Getting from Volos to Zakynthos

If you are heading to Zakynthos from Volos you are making your way from a city on the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of the Pelion peninsula to one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands, on the opposite side of Greece. It has Navagio Beach, the shipwreck cove with towering white cliffs and turquoise water that is one of the most photographed places in the Mediterranean.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Volos to Zakynthos. No mainland Aegean port is connected by sea directly to any Ionian island. Getting there means driving from Volos west and south to Kyllini on the northwestern Peloponnese coast for the ferry to Zakynthos, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and runs frequently. The most practical route is to drive from Volos via Trikala, Agrinio and Patras to Kyllini, which takes around 5 to 5.5 hours and avoids Athens entirely.

Getting there by air

Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Volos has a small airport at Nea Anchialos with limited connections from Athens. Driving from Volos to Athens and flying from Athens to Zakynthos takes around 50 to 55 minutes on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Volos west via Trikala, Agrinio and Patras to Kyllini for the ferry across to Zakynthos. At around 6 to 6.5 hours total it avoids Athens entirely and is the most direct road and sea approach. If you prefer to fly, drive to Athens and fly to Zakynthos. If you are traveling with a car the Kyllini route is the most practical as it takes your vehicle directly across to Zakynthos on the short ferry.