The Ionian Islands are an atmospheric place with a mild climate, picturesque cliffs, crystal clear azure sea and comfortable beaches for family holidays. In the midst of all this riot of nature, one can single out a unique pearl of the Ionian Sea – the island of Zakynthos (or Zakynthos). The beaches of Zakynthos are a tasty tourist spot.
It is enough to go down the plane steps to feel the intoxicating aroma of pine needles, see exotic plants. Go to the beach, because the sea coast of Zakynthos is its main attraction.
In this article, we have compiled a selection of the best beach spots on the island. Among them are hard-to-reach wild ones, as well as well-equipped ones for families with children.
1. Navagio
The rating of the best beaches of Zakynthos is undoubtedly headed by Navagio Beach. It is not even a beach, but a bay, the main attraction of which is the sunken ship of smugglers “Panagiotis”.
The beach is notable for its seclusion and incredibly beautiful landscapes, which are often depicted on postcards and posters. You can get to this bay on Zakynthos only by water, as it is surrounded on all sides by high inaccessible cliffs. The optimal route is by water, from the port of Volimes. Directly on the beach you can take part in a sightseeing trip with an examination of the caves.
When going on holiday to Navagio Beach on the island of Zakynthos in Greece , there are a few important things to consider.
- Excursions before 13-00 are of little interest to tourists, since at this time most of the bay is in the shade, the already cold water becomes even colder, and the color of the water in the photo is not as beautiful as we would like.
- Always give preference to small excursions – a large number of people will somewhat spoil the impression of the trip.
- When renting a small boat, remember that in this case you won’t be able to land on the shore and you’ll have to swim to Navagio Beach.
- The best time to visit Navagio Bay is from 15:00 to 17:00. At this time, of course, it is very hot here, but the water takes on a magical hue and there are the fewest tourists.
The beach is completely wild, there is no infrastructure, take with you everything you need for a comfortable holiday on the best beach in Zakynthos.
2. Porto-Limnionas
The beauty of pristine nature is fully revealed here. The place is hidden among the bays in the western part of Zakynthos. The coastline is jagged, the beach is protected by rocks, and the water has an incredible azure hue.
Despite the fact that the infrastructure here is at the proper level, the beach remains one of the wildest and most secret. You can get here by following the village of Agios Leon, which is located in the western part of Zakynthos. Keep in mind that the road is steep, leads through the mountains and ends with a parking lot. There is a tavern nearby, try the delicious fish and wine. The tavern is only 30 meters from the beach. Reviews of Porto Limnionas beach are unanimous – the beauty of the landscape here takes your breath away, you come to understand that nature is a perfect master of creation.
The beach is not suitable for swimming with children, as there is no sand here, tourists sit on large stones.
3. Kalamaki
The beach is located in the southern direction from the capital of Zakynthos, 8 km from the city. This is the longest beach on the entire island of Zakynthos, it is quite wide and completely sandy. Walking along it, you will find yourself at another place for relaxation – Laganas beach. Kalamaki is a great option for swimming with children, there is a gentle slope into the water, serious depth begins approximately 100 meters from the shore.
The beach is part of the National Marine Park, so appropriate measures have been taken to protect nature. Visitors can enter from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Water activities such as motorcycles, paragliders and kayaks are available here. Renting 2 sun loungers and an umbrella costs 8 euros per day. Part of the beach is popular with turtles, who nest here. After an active holiday, you can eat at the restaurant. In addition, the beach regularly offers various treats.
The only distraction is the planes in the sky, as Zakynthos Airport is located not far from Kalamaki.
4. Laganas
The length of this beach, which is included in the rating of the best in Zakynthos, is 5 km, it is considered one of the busiest regardless of the season. People love this beach for its fine soft sand, gentle descent into the water. Turtle excursions are held right on the beach, those who wish can ride on a catamaran or a boat with a transparent bottom. If you suddenly decide to swim on your own, it is quite possible to find turtle eggs on the bottom, in appearance they resemble table tennis balls.
As for the disadvantages – a large influx of vacationers, annoying sellers who try to sell small souvenirs. Not far from the beach there is a protected island of Agios Sostis, you can get to it by a pedestrian bridge. Entrance to the island is paid – 4 euros.
5. Gerakas
There are no villages in the immediate vicinity of the beach, the nearest one is 5 km away – Vasilikos. There are hotels here, a little more than two dozen of them in different price categories.
Gerakas is a sandy beach completely surrounded by low cliffs. Some call it the best not only in Zakynthos, but in all of Europe. Gerakas is part of the National Marine Park. Entire colonies of turtles have identified this place as the best for laying eggs, so tourists are asked to be careful and not to scare the animals. Volunteers carefully monitor that vacationers do not go deep into the water.
This beach is for people who are in love with the sea. Visitors see only a picturesque seascape, lying on comfortable sun loungers under umbrellas. There is no shower with fresh water.
Also keep in mind that there are many nudists on the beach. There is no clearly defined place where you can sunbathe naked. Keep this in mind if you plan to visit the beach with children (or your wife).
There is silence here because there is no infrastructure, no cars, and all sports are prohibited.
