TRAVEL
How to get to Zakynthos (Zante)

The Island of Zakynthos is situated in the Ionian Sea West of the Greek Mainland.  It forms one of the seven Ionian Islands the biggest being Corfu to the north of Zante.  Zakynthos is the third largest of the chain.  The second largest being another popular holiday destination, Kefalonia.

There are two main travelling seasons Summer and Winter.
Summer May to October        Winter November to April

SUMMER BY AIR

During the summer numerous charter flights and an increasing number of scheduled flights darrive on the island.  You can book flights  online or at most travel agents prices will vary as to the date you choose, usually you will find July and August the most expensive these are also the hottest months. If you don't mind the cooler days then May and October are much cheaper the weather can be wonderful but also there is the chance of rain and thunderstorms.

There are also domestic flights from Athens.

SUMMER BY BOAT

If a drive/ferry holiday is to your taste then driving is an option.  Allow three days to get here although it can be done in less if you have a couple of drivers and you don't mind driving through the night.  The drive depending on your route will take you through France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy (there is no need to go through all these countries routes are many and varied taking either motorways or scenic routes) Log onto 
AA route finder  The car ferries leave from Italy - Venice, Ancona or Brindisi.  The most common seems to be the route from Ancona.  The journey from Ancona (Italy) to Patras (Greek mainland) takes around 21 hours. There is the option of a cabin an aircraft type seat or you can take a sleeping bag and find a spot on deck.  In summer this is a pleasant and a cheap option.  The Ferries are very comfortable and include a disco, bars and restaurants.
The journey takes you to mainland Greece the port of Patras.  Once you arrive there it is a hours drive south to Killini where you get the local car ferry over to Zakynthos this takes around hour and half . 

WINTER BY AIR

When October ends so do all the cheap charter flights.  The only flight into Zakynthos is the daily domestic flight to Athens run by Olympic Airlines.  This flight to Athens can be as expensive or more than the flight to UK.

WINTER BY BOAT

Ferries run all year although they will have a reduced service.  Weather conditions can also be a major factor in the local time table. The ferries between Kilini and Zante are not book able  very much in advance you buy your ticket when you reach port or you can get it a day or two before.
 

All year round there is a bus which runs between Zakynthos and Athens Bus Station.  It is a very cheap way to get to Zante/Athens and is well used by all.  The bus runs a similar timetable to the Ferry  Kilini/Zante total travel time is about 6 hours (which includes the crossing).  The coaches are quite up to date and there are comfort stops en-route.  Once at Athens bus station there are regular buses to the airport.  At the airport cheap flights are available via Easyjet and other airlines to all parts of the UK. 

The bus to Athens is € 26.00 one way the ferry will cost you  € 9.50 one way and you may have to get off the bus to buy this ticket separately.  The bus ticket is obtained at the bus ticket office and can be bought in advance. (Prices are at time of printing)

There is also a service to Patra and a twice weekly bus to Thessaloniki.