Zakynthos Beaches
Zakynthos island is perhaps together with Mykonos and Santorini among the most famous and noble of all the Greek Islands. Emblem the spectacular Shipwreck beach that you will find in every postcard that represents the archipelagos of Greece.
It is a perfect island for everyone, both for its proximity to Italy and for its lively nightlife, so much so that it is chosen every year by the very young for the legendary "high school trip", by couples looking for romance and Zakynthos manages to offer sunsets that no one can envy, from families to the multitude of sandy beaches that cover the area.
In short, in a few words it manages to satisfy any desire regarding a holiday in Greece.
Being able to describe all the beaches of Zakynthos is a real feat, as always we give you a small outline to help you organize your stay and try to explore as much as possible.
The Shipwreck Beach
Shipwrech beach is undoubtedly the most photographed and coveted during a stay in Zakynthos. We find it in the northwest near the Anafonitria village. A magical bay made up of a coastline of small white stones, high cliffs that embrace it and an unreal sea of a bright blue that, with the surrounding landscape, makes this corner a real paradise. In reality, before the shipwreck, the beach was known as Agios Georgiou Stra Gremma (St. George of the cliffs) due to the monastery above the cliffs. The reason for the color of the sea is due to the sulfur that comes out of the sulphurous caves around the beach and for the bluest part to the poseidonias that grow naturally undisturbed. The Shipwreck beach only became popular in 1980 following the shipwreck of the cargo MX Panagiotis, a smugglers ship carrying cigarettes and spirits which, pursued by the Hellenic Coast Guard, hid in the bay but during the night due to a furious storm, ran aground on the beach. Obviously it is not equipped and above all it is super crowded in the summer period, thousands of visitors arrive every day either with a rented boat or through the numerous organized excursions. It can be reached only and exclusively by sea.
Agios Sostis Beach
Agios Sostis beach is located in the south of the island just a couple of kilometers from the lively resort of Laganas. In a beautiful bay that also houses a small island called Cameo Island formed following a violent earthquake, connected to the mainland by a particular wooden bridge, there is a splendid beach of soft gold-colored sand, a turquoise sea with crystalline and clean waters sloping floor ideal for families with children and those who like to swim. It is well equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and some taverns where you can taste the dishes of the classic Greek and local cuisine. Finding yourself in the Turtles Gulf it will not be difficult to meet some nice specimens and in this regard we ask you to have the utmost respect as they are now endangered animals. At Agios Sostis beach, you can have fun discovering the underwater world, there are many animal and plant species that live in the abyss. In the evening with the lighting it becomes one of the most romantic places in Zakynthos and one of the most beautiful discos under the stars. If you want to go and visit the Keri Cave or the Marathonisi island, organized excursions leave from here every day. Reaching it is easy, if you stay in Lagans you can also get there on foot with a walk of about half an hour, or with your own vehicle or public transport, and finally by sea.
Daphni Beach
Dafni beach also called Daphe, we find it in the southeast area of Vassilikos just after Kalamaki beach. It is part of the Marine National Park and therefore a protected area. An extensive beach of golden sand, a sea of iridescent colors that go from turquoise to intense blue, strangely warm and transparent waters with a sandy bottom that descends slowly so much that it is favored by families with small children. It is possible to stay there until sunset and to arrive an hour after dawn, bathing is forbidden outside these times to preserve the turtles. Set within two large rocks at its ends, about half of it is fully equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a choice of tavernas and small bars. Furthermore, it is not possible to practice water sports always for the protection of the animals. Snorkeling, on the other hand, is allowed and you will surely meet many inhabitants of the abyss. A part of Dafni beach is closed to the public because there are turtle nests. Just in front of the islet of Pelouzo reachable by swimming but only if you are good swimmers. To get to Dafni beach, just head towards Vassilikos and leave your vehicle if you are independent in the parking lot and then continue on foot following the directions.
Gerakas Beach
Gerakas beach considered one of the top of Zakynthos island, is located in the south at the very end of the Vassilikos peninsula. A narrow but long beach of soft golden sand, a sparkling blue sea with clear and transparent waters with a gently sloping seabed, perfect for families with children. Gerakas beach is a favorite with the friendly caretta-caretta turtles who come to reproduce every year, so you will understand that this is also a protected area and visits are limited at certain times. Despite its fame, it is still wild and original and if you want to witness Mother Nature's miracle, come at dawn, you could see the eggs hatch and the small lizards instinctively head towards the sea. For the most part it is not equipped while an area has sunbeds, umbrellas and refreshment points just behind, you can choose whether to sit in a typical tavern or in a small bar for something light and quick. In the end, near the promontory now closed to tourism, the soil becomes clayey and once upon a time it was possible to have beauty treatments at no cost but as always, human beings ruin everything and to avoid the disintegration of the soil since everyone was detaching the clay, the island has decided to forbid access. It can be reached easily, if you are autonomous just head following the signs to the Vassilikos Peninsula while if you travel by public transport from the capital every day there are trips that arrive directly.
