Zakyntos: Island Tour, local sites seeing, South 1/2 day

Exploring Zakynthos with a guided tour focused on the south of the island offers a fantastic way to see a mix of scenic viewpoints, traditional villages, and authentic local productions. While it’s a shorter experience—around five hours—it packs in a good variety of sights, tastes, and cultural highlights.

What we love most? The chance to visit less touristy spots, including picturesque villages and off-the-beaten-path wineries. The knowledgeable local guides, who’ve lived and worked on the island for decades, bring a genuine touch that elevates the entire experience. Plus, free tastings at the winery and olive factory make it both enjoyable and value-packed.

A minor consideration? The tour’s focus on the southern part of Zakynthos means you won’t see some of the island’s most famous attractions, like Navagio Beach. It’s a great choice if you prefer a more relaxed, culturally-rich snapshot of Zakynthos rather than a full-on adventure to the well-known sites.

This tour suits travelers who want an authentic, local perspective of Zakynthos, especially those with limited time but eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Guides: Born and raised on the island, they offer deep insights.
• Cultural & Scenic Highlights: Traditional villages, scenic viewpoints, Venetian castle.
• Tastings & Local Products: FREE testing at wineries, olive factories, and markets.
• Flexible & Customizable: Tour can be altered based on guest requests.
• Short & Sweet: Perfect for a half-day, with a focus on quality over quantity.
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Zakynthos Island Tour

Starting the Day: Convenient Pickups & Small Groups

One of the biggest pluses of this tour is the small group size, capped at just 8 guests. This means more personalized attention and plenty of room to ask questions. Pickups are offered from multiple central locations—Mylonas Bakery, McDonald’s, Solomos Square, and All Trips Zakinthos—making it easy to join without extra hassle. Pickup times range from 10 to 30 minutes before the scheduled start, so punctuality helps keep the tour running smoothly.

Exploring Zakynthos Town & the Church of St Dionisios

The tour kicks off with a visit to Zakynthos Town, where you’ll see the famous Zante church of St Dionisios. This church is a significant religious site, holding relics of the saint, and is a peaceful spot to understand the spiritual side of the island. The area features historic museums and lively squares—D. Solomos and Saint Marko—which are perfect for a quick stroll and photo opportunities.

Bohali Hill & Venetian Castle

Next, you’ll ascend Bohali Hill—known locally as Bochali—just 2 km from the town. Here, the views are spectacular. From the top, you’ll gaze over the town, the harbor, and the shimmering Ionian Sea. The highlight is the Venetian Castle, built in 1646, which offers a peek into the island’s past. While you might not spend hours exploring, the panoramic vistas alone make this stop worth it, especially for photography lovers or anyone craving a peaceful moment above the busy town below.

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Visiting the Perfumery & Local Markets

A unique feature of this tour is the visit to a local perfume factory. Entry is free, and you can test all the locally made perfumes—an aromatic experience that adds a sensory dimension to your day. Plus, the tour includes stops at Lace’s Market, where you can browse handcrafted products, and traditional tavernas for a chance to experience local flavors.

Discovering Small Traditional Villages

Unlike the large resorts, the journey takes you into up to 10 small villages—each a snapshot of traditional life. These towns are mostly untouched by mass tourism, with small houses clustered around a church, and often feature the largest cement cross in Greece, a striking sight. These villages offer quiet charm and an authentic feel, perfect for those seeking a glimpse into local life.

Olive & Winery Factory Visits

A highlight for food and drink lovers: the olive and winery factory/museum visits. The tour includes free tastings of local products, giving you a taste of the island’s agricultural heritage. The olive factories reveal traditional methods, and wine tastings showcase the local varieties—this is a genuine chance to connect with Zakynthos’ rural roots.

Optional Lunch & Flexible Scheduling

After a morning of sightseeing, you’ll have the option to stop at a local taverna for a traditional lunch. The tour allocates up to 30 minutes for this, giving you a chance to savor authentic dishes without feeling rushed. Alternatively, you can choose to skip lunch and explore the villages further or relax at the viewpoints.

Hidden Gems & Unique Spots

Throughout the tour, our reviews mention visiting a tiny private island connected by a wooden bridge, perfect for photos and a quiet moment. The island is popular for weddings—a romantic setting—and offers stunning cliffs, caves, and a renowned sunset spot. Some spots are optional, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests.

What’s Not Included & Additional Tips

While the tour covers many highlights, keep in mind that tickets to the Venetian Castle are paid locally if you wish to enter. Lunch is also paid at menu prices, so budget accordingly. The tour is about 4-5 hours, so it’s a relaxed pace, but do bring warm clothing and shoes—some stops involve walking or slight elevation.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

If you’re drawn to local culture, scenic views, and authentic experiences rather than just ticking off major landmarks, this tour is ideal. It suits travelers who enjoy small-group intimacy and are happy to explore lesser-known villages, taste local products, and enjoy peaceful vistas. It’s perfect for those with limited time but a desire to see a different side of Zakynthos.

Final Thoughts

This half-day tour offers a well-rounded, genuine snapshot of Zakynthos’ charm. With expert guides, a focus on traditional villages, scenic outlooks, and local flavors, it provides a deeper connection to the island’s way of life. The combination of cultural insights, stunning viewpoints, and free tastings creates a balanced experience—particularly valuable for travelers who appreciate authenticity over commercialized attractions.

While it might not include the island’s most famous sights like the Shipwreck Beach, it compensates with intimate, off-the-beaten-path locations that enrich your understanding of Zakynthos’ character. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the flexible itinerary means your guide can adapt to your interests.

In short, this tour is best for those craving a relaxed, authentic, and visually stunning taste of Zakynthos—perfect for couples, culture lovers, or families wanting a meaningful half-day adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, generally it suits most age groups, but it’s not recommended for people over 95 years old. Keep in mind to bring warm shoes and clothing, especially if you plan to walk around the villages or viewpoints.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 5 hours, including pickup, sightseeing, and optional lunch.

Can I customize the stops or itinerary?
Yes, the tour can be altered based on guest requests, making it flexible for your interests or specific needs.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transfer from designated pickup points is included in the tour price.

What language is the tour guide?
Guides speak both English and Greek, ensuring clear explanations and local insights.

Are entrance fees included?
All entry fees for attractions are included, but tickets to the Venetian Castle are paid separately if you choose to visit.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is optional and paid at menu prices at a traditional taverna. The tour allows about 30 minutes for this.

Will I see the famous Navagio Beach?
No, this tour focuses on the southern inland areas and villages, so Navagio is not part of this experience.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

Can I join if I don’t speak Greek?
Absolutely, the guides speak English, and the tour is tailored for international visitors.

In summary, this Zakynthos half-day tour offers a meaningful, authentic peek into the island’s cultural and scenic treasures, perfect for small groups seeking a relaxed yet rich experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: