Zakynthos & Cephalonia (Ionian Islands) — a historic greek island & regional hub in Greece, connected via Piraeus Ferry Port / Athens Syntagma.
Why Visit Zakynthos & Cephalonia (Ionian Islands (ionian-islands))
Zakynthos & Cephalonia is a historic greek island & regional hub in Ionian Islands. Renowned for Zakynthos & Cephalonia Plateia (Central Square) & Old Town, Regional Architecture & Gastronomy, Zakynthos & Cephalonia rewards travelers over 1–3 days with walkable historic squares, regional markets, and easy rail links via Piraeus Ferry Port / Athens Syntagma (33 km).
Best Neighborhoods & Quarters in Zakynthos & Cephalonia
Zakynthos & CephaloniaChora & Central Plateia
Walkable historic core of Zakynthos & Cephalonia with traditional bakeries, tavernas, kafeneia, and neoclassical or island landmarks.
Piraeus Ferry Port / Athens Syntagma & Waterfront Promenade
Convenient transit and waterfront district connecting Zakynthos & Cephalonia to regional hubs via Aegean ferry or KTEL bus.
Top Sights & Things to Do in Zakynthos & Cephalonia
- Explore the historic Chora, central Plateia, and Byzantine or classical sites of Zakynthos & Cephalonia in Greece.
- Sample authentic regional specialties, fresh grilled octopus, moussaka, and local Assyrtiko or Xinomavro wines and ouzo at family-run tavernas.
- Use Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets catamarans, or regional KTEL intercity buses to pair Zakynthos & Cephalonia with nearby towns and beaches across the region.
Local Food & Where to Eat in Zakynthos & Cephalonia
In Zakynthos & Cephalonia (Ionian Islands), local Greek tavernas and mezedopoleia highlight regional dishes such as Souvlaki & Pork/Chicken Kalamaki in Warm Pita with Tzatziki, Horiatiki Greek Salad & Aegina PDO Pistachio Baklava, paired with Attica Savatiano White Wine, Retsina of Mesogeia, Freddo Espresso & Mastiha Liqueur.
Signature Local & Regional Dishes to Try
- Souvlaki: Traditional specialty served at family-run tavernas and mezedopoleia in zakynthos-cephalonia.
- Pork/Chicken Kalamaki in Warm Pita with Tzatziki: Traditional specialty served at family-run tavernas and mezedopoleia in zakynthos-cephalonia.
- Horiatiki Greek Salad: Traditional specialty served at family-run tavernas and mezedopoleia in zakynthos-cephalonia.
- Aegina PDO Pistachio Baklava: Traditional specialty served at family-run tavernas and mezedopoleia in zakynthos-cephalonia.
Recommended Dining Quarters, Markets & Tavernas & Mezedopoleia in Zakynthos & Cephalonia
Old Town & Waterfront Taverna Quarter
Traditional family-run Greek tavernas and ouzeries serving Souvlaki and local wine.
Agora Market & Plateia Cafés
Morning produce stalls, bakeries, and shaded square cafés around Varvakios Central Municipal Market (Athinas Street), Evripidou Spice Street & Psyrri / Koukaki Mezedopoleia.
Food markets & dining streets: Varvakios Central Municipal Market (Athinas Street), Evripidou Spice Street & Psyrri / Koukaki Mezedopoleia · Regional drinks: Attica Savatiano White Wine, Retsina of Mesogeia, Freddo Espresso & Mastiha Liqueur
Getting to Zakynthos & Cephalonia & Local Transit
By Train: Piraeus Ferry Port / Athens Syntagma (33 km). Check our Aegean Ferry vs. SeaJets & Island Pass Calculator (€) and Athens OASA Ath.ena Card, Santorini Card & Mykonos Card Calculator to compare Sparschiene fares with regional passes. By Air: Athens International Airport (ATH).
Closest Neighboring Towns to Zakynthos & Cephalonia
Combine Zakynthos & Cephalonia with these nearby Greek towns calculated by direct geographic distance:
- Peratata (17 km away)
- Sami (23 km away)
- Faraklata (24 km away)
- Cephalonia (Argostoli) (25 km away)
- Argostolion (25 km away)
More Cities & Towns in Ionian Islands
Explore other destinations across Ionian Islands:
Corfu (Kerkyra) · Paleokastritsa (Corfu) · Zakynthos (Zante) · Cephalonia (Argostoli) · Fiskardo (Cephalonia) · Lefkada · Paxos (Gaios) · Argostolion · Gaios · Lixouri · Lefkimmi · Agios Georgis