Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a beautiful Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is famous for its natural beauty, its exotic emerald water, and its stunning beaches. Whether you are looking for a relaxing sunbathing spot, a lively resort with water sports, or a secluded cove with dramatic cliffs, Zakynthos has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best beaches in Zakynthos and what are their features and facilities.
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is the most famous and photographed beach in Zakynthos. It is located on the northwestern side of the island and can only be accessed by boat. The beach is named after a shipwreck that lies on the shore since 1980, when a smuggler boat ran aground during a storm. The contrast between the rusty shipwreck, the white sand, the turquoise water, and the towering cliffs creates a breathtaking scenery that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Navagio Beach is not organized, so you will need to bring your own supplies and umbrellas. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the beach from an observation platform on top of the cliffs.
Gerakas Beach
Gerakas Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Zakynthos. It is located on the southeastern tip of the island, about 18 km from Zakynthos Town. It is a long sandy beach with shallow and clear water, ideal for families with children. Gerakas Beach is also a protected area for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta Caretta), who nest on the sand during the summer months. For this reason, there are some restrictions on the beach, such as no umbrellas or sunbeds on certain parts of the sand, no loud music or lights at night, and no access after sunset. There are some facilities on the beach, such as showers, toilets, changing rooms, and a snack bar.
Kalamaki Beach
Kalamaki Beach is the closest beach to the airport and one of the most developed resorts in Zakynthos. It is located 6 km south of Zakynthos Town and it is connected to Laganas Beach by a long stretch of sand. Kalamaki Beach has soft golden sand and crystal clear water that is shallow and calm. It is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, lifeguards, and water sports. It is also a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtles, so some parts of the beach are cordoned off during the nesting season. Kalamaki Beach has plenty of tourist facilities nearby, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues.
Agios Nikolaos Beach
Agios Nikolaos Beach is a popular beach resort on the northern side of the island, about 32 km from Zakynthos Town. It has fine sand and blue-green water that is deeper and cooler than other beaches in Zakynthos. It is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, and a beach bar. It also offers a variety of water sports activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and pedal boats. Agios Nikolaos Beach is also a great spot for scuba diving, as there are several dive centers that offer courses and excursions to nearby caves and reefs. From Agios Nikolaos Beach, you can also take a boat trip to Navagio Beach or to the Blue Caves.
Porto Zoro Beach
Porto Zoro Beach is a long and sandy beach between Argassi and Vassilikos, about 17 km from Zakynthos Town. It is one of the most scenic beaches in Zakynthos, thanks to its natural beauty and its distinctive rock formations that emerge from the sea. The water is clear and refreshing, but it can get wavy when it is windy. Porto Zoro Beach is partly-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas on one side of the beach, while the other side is more secluded and natural. There is also a beach bar that serves drinks and snacks.
Banana Beach
Banana Beach is another long sandy beach in Vassilikos area,
about 14 km from Zakynthos Town. It is considered one of
the most beautiful beaches in Zakynthos for its clean water
and its golden sand. It is well-organized with sunbeds,
umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, and a beach
bar. It also offers a range of water sports, such as
windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and canoeing. Banana
Beach is suitable for all ages and preferences, as it has
different sections that cater to different needs. For
example, there is a family-friendly section, a party section,
and a nudist section.
Xigia Beach
Xigia Beach is a small pebbled beach on the northeastern
side of the island, about 20 km from Zakynthos Town. It is
famous for its sulphur springs that flow into the sea and
create a natural spa. The water has a distinctive smell and
color, but it is also very beneficial for the skin and the
joints. Xigia Beach is not organized, so you will need to
bring your own supplies and umbrellas. There is also a small
canteen that sells drinks and snacks. Xigia Beach is ideal
for relaxing and rejuvenating in a unique setting.
Laganas Beach
Laganas Beach is the longest and busiest beach in Zakynthos.
It is located 8 km south of Zakynthos Town and it is part of
the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. It has soft sand and
shallow water that is warm and calm. It is well-organized
with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, lifeguards, and
water sports. It is also a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtles,
so some parts of the beach are closed during the nesting season.
Laganas Beach has a lively atmosphere, as it is surrounded by many hotels,
restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops. It is popular among young people who are looking for fun and entertainment.
Porto Roxa Beach
Porto Roxa Beach is a small rocky beach on the western side of the island,
about 25 km from Zakynthos Town. It is a hidden gem that offers stunning views of the sunset and the Ionian Sea. The water is deep and clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Porto Roxa Beach is not organized, but there is a wooden platform with sunbeds and umbrellas that you can use for free. There is also a taverna that serves fresh fish and local dishes.
Alykes Beach
Alykes Beach is a sandy beach on the northeastern side of the island,
about 16 km from Zakynthos Town. It has fine sand and shallow water that is ideal for families with children. It is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, and a beach bar. It also offers various water sports activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and pedal boats. Alykes Beach has many tourist facilities nearby, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and supermarkets.
Alykanas Beach
Alykanas Beach is a sandy beach next to Alykes Beach on the northeastern side of the island,
about 18 km from Zakynthos Town. It has soft sand and clear water that is shallow and calm. It is well-organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, and a beach bar. It also offers some water sports activities, such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and pedal boats. Alykanas Beach has a more laid-back atmosphere than Alykes Beach,
and it has many tourist facilities nearby,
such as hotels,
restaurants,
bars,
shops,
and supermarkets.
Tsilivi Beach
Tsilivi Beach is a sandy beach on the eastern side of the island,
about 6 km from Zakynthos Town. It has fine sand and blue-green water that is clean and safe. It is well-organized with sunbeds,
umbrellas,
showers,
toilets,
lifeguards,
and water sports.
It also offers some entertainment options,
such as mini golf,
bowling,
and bungee jumping.
Tsilivi Beach has a vibrant atmosphere,
as it is surrounded by many hotels,
restaurants,
bars,
clubs,
and shops.
It is popular among families and couples who are looking for convenience and fun.
Cameo Island
Cameo Island is a small island near Agios Sostis port on the southern side of the island,
about 10 km from Zakynthos Town.
It can be reached by crossing a wooden bridge that connects it to the mainland.
Cameo Island has a small pebbled beach with clear water and exotic vegetation.
It is partly.
