Top 4 Zakynthos Geheimtipps

Welcome to the Ionian Island of Zakynthos! This Greek island paradise has become one of the most popular Greek islands in recent years, and it's not just because of the famous Shipwreck Beach. We'll show you the most beautiful spots on the island in our Zakynthos tips!

Zakynthos is located in western Greece and is the southernmost of the so-called Ionian Islands, which also include Corfu and Kefalonia. The island is characterized by steep cliffs and lush greenery, as well as numerous beautiful bays and the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea that surround it. If you are looking for this kind of experience for your next vacation and want to discover some real hidden gems, you shouldn't miss our Zakynthos tips.

As you might have guessed, Zakynthos is a true paradise for sun lovers and beach enthusiasts. I would like to introduce you to the most beautiful beaches of the island. The best way to explore the island is by renting a car or a scooter, which will allow you to reach all the beaches and attractions quickly and easily. The Zakynthos map shows you where the hotspots of the island are:

The most famous and most frequented beach on Zakynthos is Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach. The bay is surrounded by high, steep cliffs and is only accessible by sea. In the bay, you will find the island's landmark: the wreck of a smuggler's ship that ran aground here in 1980 and has since become a very popular photo opportunity. Numerous vacationers come here daily with their excursion boats to swim in the Shipwreck Bay and take a look at the famous wreck. Many great vacation photos have been taken here. You can drive to the official viewpoint above the bay with your rental car, but from there, you can only see part of the bay.

Important notice: Navagio Beach has been closed to visitors for the summer of 2024 due to significant risks of landslides caused by erosion of the surrounding cliffs. It is currently unclear how long the closure will last. Experts are regularly assessing the area.

Vacation Guru Tip #1: Instead, hike up the mountain to the right of the viewpoint. This can be done safely and without hiking shoes in just a few minutes. From here, you have a great view of the entire bay as shown in the picture below.

Since Navagio Beach is more of a visual experience and not suitable for long hours of relaxation and undisturbed sunbathing, we now introduce you to a beach where you can do just that: Kalamaki Beach. This sandy beach invites you for a long sunbath, and the numerous Greek taverns nearby provide you with everything you need.

Vacation Guru Tip #2: Another great bay for swimming can be found in the west of the island: Limnionas Bay does not have a classic beach, but it offers turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and daydreaming. You can reach the clear water over rocks at the edge of the bay or by a small pier. Since this bay is somewhat hidden, you won't encounter large tourist crowds, allowing you to mostly share the picturesque bay with just a few other sunbathers.

If you're looking for a beach section where more is happening and you want to head straight into the nightlife after sunbathing, then Laganas Beach in Laganas is the right spot for you. Here, the younger and party-loving crowd gathers at the numerous beach bars to enjoy their vacation and sip on cocktails. I recommend the Tasos Tavern right on the beach.

Another somewhat unusual beach on Zakynthos can be found in the northeast of the island. The water at Xygia Sulphur Beach is considered healing water by locals, as it is enriched by a sulfur spring located nearby in a cave. Otherwise, the beach is relatively small and is best reached by rental car.

Another secluded beach is located in the southeast of Zakynthos, on the Vasilikos peninsula. Dafni Beach lies in a nature reserve, as it is used as a nesting site by the loggerhead turtle in the summer. It can only be reached via a narrow road, making it relatively empty. Here, you can relax in peace and pop into one of the small taverns like Taverna Dafni near the beach.

Of course, besides the different beaches, there are other attractions to see on Zakynthos. A highlight is certainly the sea turtles that you will encounter all over the island. At many beaches, you will come across their nesting sites, which you should not touch or destroy due to carelessness. Fans of these marine creatures can book a glass-bottom boat tour to observe the animals in their natural habitat or even swim with them.

The island of Marathonissi, also known as Turtle Island, is worth a visit. This island off Zakynthos, where many turtles also nest, is privately owned but can still be visited. It's best to bring your snorkeling gear because the small coves around the island are perfect for extensive underwater exploration.

A trip to the small town of Limni Keri, located in the southwest of the island, is also worth it. Don't miss the breathtaking panoramic view you can enjoy from the lighthouse.

If you're already in Keri, you might as well explore the Keri Caves. The rock formations and caves are best viewed by boat, which you can rent privately or book as part of a guided tour. The boats make stops at various spots so you can swim and snorkel. A boat tour is definitely a great way to see Zakynthos from a different perspective.

After a wonderful day on the water, it's time for a snack, and we have a Vacation Guru Tip #3 for you in Keri. Be sure to visit the Sunset Taverna Keri - here you can enjoy delicious treats while taking in the most beautiful sunset and creating unforgettable memories.

If you want to visit the island, there is a fee of €5.

A nice walk you can take is a visit to Agios Sostis, also known as Cameo Island. The island, which was connected to the mainland until a few decades ago before it was separated by an earthquake, is easily accessible via a lit wooden bridge. The small, idyllic island invites you to relax at the Cameo Island Club, where you can enjoy your drink while looking at Zakynthos. In the evening, Cameo Island transforms into a real party island.

Finally, we have a secret tip for you with number 4. Not only places, songs, or people can help us connect with incredible memories - smells can also take us back in time or to a place and awaken special moments within us. Visit the local perfume house, Razi Aroma. Here, the most delightful scents are made with local products from the island. Let them show you the process and take home a pretty bottle as a souvenir.

For us, Zakynthos is simply one of the most beautiful Greek islands. If you feel the same way after our tips and want to spend your next vacation on this Ionian island, then check out our booking section for the perfect Zakynthos offer!