On the eastern coast of Zakynthos, just a short hop from the island’s capital, Argassi has evolved into one of Zante’s most versatile bases. Compact and walkable yet full of bars, tavernas, and small beaches, it attracts everyone from young couples and first-time visitors to families who want easy access to town without being in the thick of the party scene. This guide brings together the latest on what to see, do, and know in Argassi so you can plan your stay with confidence.
Getting Oriented: Where Argassi Is and What It Feels Like
Argassi is a seaside village on the east coast of Zakynthos, at the northwestern foot of Mount Skopos, around 3 kilometers southeast of Zakynthos Town. That proximity to the capital shapes the whole feel of the resort. You are close to the harbor, the main shopping streets, and cultural sights of town, yet you return at night to a more relaxed strip of bars, tavernas, and low-rise hotels. It feels like a bridge between a traditional Greek town and a casual island holiday resort.
The main road runs roughly parallel to the sea and acts as the resort’s spine. Most hotels, restaurants, and bars sit either on this road or just off it, with smaller residential streets and accommodation climbing partway up the hillside. Because everything is tightly clustered, Argassi is highly walkable; you can cross the resort from end to end in 15 to 20 minutes, and few places are more than a five to ten minute walk from the sea.
Despite its relatively small permanent population, Argassi feels busy in summer. Many properties open seasonally from May through October, with peak occupancy in July and August. During those months the main road is lively until late at night, with music drifting from bars, families strolling for ice cream, and scooters buzzing through. In late spring and early autumn, the pace slows considerably, and the resort takes on a more laid-back, couples-oriented atmosphere.
The setting itself is one of Argassi’s key assets. To one side you have sea views across to the mainland, often with dramatic pastel sunsets. Behind you, the slopes of Mount Skopos rise green and rugged. It gives the resort a more scenic, enclosed feeling than some of the flatter, more spread-out resorts elsewhere on Zakynthos.
Beach Life in Argassi: What to Expect
Argassi’s beach tends to surprise visitors. Rather than one broad, continuous stretch of sand, the shoreline here is a series of narrow, sandy and pebble coves that run along the length of the resort. In some sections, the beach is only a few meters deep in front of hotel terraces and sea walls. In others, there is a bit more space with organized sunbed zones, small piers, and steps down to the water.
The sand-and-pebble mix and gentle incline into the sea make the water suitable for children and less confident swimmers. The shallows warm up nicely on calm days, and clarity is often good in the mornings when the sea is at its stillest. Many visitors use the beach more for short swims and quick dips between the pool and a taverna rather than as a place to spend entire days on a towel. If your ideal holiday is long, lazy days on a wide sandy beach, you may prefer to use Argassi as a base and day-trip to more spacious beaches nearby.
Facilities are fairly comprehensive considering the beach’s modest size. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented in front of several hotels and beach bars, and showers are available in certain sections. Watersports centers offer jet skis, pedalos, canoes, ringo rides, parasailing, and similar activities, so the resort suits those who like a bit of action between coffees and cocktails. Noise from watersports is generally localized, so you can walk a short distance to quieter segments if you prefer to simply float and relax.
Because of limited space, the beach can feel busy in high season, and in some areas the sand is largely taken up by hotel setups. Morning is often the best time for a more peaceful swim and clearer water before boat traffic increases and onshore winds pick up. For sunset, however, even the narrowest sections of shoreline feel magical as the sea and sky shift from gold to deep pink and purple behind the old Argassi bridge ruins.
Sights, Walks, and Day Trips from Argassi
Within the resort itself, the most photographed landmark is the old stone bridge that juts out a short distance into the sea at the northern end of the beach. Built in the early 19th century and now partially submerged and crumbling, it has become a symbol of Argassi. At low tide the remaining arches and piers make a striking silhouette against calm water, especially in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
Just inland, Mount Skopos offers one of the most scenic half-day outings from Argassi. A road and hiking paths climb up from the edge of the resort toward the summit, where a monastery and small chapel sit with broad views over the island, the mainland, and the Ionian Sea. The walk is steep in places and best attempted early in the day in summer to avoid the harsh midday sun. Good shoes, water, and basic fitness are essential, but the payoff is a panorama that helps you understand Zakynthos’s geography in a single sweep.