Kalamaki Beach
Kalamaki beach is found southeast of Zakynthos in the beautiful Laganas Bay. Ideal for families and for those who want peace and quiet, it is part of the Zante Marine National Park and therefore under environmental protection. Turtles also come to Kalamki beach to reproduce, so pay attention to the prohibitions. A long beach of soft golden sand with a large number of shells, gigantic cliffs that frame it protecting them from atmospheric events, a sea that is almost always calm and turquoise, crystal clear and clean waters with shallow waters. For one part it is possible find sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars or taverns, a completely free section towards the end where the cliff seems to fall into the sea at any moment and a part is absolutely off-limits. A providential pine forest divides it from Laganas by now known and multifaceted tourist resort. It goes without saying that during the summer it becomes a swarm of people looking for their place for a wonderful day at the beach. One of the strong points of Kalamaki beach is the sunset, everything takes on warm colors and you will feel at peace with the world. It can be reached either with a rental vehicle or on foot if you have chosen Laganas as a base or with the public service but always pay attention to the timetables.
Alykanas Beach
Alykanas beach is on the north east coast of Zakynthos. Within the Alykes Gulf which is a succession of beautiful beaches and where sometimes you can't figure out where one ends and the other begins, offers a sandy coast, the usual turquoise sea (how boring ..), transparent waters and very shallow sandy bottoms perfect for the little ones. It is well equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, games and water sports while, as far as catering is concerned, the village behind it offers a great choice of bars, taverns, restaurants, mini markets and shops. From here, when the sky is clear, you can see the Kefalonia island. Even if the beach is not extensive, it manages to offer days of tranquility obviously not in the high season when the island is filled with tourists. Excursions to Shipwreck beach also leave from Alykanas beach. If you see it starting to fill up, you can move to other wonderful coves such as Xeroriatis beach or Aghia Kyriaki beach rather than reaching Xygia beach or Makris Gialos beach, other undisputed pearls of Zakynthos. For those who like trekking, an interesting trail that arrives at the picturesque Vrahionas village. To get to Alykanas beach you either have your own transport or a public bus.
Donkey Beach
Donkey beach is in the southeast not far from the town of Tsilivi, another important pole for tourism in Zakynthos. Circular in shape and part of the Planou community and the Tragaki community, it is a small coast of soft sand mixed with pebbles, crystal clear waters and a turquoise sea with a gently sloping seabed much loved by families with children. It is also known as Paralia Gaidaros (paralia beach, Gaidaros donkey) because in the past it was full of these cute and sweet animals. It is equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds and a canteen where you can find something to eat or drink. For the more sporty, a beach volleyball court. A section of the beach, on the other hand, is completely free and if you manage to conquer one of the trees that surround it, you can enjoy a wonderful day at the beach. Donkey beach is perfect for relaxation not in high season but where you could find many if not too many. If you are an expert explorer, before the marina there is a path that leads to a small, almost hidden beach where, if you are lucky to arrive first, it will be just for you. Getting to Donkey beach is simple, direction Tsilivi and then follow the signs.
Kryoneri Beach
Kryoneri beach is found just one kilometer from Zante Town in a south-easterly direction. Let's say that we can consider it as the beach of the capital, so much so that it is very popular with locals at the weekend and after work. A small beach of stones and rocks and in this regard, if you have delicate feet, wear shoes, a calm sea with clean waters and shallow water. Snorkelers at Kryoneri beach will be able to enjoy themselves in search of the very lively and varied marine fauna and flora. It is not equipped and let's face it a little uncomfortable but it's fine if one day you don't want to go to the conquest of Zakynthos or even for a pre-dinner bath. Being in the city when it comes to food and drink you will be spoiled for choice. Nothing could be easier to get here, if you are staying in Zante Town just take a walk, otherwise head to the capital either with a rental vehicle or through the public bus routes and maybe take advantage of a stroll through the shops.
