The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels in Zakynthos, Greece

With its large swimming pool, two restaurants and adventure playground, you get a lot of bang for your buck at the Porto Planos Beach Hotel. Set in the quiet town of Planos, you can walk to the beach or town centre in five minutes, but if it’s thrills and spills you’re looking for, then dedicate a day to whizzing down the slides at Tsilivi Waterpark.

Most of the rooms at the Balcony Hotel boast spectacular views over the Bay of Tsilivi, and the restaurant, with a huge terrace, is another prime spot for gazing out at the scenery. This tastefully decorated adult-only hotel is all about the views and the food, with dishes rustled up from locally sourced ingredients. The vast breakfast will set you up for the day before you amble seven minutes down to the beach.

When you first catch sight of the clean sandy beach in Kalamaki, you’ll understand why the rare Caretta Caretta turtles choose to lay their eggs on it each year. The Kalamaki Beach Hotel is just 100 metres (300ft) from the beach and 1km (0.6mi) from the centre of the Kalamaki resort town. Set in 2.5 acres (1ha) of lush gardens and comprising 43 rooms, the hotel has a palm tree-fringed swimming pool, plus a separate kids’ pool so you can enjoy your swim uninterrupted.

Laganas is one of the most popular tourist spots in Zakynthos, but don’t let that put you off – there are good reasons why holidaymakers can’t get enough of it. See the turtles, soak up the nightlife or just enjoy the clear, shallow water lapping at your toes. The Zante Atlantis Hotel is right in the heart of everything. It has rooms and apartments that can sleep up to five people, and bright and modern interiors run throughout. All come with outdoor spaces with pool or mountain views.

Who says you can’t have luxury on a budget? The Strada Marina in the centre of Zakynthos boasts an amazing roof garden with a swimming pool and bar, so you can relax and soak up the views of the port in style. As well as catering for couples and families, the hotel also offers single rooms. Stays include generous buffet breakfasts, with flaky pastries and homemade jams to tide you over until lunchtime.

The Zante Pantheon Hotel has just 26 stylish rooms and suites available, so it offers more of a laid-back boutique feel than some of the mega-resorts nearby. But that doesn’t mean they’ve cut back on the facilities. The hotel, in Tsilivi, has a pool, bar and restaurant that prides itself on reinventing traditional Greek dishes using seasonal local produce.

With the flair of a boutique hotel and the vibe of a rental studio, Arkadia Hotel comprises luxury suites with or without jacuzzis that can accommodate up to five guests, and rooms for up to three guests. A friendly and relaxed family-run business, Arkadia’s rooms are simple yet clean and include a TV, kitchen and balcony. Whether you prefer to lounge by the pool or relax at the beach, you are sure to have a pleasant stay without breaking the bank.

As the name suggests, this accommodation is set on a hill in Agouleika, which means its views take in the entire island coastline. It has 28 chic rooms, over three floors, all furnished with handmade furniture in soft, earthy palettes to reflect the surrounding scenery. There’s also an adult-only pool, a beautiful terrace, a superb restaurant and a bar serving up delectable cocktails.

Just 100 metres (300ft) from the main strip in Laganas, the Hera Zakynthos Hotel might be a two-star hotel, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. Its rooms are modern, bright and tastefully decorated with pops of blue and yellow, and they all have kitchenettes. The swimming pool is impressive, and there’s an on-site bar offering hearty breakfasts.

Tucked away on Bochali Hill, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, Hotel Varres has a range of cream-hued rooms to suit everyone, from couples to families. There’s an impressive range of amenities, including a lounge packed with a pool table and games to keep you busy. To replenish your energy, the restaurant serves delicious seafood, and the juicy steaks also come highly recommended. If you fancy a change of scenery, the centre of Zakynthos is just 15 minutes away.

Amoudi has a small beach, but the golden sands and crystal-clear waters make a big impression. The Clear Horizon Hotel is situated just above the shoreline, offering three bright apartments and 17 studios for two, three or four people. There’s a pool, bar and a restaurant terrace that looks out over the Ionian Sea, towards the island of Kefalonia. This hotel’s walking tours, offered in different languages, are worth checking out, too.