Zakynthos attractions, beaches

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Zakynthos is one of the best known and most popular Greek islands, with wonderful beaches and attractions.

Zakynthos Island is located in the Ionian Sea, in western Greece, west of the Peloponnese peninsula coast. Thanks to its natural beauty and picturesque capital, the Venetians called it the Flower of the East. It was named after Zakynthos, the son of Dardanus in Greek mythology.

It’s worth renting a motorcycle or car, which makes it easy to explore Zakynthos.

Only buses operate on the island, all departing from the capital. From there, you can reach most places. Keep in mind that there are only a few services per day, and barely any on weekends. Information about bus transportation can be found here!

Zakynthos attractions

Zakinthos (Zante)

Unlike the centers of other islands, the capital of the island doesn’t offer many attractions. Many buildings were damaged in the 1953 earthquake, but fortunately, the rebuilding was done in the old Venetian style.

It’s worth visiting the Byzantine Museum in the center, where works by El Greco are displayed.

At the entrance to the harbor is the Orthodox Church of Agios Dionysios, where the patron saint of Zakynthos is buried.

Laganas

Zakynthos’ tourist center, dominated by nightlife. There are numerous accommodations, bars, and restaurants within a few kilometers.

It doesn’t have much Greek character; it’s typically chosen by those looking to party!

The island’s most popular beach is also here. Laganas Beach is 9 km long, with brown sand, and its water is shallow and deepens slowly. This makes it ideal for families with children. Additionally, there are many sports opportunities here.

Kalamaki

Located east of the airport, this area is quieter and more peaceful than Laganas, but you can still find entertainment venues here.

The aforementioned Laganas Beach extends all the way here, so you can also relax on the sandy beach in this area.

Agios Sostis

This settlement is located west of Laganas. It’s also a popular tourist spot with a whole row of taverns and bars.

Don’t miss Cameo Island! You can reach it on foot via a small wooden bridge, the Agios Sostis Bridge. On the way, you can see many marine animals due to the rocky seabed. It’s actually a small elevation, but the view of the bay is beautiful. Locals call it the disco island, as a disco awaits tourists in the evenings.

Marathonisi Island

From the port of Agios Sostis, you can reach Turtle Island by boat. A special feature is the glass-bottom boats, allowing you to see the aquatic wildlife along the way.

The biggest attraction is the loggerhead sea turtle (caretta caretta), which lays its eggs in this area. Of course, the island also has a sandy beach.

Vassilikos Peninsula

Located in the southeastern part of the island, this peninsula has several excellent beaches.

Its most famous beach is Gerakas, which is about 1 km long with sand. Its water deepens slowly, so you can walk quite far out, from where there’s a great view of Laganas Bay.

Many also like Dafni, Porto Roma, and Banana Beach.

Here is the Sea Turtle and Wildlife information center, which was established to protect turtles.

Tsilivi

Traveling northwest from the capital, you’ll find this settlement. Its sandy beach is a popular coastal area, surrounded by many bars and taverns.

On the edge of the town is Tsilivi Water Park, where adults can also have a good time thanks to long slides. Don’t expect too many slides, but it can be included as a one-day program. Information can be found here!

Alykanas

North of Tsilivi, we find this charming settlement, next to Alykes. It has become one of Zakynthos’ most popular holiday destinations, situated among hills and olive groves.

Alykanas Beach, together with Alykes Beach, forms a long sandy beach, which is one of the island’s cleanest and most beautiful beaches. It’s also popular among water sports enthusiasts.

Navagio Bay

If you haven’t heard this name, you’ve certainly seen it! It’s not only one of the leading attractions in Zakynthos but also one of the most famous locations in the entire country!

It was originally called St. George’s Bay. The iconic shipwreck stands in the bay, which is protected by high white limestone cliffs behind and on two sides.

The combination of white cliffs and blue water gives the bay its wonderful, postcard-like panorama.

It got its current name because on October 2, 1980, the cargo ship Panagotis had an accident here due to bad weather and technical failure. According to some rumors, the ship was smuggling cigarettes and ran aground while fleeing from the Greek Coast Guard. That’s why the place is also called Smuggler’s Cove. Whether this is actually true, we don’t know, it might just be a marketing ploy.

You can reach the top of the high cliffs above the bay by car, from where there’s an excellent view of the bay and the beach area. Presumably, everyone has seen this in pictures before; it’s one of the most photographed places.

In 2018, the rock section behind the ship collapsed. In 2023, authorities banned boats from docking!

Blue Caves

These caves are located at the northern tip of the island, where excursionists are taken by boats.

Over the centuries, the sea has carved out many smaller and larger caves in the limestone rocks, where sunlight enters through small openings and paints the water a beautiful turquoise blue. That’s why they’re called blue caves.

Keri Caves

Similar to the Blue Caves, this formation is located at the southern tip of Zakynthos, on the Keri Peninsula.

They can only be accessed by boat and are a main attraction in many organized excursions. It’s a perfect location for swimming and diving.

Xigia Caves

On the eastern shore, there’s a small beach here where sulfur seeps from the caves into the sea. Because of this, the water has beneficial effects on joint ailments, but you have to endure the slightly pungent smell.

It’s not in a developed area, but you can find a few taverns and accommodations on the section above the beach.

Porto Limnionas Beach

This quiet beach is located on the western shore, so you don’t have to expect crowds.

It has a rocky shore, but an inlet bay gives it a fantastic atmosphere. Above the entrance to the bay, there’s a single restaurant with a great view.

Porto Roxa Beach

Located not far south from Limnionas Beach, it’s a similarly rocky, cliffy beach. There are several restaurants and bars here.

There’s only one spot for jumping, making it a very good little beach section for those seeking a bit of adventure. Additionally, the underwater wildlife is fantastic in this area.

Exo Chora

The attraction of this small village near the western coast is an old olive tree.

There’s a legend that the tree is already 2000 years old. This isn’t proven, but the olive tree still bears fruit. If we’re in the area, it’s definitely worth stopping for a picture!

Anafonitria Monastery

There are numerous monasteries on Zakynthos, of which Anafonitria is the most famous.

The story of the monastery’s construction is full of mystery. It was founded in the 15th century when a local resident accidentally discovered an icon in the rocks that emitted a faint light. The light shone and re-ignited, and to the surprised residents, it seemed as if the icon was screaming (hence the name, as „Anafonitria” means „screaming”). A small chapel was built on the site, then a monastery.

During the strong earthquake of 1953, when almost every building on the island collapsed, this monastery was not damaged at all, which further strengthened people’s belief in the miracle.

At the entrance to the church, there’s a bastion with a bell tower. The three-nave monastery with a wooden roof is a wonderful building.