Limni Keri Beach
Let's make a clarification right away, in Zakynthos we have two areas called Keri, one is the one relating to the Keri village where there is also the iconic lighthouse where you can see one of the most beautiful sunsets in Zakynthos and the majestic Mizithres which, as if by magic, rise from the sea and where the largest Greek flag of all this beautiful piece of the universe is located, the other area is Limni Keri, on the coast on the edge of Cape Marathia with the Marathonisi island facing southwest of Zakynthos. Limni Keri beach is part of the Zante Marine National Park and has a coastline of small white pebbles, transparent and crystalline waters, an emerald sea with shallow and sandy bottoms. Behind the village as well as where you can find a typical tavern rather than a cafeteria or a mini market if you like DIY, the beach is surrounded by trees which give refreshment during the hottest hours as, not being equipped, it has no sunbeds or umbrellas. Organized excursions depart from Limni Keri to visit the caves and the Marathonisi island. If you wish, you can also go diving by relying on the centers in the area to explore the submerged wonders. We advise you to stop for the sunset, a moment you will hardly forget. Being quite crowded during the summer period, if you want some privacy and tranquility move a bit further to the beach of Keri Lake where a lake once existed. To reach Limni Keri beach you either have a car or a scooter or you can take a public bus.
Plakaki Beach
Plakaki beach hidden because it is a bit difficult to get there is located southwest of Zakynthos not far from the Aglas village, a pearl frozen in time. Known as Cape Plakaki, it is not a real beach, it is actually a flat rock where you can spread out your towel and enjoy a day at the beach in total relaxation. An inlet that has an emerald and blue sea, clean and transparent waters with an immediately deep seabed therefore not really suitable for children but rather for expert swimmers. The landscape is extraordinary, as you descend towards the rocks, on the right two large rocks that rise from the sea, on the left an islet with some shrubs and behind you the cliffs sculpted by the wind, this is the scenario you will find yourself in front of. Given its impervious location, it becomes a very intimate place that usually only locals dare to go while enjoying one of the most beautiful views of Zakynthos. Here only nature nothing more so if you decide to spend a few hours or even the whole day remember to bring everything you need and above all wear suitable shoes to go down otherwise you risk hurting yourself by slipping. Snorkelling here is a real pleasure. Also take the opportunity to visit the wells of Adronios the Dragon or the Damianos Cave protector of Zakynthos. To get to Plakaki you have to reach the Aglas village, leave your vehicle (it is essential to be independent as there are no public buses arriving) and take a path carved into the mountain which will lead you to this strange place zigzagging.
Kaminia Beach or Porto Kaminia
Kaminia beach also known as Porto Kaminia, is in the Vassilikos peninsula in a south-east direction of Zakynthos. Nothing else but the continuation of Porto Koukla is perfect for a day where to get away from the world. A strip of golden sand, a turquoise sea with a gently sloping seabed, crystalline and immaculate waters, a paradise. It is equipped with a few umbrellas and sunbeds, a couple of taverns where you can taste local delicacies and Greek cuisine. The landscape is fabulous, the mountain dotted with thick vegetation which, in contrast with the colors of the sea, offer a relaxing and typically Greek environment. Also go and see the Xirocastello village with a crazy view of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding area and stop for lunch or dinner, here the taverns offer a gastronomic proposal that is still genuine and based on ancient recipes. Even the Xirokasteliotissa monastery and the Holy Trinity monastery are very interesting and above all they are located in the middle of an enchanted forest called Loggos Tou Agiou. To Porto Kaminia beach it is advisable to get there with your own vehicle so as to take advantage of the day to admire the wonders that surround it.
Psarou Beach
Psarou beach is in the middle of the Tsilivi and Amoundi regions southeast of Zakynthos. Also known as Ambula beach, it is very quiet, few know it and consequently little frequented. A coast of soft light sand, clean and intensely blue waters, depths that descend slowly, excellent for those who love swimming and for families with children. It is not equipped and even as regards the natural shade there is no trace so be sure to bring either an umbrella or a hat to protect you from the hot Hellenic sunrays. To eat or drink, on the other hand, behind you you will find several typical taverns or simple little bars where you can quench your thirst and satiate your stomach. A still intact environment where you can take a pleasant walk among flowers and trees arriving as far as Alykes if you want. Go there after noon and you will have a unique electric blue sea, or at dawn when the shy and sleepy sun appears from the promontory, or at sunset with its colors worthy of a painting. You can reach Psarou beach with your own transport, by sea by renting a small boat in Zante Town or on foot directly from Alykes, going all the way to the water's edge.
