Your stay — The Elinis
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The Property — The Elinis
The Elinis is a straightforward three-star in central Zakynthos Town. The lobby feels like a family-run guesthouse: small tiled floor, fresh coffee smell from the bar, and a receptionist who'll point out the bakery two doors down. It suits budget-conscious couples or solo travellers who want a clean, quiet base with basic sea views rather than resort amenities. The USP is location—you can walk to Solomos Square in five minutes—and the rooftop terrace that catches the sunset over the harbour.
Chronicles of Zakynthos
Zakynthos Town was rebuilt after the devastating 1953 earthquake, which levelled most of its Venetian architecture. Italianate influences remain in the central square and the Church of St. Dionysios, though much of the post-earthquake reconstruction used concrete façades. The island's modern identity is a summer party magnet—home to the famous shipwreck beach (Navagio)—but the town itself has a quieter, more local pulse. You'll find kafenions alongside tourist shops, with the port serving as a ferry and yacht hub. The poet Dionysios Solomos, author of the Greek national anthem, was born here; his statue stands at the heart of town.
Best Time to Visit
Full Zakynthos guide →Best months
June and September offer settled heat (28-30°C) and long daylight, with the meltemi wind keeping humidity low. Crowds are still moderate in late June before the July-August peak.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are the busiest months, driven by British and Italian package holidays and the Navagio boat trips. Hotel prices double from shoulder season; many rooms book out by spring. The main event is the Festival of St. Dionysios on 24 August, with processions and fireworks over the harbour.
Budget shoulder season
May and October are the best budget shoulder months: temperatures 22-26°C, 40-60% lower room rates, and empty beaches. Some tavernas and boat tours still run but with shorter hours.
Weather & packing
July in Zakynthos often brings the meltemi—a dry northerly wind that can make ferry crossings choppy but keeps the nights cooler. Pack a light windbreaker or pashmina for evening harbour walks, and always carry a refillable water bottle; tap water is safe but salty.
Live City Briefing — Zakynthos
- The port promenade pedestrianisation project is complete, making the walk from Hotel Elinis to Solomos Square much quieter and safer for evening strolls.
- A new direct ferry from Killini (Peloponnese) started in May 2026, reducing summer wait times; expect more day-trippers in town on weekends.
- Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) viewing platform remains closed for structural repairs since 2024; cliff-path access is banned until further notice.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to The Elinis, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first or second floor at the rear of the building. These are quieter and less affected by street noise from the main road, while still having easy stair access since there is no lift.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms: they face the street directly and get noise from foot traffic and passing vehicles. Also avoid any rooms at the front of the hotel, as Zakynthos town’s main roads can be busy until late evening.
Best views
Request a rear-facing upper floor room (second floor) – you get a quieter outlook over the backstreet or courtyard, avoiding the main road. Front-facing rooms face the street and are noisier, with limited views of passing traffic.
Quietest floors
First and second floors at the back. These are further from street-level noise and away from any ground-floor common areas.
🔊 Noise notes
The main street outside can be busy during the day and into the evening, especially in summer. No lift means you’ll hear guests on the stairs if your room is near the staircase. Some early morning rubbish collection noise is possible on the street.
Insider tips
1. As there is no lift, pack light or ask for help with bags if you get a top-floor room. 2. Check in early to secure a quiet rear-facing room – call ahead to request it, as the hotel is small and these rooms go fast.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Elinis
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
History War Museum — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Central Hyper Market — 1.2 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs in Zakynthos Town or larger villages for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaus at the airport and tourist ports, which often charge poor rates and high fees.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in town, but many smaller tavernas, market stalls, and taxis prefer cash; contactless is common for card payments.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: round up the bill at restaurants (5-10% for good service), leave small change for taxis, and tip hotel cleaners a couple of euros per day.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A Greek frappé or Freddo cappuccino at a local kafeneio or bakery costs around €2.50–3.50.
A gyros pita from a fast-food takeaway or street stall costs about €3.00–4.00, or a simple souvlaki plate for €8–10.
A main course at a family-run taverna (like moussaka or grilled fish) typically runs €10–15.
Gyros and souvlaki pitas are the go-to cheap eats from small kiosks or fast-food spots around Zakynthos Town and Laganas strip; look for places busy with locals.
Common budget supermarket chains are Lidl and AB Vasilopoulos (in Zakynthos Town), plus small local minimarkets in villages.
