Top 10 Beaches in Zakynthos

Top 10 Beaches in Zakynthos

Zakynthos is famous for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, golden sand beaches, and impressive Ionian cliffs. Below are the 10 most popular beaches with detailed information for every visitor.

The Top Western & Northern Beaches

1. Navagio (Shipwreck Beach)

• Type: White pebbles with deep, clear blue waters.

• Access: Exclusively by boat from Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos Volimon, or Zakynthos Town.

• Amenities: None, as the shore remains completely unorganized.

• Ideal for: Photography, couples, and lovers of imposing landscapes.

• History / Curiosity: The rusty shipwreck of the “Panagiotis” vessel (1980) surrounded by white cliffs places it among the most famous shores in the world.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~35 km (to the boat departure point).

• Tip: For the famous panoramic photo from above, drive to the viewing platform near Anafonitria village.

2. Porto Limnionas

• Type: Rocky cove (fjord-like) with deep, cool green waters.

• Access: Easy by car to the parking area, followed by a descent down carved rocks.

• Amenities: Minimal on the shore itself, but features a tavern at the top with terraced sunbeds.

• Ideal for: Cliff diving, snorkeling, cave exploration, and couples.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~25 km (approx. 35 minutes).

• Tip: Bring a sea mask and water shoes, as entry is directly from the rocks.

3. Makris Gialos

• Type: Pebbles with deep, crystal-clear, and deep-blue waters.

• Access: Very easy, located directly on the main road of northern Zakynthos.

• Amenities: Partially organized with a few sunbeds and taverns nearby.

• Ideal for: Relaxation, deep-water lovers, and quick getaways.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~28 km (approx. 35 minutes).

• Tip: An excellent starting point if you want to rent a private boat for the Blue Caves.

4. Porto Roxa

• Type: Wild, rocky landscape with crystal-clear, deep waters.

• Access: Drive from Agios Leon village to the parking area.

• Amenities: Features taverns and cafés with sunbeds and swings on special platforms.

• Ideal for: Diving (features a springboard), sunbathing, and peace.

• History / Curiosity: Named by local fishermen who used the natural cove as a shelter for their boats.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~26 km (approx. 40 minutes).

• Tip: Stay until late afternoon to enjoy one of the island’s most beautiful sunsets.

5. Xigia

• Type: Small cove with pebbles, sand, and therapeutic thermal waters.

• Access: Drive along the northern road and walk down a short downhill path.

• Amenities: Small canteen at the top of the hill (with a special pulley system for orders) and a few sunbeds.

• Ideal for: Natural spa, revitalization, and couples.

• History / Curiosity: Natural sulfur flows from the rocks, giving the water a characteristic whitish color and healing properties.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~20 km (approx. 25 minutes).

• Tip: Remove silver jewelry before entering the water, as sulfur tarnishes it instantly.

Family & Southern Shores

6. Gerakas

• Type: Large, golden sandy beach with very shallow and warm waters.

• Access: Very easy by car (spacious parking) and descent via a wooden walkway.

• Amenities: Protected area (National Marine Park) – no beach bars, only specific umbrellas/sunbeds allowed.

• Ideal for: Families with young children, relaxation, and nature lovers.

• History / Curiosity: One of the main nesting sites for the Caretta caretta sea turtle.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~16 km (approx. 25 minutes).

• Tip: The beach closes before sunset to protect the turtles.

7. Agios Nikolaos (Vasilikos)

• Type: Vast sandy beach with clear, turquoise waters.

• Access: Very easy, with a large, comfortable parking area next to the shore.

• Amenities: Fully organized with famous beach bars, restaurants, sunbeds, and a wide variety of water sports.

• Ideal for: Youth, families, and water sports enthusiasts.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~14 km (approx. 20 minutes).

• Tip: The picturesque white chapel of Agios Nikolaos stands at the edge of the rock, perfect for photos.

8. Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

• Type: Pristine white sand beach on one side and imposing sea caves on the other.

• Access: Board a boat or water taxi from Keri Lake or Laganas.

• Amenities: None (protected habitat).

• Ideal for: Snorkeling, seclusion, and exploration.

• History / Curiosity: The island itself is shaped like a turtle when viewed from afar.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~15 km (to Keri Lake, ~25 minutes).

• Tip: Bring your own umbrella, water, and supplies, as commercial activity is prohibited.

9. Tsilivi

• Type: Large sandy shore with shallow, safe waters.

• Access: Extremely easy, located right within the resort town of the same name.

• Amenities: Fully organized with beach bars, taverns, water sports, and a lifeguard.

• Ideal for: Families with young children and those wanting all amenities close by.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~6 km (approx. 10 minutes).

• Tip: Thanks to its sheltered waters, it is the ideal choice when strong winds blow across the rest of the island.

10. Porto Zoro

• Type: Sand combined with fine pebbles and impressive rock formations in the sea.

• Access: Easy road access with convenient parking.

• Amenities: Organized with a cosmopolitan beach bar, restaurant, and sunbeds.

• Ideal for: Relaxation, couples, and swimming in calm waters.

• Distance from Zakynthos Town: ~12 km (approx. 15 minutes).

• Tip: Swim out to the distinctive rocks at the end of the beach to explore the rich seabed.

Useful Tips for Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal season is from May to September.

• What to Bring: Take water, sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, and water shoes for rocky shores (Porto Limnionas, Porto Roxa).

• West vs. East Coast: Western and northern beaches (Navagio, Porto Limnionas, Roxa) offer wild beauty, deep waters, and dramatic cliffs. Conversely, eastern and southern shores (Gerakas, Tsilivi, Agios Nikolaos) feature sandy beaches and shallow waters, making them ideal for families.