 3 months validity beyond departure and one blank page. Always check official government advice before travel.
Dive operators supply rental scuba equipment, weights, tanks, and training gear, but bring your own mask, computer, SMB, and exposure protection if fit matters. Freedivers should bring personal mask, snorkel, fins, suit, and safety gear unless training with a school. Rinse space varies by accommodation, so ask about balconies, outdoor taps, and where wet gear can dry without damaging rooms.
Euro (EUR)
Cards are widely accepted in resorts, hotels, larger tavernas, dive shops, and supermarkets. Keep small EUR notes and coins for remote coves, parking, small tavernas, tips, cash-only boat extras, and backup during power or terminal outages.
ATMs are common in Zakynthos Town, Laganas, Kalamaki, Tsilivi, Alykanas, and larger resorts. Remote west-coast coves and village stops may have no ATM nearby, so withdraw before day drives.
230V • 50Hz • C, F
Most modern camera, phone, and laptop chargers are dual voltage, but travelers from outside Europe still need a Type C or F adapter. Bring a compact power strip if charging dive lights, cameras, computers, and phones together.
Communications
Greek SIMs and eSIMs work well around towns and resorts, but signal can drop behind west-coast cliffs, in coves, or offshore. EU roaming applies to many European plans. Download maps before drives to Porto Limnionas, Korakonisi, Navagio viewpoints, or mountain villages.
Language
Greek is the official language. English is widely used in tourism, dive centers, hotels, and restaurants. German, Italian, Dutch, and Polish may also be heard around operators and resort areas. Learn simple Greek greetings for village tavernas.
Insurance
Carry travel insurance that explicitly covers scuba, freediving, snorkeling boat trips, medical evacuation, rental cars, and trip interruption. Divers should carry DAN Europe or equivalent dive accident coverage, especially because hyperbaric routing may require coordination beyond the island.
Packing list
Pack a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit depending on season, SMB, torch for guided cavern dives, personal mask, rashguard, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water shoes, dry bag, Type C/F adapter, motion sickness tablets, and a reusable water bottle. Freedivers should bring buoy, flag, line gear, and exposure protection if training.