Argassi’s location also makes it an excellent launch point for exploring the Vasilikos peninsula to the south. Within a short drive, bus ride, or organized excursion you can reach a string of much larger and often more natural beaches such as Dafni, Banana Beach, and Gerakas. These beaches offer broad sandy bays, clearer water, and in some cases important sea turtle nesting grounds where access is regulated. Several tour companies and rental agencies in Argassi can help arrange car or quad bike hire, boat trips, or minibus excursions to these spots and to island highlights like Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach viewpoints and the Blue Caves.
With Zakynthos Town only around 3 kilometers away, you should also plan at least one visit to the capital from Argassi. Whether by local bus, taxi, or even on foot for keen walkers, it is straightforward to reach the harborfront, Solomos Square, and the narrow backstreets lined with shops, cafes, and churches. Combining an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing in town with a sunset drink back in Argassi is one of the resort’s simple pleasures.
Nightlife, Dining, and Atmosphere After Dark
After sunset, Argassi balances lively holiday energy with a broadly relaxed tone. It is not as raucous or overtly party-focused as Laganas, but it does have a solid concentration of bars and a handful of small clubs that stay open until the early hours in peak season. This mix appeals to couples and groups of friends who want to go out most nights without immersing themselves in a full-scale clubbing scene.
Along the main road you will find cocktail bars with outdoor seating, sports bars with big screens, and pubs with karaoke or quiz nights. Music tends to lean toward mainstream pop, dance, and rock, and many venues feature live music or guest DJs at least once a week. Crowds are mixed: British and Irish visitors are prominent, but you will also encounter other Europeans and Greeks from elsewhere on the island coming in for an evening out. Dress codes are extremely casual.
Dining options are genuinely varied for a resort of this size. Classic Greek tavernas serve grilled fish, souvlaki, moussaka, and meze plates, often with sea views or leafy courtyards. International restaurants, including Italian, Chinese, and grill houses, line the strip for those seeking comfort food. A few restaurants on the hill above the resort are worth the short taxi or car ride for their panoramic views as well as their menus. Many places remain open from breakfast through late evening, so you can slip into an unhurried rhythm of brunch, siesta, and late dinners.
In high summer, the nightlife hums until well past midnight, yet many visitors report that it rarely feels overwhelmingly loud or chaotic away from the main road. Families often dine early and return to quieter accommodations, while younger visitors drift toward the livelier bars as the evening wears on. Outside July and August, the mood shifts more toward laid-back evenings on taverna terraces with a bottle of local wine and the sound of cicadas in the background.
Practicalities: Getting There, Getting Around, and When to Go
Zante’s international airport lies only about 6 to 7 kilometers from Argassi, which keeps transfer times pleasingly short. A taxi from the airport to Argassi generally takes around six to ten minutes, depending on traffic. Current indications suggest that fares are typically in the range of a few euros per person when shared, or a modest flat fare per car. Many hotels and private transfer companies also offer pre-bookable transfers, which can be reassuring at busy times or for late-night arrivals.
Public transport is available but less direct. There is no dedicated airport bus to Argassi; instead, you take a local KTEL bus from the airport to Zakynthos Town and then another from town to Argassi. Journey times can stretch to around 90 minutes when connections and waiting times are factored in. This can be a budget-friendly option, but space for luggage is limited and schedules are less frequent outside high season.
Once you are based in Argassi, the resort itself is compact enough that you can walk nearly everywhere. For trips into Zakynthos Town, local buses run several times a day in season, covering the roughly ten-minute journey at low cost. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive for such short hops. To explore further afield, many visitors rent a car, scooter, or quad bike from local agencies along the strip. Road conditions vary, and Greek driving styles can be assertive, so confidence and caution are important.
