Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a Greek island that captures the essence of paradise. From the iconic turquoise waters of Navagio Beach to charming mountain villages and hidden sea caves, every corner of Zakynthos offers a story waiting to be discovered. Here is my Zakynthos Travel Guide where we’re exploring its breathtaking landscapes, local flavours and unforgettable sunsets.
1) Navagio Beach
Navagio Beach, a small sandy beach surrounded on three sides by high cliffs and on one side by the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, with the wreck of a ship on that beach. You shouldn’t miss out on this view when visiting Zakynthos.
The shipwreck found on the beach ran aground here in 1980. The boat, loaded with illegal cigarettes and alcohol, was reportedly looted by locals when it was stranded. Salvaging the shipwreck would have been too expensive and time-consuming so the government decided to just let it be there.
Navagio Beach Viewpoint
If you’ve already visited the beach or want to observe Navagio Beach from a higher viewing point, be sure to visit the Navagio Beach Viewpoint. Here you’ll find a viewing platform 300 meters above the beach, offering stunning views.
2) The Blue Caves
The Blue Caves at Cape Skinar are inaccessible by car or foot, but they are a must see. They are a series of caves on the northeast side of the island. The blue color of the water reflects off the surface of the caves, making everything appear bright blue. The water here is incredibly clear, making it appear less than a meter deep, yet the seabed is actually several meters below the surface.
3) Turtle Island (Marathonisi)
Zakynthos is known for its turtle nesting ground where turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beaches. After laying their eggs, the turtles migrate to Marathonisi, an island off the coast of Zakynthos also known as Turtle Island.
Fun Fact: 50% of all sea turtles nesting in Greece do so on the beaches of Zakynthos. They nest between May and October.
Turtle Island is part of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, which protects sea turtles and their habitat. The island is uninhabited, except for the turtles. Therefore, there are no tourist facilities, but it is possible to explore Marathonisi on an excursion. A section of the sandy beach is open to the public, where you can spread out your towel and enjoy the Mediterranean climate.
4) Cameo Island
Cameo island was formed after a severe earthquake in the 17th century. For a small fee, you can cross the wooden bridge to reach the island and enjoy a drink at Cameo’s beach club.
The island has beautiful golden beaches where you can relax, take a dip in the water, or go snorkeling (and try spotting turtles!).
Fun Fact: Weddings are regularly held on the island. It’s sometimes called the “wedding island”!
5) Zante, Zakynthos Town
The island’s capital, Zakynthos Town (also known as Zante), shares the name of the island. In 1953, a powerful earthquake shook the entire island, destroying a staggering 90 percent of the capital’s buildings. Most buildings were rebuilt according to the original plans. Despite its size, it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon strolling and visiting its various sights, shops and museums.
Shopping for souvenirs is best done on Alexandrou Roma shopping street. Pass by the beautiful squares of Dionysos Solomos and Agios Markos. These two squares form the heart of the town and are connected by a pedestrian zone. Stroll past the town hall, the public library, and the courthouse, and visit the Byzantine Museum or the Solomos Museum. Visit the Venetian Kastro Castle on Strani Hill. This castle largely collapsed due to the earthquake, but it still offers an impressive glimpse into local history. You’ll also have a magnificent view of the town and surrounding area from the castle.
You can also take a boat tour in Zante town or take the ferry to other Greek islands or even Italy.
6) Keri town
Keri is a charming small village in the south of Zakynthos. The village is known as the flower village with narrow streets, stone houses and of course many plants and flowers. The village survived the 1953 earthquake so there are still a lot of houses from that age or older.
Visit the Panagi Keriotissas Church, dating from 1745, known for its beautiful bell tower. Go to the Keri Lighthouse, from which you have a magnificent view of the sea and cliffs. Have a drink or bite here (reserve in advance) during sunset hours.
Near the lighthouse, you will find this amazing viewpoint: Myzithres viewpoint. The beach is only accessible by boat. If you’re on the boat, make a stop at the Marathia Arch, a natural rock arch.
7) Beaches of Zakynthos
Rent a car and drive to some secluded beautiful beaches to soak up the sun, go snorkeling, or enjoy a beach party in the evening.
General Parking Tip Zakynthos: places are scarce, so come early morning or late afternoon. Otherwise, park in the street and walk to the location.
» Get the full Beach list through my Zakynthos Hotspots Map
Porto Limnionas Beach
Not really a beach but a bay between rocks with bright turquoise water. Reserve a sun bed at the tavern in advance (not for free) or lay on the rocks (free). This beach is hidden and can only be reached via a small off-road path and then down a staircase.
Porto Roxa
Porto Roxa, a place where you can jump into the water from the cliffs or a wooden springboard, or relax on covered swing chairs.