You can get to the place of rest by taxi, the cost is from 5 to 15 euros. The distance to the airport is 23 km. If you get bored with the monotonous rest, it is better to rent a car in Zakynthos and go on a trip to the village of Vasilikos.
6. Porto Zorro
The beach is located in the southern part of the Vasilikos Peninsula. The distance to the capital of Zakynthos is 15 km. This place is hidden by a dense strip of vegetation. The rocks jutting out of the sea give the beach an additional flavor. Here, tourists prefer to swim in masks and admire the seabed and vegetation. There are diving courses for everyone.
If you want not only to relax, but also to improve your health, walk a little along the coast, there you will find healing mud.
The beach is sandy, the slope is gentle, serious depth begins approximately 50 meters from the shore. In one part of the beach there are stones, in the other – the shore is completely sandy. Nearby there are shops selling swimming accessories, cafes. Porto Zoro is a clean, well-kept beach of Zakynthos with warm, clean water. This is the best place for a family holiday with children. Sun loungers are paid – rent will cost 8 euros.
7. Banana
The largest beach on the Vasilikos Peninsula. It is 5 km long and 15 km from Zakynthos Town. Not only the beach itself is worth attention, but also the road to it, which runs through a pine forest.
The coastal strip is clean, wide, the water is transparent. You can have a snack in one of the cozy cafes, which offer a view of the sea surface and the surrounding greenery. Eyewitnesses who have been on the beach recommend digging the umbrella more firmly into the sand, as strong winds blow them away. Also, be prepared for the fact that there are often strong waves at sea. By the way, renting sun loungers and umbrellas is paid. For 7 euros you get a couple of sun loungers and an umbrella. Near the cafe there are comfortable hammocks, but one significant drawback is that they are in the sun all the time.
The beach has a developed infrastructure – comfortable clean toilets, spacious showers and changing rooms. There is a parking lot, a volleyball court, places for other beach and water sports.
If you want to have a snack at a local cafe, keep in mind that the portions are large, one is enough to feed two adults to their fill. The cost of such a lunch will be on average from 15 to 30 euros, depending on the menu ordered.
The least crowded months are June-July, with August considered the peak month. If you want to park your car comfortably, come to the beach in the first half of the day.
8. Porto Roma
Another wonderful place on the Vasilikos Peninsula. The road to the capital takes 15-20 minutes. The beach was named after Alexander Roma, who is known for holding the position of speaker of the Greek parliament, organizing and leading the liberation movement.
The beach has a mixed surface – sand and pebbles. There are almost no waves, but the water is quite cool. They offer sun loungers, umbrellas, there are no changing rooms on the beach, and the toilet is only in the cafe. By the way, they serve delicious fish and seafood dishes here.
There is beautiful nature around – olive groves, exotic plants, forest. It is pleasant to walk here, breathe fresh air and appreciate the perfection of nature. In the bay you can rent a catamaran or a boat and independently explore the surroundings or dive, as the marine nature is no less picturesque than on the shore.
Porto Roma Beach is a secluded spot in Zakynthos, perfect for a romantic getaway or a family holiday.
9. Burial
A picturesque place on the Vasilikos peninsula, just 18 km from the capital of Zakynthos. The beach here is soft, sandy, and the shore offers an incredible view of the bay. Since the depth is small, the water here warms up well, which makes the place a favorite for family holidays. Serious depth begins only 100-150 meters from the shore.
Daphne belongs to the Marine Reserve of Greece, there are entire colonies of turtles, the places where the animals lay eggs are fenced off, tourists are not allowed to enter there. The beach has taken measures to protect nature. Travelers will not find noisy entertainment here, even the car park is located at a distance from the beach.
When planning to go to Daphne, take into account the difficulty of the route – it is a serious challenge, because you will have to drive along a serpentine road.
On a clear, sunny day, an incredibly picturesque view will open up before you.
10. Tsilivi
The beach is located in the west of the island in a small resort village of the same name – Tsilivi, 6 km from the city of Zakynthos. For the high level of service and cleanliness, Tsilivi was awarded the Blue Flag. This status is given to objects that fully comply with European quality standards. Photos of Tsilivi Beach in Zakynthos will undoubtedly be the most striking in your album.
The beach is sandy, only in some places there is small pebbles. The width of the sand strip reaches 40 meters, and around – olive groves and vineyards. The water is clear azure, the descent is gentle, serious depth begins at a distance of about 100 meters from the shore.
Here you can rent comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas (7 euros for 2 sun loungers and an umbrella). There is also a whole range of water entertainment – jet skis, windsurfing, skis. There is a diving center directly in the village. Here you can rent the necessary diving equipment or use the services of an instructor.
Tsilivi has a lively atmosphere, and if you want, you can find a place for a quiet holiday. The maximum influx of holidaymakers is recorded in the afternoon. Tsilivi Beach has many discos, restaurants with Italian and Chinese cuisine, and karaoke clubs. In general, this is the best option for active youth.
There is parking near the beach.
All the beaches of Zakynthos are unique and picturesque in their own way. Regardless of which place you choose for your holiday, you are guaranteed a good mood and a sea of impressions. If you are in love with the sea, feel free to go to the beaches of Zakynthos.