In terms of timing your trip, late May to early October is the main holiday window. June and September usually provide warm, settled weather and swimming-friendly sea temperatures without the peak crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with daytime temperatures commonly reaching 30 to 35 degrees Celsius and the resort at its liveliest. If you prefer quieter streets, milder heat, and easier restaurant reservations, late spring or early autumn is ideal. Many seasonal businesses close by late October and do not reopen until May.
Accommodation, Budgeting, and Who Argassi Suits Best
Argassi’s accommodation stock covers nearly every taste and budget. Along the seafront, mid-range and upscale hotels often combine direct beach access with pools that appear to merge into the sea. Many of these properties feature on-site restaurants, pool bars, and entertainment programs, making them appealing to families and couples who appreciate convenience. Rooms with sea views tend to command a premium, especially in peak season, and booking well in advance is wise if those are a priority.
Set a few streets back from the water, you will find numerous self-catering apartments and small family-run hotels. These options are generally more affordable while still placing you within a ten-minute walk of the beach and the main strip. Studios with kitchenettes offer flexibility for those happy to prepare some meals at home, and are popular with families, long-stay guests, and budget-conscious travelers. On the hillside above the village, private villas and boutique properties provide more seclusion and sweeping views in exchange for a steeper walk or short drive down to the center.
Argassi is particularly well suited to couples, groups of friends, and families with older children. Couples appreciate the blend of nightlife and quiet corners, plus easy access to romantic viewpoints and strolls in Zakynthos Town. Groups of friends find enough bars and activities to keep nights interesting without the intense clubbing reputation of Laganas. Families who value short airport transfers, a walkable resort, and shallow water along the shore often choose Argassi as a convenient base, although those with very young children might prefer wider beaches elsewhere for sandcastle building.
Budgeting for a trip to Argassi is comparable to other mid-range Greek island resorts. You can keep costs down by choosing self-catering accommodation, eating at local tavernas away from the busiest central spots, and using local buses or shared excursions rather than private taxis and tours. That said, there are also opportunities to splurge on seafront suites, sunset dinners at elevated restaurants, private boat trips, and premium watersports for those looking to elevate a special occasion or honeymoon.
Nature, Sea Turtles, and Responsible Travel
Zakynthos is one of the Mediterranean’s most important nesting grounds for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. Many of the island’s broad sandy beaches, particularly in Laganas Bay and on the Vasilikos peninsula, serve as crucial nesting sites in summer. While Argassi’s narrow beach is less prominent in this regard, visitors based in the resort will inevitably encounter information about turtles and may join boat trips or excursions that intersect with their habitat.
Local conservation organizations and the marine park emphasize simple guidelines for minimizing human impact on turtles and their environment. These include avoiding sandy nesting beaches at night, not disturbing marked nest areas, and resisting the temptation to handle hatchlings or help them to the water. It is also important to avoid blocking their path with beach furniture, deep sand holes, or piles of equipment, and to refrain from taking sand or coastal plants as souvenirs.
In the water, responsible behavior means giving turtles space if you encounter them while swimming or boating and reducing speed in areas where they may surface. Jet skis and motorboats can injure turtles, particularly in busy corners of Laganas Bay, which has made such incidents a recurring concern for conservationists. When choosing boat trips from Argassi or nearby ports, it is worth seeking out operators who explicitly follow wildlife-friendly practices and avoid those who guarantee close turtle encounters or crowd animals with vessels.
Beyond turtles, you can travel more sustainably in Argassi by favoring walking and public transport where feasible, using refillable water bottles, supporting family-run tavernas and local produce, and respecting noise levels late at night in more residential backstreets. The more visitors align their choices with the island’s long-term health, the more likely it is that Zakynthos will retain the natural beauty that drew travelers in the first place.
The Takeaway
Argassi is not a traditional fishing village preserved in amber, nor is it a purpose-built party strip. It sits somewhere in between, a modern resort shaped by the needs of contemporary travelers but still grounded in its hillside-and-sea setting and close ties to Zakynthos Town. With its short airport transfer, walkable layout, and blend of small beaches, watersports, dining, and nightlife, it makes an appealing all-round base for a first or second visit to Zante.
