Navagio Beach: the Shipwreck Beach
The Shipwreck beach, Navagio for the Greeks, is the most beautiful and spectacular beach on Zakynthos, a true paradise for the eyes, accessible only by sea.
The beaches of Zakynthos are among the most famous of all the Greek islands. Just think of the Wreck Beach, the most photographed beach on the island and probably in the whole country: now a symbol of the beauty of Greek beaches, it is often chosen as the cover of tourist catalogues, guides and magazines.
Don’t be satisfied with the photos: come and see this natural wonder with your own eyes and discover the island’s other enchanting beaches, from long sandy shores to rocky fjords, all washed by the azure blue sea where you can still see turtles and seals swimming.
We present the most beautiful beaches of Zakynthos, divided into three zones: the west coast, which boasts the most attractive beaches but is difficult to reach by land; the east coast, the most varied; and the Gulf of Turtles, on the south side of the island, which has been placed in a nature park due to its ecological importance.
The beaches of the west coast of Zakynthos, unlike the eastern side characterised by many long and sandy shores and therefore ideal for families, are set among the high rocks.
The beaches along this indented coastline are difficult to reach by land.
In this part of the island, however, you can enjoy the most spectacular sea and beaches of Zakynthos with fjords of incredible beauty.
The Shipwreck Beach is the undisputed icon of Zakynthos and one of the most photographed beaches in the world, set in a limestone bay of extraordinary beauty along the north-western coast of the island. The unique charm of this secluded beach derives from the presence of the wreck of the ship Panagiotis, beached on the white sand since 1980, which creates a spectacular contrast with the crystal-clear turquoise waters and sheer cliffs that surround it.
Accessible exclusively by sea via organised excursions from the port of Agios Nikolaos or from Zakynthos town, the beach offers an almost surreal experience of shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Sea currents and north-westerly winds have shaped this natural bay over the centuries, creating a special microclimate. The very fine sand and the always cool waters, even in the height of summer, make for a particularly regenerating stop, while from the viewpoint of Anafonitria one can admire the panorama from above before descending by boat.
Porto Limniosas is a particularly picturesque beach of Zakynthos. It is a very long inlet, so long that it looks like a Nordic fjord but is instead kissed by a generous sun and bathed by the clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Along the high cliffs that encircle this narrow arm of the sea you will find natural terraces and intimate coves. If you love rocky beaches, this will be a piece of paradise for you.
A little difficult to reach and lacking in facilities, Porto Limniosas beach is perfect for those who want to sunbathe in a picturesque natural setting and for snorkelling enthusiasts.
To get to Porto Limnionas, one must first reach the village of Agios Leon and follow the well-marked road signs.
It takes motivation to get to Plakaki beach, which can be reached by following a steep path carved into the rock from the mountain village of Agalas, but those who overcome laziness are rewarded with the sight of a breathtakingly coloured sea. Be very careful: the descent is steep and taking children with you could be risky.
The beach is nothing more than a large, flat rock where you can lay out and sunbathe, but with such beautiful water, it won’t be long before you get an irresistible urge to dive in!
Don’t take a lot of stuff with you as the space is limited and the ascent could be tiring, but don’t forget your sun cream and some water.
Porto Roxa is a beautiful fjord that snakes along the west coast of Zakynthos not far from the villages of Limnionas and Agios Leon.
A small landing place for fishing boats and some flat rocks, ideal for hanging out your beach towel, sunbathing and diving into the water, create a picturesque landscape.
Known for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, in which it will be a pleasure to dive after a few hours in the hot sun, the Porto Roxa beach has no facilities or trees under which to shelter from the summer heat but is served by a small tavern.
To reach the fjord, one must descend steps leading down to the sea, while the more adventurous can dive into the water from a diving board that juts out four metres into the water.
Porto Roxa is close to several sea caves and is an ideal destination for snorkellers and divers.
The small, enchanting beach of Porto Vromi lies at the end of a picturesque fjord along the north-western coast of Zakynthos, not far from the traditional villages of Anafonitria and Maries.
The beach of white sand and pebbles is not equipped and is particularly famous because some of the boats that take you to the beautiful wreck beach depart from here.
In Porto Vromi, it is possible to rent pedal boats and thus explore the numerous caves that open up along the stretch of coast. The beach is also served by a small tavern.
Some of the best beaches in Zakynthos, long stretches of golden sand and picturesque rocky coves, can be found along the east coast of the island.
Along the east coast of Zakynthos there are several golden sandy beaches washed by a crystal-clear sea that is shallow and therefore safe for children.
