Zakynthos is popular with families. The resorts are generally child-friendly, the sea is calm in many bays, and the island is compact. The airport itself is small and straightforward — but getting from arrivals to a specific resort requires planning, especially with children in tow.
At the airport
Zakynthos Airport is a single compact terminal. The walk from the aircraft to baggage claim and then out to the exit is short. There are toilets in the arrivals area. A small cafe operates during flight times. Baggage trolleys are available.
Baggage can take 20-30 minutes to arrive at the carousel. This is normal and worth explaining to children before travel so expectations are set. The arrivals area is not large and can get crowded when multiple flights land together.
Car seats
Greek taxis do not carry child car seats. If your child needs one — legally required in Greece for children under 135 cm or 36 kg — your options are:
1. Bring a lightweight folding travel seat from home. 2. Book a private transfer and request a car seat at the time of booking.
When requesting a car seat through a transfer service, give the child's exact age and weight. Confirm the seat has been arranged the day before travel. Do not leave this to chance.
Rental car companies offer child seats — book at the time of car reservation, not at the counter, as they are limited in peak season.
Vehicle capacity for families
A standard sedan taxi fits 3-4 adults with 2-3 medium bags. For a family of four with a stroller, a car seat, and full holiday luggage, a sedan may not comfortably fit everything.
Pre-booking a minivan ensures the right vehicle. You specify your group and luggage at booking. The taxi rank has fewer minivans than sedans, and availability is not guaranteed — particularly in peak season.
The drive to your resort
Most resort areas are 10-30 minutes from the airport. The roads are generally good. Tsilivi and Laganas are the most popular family resorts and both involve a straightforward 15-20 minute drive.
The north of the island (Alykes, Navagio area) involves more winding roads. For families heading north, a minivan transfer with a local driver is more comfortable than navigating these roads after a flight.
Children prone to motion sickness should sit where they can see forward, particularly on the mountain roads in the north.
Peak season and queuing with children
In July and August, the taxi queue at Zakynthos Airport can be substantial after charter flights land. Standing in a 45-minute queue outside with tired children and luggage is genuinely unpleasant. Pre-booking a transfer eliminates this — your driver is in arrivals, your children walk to the car, and you leave.
This is the single most practical family tip for Zakynthos arrivals: book in advance and avoid the queue.