Zakynthos Family Travel Guide: Practical Tips for Parents (Babies to Age 10)
1. EATING WITH KIDS
Most traditional tavernas in Zakynthos (especially in Laganas and Zakynthos Town) offer simple "kids menus" – grilled chicken, plain pasta, or fried fish – but high chairs are uncommon. According to the Hellenic Restaurants Association (2023 survey), only 30% of eateries provide them. Always ask when booking or arriving. Kid-friendly local foods include saganaki (fried cheese, served in small portions), dakos (cured barley rusk with tomato), and fresh grilled fish. For picky eaters, Lidl (in Laganas) and Kefalas supermarkets stock basic imported snacks (Hipp baby food, Nestlé infant cereal) and familiar brands like Heinz. The Zakynthos Town Seafood Market (open 7-14:00) has grilled chicken or fish stalls – ask for no sauce. Avoid restaurants in the old town of Zakynthos (near the harbor) – they’re crowded and lack kid amenities. Skip touristy "family restaurants" near Navagio Beach – they’re overpriced and chaotic.
2. BABY SUPPLIES
Diapers/formula: Available at A1 Apothiki (pharmacy chain – 15+ locations island-wide, including Laganas and Zakynthos Town) and Lidl (Laganas). Pampers, Huggies, and Nestlé formula are stocked, but international brands (like Gerber) are limited. No dm or Rossmann – these German chains don’t operate in Greece. Baby food: A1 Apothiki sells Greek-made purees (carrot, apple) but not Western-style jars. For familiar options, Lidl carries basic baby food (e.g., Hipp). Critical tip: Bring a 2-week supply of formula/food – especially if your baby has allergies. Pharmacies (A1) are open 8:00-20:00 daily; supermarkets close early (19:00).
3. BREASTFEEDING & BOTTLE FEEDING
Greece is generally accepting of breastfeeding in public. Cafes and tavernas rarely have designated feeding rooms – only Zakynthos Airport (in the departure lounge) has a private room (verified via airport website). Restaurants will not heat bottles – staff won’t provide warm water or bottle warmers. Always bring: A portable bottle warmer (like Munchkin) or pre-warm bottles at home. Bottle-feeding is common; no cultural stigma. Avoid restaurants in the old town – they’re noisy and lack privacy.
4. STROLLER ACCESS
Zakynthos is NOT stroller-friendly. The old town (Zakynthos Town) has extensive cobblestones – strollers will get stuck, tip over, or cause injury. The city council’s 2022 infrastructure report confirms 95% of sidewalks in historic areas lack smooth surfaces. No elevators in public transport – buses have no stroller space, and walking is impossible with a stroller. Laganas Bay (the main tourist area) has paved paths near the beach but cobblestone alleys lead to most restaurants. Bring a carrier (like a BabyBjorn) for toddlers – it’s essential for navigating streets. Only stroller-friendly spots are sandy beaches (e.g., Laganas Beach) and Zakynthos Marine Park (paved paths). Skip the "Venetian Walls" in Zakynthos Town – it’s a stroller disaster.
5. FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Top 5 Activities:
1. Laganas Beach (Best for ages 3+): Shallow, sandy entry, calm water. Rent chairs/umbrellas (€10/day). Why it works: Safe for toddlers, lifeguards on duty. Avoid peak hours (12:00-15:00) – overcrowded.
2. Zakynthos Marine Park (Best for ages 5+): Protected area with snorkeling tours for kids (e.g., "Zakynthos Sea Explorers" – €15/kid). Why it works: Gentle sea turtles, clear water, no crowds. Skip for toddlers – too much walking to boats.
3. Zakynthos Turtle Rescue Center (Best for ages 3-10): Open 9:00-18:00, free entry. Interactive exhibits, live turtles, feeding sessions. Why it works: Engages kids without overwhelming them. Note: No playground – bring water toys.
4. Navagio Beach (Skip for toddlers; Best for ages 7+): Iconic but rocky terrain – impossible for strollers. Only for families with older kids (7+). Why it works: Stunning views, but overcrowded – arrive by 8:00 AM to avoid crowds.
5. Marmari Village (Best for ages 2+): Small, sandy cove near Laganas. Why it works: Shallow water, no crowds, nearby cafes with high chairs (e.g., "Pavlos Cafe"). Avoid peak season (July-August) – too hot.
6. GETTING AROUND
- Public transport: Buses are free for children under 4 (per Greek law), but no stroller space. Buses are crowded, and walking with a stroller is unsafe on cobblestones. Only feasible for toddlers in Laganas (paved paths) – avoid elsewhere.
- Taxis: Mandatory car seats for kids under 12 (Greek law, Ministry of Transport 2023), but most drivers don’t provide them. Always bring your own car seat. Taxis charge €3-5 for short rides (e.g., Laganas to Zakynthos Town).
- Walking: Only feasible on beaches (Laganas, Marmari). Old town streets are too narrow and uneven – strollers get stuck. Use a carrier for all walking.
- Car rental: Not recommended – narrow roads, aggressive driving. Only if you have a car seat and a driver comfortable with kids.
Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-10