Tip: Don’t go to the beachside where every bar sells their sun beds. Instead, go to the very end. Left from the last bar, you will see stairs that will lead you to Porto Roxa Beach. No beach, just rocks with a diving platform.
Xigia Sulfur Beach
Xigia Beach is a natural spa. The water here is full of collagen and sulfur, that has a positive effect on your skin. The beach is accessible via a wooden staircase and is divided into two sections, with the northernmost section boasting the best sulfur mud. You can order something from the bar and they deliver it to you via a basket on a zipline.
Laganas Beach
Laganas Beach is one of the most popular beaches for activities, attracting many young people with its vibrant nightlife. For a more peaceful experience, you can go to the neighboring Agios Sostis Beach or Kalamaki Beach.
Gerakas Beach
This beach is an idyllic spot with beautiful dunes and clear blue water. Many sea turtles come here to nest during the nesting season. Beach closes at 7pm as it’s turtle nesting grounds.
Banana Beach
Banana Beach is a well known tourist beach and is the longest beach on Zakynthos. The beach offers a wide range of facilities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars and clubs, and various water sports (banana boat).
8) Tsilivi
Tsilivi is located on the west coast of Zakynthos and has a 2-kilometer-long sandy beach with various dining and drinking establishments. You can also enjoy numerous activities here, such as snorkeling in the crystal-clear sea, taking beautiful bike rides or hikes through the Tragaki Nature Park and many more.
9) Windmills
You can find windmills all over the island; some have even been converted into taverns, like the Potamitis Windmill in the north.
10) Gyri village
The highest mountain village of Zakynthos is Gyri. Just like Keri, the traditional houses and buildings survived the 1953 earthquake. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional old stone houses. Stop for a drink or a bite to eat at the local taverna.
11) Kampi village
Kampi is a short stop but also known for the best sunset watching location on the island (together with Keri Village). Be sure to visit the Mycenaean cemetery, with graves older than 4,000 years old.
12) Day Trip to Zante Water Village
Traveling with kids or do you like to have some fun as well? Then visit the large Zakynthos water park. Zakynthos Water Park, in the village of Sarakinado, offers a wide range of exciting water slides and interactive water play areas. Challenge your friends and be the first to go down the 60-meter-long slide. It’s the ideal day trip for all ages.
13) Enjoy local dishes
Zakynthos is full of restaurants, both in the larger towns and smaller villages. Enjoy delicious mezzes, souvlaki, tzatziki, moussaka, and other delicious dishes, followed by a glass of ouzo.
Uranus Sky Restaurant: Amazing food (European prices but still good prices!). Amazing view on Kalamaki and the mountains of Zakynthos. Live music during dinner.
Parthenon: Delicious Greek traditional food. Try the Moussaka!
» Get the full Restaurant and bars list through my Zakynthos Hotspots Map
Zakynthos is also known for its many olive trees, making olives and olive oil an important agricultural product. You can also visit the olive museum, the Aristeon Olive Press. There, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about olives, the olive oil production process, and to taste olive oil.
14) Discover Zakynthos by car, quad, scooter, canoe or boat
Taxi
Taxis are generally quite expensive: a 15-minute ride can easily cost you €20 and sometimes you have to wait a long time as you can’t reserve a taxi ahead.
Public Transportation
Public transport on the island isn’t ideal. Not many buses per hour.
Rent a car, squad or scooter
If you want to see as much of the island as possible, it’s best to rent a car. The Quad seats can get very hot in the sun and we’ve heard a lot of accidents with the squads.
Once you’ve made your choice, you can drive around the island freely and visit the secluded beaches and monasteries along the coast, which are less likely to be reached on excursions.
Tip: Be sure to book all-inclusive insurance so you can drive around in peace. Check before you go on holiday if you need an international driver’s license. Anyone with a Belgian or Dutch driver’s license is allowed to drive a rental car.
Tip: Rent your car with Sunnycars (always all-inclusive)
Explore the islands with a rental boat
You can also discover the island by boat tour, private boat or by canoe. With the private boat, there is no driver but yourself as driver. In Zakynthos you don’t need a boating license to drive a boat. We didn’t do this as navigating the rocks and caves is quite challenging.
We did the pirate boat tour that let’s you see the whole island and we did a sunset tour with a smaller tour towards Myzithres.
Drive your own boat price: €80 excl fuel.
Fact: you cannot sail to Navagio Beach with your own boat.
Where to stay in Zakynthos?
We stayed in one location and got on boat tours, took taxis or rented a car to get around. We stayed at the Bitzaro Grande Hotel. An all-inclusive hotel near Kalamaki beach. Much quiter location than Laganas.
When to go to Zakynthos?
Go during the nesting period of the turtles May-October. This is the high season in Zakynthos. Outside this season many places close down and wait out to re-open until next high season.