5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Solo Trip to Zakynthos, Greece

• In September, Katka Lapelosova took a solo trip to Greece.
• While she enjoyed the six days in Zakynthos, it wasn’t the stress-free vacation she’d hoped for.
• If she could do it over, she’d travel there with friends and rent a car.

Now that I live in Europe, I love how easy it is to visit different countries. Since leaving New York City in 2020, I aim to travel at least once a month.

In September, I decided it was time for a solo trip to a Greek island to live out my “Mamma Mia” dreams. My friends recommended Santorini and Mykonos, but those islands were expensive, and I was nervous about them being overcrowded.

I researched a few alternatives, like Corfu, Zakynthos, and Rhodes, and settled on Zakynthos, partly due to photos of a shipwreck I’d seen on Instagram.

I wanted to see if the water was really the color of Colgate toothpaste, but more than that, I just needed a seaside break to relax and help me reset. My beach vacation in Greece was very much what I needed, but there are some things I would change if I had the chance for a vacation redo.

1. Spend time in Athens

I had an overnight layover in Athens, so I spent one night in the city center before heading to Zakynthos. Friends had told me I only needed a day in the city, saying that there wasn’t much to see or do. The city took me by surprise, though, and I wish I’d had more time there.

Outside the incredible historic Greek archaeology, I didn’t have enough time for the art museums or festivals. While the residential architecture wasn’t as charming as what I saw on the island, the mix of classical designs, modern restaurants, and cocktail bars all looked worthy of a visit.

2. Avoid the party zones

Once I got to Zakynthos, the energy level changed. I was greeted by the chaos of gap year travelers living out the last days of summer. I had read that the island was a hot spot for college-aged travelers, but I figured it was big enough that we could keep our distance. But despite my accommodation being just outside the main party zone of Laganas, I shared a floor with a group of eight rowdy college kids. I was thankful that I’d packed earplugs.

In hindsight, I should have done more research on other parts of the island. While some locals told me Zakynthos has parties wherever you go, others said that renting a villa can be a good alternative for finding a bit of peace and quiet. They said that visitors who stay more inland can rent a car and drive to the beach, as most coastlines can be reached in a few minutes.

3. Rent a car to explore more of the island

Renting a car would have been a great idea overall, but my plan had been to take buses. In true island fashion, these ran on their own schedule

One day in Zakynthos, I waited over an hour for a bus that never came. Taxis proved to be just as unreliable, with many canceling or not showing up when I tried to book them by phone.

While I was able to make the most of Laganas, the island’s village and beach resort, I feel like there was more I could have explored. I was limited to the nearby beaches, which were not super crowded but not very serene or peaceful either.

I also didn’t realize that it was much easier to get to the shipwreck by car. Only one tour company offered to drive people there, so I had to work around their schedule to see it.

4. Travel with friends instead of going solo

Normally, I opt for solo travel. I find it to be the least stressful. But I often felt lonely on Zakynthos because I saw big groups of people everywhere I went — not just college kids either, but multi-generational families and honeymooning couples, all having fun in the sun around me.

I watched a lot of them enjoying the outdoor and water activities that Greece has to offer. Small boats can be rented to sail around the island, take tours of water caves and go diving or snorkeling, grab a few mopeds or four-wheelers and drive around, party on a booze cruise, or enjoy inflatable water playgrounds along the beach.

While I could have done some of those things on my own, I knew they’d be more fun with a big group of friends to share the excitement.

5. Understand the difference between beachfront and beach access

One of the biggest things I’d change about my Greek island trip is booking a hotel that had beach access. “Beachfront” doesn’t necessarily mean you can just walk right out to the beach from your hotel, or at least not on Zakynthos.

While my accommodation was next to the beach, if I wanted to spend time lounging in the sun, I had to pay for a crummy cappuccino or an overpriced bottle of water for the privilege.

I didn’t realize this before I booked my trip, but locals told me it’s common. Many cafés, restaurants, and bars own beach access, and while most just ask that you purchase some food or drinks, some require you to rent a beach chair and umbrella or even buy a day pass.

Next time, I’ll read more reviews or even contact the property and ask if they have a beach for their guests. I only saw “beachfront” on my booking website and realized after spending a few days there that what I needed was “beach access” or “private beach.”