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Greek island in the Ionian Sea
Photo: Adestro, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Zakynthos (Greek: Ζάκυνθος), also called Zante (its Italian name), is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece. The island is named after Zacynthos, son of legendary Arcadian chief Dardanos.
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A series of geological formations have created the caves. Natural arches have been carved out by erosion, but these caves are most famous for the colour of the water in its deepest hollows, a deep azure color which is most striking in the morning when the light is at its brightest, hence the name Blue Caves. Kianoun Cave is the biggest of the caves. In order to reach there you can hire a boat or go on a tour. There are Blue Caves at 3 locations around the island: 1. At Cape Skinari on the northern tip of the island. These are the most spectacular. There are several boats offering trips from Agios Nikolaos Port, also from Makris Gialos Alikes and Alykanas. You can hire a "self-drive" motorboat for the day from several operators in Alykanas to visit the blue caves and then spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the northeast coast on your way back. These caves are also on the itinerary of the large round-the-island cruise ships operating out of Zakynthos town. 2. Keri - also pretty good. 3. Porto Vromi - Not as spectacular, you will visit these as part of the tours to the shipwreck.
Here you can get a panorama view of the sea, having both the calm waters of the east and the windy of the west within view. Here there are also some ruins from the great earthquake of 1953.
If you are interested in Greek modern history, visit the in, dedicated to the national poet of the Greeks, who wrote the nation's national anthem.
Built as a smuggler ship, it lost its engines in 1981 and was washed ashore in a magnificent small bay. Featured in Greek tourist ads, it is on the west coast and best visited by going there from Porto Vromi. Go there either early in the morning or in the afternoon (>15:00), as in the time between the big around-the-island cruise ships anchor there and the beach is heavily crowded. It's not rare to have 20 boats all moored each putting a few hundred people ashore at once. Going there in off-peak times ensures you will have the beach pretty much to your own. The beach is closed as of 2026 because of rockfall risk: landing, swimming and access to the shore are prohibited. Boat trips may still offer views of the cove from the sea, subject to the Port Authority’s current safety restrictions, For the ultimate picture, follow the signs to the Agios Gergio Kremnao monastery - when you arrive there, use the road to your right to get to a small viewing platform some 180 m above the wreck and is where most of the picture postcard shots are taken from. It can be nicer to see it from this perspective than on the beach.
The partially ruined Venetian fortress occupies a pine-covered hill above the town, with surviving gates, walls, church ruins and views over the harbour. Combine it with a walk through Bochali, a handsome old quarter with cafés and an especially good evening panorama.
The major church of Zakynthos’ patron saint, whose relics are kept here. Its tall bell tower is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks, and it is an important place of worship rather than simply an architectural stop.
A worthwhile complement to the Solomos Museum, with icons, carved iconostases, wall paintings and religious art from the Byzantine through post-Byzantine periods. It also helps explain how Zakynthos Town looked before the destructive 1953 earthquake.
The town’s two principal historic squares reflect its Venetian and later Greek character. Solomos Square faces the waterfront and contains the major museum buildings, while Saint Mark’s Square is a smaller, more intimate square associated with the island’s political and cultural history.
The Marine Park protects loggerhead turtles, Mediterranean monk-seal habitat and sensitive coastal ecosystems. The information points near Gerakas and Vasilikos offer useful context before visiting turtle-nesting beaches or taking a wildlife boat trip.
One of the island’s best clifftop viewpoints, looking over the Ionian Sea and the two dramatic sea stacks known as the Mizithres. Visit near sunset, but keep well back from cliff edges and avoid relying on unprotected photo spots.
A quiet historic monastery in the inland northwest, traditionally associated with Saint Dionysios. It makes a rewarding cultural stop when exploring the Navagio viewpoint, Porto Vromi or the northern villages.
A tiny pine-covered islet linked to Agios Sostis by a wooden bridge. It is a photogenic short stop, particularly at sunset, rather than a major historical attraction.
