26 Must sees in Zakynthos
Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos is one of the most popular Greek islands. It is located in the Ionian Sea, west of Greece, and like the rest of the Ionian Islands, it is characterized by its mountainous landscape, steep cliffs, and abundant vegetation.
In the Ionian Islands, don't expect to find the typical white houses with blue roofs. Unlike the Cyclades, the buildings in this archipelago have a strong Venetian influence.
Besides the popular Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves, there are plenty of things to do in Zakynthos. Here are some ideas for you:
1. Visit Navagio beach viewpoint
It's the most popular spot of the island. You can't leave without taking a picture there. The Navagio Beach Viewpoint offers one of the most impressive and popular views in the world. A white sand beach sheltered by two completely vertical cliffs almost 200 m where the remains of a shipwreck. Additionally, it is worth mentioning the different blue tones in the sea due to the minerals it contains.
2. Swim at the sulfur beaches: Xigia beaches
Xigia beaches are a set of beautiful beaches located on the northeast coast of Zakynthos. The most curious thing about them is the minerals in their waters. These come from springs in surrounding caves and are said to have healing properties, in addition to leaving quite a bad smell.
3. Enjoy the views at Myzithres viewpoint
The Myzithres viewpoint, located on the southwest coast of Zakynthos, is one of the most impressive and iconic places on the island. It offers panoramic views of the rock formations emerging from the sea, which, combined with the light blue color of the water due to the minerals, make it one of the most photographed places on the island.
4. Boat trip to Navagion beach and blue caves
Navagio Beach is the main attraction of the island of Zakynthos. It is one of the most iconic and impressive beaches in the world. It is located on the northwest coast and stands out for its turquoise waters, the incredible white limestone cliffs that surround it, and the rusted remains of a shipwreck that lie on its shore (it’s disappearing...).
5. Have a break at Turtle island: Marathonisi island
Marathonisi Island, also known as Turtle Island, is a small and charming island located in the bay of Laganas, on the southern coast of Zakynthos. This island is popular for being an important nesting site for the sea turtle Caretta caretta.
The island offers a strip of white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
6. Boat trip to Marathonisi, Keri caves, Myzithres and turtle watching - Zakynthos
From the south of Zakynthos, many excursions are organized to several spots in the area. The most famous one is the 4-in-1 excursion, which includes visits to the Keri caves, Myzithres beach, Marathonisi island, and turtle spotting in Laganas bay.
In Zakynthos, there are plenty of fjord-shaped bays where you can relax and enjoy a dip, including Plakaki Beach, Korakonisi, Porto Roxa, Porto Steniti, Porto Limnionas, and Porto Vromi:
7. Explore the hidden Plakaki beach
Plakaki Beach is a virgin and little-touristed spot located on the Greek island of Zakynthos. It is a rocky cape with access to the sea, notable for its impressive white rock formations and crystal-clear waters, offering a unique and isolated experience for the adventurers who dare to visit.
8. Swim in the natural pools of Korakonissi
Korakonisi is a spectacular rocky landscape where you will be able to swim in completely crystal clear waters and enjoy unique views. It is a virgin place that retains its natural beauty, highlighting its rocky arch.
9. Relax at Porto Roxa
Porto Roxa is a beautiful bay (fjord shaped) in Zakynthos similar to Porto Limnionas, Porto Steniti, or Porto Vromi. The big difference compared to the others is that Porto Roxa is the most developed and the best adapted for tourists to spend a relaxing day.
10. Discover the remote Porto Steniti
Porto Steniti is a small but beautiful bay (fjord-shaped) located on the west coast of Zakynthos. Compared to other bays, it is the least known, least frequented, and smallest.
11. Explore the popular Porto Limnionas
Porto Limnionas is a bay (fjord-shaped) located on the west coast of Zakynthos. It stands out for its crystal clear waters and the numerous sea caves in the surrounding area.
12. Visit the two Porto Vromis
Porto Vromi consists of two beautiful bays (fyord-shaped) located on the west coast of Zakynthos. They are not popular for being excellent swimming spots but for the boat trips to Navagio Beach and the local blue caves. Still, if you visit either of the two bays, you can spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach and swim in some caves.
13. Jump from a ledge at Cape Skinari
Cape Skinari is a cape located at the northeasternmost tip of Zakynthos. Besides the swimming area with diving boards and the blue caves, it stands out as one of the places where you can take a boat to Navagio Beach.
14. Cross the bridge to Cameo Island
Cameo Island is located off the southern coast of Zakynthos. It is a small private island that, due to its picturesque appearance, has become one of the most photographed spots in Zakynthos.
15. Gerakas beach and turtle rescue center
Gerakas Beach is a long beach known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Additionally, it is an important nesting site for caretta caretta turtles (loggerhead turtles). You can't miss Jason's bite or the white sandstone's mountains.
16. Relax at Dafni beach
Dafni Beach is a peaceful beach known for its crystal-clear waters and the cliff it lies beneath. Additionally, it stands out for its importance as a nesting site for the Caretta caretta turtles.
17. Enjoy the views from Bohali's viewpoint
The Bochali viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the harbor, the city, and the Ionian Sea. It is a perfect place to relax and contemplate the landscape.
18. Water sports at Banana beach
Banana Beach is one of the largest and most popular fine sand beaches in Zakynthos. It is quite adapted to tourism with several bars and companies offering water activities.
19. Visit St Nicholas beach
St. Nicholas Beach is a picturesque destination known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. This beach is well-equipped for tourists, offering a variety of amenities and water activities.
20. Explore Damianos cave
Damianos cave is a cave located in the southwest of Zakynthos, very close to the small local village called Agalas. In addition to the cave, a couple of restaurants with sunset views are featured.
The cave itself consists of two holes, one above the other. The one at the base is the only one accessible and is about 15 meters long.
21. Swing at Mandrakia beach
Mandrakia Beach is a small and picturesque pebble cove known for its crystal-clear waters, peaceful atmosphere, and a swing hanging from a tree. It offers a natural and serene, ideal for those seeking a less crowded place to relax and enjoy the sea.
22. Walk around the old town of Zakynthos town
The urban center is characterized by its cobblestone streets, Venetian architecture, and rich history and cultural heritage. Don't hesitate to take a walk and have a drink at one of the bars near Solomos Square!
23. Eat like a horse in a Greek tavern
What to say about Greek cuisine! One of the best, healthiest, and most varied in Europe! In Zakynthos, you'll find plenty of taverns offering a wide offer of vegetarian dishes like Skordostoubi, Zucchini flowers, or Gemista, and also some specialties for meat-eaters like stews, meatballs, or grilled meats. Don't miss out on the pita gyros!
We would like to highlight "Taverna Varkarola" (here) and "Alektor restaurant" (here)
24. Try one of the best gyros of Greece
Personally, we recommend you to try the gyros from this location (link). It is a small, completely local, and authentic bar with very friendly waiters. We recommend the chicken/pork kontosouvli. It's a special marinade typical of the area.
25. Party at Laganas
Laganas is quite known for its nightlife. It is a street full of nightclubs that are very active every day during the summer months. It is worth noting that the majority of the crowd consists of British people between 18 and 20 years old.
26. Swim at Laganas bay
The bay is an important natural refuge, as it is one of the main nesting of loggerhead turtles sites (Caretta caretta). Swimming from the beach, you might encounter one, so don't forget your snorkel mask!
These are some of the things you can do in Zakynthos, feel free to add more in the comments if you like!
