Good news for visitors: driving in Zakynthos is easy. Greece drives on the right (same as most of mainland Europe and the US), road signs are bilingual (Greek + Latin script), the blood-alcohol limit is the same as most of Europe (0.5 g/l), and internal distances are short — at most one hour from north to south. But there are a few local quirks worth knowing before you take the wheel.
In this guide we summarise everything a tourist driver should know to drive comfortably in Zakynthos: local road code, parking, animals on the road, fines, motorways if you came via the mainland, and small practical tips that locals know by heart.
The basics of the Greek road code
What's familiar
- Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
- Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers.
- Maximum blood-alcohol level: 0.5 g/l (0.2 for new drivers in some cases).
- Phone use forbidden while driving without hands-free.
- Children under 12 or shorter than 1.35 m: child seat required.
What's different
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 110-130 km/h on motorways.
- Roundabouts: by Greek law, vehicles entering have priority over vehicles already inside — the opposite of most of Europe. Worth knowing! In practice there are very few roundabouts on Zakynthos itself, but if you drive through Athens or the mainland, keep this in mind.
- Pedestrian crossings: pedestrians have priority but in practice Greek drivers don't always stop. Stop yourself anyway — it makes a difference.
- Fines: most are paid on the spot in cash (up to €700) or by bank transfer within 10 days at a 50% discount.
EU/EEA citizens can drive in Greece with their national license — no International Driving Permit (IDP) needed. UK driving licenses are accepted as-is.
The roads of Zakynthos: what to expect
Zakynthos has three quite different types of road:
1. The main island road (Eparchiaki)
Connects the airport, Zakynthos Town, and all the main tourist resorts (Argassi, Kalamaki, Laganas, Tsilivi, Alikes). Asphalted, wide, well maintained, with two lanes. Speed limit 70-80 km/h. No problem even for inexperienced drivers.
2. Hill and mountain roads
To reach Volimes, Anafonitria, Keri, Maries: tight switchbacks, some serious gradients, spectacular views. Asphalt is good but with the occasional pothole turn-to-turn. Drive in lower gears (third on the climb), and let oncoming cars pass when the road narrows.
3. Unpaved local roads
To reach some coves (Dafni, parts of Porto Limnionas), there are 1-3 km dirt roads. Every car in our fleet handles them with care. If it's been raining, avoid the unpaved tracks.
The 8 things every visitor should know
Goats on the road
In Zakynthos and across Greece, goats and sheep cross the road — especially in hill areas and early in the morning. Don't honk, they'll move on their own. Slow down and wait. It's normal.
Free parking
Most parking in Zakynthos is free: beaches, villages, many parts of the city. Only Zakynthos Town centre has paid meters (€1-2/h).
Fuel stations
The island has plenty of Shell, BP, EKO stations. Cash is preferred at many rural pumps — keep €30-40 in cash. Cards work at the airport and town pumps.
Roadside assistance
For breakdowns: 1268 (Greek auto club ELPA, similar to AAA/RAC). Save the number. Or message us on WhatsApp at +30 697 553 4873: we handle everything, including a replacement car if needed.
Inter-island ferries
If you take a ferry to Cefalonia or to mainland Greece, we need to authorise it: there's special inter-island insurance. Message us beforehand on WhatsApp: 5-minute formality, free.
Navigation apps
Google Maps and Waze work perfectly in Zakynthos. Download offline maps before you leave — in some hill areas the 4G signal is weak.
Speed cameras
Greek police use mobile speed cameras (rare on Zakynthos, common on the Athens-Patras motorway). Stick to the limits: it saves you at least €100 and stress.
Documents in the car
Always keep with you: driving license, ID/passport, the rental documents (we provide them). Police can ask at routine roadside checks.
How to get to Zakynthos by car from abroad
If you want to bring your own car from the mainland, there are two options:
- Ferry to Patras / Igoumenitsa + motorway from Patras to Killini (port for the Zakynthos ferry) — 2 hours. Then 1-hour ferry Killini-Zakynthos.
- Fly + rent locally: the simplest option. Low-cost flights from London, Rome, Milan, Bergamo, Bologna at €60-150 round trip. Rent a car at the airport (with us, free delivery) and start driving immediately.
For most visitors on a 5-10 day holiday, the second option is cheaper and less tiring: no ferry hours, no Greek motorway tolls (€15-20 from Patras). Rental cost? From €25/day for an economy, €40-60 for higher categories.
Frequently asked questions
Technically yes, if you stay below 0.5 g/l. A single glass of wine with a light meal usually keeps you under. Two glasses in a row and you're at the limit. Golden rule: if in doubt, don't drive. Police do random checks in peak season.
Fines are issued to the rental company (us) and we then forward them to you. If you don't pay, we charge the cost. The best option is to pay on the spot at a 50% discount within 10 days.
Usually yes in town, less so in suburbs. Stop yourself: it's appreciated by pedestrians and keeps you out of trouble.
Yes. Main roads are well lit. Mountain roads are dark: slow down, watch for goats, hedgehogs, cats. Use full beams in the mountains when no other cars are around.
Call us immediately on WhatsApp +30 697 553 4873: we walk you through every step. In case of damage with another car: photos, exchange documents, fill in the European accident form, call police (number 100) if anyone is injured. Don't panic — we manage the whole process for you.
Yes. There's a covered paid car park (around €10/day) and a free dirt one 5 minutes away on foot. If you rent with us with airport pickup/return, no parking is needed: we deliver and collect there.
In conclusion
Driving in Zakynthos is one of the most underrated pleasures of a Greek-island holiday. The roads are full of views the tour-bus crowd never sees, and a car gives you the freedom to discover coves, tavernas, and villages no minibus reaches. With a bit of caution and these practical tips, you're ready to enjoy the island to the full.
If you have any specific questions about your trip, message us on WhatsApp: our team replies in minutes, in English, Italian or Greek, even before you book.
"In most countries you drive to arrive. In Zakynthos you drive to discover."