Why rent a car in Zakynthos?
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is famous for its stunning Navagio Beach with its iconic shipwreck, the sea turtle nesting sites of Laganas Bay and its dramatic limestone cliffs. A rental car lets you explore the full variety of the island, from the lively resort areas of the south to the quieter villages and olive groves of the north and the scenic viewpoints of the Bohali hill above Zakynthos town.
Pick up your car directly at Zakynthos Airport and start exploring the island immediately after arrival. For more destinations across the islands, see car rental in the Ionian Islands.
Exploring Zakynthos by car
Routes and highlights across Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a compact island where a rental car makes an immediate difference to what you can see and do. The most famous sight on the island is Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, which is viewable from the clifftop lookout above the bay on the northwestern tip of the island, approximately 35 km from Zakynthos Town. The drive there passes through the inland villages of Volimes and Anafonitria, which are among the most traditional and least touristy parts of the island. The sea turtle nesting beach at Laganas Bay is in the south, about 10 km from the town, and is protected by a national marine park. The lighthouse at Cape Skinari in the north is a short drive from the ferry port and offers views across to the island of Kefalonia. For more destinations, see car rental in the Ionian Islands or car rental in Greece.
Driving conditions in Zakynthos
Roads on Zakynthos are generally in reasonable condition on the main routes connecting the town to the resort areas and the north of the island. The road to Navagio viewpoint is paved but narrow and steep for the final stretch, with sharp bends requiring careful driving. The resort strip around Laganas and Kalamaki in the south is busy in peak summer, while the inland mountain roads toward Volimes are quiet and atmospheric. Zakynthos Airport is located just 4 km south of the town centre, making airport pickup straightforward.
Best time to rent a car in Zakynthos
May, June and September are the best months for driving in Zakynthos. The sea turtle nesting season runs from May to October, and the national marine park at Laganas is at its most active in early summer. July and August are very busy near the resort areas, with heavy traffic on the southern coastal road. The north of the island and the inland villages are calm throughout the season. Car rental availability drops significantly outside the April to October period.
Car rental price in Zakynthos
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Zakynthos, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €179 |
| Mid-size car | from €235 |
| Large car / SUV | from €317 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