Tsilivi Beach
Tsilivi beach is seven kilometers from Zante Town southeast of Zakynthos. An area much sought after especially by families with children for the beautiful beaches. Inside the homonymous gulf, the Tsilivi beach stretches for over a kilometer with a width of forty meters, all of soft sand with some pebbles at times, a turquoise sea, transparent and crystalline waters with shallow waters perfect for playing insecurity. It is awarded the Blue Flag every year and it is not so strange to understand given its services and perfectly preserved natural environment. It is super equipped, sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, water games for all tastes, typical taverns where you can taste Greek cuisine, international restaurants, shops, cafes, in short, all the possible comforts for a peaceful holiday in Zakynthos. Its favorable position almost always shelters it from the wind, an added value for sure. For those who want a bit of tranquillity, Tsilivi beach also has a free area where you can choose the most suitable place for you. Getting there is easy, there are many public rides that lead to Tsilivi or, as always, with a rental vehicle.
Xigia Beach
Xigia beach is another diamond of Zakynthos, we find it in one of the wildest areas of the island in the north-east not far from the Alykes village. Hidden in a depression of the land on the coast with steep white cliffs that surround it where a florid vegetation of Mediterranean scrub grows, in contrast with the turquoise of the sea, it creates an environment with tropical scents. A coast of white pebbles, clear blue waters thanks to the presence of sulfur from the underground source of fresh water that flows into the sea, has depths that descend quickly so if you have children with you, be very careful. For those who want to spend their time snorkelling, the area is perfect. As for the cave, if you are skilled swimmers you can go and discover it, remember that the entrance is small with murky water due to the sulfur and consequently visibility is limited. On the other hand, it is highly therapeutic especially for skin problems, arthritis and muscle pain. Don't wear your best bathing suit and immediately take a shower as soon as you leave. Xigia beach is equipped with not many sunbeds and umbrellas given its reduced size and only one tavern which is located before going down the stairs. To get there you have to be independent there are no public buses that do this route.
Banana Beach
Banana Beach is south of Zakynthos in Vassilikos peninsula. One of the longest coasts of the island, an immense expanse of soft light sand, a sea with iridescent colors of blue, crystalline and clean waters and shallow waters. A lush pine forest frames it, a real godsend when the sun beats down. It is well equipped, there are many beaches, beach bars, typical taverns rather than small bars for something light and fast and a wide range of water sports. It is very popular and consequently very crowded in the summer period but being so large there is almost no danger of finding yourself crammed next to each other. The services are excellent, the little ones can have fun until they drop playing in the water while the adults relax and enjoy a wonderful day at the beach. You can also choose Banana Beach as a base camp for your holidays in Zakynthos, there are many accommodations available and for all budgets. Given its favorable position, it is never blown by the wind and perhaps this is one of the main reasons why it is always highly sought after. Reaching it is easy being a well-known seaside area, you can get there either independently or with a public bus.
Laganas Beach
Laganas beach is undoubtedly the realm of young people or those who do not want to go and discover Zakynthos for a day. The most commercial of the whole island extends for kilometers merging at a certain point with the undoubtedly most beautiful Kalamaki beach. A coast of soft sand, shallow waters up to almost ten meters from the shore, clean waters and a blue sea, not bad anyway for being in one of the busiest seaside resorts of Zakynthos. Not equipped, more offers visitors a multitude of services, beach bars that turn into open-air discos in the evening and where legendary parties are organized with DJ sets and events, water sports and more to choose from, even getting confused about which one to prefer like a good and healthy game of beach volleyball, or the thrill of a parachute just to give you an idea. And still go to the discovery of the abyss with a diving session relying on the many structures that offer this type of activity. As for catering, also in this case the choice is varied, clubs, bars, mini markets for DIY, typical taverns, international restaurants in a nutshell you will not die of hunger or thirst. Opposite the Laganas beach is the Agios Sostis islet. Despite being one of the most exploited, it still falls within the Zakynthos Marine Park, a super protected area.
Blue Caves
However, Zakynthos island does not only have immense beaches, it also offers its guests parts where Nature has created true masterpieces such as the famous Blue Cave. At the lower tip to the north west almost close to Kefalonia, you will find these wonderful caves smoothed by atmospheric events which one after the other form a fairytale landscape. High white cliffs, a sea that changes according to the light giving surreal reflections and some so big that you can enter them with a boat (small of course). At dawn they give their best, the Ionian Sea and the surrounding area takes on colors that are difficult to explain and during the night when the plankton present in the water becomes phosphorescent, illuminating the sea and creating magical plays of light. The Blue Caves are the perfect place for snorkelling or diving but we recommend that you always do so with due precautions if you are not an expert, perhaps by relying on specialized centres. After a day discovering so much wonder, on your return you can stop for a swim at the wonderful Makris Gialos beach or treat yourself to a dinner of fresh fish at the Alykes village. Reaching the Blue Cave is not difficult now, a solution is by sea or with a rented boat or with an organized excursion, there are many tourist agencies that offer this wonderful day, and again if you want to be completely independent and not go through the sea, with your own transport reach Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skianari, at the old mill leave the messenger and go down the rock steps until you reach the bottom and spread your towel on one of the flat stones and start your exploration or simply enjoy this corner of paradise.
