Getting from Zakynthos to Porto Heli

If you are heading to Porto Heli from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands to a sheltered harbour on the Argolic Gulf in the northeastern Peloponnese, on the opposite side of Greece. It has a marina, good beaches and Spetses visible across the water.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Porto Heli. Getting there means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and then driving northeast through the Peloponnese to Porto Heli, which takes around 3.5 to 4 hours via Patras, Corinth and the eastern Peloponnese coast. This avoids Athens entirely and is a natural road connection across the Peloponnese. Note that the Saronic ferries from Piraeus to Porto Heli are passenger only and do not carry vehicles.

Getting there by air

Porto Heli has no airport. The nearest airport is Athens. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then taking the Saronic ferry from Piraeus to Porto Heli, which runs 4 to 5 times daily and takes around 2 hours, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Fly from Zakynthos to Athens and take the Saronic ferry from Piraeus to Porto Heli. It is the fastest and most practical approach. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive northeast through the Peloponnese to Porto Heli, which avoids Athens entirely and gives you a vehicle for exploring the Argolic Gulf area.