Car Hire Zakynthos Airport — Gateway to Greece's Most Photographed Beach

Rent a car at Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios Solomos Airport - ZTH) and discover the home of Navagio Shipwreck Beach—the world's most photographed beach. Finalrentals delivers reliable, affordable car rental directly to Zakynthos Airport arrivals terminal, just 4 km from Zakynthos Town and gateway to crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the iconic MV Panagiotis shipwreck.

Choose from economy cars, SUVs, and convertibles starting from €40 per day. With free airport delivery, unlimited island mileage, and genuine Greek hospitality, Finalrentals makes exploring Zakynthos' Blue Caves, loggerhead turtle nesting beaches, and Venetian villages effortless.

Drive 45 minutes to Navagio Shipwreck Beach viewpoint, 20 minutes to free delivery locations across Zakynthos, or explore the island's UNESCO-protected Marine Park. Read Greek Island Hopping Guide for multi-island adventures.

AT-A-GLANCE

Why Rent at Zakynthos Airport?

Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) is the third-busiest island airport in Greece after Rhodes and Corfu. Located 4 km south of Zakynthos Town, it serves direct flights from Athens (1 hour) and seasonal European flights. The island is world-famous for Navagio Beach—voted one of the most beautiful beaches globally—featuring the rusted MV Panagiotis shipwreck, towering 200m limestone cliffs, and turquoise waters tinted by underwater sulphur caves.

• World's Most Photographed Beach: Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) featured in Korean drama Descendants of the Sun

• Blue Caves: Unearthly turquoise glow from refracted sunlight in sea caves

• Loggerhead Sea Turtles: National Marine Park protects Caretta caretta nesting beaches (Gerakas, Dafni, Sekania)

• Venetian Architecture: 400+ years of Venetian rule, never Ottoman-controlled

• Car Essential: No public transport to Navagio. Buses unreliable. 5 km walk from nearest village Anafonitria.

Top Attractions

Navagio Shipwreck Beach (35 km, 45 min):

• Viewpoint: Drive to Anafonitria village, 5 km to clifftop viewpoint (200m above beach)

•  Crowds: 1-2 hour queues at viewpoint (lunchtime peak). Visit before 9am or after 6pm

• Beach Access: ONLY by boat from Porto Vromi (20 min) or Agios Nikolaos (30 min)

• History: MV Panagiotis shipwrecked Oct 5, 1980 during smuggling operation. Cigarettes/contraband confirmed 2023

• Current Status: Beach temporarily closed 2018, 2022-2023 due to landslides. Check status before visit

Blue Caves (40 km, 50 min):

• Location: Cape Skinari, northern tip of Zakynthos

• Unique Feature: Turquoise-blue glow from refracted sunlight underwater

• Access: Boat tours from Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos. Often combined with Navagio (€30-50)

Turtle Beaches (20-30 min):

• Gerakas Beach — Long sandy beach, shallow waters, turtle nesting (June-August). Restricted hours.

• Laganas Bay — Main nesting area. National Marine Park protection. No-entry zones marked.

• Turtle Island (Marathonisi) — Boat trips from Laganas, swimming with turtles possible

More Destinations:

• Zakynthos Town (4 km) — Venetian architecture, museums, Solomos Square, St. Dionysios Church

• Bochali Hill — Venetian fortress ruins, panoramic town & port views

• Keri Caves — Sea caves, lighthouse, cliff views (southern tip)

• Porto Limnionas — Natural rock pool, snorkeling, sunset spot

• Xigia Sulfur Beach — Therapeutic sulfur springs, natural spa

Driving in Zakynthos

Essential Info:

• Drive on RIGHT (like rest of Greece)

• Speed limits: 50 km/h urban | 90 km/h rural | 110 km/h highways (limited)

• Mountain roads to Navagio: Narrow, winding, hairpin bends. Drive carefully.

• Parking: Free at most beaches. Paid in Zakynthos Town (€1-2/hour)

• Petrol: Stations in Zakynthos Town, Laganas, Tsilivi. Limited in northwest.

• Turtle Protection: No beach driving. Night speed limits in Marine Park (May-Oct)

Read Local Driving Laws Greece

FAQs

Q: Can I reach Navagio Beach without a car?

A: Very difficult. No public buses to Navagio viewpoint. One bus daily to Anafonitria village (5 km walk remains). Taxi expensive (€50-70 round trip). Car rental essential for flexibility. Car Rental Tips

Q: Is Navagio Beach open?

A: Beach access restricted due to landslide risk (closed 2018, 2022-2023). Boat viewing allowed but no landing. Viewpoint remains accessible. Check current status before visit. Alternative beautiful beaches: Gerakas, Porto Limnionas, Xigia.

Q: Best time to visit Navagio?

A: Early morning (before 9am) or late evening (after 6pm) to avoid 1-2 hour viewpoint queues. Low season (May, September-October) less crowded. July-August peak tourism. Beach tours early morning see empty shores.

Q: Can I swim with sea turtles?

A: Yes. Boat trips from Laganas to Marathonisi (Turtle Island). Respect 10m distance, no touching. Nesting beaches (Gerakas, Dafni) have restricted hours (May-October). National Marine Park protects Caretta caretta.

Q: One-way rentals available?

A: Yes. Pick up Zakynthos Airport, drop off Corfu Airport or Athens Airport (requires ferry). Fee applies. Island Hopping Guide

More Resources:

• Plan a Trip to Greece

• Safe Driving Tips Greece

• Car Rental Insurance Greece