Zakynthos Beaches
Zakynthos (or Zante) is an enchanting island with great natural beauty, famous for its wonderful beaches with sandy shores, shallow and warm water, ideal for children, sunbathing, or water sports. It is not without a reason that the Caretta-Caretta turtles have chosen some of these magnificent beaches to lay their eggs on.
Zakynthos Shipwreck or Navagio Bay
The beach of Navagio or Shipwreck cove, is the most famous beach of Zakynthos lying on the western side of the Ionian island, close to Anafotiria village.
The Shipwreck is one of the most photographed sights in Greece and it is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
The beach was initially called Agios Georgios but owes its new name to the shipwreck of a boat that transported illegal cigarettes, in 1983. The ship was washed ashore. With the years passing, the sand surrounded the ship which looks now as it emerges from it.
The vestiges of the ship can be seen in the middle of the large white sandy beach which has amazing turquoise and crystalline waters.
Huge vertical cliffs of white rocks are surrounding the sand creating a unique and enchanting image.
To reach this paradise, one has to take a little taxi boat from the small port of Porto Vromi. These taxi boats are leaving every hour and the trip is about 30 minutes.
Banana beach
Banana is the largest beach of Zakynthos island, located 14 km (20 min drive) from Zakynthos Town.
It is famous for the exotic waters that shine under the sun light.
The beach distinguishes for the rocky landscape and the soft golden sand.
Banana is fully organized with umbrellas and sundecks available for rent. There are a few beach bars offering cold drinks and light snacks.
The access to the beach is easy and there is plenty of parking space. This is an excellent beach, among the most beautiful in the island.
Gerakas beach
The large and wide beach of Gerakas is located near Cape Geraki on the Vasilikos peninsula, in the south of the island and is considered a protected site for sea turtles that come to it for breeding.
Gerakas is one of the sandy beaches of the island (both the beach and the seabed are covered with granular golden sand), which makes it ideal for children and adults. The emerald water is shallow and warm, and the descent is very smooth.
Rock formations that are scattered on the seashore, offer a feeling of protection and isolation, and protect the beach from the high waves.
Although it is always full, the beach is kept clean. The southern part of the beach has a rocky bottom. This place is wild, and nudists often come here. The small and picturesque island of Peluso is visible from the shore.
There is free parking before you follow the path down to this idyllic beach.
Agios Nikolaos beach
The beach of Agios Nikolaos owns its name to the little chapel that stands on the left side of the beach.
It is a relatively large sandy beach with rows of umbrellas and sunbeds in the area of ​​Vasilikos. In addition to all the necessities, the beach offers a wide variety of water activities: jet-sking, kayaking, windsurfing, horse riding, beach volley. There is a sports equipment rental shop located in the center of Agios Nikolaos, where you can organize one or two classes with an instructor.
The beach is popular, with young people and families with children of all ages. The sandy bottom and the shallow waters make Agios Nikolaos an ideal destination for families even with small children. If you want some solitude, you can find a spot without sunbeds on the south side of the beach.
Dafni beach
Dafni beach is located in the south of Zante, in the area of Vassilikos.
The beaches in this area belong to the Zakynthos Marine Park, which protects the wildlife in the vicinity. This beach is long, wide and sandy, breathtakingly beautiful, with splendid views to Peluso island.
The famous and endangered Caretta Caretta turtles nest their eggs here, which is why the beach is protected and at times some parts of be off limits to the public in order to protect the turtle's nests (which are also caged to prevent damage). No visitors are allowed on this beach at night.
The beach bay and its surroundings are popular with snorkeling enthusiasts and scuba divers. There are a couple of nice tavernas on this beach also offering sunbeds and umbrellas. No water sports are available so as not to disturb the habitat of the turtles.
This beach has a special designated parking area, as no cars are allowed directly on the beach.
Dafni is a beautiful uncrowded beach, well worth visiting.
Laganas beach
The huge beach of Laganas is the most popular and cosmopolitan resorts of Zakynthos. The settlement lies around the natural bay and
is characterized by very well developed infrastructure.
Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent on the beach. Diving is also available, although water sports are prohibited for the sake of the unique ecosystem and the rare species that live in it.
Plenty of touristic facilities are offered to visitors like beach bars, snacks bars and seaside taverns overlooking the beach.
It is the most crowded spot of Zakynthos during the day and especially at night for the numerous pubs and cafes where mostly young tend to explore. The main road of Laganas is boarded by many restaurants, bars, touristy shops and many other facilities can be found.
Laganas Beach is protected by the Greek and international legislation as a birthplace of the endangered species of sea turtle Caretta-Caretta and is part of the Greek National Marine Park.
Agios Sostis beach & Cameo Island
Agios Sostis is a rather small and picturesque beach located 11km southeast of Zakynthos Town, between the villages of Laganas and Porto Koukla.
The beautiful beach offers the chance to rent a boat and travel through the coastal villages of Zakynthos. The area is family-orientated, and it is an ideal location for children.
The beach is the natural continuity of the larger beach of Laganas. The water is shallow and safe. Moreover, it is a very romantic place for couples. On the beachfront, there are many taverns and cafeterias operating until the late hours.
A wooden bridge from Agios Sostis leads to a small rocky island just opposite the bay of Laganas. This is Cameo Island. There visitors shall find a small sandy beach to relax.
Marathias beach
Marathias beach, surrounded by mountains, is large and pebbly, with deep waters at Keri.
Marathia is quite far from the city and getting here can be difficult for some. You will have to slowly descend the hill through curved paths and walk on a dirt downhill path, so it is never very crowded. Young and lonely travelers are the most frequent visitors here. Families with children will find this path down the hill an obstacle, but otherwise it is quite comfortable. The pebbles that cover the seabed are large and pleasant to the touch.
There is no infrastructure for tourists in Marathia so you should take care in advance for water or whatever else you need. On the road above the beach you will find beautiful taverns.
Makris Gialos beach
The picturesque beach of Makris Gialos is located on the north coast of the island, before you reach the port of Agios Nikolaos.
It is a beach with small pebbles, crystal clear blue-green and deep waters. You can walk to some of the mountain caves on the south side of the beach and relax there. Caves in the water are ideal for snorkeling.
The main road that goes to the northern part of Zakynthos passes through Makry Gialos and a few steps lead to the beach.
There is no well-developed infrastructure, only a limited number of sunbeds and umbrellas are available in July and August. Above the beach there are some taverns with traditional Greek cuisine.
Xigia Beach - natural sulfur spa
The picturesque beach of Makris Gialos is located on the north coast of the island, before you reach the port of Agios Nikolaos.
It is a beach with small pebbles, crystal clear blue-green and deep waters. You can walk to some of the mountain caves on the south side of the beach and relax there. Caves in the water are ideal for snorkeling.
The main road that goes to the northern part of Zakynthos passes through Makry Gialos and a few steps lead to the beach.
There is no well-developed infrastructure, only a limited number of sunbeds and umbrellas are available in July and August. Above the beach there are some taverns with traditional Greek cuisine.
