Zakynthos (Zante) Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Zakynthos (Zante).
Healthcare System
Zakynthos has both public and private healthcare facilities. The main public hospital is located in Zakynthos Town, while numerous private clinics and medical centers operate in tourist areas. EU citizens can access public healthcare with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though private facilities may be preferred for faster service.
Hospitals
General Hospital of Zakynthos (Zakynthos Town) provides emergency and general medical care. Private medical centers in Laganas, Tsilivi, and other resort areas cater specifically to tourists. Many hotels have arrangements with local doctors for room visits.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (marked with green crosses) are widely available in towns and resort areas. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can provide advice for minor ailments. Many common medications available without prescription. Operating hours typically 8:30 AM-2:00 PM and 5:30 PM-9:00 PM; rotating 24-hour pharmacies available.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card, but this only covers basic public healthcare and doesn't include repatriation. Private medical care and air ambulance evacuation can be extremely expensive without insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions
- Private clinics in resort areas often provide faster service than public hospitals
- Keep receipts for all medical expenses for insurance claims
- Dehydration and heat-related illnesses are common - seek medical attention if symptoms are severe
- For dental emergencies, private dentists are available in Zakynthos Town and major resorts
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas, beaches, and nightlife districts, particularly during peak tourist season. Theft from rental vehicles and hotel rooms is occasionally reported.
Road accidents involving rental scooters, ATVs, and cars are among the most common serious incidents affecting tourists. Poor road conditions, unfamiliar driving environment, inexperienced riders, and alcohol consumption contribute to accidents.
Excessive alcohol consumption leads to accidents, injuries, assaults, and vulnerability to crime. Party resorts see incidents of alcohol poisoning, falls, drowning, and fights, particularly among young tourists.
Intense summer sun (June-September) causes sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Tourists often underestimate the strength of Mediterranean sun, especially when cooled by sea breezes.
Drowning and near-drowning incidents occur, often involving alcohol, unfamiliar sea conditions, rocky areas, or swimming in unguarded areas. Some beaches have strong currents or underwater hazards.
Disputes over damage charges, inadequate insurance, poorly maintained vehicles, and unfair rental terms can cause problems. Some rental companies may charge for pre-existing damage or use aggressive collection tactics.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Rental companies claim damage that was pre-existing or charge inflated repair costs for minor scratches. Some use aggressive tactics to extract payment before departure.
Some bars in party areas charge significantly more than menu prices, add unauthorized items to bills, or use misleading promotions. Tourists may not notice until receiving the bill, especially when intoxicated.
Some taxi drivers quote inflated fixed prices to tourists, take longer routes, claim the meter is broken, or add unauthorized surcharges.
Unclear pricing for beach loungers and umbrellas, with charges added for supposedly included services or inflated final bills. Some operators claim you must rent equipment to use beach areas.
Boat tours advertised with misleading information about stops, duration, or inclusions. Some operators cancel trips but retain deposits or switch to inferior vessels.
Unauthorized sellers offer tickets to attractions or boat trips to Navagio Beach at inflated prices or for non-existent services.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, money, and valuables
- Check that windows and doors lock securely
- Know emergency exit routes from your accommodation
- Verify accommodation reviews before booking, especially for apartments
- Keep a copy of important documents separate from originals
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
Beach and Water Safety
- Never swim alone or after consuming alcohol
- Respect warning flags and lifeguard instructions
- Apply waterproof sunscreen regularly, especially between 11 AM-3 PM
- Stay hydrated and take breaks from sun exposure
- Supervise children constantly near water
- Wear water shoes to protect from sea urchins and sharp rocks
- Be aware of boat traffic when swimming
- Don't dive into unfamiliar waters
Transportation Safety
- Always wear helmets when riding scooters or motorcycles
- Ensure rental vehicles have adequate insurance coverage
- Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol
- Drive cautiously on mountain roads with sharp curves
- Check brakes, lights, and tire condition before renting vehicles
- Be extra careful at night when other drivers may be intoxicated
- Use licensed taxis and agree on fares beforehand
- Keep rental agreements and emergency numbers in the vehicle
Nightlife Safety
- Stay with your group and don't leave friends behind
- Never leave drinks unattended
- Pace alcohol consumption and stay hydrated with water
- Keep valuables secure and don't carry large amounts of cash
- Arrange transportation back to accommodation before going out
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering drinks or invitations
- Know your accommodation address and have phone numbers for taxis
- Avoid walking alone late at night, especially when intoxicated
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separately from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for extended periods
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics unnecessarily
- Use ATMs during daylight hours in busy, well-lit areas
- Learn basic Greek phrases for emergencies
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Zakynthos is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. The island is accustomed to international tourists and women traveling alone or in groups. However, the party atmosphere in certain resort areas, particularly Laganas, can lead to unwanted attention, especially at night. Greek culture is generally respectful, but tourists in party areas may experience catcalling or persistent approaches from club promoters.
- Exercise normal precautions when traveling alone, especially at night
- Be cautious in party areas like Laganas where excessive drinking can lead to inappropriate behavior
- Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries (covered shoulders and knees)
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Keep accommodation details private from casual acquaintances
- Use licensed taxis or pre-arranged transportation when returning late at night
- Consider staying in quieter resorts like Tsilivi or Kalamaki if avoiding party atmosphere
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention from club promoters
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Keep phone charged and have emergency numbers readily available
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended
- Beach attire is acceptable at beaches and pools but cover up in towns and villages
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Greece, and same-sex civil unions have been recognized since 2015. Greece has anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Greece in 2024.
- LGBTQ+ travelers visit Zakynthos regularly without significant problems
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection, especially in traditional villages and religious areas
- Resort areas and beaches are generally more accepting than rural locations
- Some hotels and accommodations are specifically LGBTQ+-friendly; research in advance if this is important
- Athens and Mykonos have more established LGBTQ+ scenes if seeking specific venues
- Use common sense and read the environment before displaying affection publicly
- Zakynthos doesn't have dedicated LGBTQ+ venues but welcomes all travelers in mainstream establishments
- Younger Greeks and tourism workers are generally more open-minded
- Consider booking accommodations with good LGBTQ+ traveler reviews
- Report any discrimination to tourist police
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Zakynthos. While EU citizens have access to public healthcare with EHIC cards, this doesn't cover all medical costs, repatriation, or private medical care. The high incidence of scooter accidents, water sports injuries, and alcohol-related incidents makes comprehensive coverage particularly important. Medical evacuation to Athens or home country can cost tens of thousands of euros without insurance.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Zakynthos (Zante) Safety Guide before you go.