from just 20€/day
Choose the perfect vehicle for exploring Zakynthos and the Ionian coast
Everything you need to know before you arrive on the island
Zakynthos (Zante) is one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea, famous for the iconic Navagio Shipwreck Beach, the turquoise Blue Caves and the loggerhead turtles of Laganas Bay. The island is compact but its best spots are spread across the coast and up into the western hills, so renting a car in Zakynthos is by far the smartest way to explore it with complete freedom.
Public buses (KTEL) connect Zakynthos Town with the main resorts, but services are infrequent and many of the island's highlights - Porto Limnionas, the Keri lighthouse, the Navagio overlook - are hard to reach without your own wheels. With a rental car you can plan your own route and reach quiet beaches at the right time of day. Local car rental in Zakynthos can also cost up to 50% less than the big international chains, with no hidden fees and no credit-card deposit.
With Rent From Locals there are no counter queues. The owner meets you directly at Zakynthos Airport (ZTH), the port, your hotel or another agreed spot on the island, with the car ready to go. The airport sits just 6 km south of Zakynthos Town and is the most common pick-up point. The service runs flexibly throughout the day - just share your flight or arrival time in advance.
The process is simple. You need a valid driving licence - EU and EEA licences are accepted directly in Greece with no international permit, while some non-EU licences require an International Driving Permit (IDP) - plus a valid identity document (ID card or passport). No credit card is required: you can pay in cash or by debit card. The minimum age is generally 21, though some owners require 23-25 for higher-category vehicles.
The island rewards a road trip. Here are some destinations easily reached from the airport or Zakynthos Town by car:
The east and south of the island are flat and easy, but the roads climbing to the western viewpoints around Navagio, Kampi and Volimes are steep, narrow and full of switchbacks - take them slowly, use low gears on the descents and watch for oncoming traffic and tour coaches. Fuel stations are scarce in the remote north-west, so fill up before you set off. Parking in Laganas and Zakynthos Town gets tight in peak summer; arrive early or use a designated car park.
Greece drives on the right, the speed limit is generally 50 km/h in built-up areas and up to 90 km/h on the open road, and seatbelts are mandatory. Drive defensively on mountain stretches and you'll have no trouble enjoying the island's spectacular scenery.
July and August are the peak months: Zakynthos fills with visitors and vehicle availability drops fast, with prices that can rise sharply compared with the low season. Booking at least 2-3 weeks ahead in summer is always advisable. May, June, September and October offer warm weather, fewer crowds and lower rates - the ideal time for a relaxed road trip around the island.