A large hilltop cross and expansive west-coast views make Kampi one of the island’s classic sunset stops. It is a simple but effective addition for travellers driving the rugged western interior.
One of the best beaches on the island. You can get there by free shuttle services from Laganas, Kalamaki, and Argasi, but to get a ticket to get the shuttle back again you have to pay to use a sun lounger (€4). Water sports (diving, jet skis, etc.) are offered, as well as a big British-run beach bar. This is not to be confused by the Agios Nikolaos village in the north of the island which shares little in common with this one.
A long stretch of beach in front of the 2 resorts with plenty of facilities, sunbeds, watersports. To the west of the Skourtis River mouth is Alikes, to the east is Alykanas. The Alikes section is quite narrow and also quite stony in places, backed by numerous bars and restaurants, mostly competing to be the least Greek. The best sand is to be found at the eastern end, close to the little fishing port of Agios Kyriaki, where the Neraida Taverna offers friendly service and traditional, freshly-cooked local dishes, backed by live traditional music in the evening. There's also a "shipwreck", a sunken wooden sailing yacht sitting in quite shallow water which kids (and grown-up kids!) can wade out to and climb all over. A walk of around 1km from Alykanas Resort, through old Alykanas village, brings you to the peaceful Xehoriati Beach. This narrow stretch of fine sand has beautiful views across to Kefalonia and the Peloponnese, and shelves out very slowly offering safe swimming with a number of rocky reefs for interesting snorkelling. Xehoriati is served by 2 restaurants vying to have the most incongruous name. The apparently native-North-American-themed Redskins is run by a friendly young Italian couple serving up their native cuisine, while Shoestring (nothing to do with the 1970s UK TV detective), up a flight of steps at the eastern end of the beach, offers typical tourist taverna fare at lunchtime and close to a "fine-dining" menu in the evenings (save room at any time of day for the excellent home-made desserts), all with stunning views. There's also a mini-market about 150 m from the beach for snacks, chilled drinks.
This is a lovely sandy beach in the marine reserve with a complete ban on traffic. It's a quiet beach that has only a few locals on the beach, tavernas for food and drink, along with sunbeds.
The main loggerhead turtle nesting beach. This is a large long and wide sandy beach and gently shelving shore with sun beds and umbrellas provided. Some areas of the beach are off limits due to turtles nesting and the beach is closed at dusk for the same reason. There is a steep hill or steps leading from the cliff top to get down to the beach. A car park is provided but in busy periods this can fill up. Also near here are several tavernas for food and toilets.
The resort of Kalamaki shares a long uninterrupted sandy beach that runs from there to Laganas a few miles away. In some places it can be crowded, but the further towards the middle you get the fewer people you find and given its size it's possible to find somewhere quiet.
Small sandy beach with crystal blue and shallow waters ideal for children. There are many tavernas offering home cooked food. At the center of the beach you can enjoy the Caffe del Mar by Kostas.
The family resort of Tsilivi boasts a wide and long sandy beach, watersports, sunbeds, and ample car parking.
A compact pebbly cove where mineral-rich water reaches the sea, giving the water its distinctive smell and feel. Come for a short, memorable swim rather than a long beach day.
More natural lagoon than beach, with steep limestone walls, ladders or rock entries, and exceptionally clear deep water. Excellent for confident swimmers and snorkellers; not ideal for small children or anyone wanting sand.
A dramatic west-coast cove with rock platforms, deep blue water and a low-key beach-bar atmosphere. Best for swimming, jumping from rocks where conditions allow, and sunset.
A wild limestone swimming spot below the cliffs near Agalas. Reach it on foot and expect rock slabs rather than sand; shoes with grip are useful.
Reached by boat in Laganas Bay, this small island has striking coves and a famous sandy beach. Visit on a licensed boat trip and expect access restrictions designed to protect turtle habitat.
A crucial turtle-nesting beach with highly restricted access. It is important environmentally rather than a beach to plan a swim around.
