Set course for Zakynthos’ most beautiful beaches! Zakynthos (Zante) is a Greek island renowned for its beautiful beaches. Some of them are undoubtedly among the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The best-known of these is Navagio Beach, with its turquoise waters and white sand on which lies the wreck of a ship. But many of Zakynthos’ other beaches are also well worth a visit. Here’s an overview.
A word of warning: Zakynthos is a very touristy island in summer, so don’t hesitate to get up early and discover the beaches at dawn… they’ll be almost deserted, a real pleasure. And there’s nothing like a morning dip to start the day off right.
Navagio Beach or Shipwreck Bay
Undeniably Zante’s best-known image, Navagio Beach is spectacular. It can only be reached by sea. Home to a boat beached on white sand, this beach offers superb turquoise waters.
But beware: the Greek authorities regularly close this beach to the public for safety reasons. This is the case this summer 2023, when Navagio beach will be closed to tourists due to fears of landslides.
If possible, we recommend a boat trip to see the beach up close and then swim in the nearby turquoise, translucent waters.
Naufrage beach is only accessible by sea, so you’ll need to book an excursion to get there. We particularly recommend this mini-cruise of a few hours in the Blue Caves and to Naufrage beach.
Gerakas beach
Gerakas beach is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches on Zakynthos. This long stretch of sand bordered by cliffs offers wild landscapes.
This beach is known as one of the nesting grounds for caretta caretta turtles. Please respect their peace and quiet. Given its importance for sea turtles, access to the beach is forbidden from sunset to sunrise… which still leaves the whole day to enjoy it!
The beach is partly developed and partly wild (with an area reserved for naturists).
If you’d like to get a closer look at the turtles, we recommend a cruise aboard a special eco-responsible to admire the turtles and their nests.
Porto Vromi
Porto Vromi is a tiny pebble beach surrounded by rocks, very pleasant in the early morning because it’s so quiet. There’s a snack bar where you can buy water and snacks.
Porto Vromi is also the starting point for boat excursions to Shipwreck beach and/or the Blue Caves. This is particularly true of this cruise, which departs from Porto Vromi and takes you to the Bay of the Shipwreck.
Makris Gialos
In the north of the island, the small pebble beach of Makris Gialos is bordered by a translucent sea. It’s a quiet, pleasant place, generally untouched by the flood of tourists. This beach is not equipped, so remember to bring water and sun protection.
Marathonissi beach
Just opposite Keri beach is the uninhabited small island of Marathonisi, also known as “Turtle Island”. It is easily accessible by boat (water cab from Keri or boat rental without a license). There are two beautiful beaches, very quiet in the mornings before the other holidaymakers arrive.
The beach is undeveloped, but from time to time a bar-boat docks there, offering cold drinks and snacks.
With its white sand, wilderness and crystal-clear waters, it’s a beach we really liked.
A good idea? Opt for a cruise aboard an eco-responsible boat that will take you for a swim on the golden sandy beach where turtles nest on Marathonisi Island.
Dafni beach
At the far end of Laganas Bay, Dafni Beach is a long sandy beach ideal for swimming or strolling along the seafront. It’s undeveloped, but there are a few tavernas.
Dafni beach is also a nesting ground for sea turtles.
Agios Nikolaos Beach
A lively, family-friendly beach in the south of Zakynthos for water sports enthusiasts. There’s plenty to do here, for children and adults alike.
Banana Beach
Banana Beach is located in the municipality of Vassilikos, in the south of the island. This is certainly one of Zakynthos’ most popular beaches. It’s true that this beach is beautiful, the sea is transparent and access is easy… but it’s been too damaged by mass tourism for our taste (very personal opinion). You’ll find a plethora of activities and places to eat.
Small coves
Zakynthos is renowned for its spectacular coastline. It boasts a series of hidden coves and bays.. Most of them are accessible by boat only. So if you get the chance, don’t hesitate to spend a day at sea.
However, some coves are also accessible on foot. You’ll often come across them by chance, as you wander around the island. For example, we recommend Porto Roxa on the west coast (for the more adventurous, there’s a diving platform built into the rocks where you can jump off the cliff).
To find out more about the island of Zakynthos, see also our articles :
- Zakynthos must-sees: a complete article on the various things to see and do in Zakynthos
- practical information on how to get to Zante, how long to stay, how to get around, etc.
- where to sleep in Zakynthos
- How to rent a car, a scooter or motorbike in Zakynthos ?
And if you’re looking for accommodation in Zante, take a look at Airbnb and/or Booking.
Laure M.
