In this work, ZnSe and ZnTe micro‐ and nanostructures are grown by the vapor‐solid method. Thermal treatments are performed in an inert atmosphere (Ar) to avoid the oxidation of the samples, at 900 °C for 24 h. The structures obtained are investigated by SEM and HRTEM to assess morphology and microstructure. The optical properties are investigated by cathodoluminenscence technique. The bandgaps of these compounds are 2.8 eV for ZnSe and 2.4 eV for ZnTe, however, the luminescence study is extended toward red and near infrared regions to investigate the defect levels. The influence of the size and morphology of the structures on the luminescence properties are studied.