Plan A Lavish Vacation On A Budget By Visiting This Stunning Greek Island

The Ioanian paradise of Zakynthos has everything you'd expect from a popular Greek island — jaw-dropping vistas, bath-like waters, and drool-worthy cuisine whipped up fresh inside lively tavernas. Yet this island, affectionately nicknamed "Zante," doesn't have to come with the exorbitant price of other popular Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Believe it or not, this is one swanky destination you explore without breaking the bank.

The secret? It all comes down to your timing. The high season in Greece is considered July and August, so it's not uncommon to see prices double or triple during that time on everything from rooms to activities. If you're willing to travel to Zante during the shoulder seasons, April through June is a solid way to lock in one of the best beach vacations in Europe. Not only will you beat the crowds and enjoy comfortable weather, but you'll get a steal on accommodations and outdoor activities. You could also shoot for September through October, before many businesses close their doors for the winter.

As you scour the web for hotels and studios in Zante, you'll be amazed as you move your calendar dates just a few months apart. The popular five-star hotel Lesante Blu, for example, costs $633 per night in the summer but drops down to $224 by autumn. If that's still out of your price range, fear not. Zante has plenty of private studios which dip from $292 down to $65 per night in October, especially if you stay during the week. The further you are from downtown hotspots, the cheaper the prices will be. As another example, Kavos Psarou Studio Apartments offers gorgeous dwellings on a secluded beach for just $41 a night during the shoulder season.

With your sleeping arrangements out of the way, you can turn your attention toward delectable Greek cuisine without watching your precious Euros disappear. There are scores of eateries in Place Agiou Markou, the main square in Zakynthos town. Paradosiako offers authentic, garden-fresh dishes with a relaxing outdoor ambiance for a reasonable price. Another wallet-friendly option is the rustic, vineyard-adjacent Ampelostrates, where you can sample the best of Greek flavors without sacrificing on service or charm. After dark, you'll find the cheapest street food in the partying neighborhood of Laganas, where you'll shell out about $1 for a slice of pizza or $2 for souvlaki (grilled meat on a stick). After sipping back a few cocktails and relishing the island's famous nightlife, these snacks will be all the more delicious.

As anyone will tell you, there are two must-sees when exploring Zakynthos: the Navagio "Shipwreck" Beach you've likely seen plastered all over your Instagram and the Blue Caves. But to offset the rest of your activity budget, there are plenty of other enticing ways to fill your time. At the Callinico Winery Museum, you can sample eight wines for just $6 per person, including pours from the latest harvest. You can also visit the 15th century Anafonitria Monastery, the Bochali Venetian Castle with a view of Zakynthos from above, and the Zakynthos Sea Turtle Rescue just steps from a nesting beach — all for free. Near Solomos Square, you're welcome to spend a lazy afternoon admiring historic statues and hanging out with the locals.

Of course, no trip to any Greek island would be complete without numerous beach trips. Thankfully, Zante has 30 stunners, boasting the same kind of crystal-clear blue waters you'd find while visiting the Cyclades. Many of the beaches are accessible on a free yellow shuttle bus, like San Nikolas Beach, Banana Beach, Kalamaki, and Argasi. If you're willing to spring a little extra cash, you can rent an entire boat to yourself for as low as $112 during the shoulder season. Considering a single meal can cost that amount, it's an incredible price for all-day access to every hidden cove your heart desires — and plenty more you didn't know about. For such a small island, there's no chance you'll run out of things to do.