The large, lively Vasilikos beach, sometimes called Banana Beach is:a long sand, shallow water, sunbeds, watersports and beach bars. It is one of the best all-round choices for groups and families.
A pleasantly developed Vasilikos beach with sand, shallow water and attractive rock formations at one end. A strong middle ground between Banana’s activity and Gerakas’ quieter feel.
A family-friendly pebble beach in a sheltered bay, with clear, shallow water and tavernas nearby. It is also a convenient departure point for boat trips to the Keri Caves and Marathonisi.
A handsome pebble beach on the northeast coast with clear water and a more peaceful atmosphere than the main resorts. Good for swimming and snorkelling.
A pair of sheltered pebble coves on the northwest coast, known as departure points for Navagio boat trips. Worth visiting in its own right for the water and steep cliff scenery.
Small, lesser-known northeast coves with vivid water and a more rugged feel. Better for independent explorers with a car than for a fully serviced beach day.
Due to the small size of the island, with a rental car it's perfectly possible to drive a complete lap of the island stopping at some interesting places on the way. For example, starting at Zakynthos town, drive north along the coast road and visit Tsilivi. Continue past Alykes and Alykanes. The scenery gets more impressive as you climb towards the mountains. The road then drops into the picturesque resort of Agios Nikolaos. From there you traverse the north coast passing Navagio (aka shipwreck) and the viewing platform and Volimes in the mountains where local arts and crafts can be bought. Then to the west coast travelling south the bay of Limnionas is extremely pretty, quiet with just a taverna that serves excellent food. Further south from there you have Kampi with stunning clifftop views and eventually Keri lighthouse with more stunning views, especially at sunset.
Although, like the rest of Greece, the area is devoid of fish due to massive overfishing, the south of the island has a few decent sites such as "The Arch" and Keri Caves. Numerous dive operators work out of Laganas, Keri, and elsewhere.
The endangered loggerhead turtle uses the beaches for its nesting and a marine reserve has been established in the south around the Laganas Bay to protect these (although it appears to be completely ignored outside tourist season) Many outfits in Laganas, Kalamaki and even Vassilikos offer short or full day trips including swim stops to look for these turtles. You stand most chance of seeing them between May and early July with the numbers decreasing after this.
These shy, gentle creatures nest in the south of the island during the spring and summer months, but their numbers are threatened of late, and one of the biggest culprits is undoubtedly mass tourism. Eggs that have been laid on the beaches of Laganas and Kalamaki have in the past been smashed by deck chairs or dug up by children. Turtles have been killed on Zakynthos roads after having been disoriented by the bright neon lights of the bars they mistake for the moon by which they navigate their way to the sea. Thankfully, the Greek authorities are placing emphasis on protecting the turtles with signs and volunteers reminding tourists on the beaches of their duty to respect the turtles and stay away from them.
However, several unscrupulous firms on the island run "turtle tours", whereupon a tourist can pay to take a boat ride to "spot" the turtles. This is not a good idea. The turtles are easily distressed by this intrusion, and this has a knock-on effect on their breeding and hence is contributing to the threat to their very survival.
Restaurant with a friendly owner who serves traditional Greek fare: baklavas, stifado, briam, at very reasonable prices in large portions, with an unrivaled view of the Ionian Sea and Kefalonia rising from the mist in the background.
Serves a good variety of Greek and international food.
Many restaurants on the island claim they are authentic and traditional. This one just is, without claiming so. A trip back in time. Run by a very kind and hardworking family who makes delicious homemade food. There is no menu. You'll just get what the family has cooked that day. If they have it, the chicken from the oven is very much recommended. Their terrace at the back provides a charming view of the nearby sea, especially with a full moon, and the surrounding hills, including the many olive tree groves. And if you're lucky, someone might even join you to taste a glass of family-distilled raki from Volimes. For the food alone, worth a visit when you're near Porto Roma or Gerakas Beach.