Understanding what Argassi is and is not is the key to enjoying it. Travelers seeking huge, unbroken beaches or a fully wild, undeveloped coastline will likely spend more of their days on nearby stretches like Dafni, Banana Beach, or Gerakas, returning to Argassi in the evenings for dinner and drinks. Those who value convenience, variety, and an easygoing atmosphere, however, often find that the resort offers just the right level of buzz without tipping into chaos.
Arrive with realistic expectations about the beach, curiosity about the island’s nature and culture, and a willingness to wander beyond the main road, and Argassi will reward you with sea views, warm nights on taverna terraces, and effortless access to the wider charms of Zakynthos.
FAQ
Q1: How far is Argassi from Zakynthos Town and how do I get there?
Argassi is around 3 kilometers from Zakynthos Town, roughly a ten-minute drive. You can travel between them by local bus, which runs several times a day in season, by taxi, or on foot if you are comfortable with a longer walk along main roads.
Q2: What is the best time of year to visit Argassi?
The main season runs from late May to early October. June and September are ideal for warm weather, swimming, and fewer crowds. July and August offer the liveliest nightlife and hottest temperatures but can feel busy, while May and early October are quieter with some businesses just opening or winding down.
Q3: Is Argassi suitable for families with children?
Yes, many families choose Argassi because of its short airport transfer, shallow sea in many spots, and walkable layout. The beach itself is narrow in places, so families who want lots of sand space may take day trips to larger nearby beaches, but the resort’s pools, casual dining, and relaxed nightlife work well for those traveling with children.
Q4: What kind of nightlife can I expect in Argassi?
Argassi has a lively but not extreme nightlife scene. There are cocktail bars, pubs, sports bars, and a small number of clubs and late-night venues. You can enjoy music, dancing, and late drinks in high season, but the overall feel is friendlier and less intense than in Zante’s main party resort of Laganas.
Q5: Do I need a car to stay in Argassi?
You do not need a car for day-to-day life in Argassi, as the resort is compact and walkable. However, renting a car, scooter, or quad bike for at least a couple of days is recommended if you want the freedom to explore more remote beaches, mountain villages, and viewpoints around Zakynthos at your own pace.
Q6: What are the beaches like in and around Argassi?
In Argassi itself, the beach consists of narrow stretches of sand and pebbles running along the resort. The water is shallow and generally calm, but space on the sand can be limited. Within a short drive or bus ride, you can reach larger sandy beaches such as Dafni, Banana Beach, and Gerakas, which offer more room and, in some cases, more natural surroundings.
Q7: How long is the transfer from Zakynthos Airport to Argassi?
By taxi or private transfer, the journey from Zakynthos Airport to Argassi usually takes about six to ten minutes. Public transport involves a bus into Zakynthos Town followed by another bus to Argassi and can take around 90 minutes in total, depending on connections.
Q8: Is Argassi a good base for exploring the rest of Zakynthos?
Yes, Argassi’s central east-coast position and proximity to Zakynthos Town make it a practical base for exploring. From here you can easily reach the Vasilikos peninsula beaches, boat trips around the island, inland villages, and island landmarks such as Navagio viewpoints and the Blue Caves, either on organized excursions or with a rental vehicle.
Q9: Are there many Greek tavernas and local food options in Argassi?
Argassi has a wide choice of dining options, including many Greek tavernas serving fresh fish, grilled meats, meze, and local specialties. You will also find international restaurants, pizzerias, and casual grill houses, but it is easy to eat Greek for most meals if that is your preference.
Q10: Is Argassi noisy at night or can I find quieter areas to stay?
The main road through Argassi can be lively and somewhat noisy at night in high season, especially near bars and late-opening venues. If you want quieter evenings, choose accommodation set back from the central strip, higher up the hillside, or in small side streets. These areas typically offer calmer nights while still keeping you within walking distance of the resort’s amenities.