You can choose between beaches equipped with beach umbrellas and sunbeds for hire, ideal for families on holiday who want peace and quiet, fjords and pebble coves suitable for those who love unspoilt nature and snorkelling, or large lidos where you can practise water sports, recommended for young people who like a dynamic lifestyle.
Banana Beach is the largest on the whole island of Zakynthos and this makes it livable all year round, despite the fact that it is very popular and generally crowded. You are sure to find a corner for yourself on this long, deep sandy beach, washed by calm, clean waters.
It is a well-equipped beach, with many facilities, yet it retains a natural charm, perhaps thanks to the vast pine forest that surrounds it.
Banana beach is ideal for families on holiday thanks to its width, which allows them to enjoy beach life without too much crowding, and to the presence of excellent tourist facilities.
In spite of the many facilities, Banana Beach is immersed in a pleasant natural environment: the barren landscape and fine golden sand make it a picture postcard landscape.
Makris Gialos will enchant you at first sight. Even before you arrive, as you drive along the scenic scenic road leading to the beach, you will be amazed at the wonder; once you step onto the beach, you will feel like you are on holiday in the Caribbean.
The beach is sandy and pebbly and the seabed, which alternates between sand and rocks, descends rapidly, creating an ideal habitat for many species of fish.
The exceptional transparency of the water, the abundance of fish and a number of suggestive underwater caves make this stretch of sea one of the best for snorkelling. Don’t forget your mask at home!
You will have the opportunity to admire superb sea caves: a kaleidoscopic spectacle of changing colours created by the concretions. Take an underwater torch with you to observe corals and starfish.
The white sand and pebble beach of Makris Gialos is located along the north-eastern coast of Zakynthos, a short distance from the traditional village of Volimes and 30 kilometres from Zakynthos town.
One of the most touristy beaches of Zakynthos, Tsilivi is a long beach of fine sand that slopes gently down to the sea. Many facilities are available, which makes it a popular beach for families with small children, who can play here in complete safety, and groups of young people attracted by the possibility of numerous sports activities.
If you find it too crowded, you can look for a quieter corner at one of the other beaches opening onto the wide gulf of Tsilivi.
If you read ‘Donkey Beach’ and immediately thought of donkeys… well, you guessed right. There used to be a lot of donkeys here in the past and it is to them that this pretty, semi-circular, amphitheatre-like sandy beach, just one kilometre from the village of Tsilivi, is dedicated.
Donkey Beach, in Greek called paralia Gaidaros, is a fairly quiet beach where you can find essential facilities and a beach volleyball court; adjacent to the beach is a quaint little harbour that, although less animated than in the past, is still used by fishing boats and a few private boats.
The beautiful beach with crystal-clear water and fine sand of Alikanas is located along the east coast of Zakynthos and is a continuation of the beach of Alykes.
Alikanas beach ends in a small harbour and, unlike the adjacent beach, although it is equipped with deckchairs and umbrellas, seaside tavernas and agencies offering boat tours to visit the blue caves and water activities, it is much more intimate and secluded.
Despite being a short distance from the town of Zakynthos, just one kilometre to the north, the small bay of Krioneri hides a heavenly stretch of sea with crystal-clear waters and a rocky seabed.
The beach of pebbles and rocks makes entering the sea a little difficult and it is best to bring rubber shoes for swimming.
A swim in the sea that laps Krioneri beach is especially recommended for snorkelling and spearfishing enthusiasts as the rich seabed in the area is inhabited by octopuses!
Porto Roma beach is located on the eastern tip of the Vasilikos peninsula 15 kilometres south of Zakynthos town and is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
The beach, a narrow tongue of golden sand and a few pebbles, is named after the Zakynthian figure Alexandros Romas, a local character who had his home here.
Porto Roma is a lovely, quiet beach and is bathed by shallow crystal-clear waters. The Mediterranean landscape that surrounds it is exceptional.
Boat trips leave every hour from Porto Roma to the wreck beach and the wonderful caves in the area.
The enchanting, intimate, sandy beach of Porto Zoro is located on the south-eastern tip of Zakynthos and is characterised by a beautiful crystal-clear sea and a wonderful natural setting.
Surrounded by pine forests and cliffs that overlook the sea and frame the beach, Porto Zoro is located north of the village of Vassilikos and is easily accessible from the villages of Argassi and Xirocastelo and from Zakynthos town from which it is 4, 7 and 15 kilometres away respectively.
The beach has umbrellas and deck chairs for hire, several tavernas and a car park. Along the sandy shore are peculiar rock formations that emerge from the water, creating an enchanting landscape.
Not far from Porto Zoro are the beautiful beaches of Agios Nicolaos, Dafni, Gerakas, Banana Beach, Kamina, Porto Roma Beach and Sekania.