Korakonisi Fjord
Korakonisi Fjord is another attraction of Zakynthos. We find it to the southeast not far from the beautiful Porto Roxa. In truth it is a small island of volcanic origins with an elongated shape connected by a spectacular natural stone arch. A wild and unspoiled part, home to starfish and a lively fauna and flora, therefore perfect for snorkelers. We recommend that you bring an underwater camera to capture the beauty of the abyss. There is no beach, but only rocks forged by the wind and salt, some flat where you can lie down and spend a wonderful day at the beach. The sea surrounding the Karakonisi fjord is an emerald colored spectacle with very clean waters. You can have fun diving from the arch and here given its height we are talking about almost twenty meters it would be better to wear a wetsuit due to the great impact with the water and above all if you are skilled swimmers, or always with a good training behind you going to the left , enter the cave that offers unthinkable colors here too be careful because its depth reaches up to thirty meters. So to reach the Karokonisi Fjord you have to get to the Kiliomeno village, cross the pine forests on the left side and continue towards Agio Leon until you meet the sign indicating Karokonisi. Follow the road until it ends, leave your vehicle there and continue on foot from the steps carved into the rock.
Porto Limnionas
Again, Porto Limnionas cannot be called a beach, it is also a fjord. We find it almost halfway up the island on the west side less than ten kilometers from the Agios Leon village. A corner of paradise still perfectly original and preserved, almost hidden of shocking beauty. The turquoise colored sea is gathered between high white rocks covered with green trees creating a wonderful environment. Its shape is very reminiscent of a mountain lake. To be able to lie down and enjoy so much magnificence, smooth and flat rocks and two recently built terraces equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. To eat or drink something the "Porto Limnionas" tavern where you can satisfy your senses with dishes of classic Greek cuisine and fresh fish. Porto Limnionas is a paradise for snorkelers, the seabed with waters so clean that you can see all the way down is full of lively marine flora and fauna. For the more experienced and you have to be expert otherwise it becomes dangerous going down the steps carved into the rock you can clearly see a cave but it is only recommended for those who love extreme snorkeling given the depth and above all at the water temperature which is very low . To get there you need to be independent, head towards Agios Leon and then follow the signs that descend towards the sea.
Porto Roxa
We find Porto Roxa a couple of kilometers from Porto Limnionas to the south near the Agios Leon village. A delightful gulf with clean and crystalline but a little cold waters, with a majestic cliff behind it, stone terraces and steps in the rock to reach the sea with shades of sparkling blue with a seabed that becomes immediately deep. Wild, completely natural kingdom of snorkelers who can have fun discovering the underwater world and for those who love to swim. On the rocks there are some free sunbeds and umbrellas but with compulsory consumption. To eat some typical taverns where you can delight the palate with local delicacies or the classic Greek tradition. Its best is when the sun goes down transforming everything with warm colors and making the atmosphere highly romantic. If you like diving, two trampolines about four meters high. A very particular part of Zakynthos, especially loved by those who prefer environments not purely based on soft sand. Being all rock, if you have delicate feet, we recommend that you bring some rock shoes. As for Porto Limnionas, to reach Porto Roxa it is necessary to have a rental vehicle or even a taxi if you want, head towards Agios Leon and then follow the road signs.
Porto Vromi
And here we are at another fjord of Zakynthos, Porto Vromi. It is located not far from Shipwreck beach northwest of the island. A picturesque two-pointed bay which on the right has a small sandy beach mixed with pebbles, a sea with aquamarine colors, clear and clear waters with depths that become immediately deep so if you have children with you, pay close attention. Rock mountains dotted with fragrant and luxuriant Mediterranean scrub, Porto Vromi is ideal for snorkelling in search of natural ravines rich in lively marine life. Excursions to the shipwreck beach and to the Blue Cave leave daily from here. The sandy coast is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas but given its small size, as always, the rule is that first come first served, while for something to eat or drink there is a tavern that offers Greek cuisine or a bar for quick and light snacks . To see, the small caves between the rocks, and the "Profile of Poseidon", a bizarre natural sculpture which, when viewed from a certain angle, is very reminiscent of the beloved God of the Sea. To get there it is essential to be independent or to use a taxi, between a road made up of ups and downs that offers fabulous views, head north on the west coast following the road signs.