Cars — Pros and Cons Scooters (50–250cc) — Pros and Cons Quads / ATVs (250–450cc) — Pros and Cons Car Scooter Quad Or Atv In Zakynthos Deciding how to explore Zakynthos is one of the first holiday planning hurdles. A quick search shows why: terms like "scooter rental Zante" and "quad hire Zakynthos" receive over 1,500 searches a month—far more than car-specific queries. Below, we lay out the honest pros and cons of each option with real-world data to help you decide what's best for your trip. Cars — Pros and Cons A rental car offers the most comfort and versatility for exploring the entire 406 km² island. It's the go-to choice for families and those planning longer day trips from Argassi. Weather Protection: Air conditioning is essential in the 30°C+ summer heat, and a closed cabin is a lifesaver during rare but sudden rain showers. Security: Lock your beach towels, shopping, and valuables safely in the boot. All-Island Access: A car easily handles the steep, 36 km drive to the Navagio Shipwreck viewpoint and the challenging 30 km route with hairpin bends down to Porto Limnionas. Family Seating: The only viable option for groups of three or more. Licence Simplicity: A standard "B" category car licence from your home country is all you need. Parking: Finding a spot in the narrow side streets of Argassi or Zante Town during peak season can be a challenge. Fuel Costs: While you'll spend more on fuel overall than a scooter (Unleaded 95 costs around €1.75 per litre on the island), the trade-off is comfort and range. Daily Rate: Costs range from €17 in the low season to over €70 for a family car in August. Scooters (50–250cc) — Pros and Cons A scooter provides a classic Greek island experience, offering freedom and ease for local travel. However, it comes with significant legal and safety considerations. Effortless Parking: You can park a 50cc scooter almost anywhere. Low Costs: Expect to pay just €10–€20 per day, and fuel consumption is minimal. Fun Factor: Ideal for short coastal hops between Argassi and nearby beaches like Banana or Plaka. Licence Laws: To ride anything over a 50cc scooter in Greece, you legally need a full motorcycle licence (A1 or A category). A standard car licence is not sufficient. Safety Risks: You are fully exposed to sun, wind, and other traffic. The Porto Limnionas hairpins are extremely dangerous on two wheels, and inexperienced riders have a high accident rate. No Luggage Space: A backpack is your only option for carrying beach essentials. Police Scrutiny: Ionian Islands traffic police are strictly enforcing road laws, with licence and helmet violations on scooters being a major focus. Quads / ATVs (250–450cc) — Pros and Cons Quads, or ATVs, are a popular choice for those seeking a bit of adventure. They feel more stable than a scooter but have their own unique set of drawbacks. Off-Road Fun: Great for exploring the unpaved tracks and olive groves around the Vasilikos peninsula. Low-Speed Stability: The four wheels provide more physical stability than a scooter at low speeds. Licence: A standard B-category car licence is usually sufficient for road-legal quads. Slow on Roads: With a typical top speed of 60–70 km/h, you will hold up traffic on main roads, making the 36 km drive to Navagio feel very long. Tiring Journeys: The constant engine noise and chassis vibration can be exhausting on drives longer than 30 minutes. No Protection: You have zero protection from the intense sun or sudden rain. ⚠️ Warning: Quads have a high centre of gravity, making them prone to rollovers on steeply cambered roads. We strongly advise against taking a quad down the hairpin bends to Porto Limnionas or Keri Lighthouse. Factor Car Scooter Quad/ATV Daily Cost (Peak) €38 – €70 €10 – €25 €25 – €45 Luggage Capacity Excellent (Boot) None Minimal (Rack) Weather Protection Full (AC/Roof) None None Navagio Viewpoint Drive Yes (1 hour) Not Recommended Slow, but possible Porto Limnionas Drive Yes Dangerous Rollover Risk Parking in Argassi Difficult Very Easy Easy Licence Required B (Car) B (up to 50cc), A1/A (>50cc) B (Car) Safety (1-5 Scale) 4/5 2/5 2/5 Best For Families, Full Island Short Coastal Hops Off-Road Adventure For most visitors—especially couples and families wanting to see the whole island, from the Shipwreck to the turtle beaches—a small car (Category B) or a compact SUV is the safest and most practical choice. If you are a solo traveller or a couple planning to stay mainly around the Vasilikos peninsula, a 50cc scooter is a cheap and fun way to make short trips to nearby beaches. For a group of friends looking for a day of fun on dirt tracks, a quad offers a memorable experience. For any family with children, a car is the only sensible option. 💡 Tip: Get the best of both worlds. Rent a car for the week to explore the west coast and the mountains, then rent a scooter for just one day from a local shop in Argassi to easily beach-hop around Vasilikos. Several local companies offer a mix of vehicles, allowing you to arrange everything in one place. Operator Scooter Models Quad/ATV Models Faros Voge SR125+, Sym Symphony ST 200 CF Moto CForce 450L 1Way Piaggio Fly 50cc MXU Quad 310cc, CFmoto A.T.V 450cc Michael Various Scooters & Motorbikes Various ATVs 🚗 Local Insight: Both Faros and 1Way have offices in Argassi and rent scooters and quads alongside their car fleet. You can often book a car for your main holiday and arrange a one-day scooter rental directly with them upon arrival. If a car sounds like the right fit for your Zakynthos adventure, we can help you find the best value. Use our search tool to compare Argassi car rental deals from trusted local suppliers. Once you're ready, you can learn more about which car category fits you for the island's roads and start to plan your driving routes to create the perfect itinerary. Compare Car Rental Deals