The fabulous beach of Xigia is located along the wild northern coast of Zakynthos, 6 kilometres from the traditional village of Alykes. With its tropical-coloured sand, the beach is immersed in a picturesque landscape.
The bay lies at the foot of a steep cliff overlooking the sea and is bathed by wonderful crystal-clear waters, a true paradise for snorkelers.
The white sand and pebble beach is easily accessible by car and is close to some excellent tavernas. Xigia is not very well equipped so remember to bring water and everything you need for a day at the beach.
A sulphurous spring, ideal for skin and aches, gushes out inside a sea cave in this unspoilt corner of the island of Zakynthos.
The coastline of the Gulf of LaganasThe beaches of the Gulf of Turtles are located in the southern part of Zakynthos along the stretch of coast from Cape Marathia beach to Gerakas beach.
Also known as the Gulf of Laganas this area is characterised by the typical features of the Mediterranean ecosystem and is rich in sandy beaches alternating with rocks.
In this unspoilt and paradisiacal natural environment, protected by a Marine Nature Park, Caretta caretta turtles come to breed, which is why many beaches are closed to the public at night.
The beaches of the Gulf of Turtles are located near the tourist resorts of Kalamaki, Laganas, Agios Sostis and, Porto Koukla and Keri.
Dafni Beach is one of Europe’s most important nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles Caretta Caretta, located along the southern coast of Zakynthos in a protected area of the National Marine Park. This wild beach is distinguished by its fine golden sand and shallow waters that warm up quickly, creating ideal conditions for both turtle breeding and bathing for families with small children.
Access to the beach is via a natural path through the Mediterranean maquis, while environmental restrictions limit the presence of bathing establishments to preserve the natural habitat. During the summer months, especially from May to October, it is possible to witness the spawning phenomenon at night, under the supervision of volunteers from the turtle recovery centre. The sand dunes behind, covered with endemic vegetation, provide natural shelter and create a unique ecosystem that makes Dafni one of the most authentic and unspoilt beaches in the entire Ionian archipelago.
Gerakas is always included in the list of the 10 things to see in Zakynthos because it is a truly unique beach: a tongue of sand ending in a clay promontory, set in a natural environment of breathtaking beauty.
On its shores caretta caretta turtles come to lay their eggs; from May to October in the early hours of the morning you can watch the spectacle of the eggs hatching and the newly hatched specimens making their way out to sea.
To ensure that this natural prodigy continues to take place, the beach has been placed within a protected natural area and retains a wild appearance, without services and far from human constructions; there are some restrictions to be respected, such as the hours of access to the beach.
Completely different from the wild Gerakas, a nature-lover’s paradise, is Laganas, a hangout for young people on holiday in Zakynthos.
The sea here is also clean and transparent, but this long stretch of sand, where you can find all sorts of facilities, is famous for its beach bars that offer drinks and music until late at night, attracting a young crowd in search of nightlife.
Surrounded by a dense pine forest, the sandy beach of Kalamaki is a bit of a middle ground between genuine Gerakas and fashionable Laganas, to which it is actually connected and can therefore be reached on foot.
The first part of Kalamaki is generally very crowded, but one only has to walk to the end of the beach, marked by a promontory that juts out into the sea, to find tranquillity: this stretch of beach is generally almost deserted.
At the tip of the Gulf of Turtles, 22 kilometres from Zakynthos town, is the beautiful cape Marathia.
Easily reached by following a small road along the coastline, Marathia contains several small, uncrowdedbeaches characterised by smooth pebbles.
The beaches of Cape Marathia, a corner of paradise that is often uncrowded, are ideal for those who enjoy a spartan sea life but immersed in nature and those who enjoy snorkelling: the sea on this stretch of coastline is clear and full of fish!
Only the larger beach is equipped with facilities, refreshments and sea equipment. There is also a taxi-boat to the island of Marathonissi.
The small, enchanting beach of Limni Keri lies at the foot of the village from which it takes its name, on the slopes of Cape Marathia, and is lined with typical shops and restaurants.
The pretty beach of Keri, surrounded by leafy trees, consists of small, smooth pebbles while its seabed is sandy.
Keri is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and from its marina you can embark on a voyage of discovery to the island of Marathonissi, the caves of Keri and this enchanting stretch of coastline.
Porto Koukla beach is located right in the middle of the Turtle Bay, along the southern coast of Zakynthos, and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the whole area.
Narrow and long, this tongue of sand is divided into two beaches: one can only be reached by sea while the second can be reached by following a small road.
Both beaches of Porto Koukla are ideal for a relaxing day at the beach!
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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