Things to Do in Zakynthos (Zante) in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Zakynthos (Zante)
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Accommodation prices drop 40-60% compared to summer peak - expect €35-50/night for decent hotels versus €80-120 in July
- Perfect hiking weather with 16°C (60°F) highs - ideal for exploring inland trails like the route to Navagio viewpoint without summer's scorching heat
- Dramatic storm watching opportunities - March brings spectacular lightning displays over the Ionian Sea, best viewed from clifftop restaurants in Keri
- Local life returns as residents emerge from winter hibernation - traditional tavernas reopen with winter menus featuring wild greens and game
Considerations
- Swimming requires serious cold tolerance - sea temperature hovers around 16°C (61°F), wetsuit recommended for anything longer than quick dips
- Many beach clubs and seasonal restaurants remain closed until late April - Laganas strip particularly quiet with limited nightlife options
- Weather unpredictability means outdoor plans need flexibility - 10 rainy days and rapidly changing conditions require backup indoor activities
Best Activities in March
Navagio Beach Viewpoint Hiking
March's cool 16°C (60°F) temperatures make the steep 45-minute hike to Navagio viewpoint actually enjoyable rather than the sweat-fest it becomes in summer. Clear spring air provides exceptional photography conditions, and you'll often have the viewpoint entirely to yourself. The dramatic weather creates moody cloudscapes perfect for Instagram shots.
Traditional Taverna Food Tours
March is when locals return to their favorite mountain tavernas after winter closures. You'll find authentic dishes like arni me patates (slow-cooked lamb) and wild horta greens that aren't on summer tourist menus. Cool weather makes walking between villages comfortable, and proprietors have time to chat about their family recipes.
Blue Caves Sea Kayaking
While too cold for casual swimming, March offers unique kayaking conditions with calmer seas before summer's crowded boat tours begin. The dramatic lighting through cave openings is spectacular during March's variable weather. Wear a wetsuit (usually provided) and you'll experience these geological wonders in complete solitude.
Monastery and Church Trail Cycling
March's mild temperatures and minimal traffic make cycling between Zante's historic monasteries ideal. The route from Zakynthos Town to Anafonitria Monastery (16km/10 miles) offers stunning views without summer's brutal heat. Orthodox Easter preparations in March provide cultural insights unavailable during tourist season.
Turtle Spotting Boat Tours
March marks the beginning of turtle season as loggerheads start returning to nesting areas. While peak nesting happens later, early March offers your first chance to spot these magnificent creatures in calmer, less crowded conditions. Boat tours run in smaller groups and guides provide more personalized attention.
Wine Tasting at Mountain Vineyards
March is pruning season when vintners have time to share their expertise without summer's hectic tourism schedule. Cool weather makes visiting hillside vineyards comfortable while tasting rooms offer cozy atmospheres with fireplace warmth. You'll taste previous year's harvest alongside aged reserves in intimate settings.
March Events & Festivals
Greek Independence Day Celebrations
March 25th brings patriotic parades through Zakynthos Town with traditional costumes, folk dancing, and local delicacies sold by community groups. School children perform historical reenactments while tavernas offer special Independence Day menus featuring traditional dishes.
Orthodox Lenten Season Observances
Throughout March, experience authentic Greek Orthodox traditions as locals observe Lent. Monasteries hold special services, restaurants offer traditional fasting menus (nistisima), and you'll witness genuine religious practices without tourist crowds.