Phoenix Hotel
Zakynthos Town - Plateia Solomou 2
Located 90 metres from the beach and 20 metres from the port, Phoenix Hotel features a restaurant and accommodation with a balcony.
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The lively Zakynthos Town is located in the centre of the east coast of Zakynthos and overlooks one of the most beautiful bays of the island, washed by a turquoise sea.
The historical centre of Zakynthos contains several neoclassical buildings, large squares and public buildings that were rebuilt after the earthquake of 1953 that destroyed the old urban layout. Today it is a modern and lively town, but there is no lack of evidence of its rich past, first and foremost the Venetian fortress that dominates the town from the top of a hill.
The town is built around two main squares: Solomos Square, dedicated to the Greek national poet, and St Mark’s Square, a legacy of the Venetian period. The waterfront with its arcades with an Italian feel connects the marina to the shopping areas, while the streets of the old town offer a wide choice of shops, taverns and clubs for evening entertainment.
Zakynthos Town is also the ideal starting point for exploring the entire island, thanks to the numerous land and sea connections to all the main tourist destinations, from the most beautiful beaches to the most spectacular natural attractions.
The beach of Zakynthos Town stretches for about 2 kilometres from Solomos Square to Cape Krioneri, characterised as a long stretch of pebbles bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Although not considered among the most spectacular on the island, this urban beach offers the unique advantage of combining seaside relaxation and city facilities.
The town’s main beach is mainly frequented by local residents at weekends and is a pleasant alternative for those who stay in the centre and want a quick swim without straying too far. Numerous seafront bars and restaurants offer sunbeds and umbrellas, often at nominal prices or even free of charge, allowing one to spend relaxing days overlooking the harbour.
Continuing northwards beyond the urban beach, one reaches the area of Krioneri, where the road begins to climb towards the hills. Here you can park and enjoy a stretch of paradisiacal sea with a rocky seabed, ideal for snorkelling and for those seeking deeper, clearer waters than the city centre.
Zakynthos town’s strategic location allows easy access to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches: Argassi is only 4 kilometres to the south, while to the north you can explore the wilder coves of the east coast.
Zakynthos town offers a rich cultural and artistic heritage that bears witness to centuries of history and different dominations. Post-earthquake reconstruction has created a city that is modern but respectful of traditions, where ancient remains and contemporary structures coexist harmoniously.
Solomos Square represents the cultural heart of the city, dedicated to Dionysios Solomos, the poet who wrote the verses of the Greek national anthem. A statue in his honour stands in the centre of the square, surrounded by the city’s main cultural buildings. The Byzantine Museum, housed in an elegant three-storey building, holds an extraordinary collection of sacred art with works rescued from churches destroyed in the earthquake.
The Church of Saint Nicholas of the Pier, located in the square, is one of the few Venetian Renaissance buildings that survived the 1953 earthquake. Originally built in 1561 on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is now an integral part of the urban fabric and houses the hierarchical vestments of St Dionysius.
The majestic Church of Saint Dionysius, dedicated to the island’s patron saint, dominates the waterfront with its tall bell tower modelled on St Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Built between 1925 and 1948, this is the largest church in the city and houses the saint’s relics in a precious silver reliquary sculpted by the chiseller Bafas.
The interior is striking for the richness of the frescoes and chandeliers, created by artists such as the painter Doxaras. At night, the thousands of bulbs surrounding the bell tower create a light show visible from the entire gulf.
St Mark’s Square, a legacy of the Venetian period, houses the island’s only Catholic church and the museum dedicated to Dionysios Solomos and Andreas Kalvos. The museum houses the relics of the two national poets, their manuscripts, personal archives and a collection of local art that tells the island’s cultural history.
Alexander Roma Street and 21st May Street form the main street of the city, closed to traffic from 3pm to 3am. These Venetian-style arcades are home to all kinds of shops, bars and restaurants that come alive particularly in the evening hours. The areas around the two main squares concentrate most of the venues for aperitifs and dinner, offering everything from roof gardens to fast food.
For those seeking more intense nightlife, just outside the town towards Argassi are disco pubs and clubs offering music until dawn, providing a more sophisticated alternative to the chaotic Laganas.
The small village of Bochali, perched on the hill overlooking the town, is a must-see destination, especially at sunset. Its labyrinthine streets, houses adorned with colourful flowers and spectacular views of the bay make for an unforgettable walk. Here you will also find the ruins of the Venetian castle, which offer breathtaking views across the gulf.
The accommodation area of Zakynthos Town offers the unique advantage of combining the convenience of urban services with direct access to the sea and connections for the entire island. The variety of accommodation available ranges from luxury seafront hotels to cosy pensions in the old town.
Waterfront hotels are the most exclusive choice, offering rooms with panoramic views of the harbour and the Ionian Sea. The privileged location allows one to walk to both the cultural centre and the city beach.
The historical centre around the two main squares concentrates family-run hotels and traditional guesthouses, perfect for those who wish to be at the heart of the city’s social and cultural life. The port area hosts business hotels geared mainly towards transit travellers, but is a strategic choice for those arriving by ferry or wishing to be close to the sea connections for day trips.
We offer a selection of hotels at Zakynthos Town to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Zakynthos Town, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Zakynthos Town. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Zakynthos Town are in high demand.
What's the weather at Zakynthos Town? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Zakynthos Town for the next few days.
Zakynthos town is located on the east coast of Zakynthos, overlooking one of the most beautiful bays on the island and dominated by the hill of Bochali. The town is 4 kilometres from Zakynthos airport, which can be easily reached in 10 minutes by car or by frequent bus connections. The town is the nerve centre of the island, from where all the main roads leading to tourist destinations depart: Laganas (11 km south), Tsilivi (6 km north) and the beaches of the Vasilikos peninsula (15 km south-east).
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