Is Zakynthos expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Zakynthos is moderately priced for a Greek island: cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos and similar to Corfu, though the north-west villas and boat trips to Navagio raise costs. A budget traveller needs about €80 a day, mid-range about €160 and comfort about €365 per person. Rooms, car hire and boat trips take most of the money.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €30 | €65 | €170 |
| Food & drink | €20 | €35 | €70 |
| Sights & tickets | €15 | €35 | €80 |
| Local transport | €15 | €25 | €45 |
| Per person, per day | €80 | €160 | €365 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Zakynthos day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Freddo espresso | €3–4 |
| Gyros pita | €3.50–4.50 |
| Taverna main such as sofigado or kleftiko | €12–18 |
| Local beer or wine by the glass | €4–6 |
| Blue Caves boat from Agios Nikolaos, 1 hour | about €15–25 |
| Boat trip to Navagio (Shipwreck) Bay | about €20–40 |
| Car hire, per day in summer | about €35–60 |
| Mid-range double on the Vasilikos peninsula | €90–160 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Accommodation is the largest cost, from Zakynthos Town and Argassi at €50–90 a double to Vasilikos at €90–160 and west-coast pool villas at €200–450, plus Greece's per-room climate resilience fee. A rental car is almost essential for the north and west, and boat trips to Navagio, the Blue Caves and Marathonisi are the main extras. Food is fair value in tavernas away from Laganas's main strip.
When it is cheaper
May, early June and late September to October are noticeably cheaper than July and August, often by a quarter to a third for rooms and cars. Most resorts close from November to April.
How to spend less
- Take the short boat from Agios Nikolaos or Porto Vromi to the Blue Caves and Navagio instead of a full-day cruise from Laganas.
- Stay in Zakynthos Town or Argassi for cheaper rooms and buses.
- Rent a car for one or two days only, for the north and west coasts.
- Eat in mountain villages such as Kiliomenos or in town rather than on resort strips.
- Use KTEL buses for Laganas, Tsilivi and Vasilikos.
- Swim at free public beaches and avoid sunbed charges where possible.
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Common questions
Is Zakynthos expensive?
Moderately: about €80 a day on a budget and €160 mid-range, cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos.
How much is a boat trip to Navagio?
About €20–40 from the north-west harbours, more for full-day cruises from Laganas.
Do I need a car in Zakynthos?
For the north and west, yes. Buses cover Laganas, Tsilivi and Vasilikos.