The server comes to your table and, almost too fast to comprehend, tells you with a strong Greek accent what you can eat and drink. At the same time, he kindly, but unwaveringly, tries to convince you to order something specific. Usually what the men just around the corner have on the grill. If you order something else, it can take a little while, but it will be just as delicious. Both fish and lamb from the grill are recommended, as are the roasted vegetables. A delightful spot, especially in combination with the sound of the sea just below you.
Furnished, self-catering studios and apartments at the seaside. It is a family complex of five self-catering apartments and two studios with spacious and comfortable rooms.
Apartments and studios 50 m from the beach.
6 different villas, some as close as 200 metres from the beach, and free Wi-Fi.
Bozonos Villa covers an area of 450 m² and occupies a 1,600 m² property.
10 self-catered cottages sleeping 2-7 people. Air-con, Internet, library, playroom, playground, maid service, bed linen, bicycles, BBQ all included in the price. Walking distance to beach, supermarket, taverns and car rental. Open May to October.
Argassi Hotel
The Edelweiss complex is in the beautiful seaside village resort of Argassi with the magnificent Mt Skopos as its backdrop.
Hillside setting with fabulous coastal views, private pool and gardens a family friendly property. 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, (comfortable for up to 8 people) kitchen, dining area, living area, private pool with hydro massage, children's pool, private playground, private parking area, outdoor dining-living area, outdoor shower, BBQ, satellite TV, Wi-Fi.
This cosy pink cottage, which sleeps 5, is in an oak forest with a private garden with sea view and a path leading down to a small secluded beach.
Stone villa with 2 bedrooms to accommodate 6 people. In a quiet area close to the beach. Free airport transfer. Free Wi-Fi.
Villas with private swimming pool. Tastefully decorated and close to the beach of Kaminia.
Kookis Village is a group of villas near Keri Lake.
Zakynthos Apartments
Comprises 10 unique houses ranging from one-bedroom bungalows to two-bedroom cottages.
On two levels. Beautifully furnished throughout in traditional Zakynthian-style. The ground floor has a large living room with two comfortable single divans with orthopaedic mattresses for extra sleeping arrangements. Outside, there is a large wooden deck terrace which is literally perched above the sea as well as a smaller kitchen patio. The villa is surrounded by lushly planted gardens and a little gate leads you down a private path to the beach (30 m).
Porta del Mar is a group of beach villas on Psarou Beach near Messo Gerakari.
Villa Ira Zante is in a small cluster of villas that form the Aresti Mountain Resort. It has 3 bedrooms, a private pool, BBQ, linens, towels, a microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, air conditioning, gardens, satellite TV, and DVD player, with maid service twice a week.
Offers Greek and international cuisine.
Venetian-style villa among olive trees yet on the edge of the Ionian sea and just a short walk to Gerakas beach. There is a stunning living room with a marble fireplace, a uniquely handmade wooden library, a kitchen, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a balcony, terraces, well-maintained gardens, a private little forest and a secluded rocky beach.
The hotel Panorama has operated as a naturist hotel from 2010 and is one of the few of that kind in Greece
A 5-bedroom villa that can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Closes mid-October for the winter.
Villa in Tsilivi for up to 6 persons.
BnB apartment in Zante town.
By ship
Zakynthos has ferry links to Kyllini on the Greek mainland from Zakynthos Town.20 per person and €38 per car. Ferries to Kefalonia can be boarded at Aghios Nikolas, on the northeast tip of the island.
By car
The best way to get around is by rental car. There are literally dozens of rental agencies on the island besides the big ones. Preferably get a 4WD car, as some attractions are off the main roads.
By motorbike/scooters
Rental agencies abound. However, scooters may be somewhat painful to ride around the island, because it is very hilly, so get something with a little bit more power.
By bicycle
Cycling is a pleasant way of navigating the southern and central parts of the island, if somewhat impractical in the rougher, hillier terrain of the north.
By private boat
Visit the famous shipwreck "Navagio", the blue Caves, the Keri Caves, Marathonisi island, the Mizithres Rocks and many hidden beaches by renting a private boat.
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Zakynthos · International · ZTH
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