For affordable clothing, head to the market street in Zakynthos Town (Alexandrou Roma side streets) or the summer sales at high-street shops like H&M and Zara.
The cheapest way to get around is by local bus (KTEL) from Zakynthos Town to major beaches and villages, with a single fare around €1.80–2.50; from the airport, take the local bus into town (€2) rather than a taxi (€15–20).
Eat at tavernas away from the main tourist strips for better prices. Buy snacks and water from supermarkets, not beachfront kiosks. Book accommodation with a kitchenette to cook some meals.
Good to know — Zakynthos
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
Zakynthos112 is the pan-European emergency number; in Zakynthos dial 100 for police, 166 for ambulance, 199 for fire. For non-urgent tourist police call +30 26950 28500. Keep your hotel address and nearest landmark handy.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Zakynthos, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Elinis
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Zakynthos Town Bus Station → Plaka Beach (Tsilivi stop)
💡 Buses are limited on Sundays—check the KTEL Zakynthos app for live times. Get off at the Tsilivi stop near Romas Taverna; it's a 10-minute walk to Plaka.
Plaka Beach Resort → Zakynthos Town Centre
💡 Flag down a taxi on Tsilivi's main strip or call +30 26950 48500. Rates are metered but confirm before departure; trips within Tsilivi are flat €5–€7.
Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) → Zakynthos Town Bus Station
💡 This is a limited summer service. From the town station, switch to the Tsilivi bus (€1.80, 25 mins). Avoid for late flights—last bus leaves at 20:00.
Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) → Plaka Beach Resort (near Tsilivi)
💡 Pre-book through the hotel or a local company like Zakynthos Transfers to avoid airport surcharges. Drivers typically meet you at arrivals with a name board.
About Zakynthos
Wikipedia ↗
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands, with an area of 405.55 km2 (156.6 sq mi), and a coastline 123 km (76 mi) in length. In Greek mythology, the island was said to be named after Zacynthus, the son of the legendary Arcadi...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Elinis?
Request a room on the first or second floor at the rear of the building. These are quieter and less affected by street noise from the main road, while still having easy stair access since there is no lift.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Elinis?
Avoid ground-floor rooms: they face the street directly and get noise from foot traffic and passing vehicles. Also avoid any rooms at the front of the hotel, as Zakynthos town’s main roads can be busy until late evening.
Is The Elinis noisy?
The main street outside can be busy during the day and into the evening, especially in summer. No lift means you’ll hear guests on the stairs if your room is near the staircase. Some early morning rubbish collection noise is possible on the street.
Which rooms have the best views at The Elinis?
Request a rear-facing upper floor room (second floor) – you get a quieter outlook over the backstreet or courtyard, avoiding the main road. Front-facing rooms face the street and are noisier, with limited views of passing traffic.
What are insider tips for staying at The Elinis?
1. As there is no lift, pack light or ask for help with bags if you get a top-floor room. 2. Check in early to secure a quiet rear-facing room – call ahead to request it, as the hotel is small and these rooms go fast.
What time is check-in at The Elinis?
Check-in at The Elinis is from null. Check-out is by null.
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Elinis?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near The Elinis?
A gyros pita from a fast-food takeaway or street stall costs about €3.00–4.00, or a simple souvlaki plate for €8–10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Elinis?
The cheapest way to get around is by local bus (KTEL) from Zakynthos Town to major beaches and villages, with a single fare around €1.80–2.50; from the airport, take the local bus into town (€2) rather than a taxi (€15–20).
When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?
June and September offer settled heat (28-30°C) and long daylight, with the meltemi wind keeping humidity low. Crowds are still moderate in late June before the July-August peak.
Top Attractions in Zakynthos
💡 Grab a coffee from a kiosk (€2) and sit on the steps by the church. The free municipal museum nearby has brilliant earthquake photos.
💡 Park at the Anafonitria monastery car park (free) then walk 15 mins. Avoid midday when tour buses jam the spot.
💡 Park near the 'Sunset Taverna' and follow the dirt track 200m. Arrive 30 mins before sunset for a bench on the rocks. No facilities.
💡 Bring water shoes. The path is rocky. Go before 10am to beat the boat crowds.
💡 Entry is €4 (cheap for the quality). On the first Sunday of each month it’s free. Photos without flash allowed. Allow 45 mins.