Summary
On the Ionian Island of Zakynthos (Zante), there exists a distinct contrast between the mountainous regions in the north and west and the flatter areas in the south and east, where the majority of the beaches are situated.
The higher elevations feature bright white limestone cliffs that drop dramatically into picturesque inlets and coves, such as the renowned Navagio, which is accessible exclusively by boat.
A significant portion of the southwest, particularly around Laganas Bay, is designated as the Greek National Marine Park, serving as a nesting habitat for the loggerhead sea turtle (caretta caretta). This species lays its eggs on the sandy shores during summer, and visitors have the opportunity to engage in turtle-spotting on glass-bottom boats, observing hatchlings making their way to the water after dusk.
Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Zakynthos:
1. Navagio (Shipwreck Cove)
Situated in the northeastern part of Zakynthos, this cove is bordered by towering white limestone cliffs.
At the base, the white beach holds the rusting remnants of the MV Panagiotis, a cargo ship that ran aground in 1980. There are two primary methods to appreciate this breathtaking natural wonder: From above, one can drive or take a tourist bus to Navagio Beach View, where visitors line up to witness what is arguably the island’s most iconic image of the shipwreck and the cove’s vibrant blue waters below.
Alternatively, by sea, visitors may charter their own boat for independence or join a tourist cruise departing from Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos Port in Volimes, or Zakynthos Town on the east coast.
If crowds are not a concern, one can indulge in sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the cerulean water, admiring the cliffs, and exploring the wreckage.
2. Kalamaki Beach
As one of the select beaches highlighted in the Greek National Marine Park, Kalamaki is located in the eastern corner of Laganas Bay and is arguably the finest on the island.
The coastline is protected, which minimizes tourist development, ensuring a serene environment along the beach.
Here, one can find merely a single bar renting out sun loungers and parasols.
Moreover, since this is a national park, the beach is meticulously maintained.
The golden sand remains pristine, while the beach slopes gently into warm, clear waters.
On the shore, you’ll notice swimmers hundreds of meters out, benefiting from the calm and shallow waters of this bay.
3. Blue Caves
The small harbor at Skinari, located in the northern region of Zakynthos, serves as the departure point for excursions to the Blue Caves, which can solely be reached by water.
Within moments, visitors will find themselves navigating through a spectacular array of limestone sea caves and natural arches.
The name aptly describes these formations, as the water exhibits a striking milky blue hue, a result of sunlight interaction with the white limestone.
Visitors are invited to dive in for a swim, and do not be surprised if your skin appears a ghostly color beneath the water’s surface.
4. Porto Limnionas Beach
A newly constructed road from the village of Agios Leon descends towards this fjord on the west coast, bordered on the east by towering white cliffs punctuated by caves.
Situated above the fjord on the western slope is a taverna with tables and sun loungers positioned on terraces that overlook the crystal-clear blue waters.
Below, visitors will find rocks and concrete platforms available for sunbathing, and it will be challenging to resist the urge to take a dip in the shimmering, clear waters and step onto the small beach at the northern end.
5. Marathonisi
This islet located in Laganas Bay, in the southern part of Zakynthos, is commonly referred to as Turtle Island, due to its status as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles.
Consequently, Marathonisi remains uninhabited, and visitors are required to vacate the sandy beach to the north before sunset in the summer to allow turtles to ashore for egg-laying.
From the southern harbors of Limni Keriou and Laganas, one can join turtle-spotting cruises to the island, typically conducted on glass-bottom boats.
The clarity of the water significantly enhances the chances of spotting one or two turtles.
Visitors receive approximately an hour on the island to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy a picnic within this unspoiled environment.
6. Agios Dionisios Church
The relics of St. Dionysios, the patron saint of the island, are housed within this church located prominently at the harbor in Zakynthos Town, a tradition that has been ongoing since 1717. His reliquary is paraded throughout the town on his feast day, August 24th, while the sarcophagus is opened daily just before noon for the benefit of worshippers.
The original structure fell victim to an earthquake in 1893, and the current edifice was reconstructed in 1948, remaining one of the few buildings intact after the earthquake of 1953. Designed in the classic neo-Byzantine style, the barrel vault and walls of this church are adorned with frescoes, including a depiction of the Madonna and infant Jesus in the apse.
The church museum features four works by the acclaimed 18th-century painter Nikolaos Koutouzis.
7. Keri Caves
At the villages along the southern coast, such as Limni Keriou, Agios Sostis, and Laganas, visitors can participate in boat tours that traverse the indented coastline in the southern region of the island.
The white cliffs rise to approximately 300 meters, and at their base, one can discover small sea caves and natural arches.
During the tour, a ladder is lowered from the boat, allowing for a swim in the mesmerizing sea, noted for its unique luminosity caused by the clear water and sunlight refracting off the white cliffs.
Explorers are also welcome to swim into the caves, where it might astonish them to learn that the sea depth reaches at least 20 meters at the cliffs’ base.
The Keri Caves are frequently included as a stop on turtle-spotting excursions that visit Marathonisi.
8. Banana Beach
The longest beach on Zakynthos is also among the most enticing, cherished for its soft golden sands and shallow transparent waters.
Banana Beach is located within the Greek National Marine Park in the southeastern region of the island; however, this does not imply a lack of amenities.
Throughout most of its length, sun loungers can be rented, or you may choose a private beach pergola for an indulgent experience.
These facilities are managed by the Banana Casa Playa bar and restaurant, which provides full-service offerings.
At the eastern extremity, a watersports center offers activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and water skiing.
9. Anafonitria Monastery
Located a short distance from Navagio is a monastery from the island’s Byzantine era, consecrated in the mid-15th century and remarkably intact following the earthquake of 1953. Saint Dionysios, the patron saint of Zakynthos, spent his final days here during the 1500s.
The monastery features a quaint stone tower, initially constructed as a defense mechanism, later converted into a campanile.
The church is adorned with stunning yet slightly weathered hagiography.
Perhaps the most picturesque area is the courtyard, which boasts free-standing columns, fruit trees, palms, and potted flowers, with vines climbing the rustic stone walls.
10. Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery
Perched atop Mount Skopos in the southeastern region of Zakynthos, the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery presents a challenging ascent that rewards visitors with a 15th-century church along with breathtaking views.
The walls of the church are embellished with intricate frescoes, and an icon of the Virgin Mary, brought from Constantinople after it was seized by the Ottoman Empire, is prominently displayed.
A striking double-headed eagle, an emblem of the Byzantine Empire, is visible on the church floor.
Part of the enjoyment of visiting the monastery lies in the journey, as one can hike up the winding path from the coastal resort of Kalamaki.
Alternatively, on particularly hot summer days, visitors can opt for a drive along the winding mountain road from Argassi to the north.
11. Gerakas Beach
The southernmost beach on Zakynthos is also among the most beautiful, featuring a westward curve of golden sands bordered by crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Behind the beach, steep sandy hills rise, becoming increasingly rocky towards the ends.
Looking southward, a stunning promontory of layered red and white rocks can be observed.
This more secluded section of Gerakas Beach is popular among naturists.
Moreover, a portion of Gerakas Beach is cordoned off, as loggerhead sea turtles use it as a nesting site.
These turtles typically mate in early summer, with hatchlings emerging during the peak season.
If you wake before dawn, you may have the opportunity to witness numerous baby turtles making their way to the water from the shore.
12. Byzantine Museum
Located in an arcaded mansion overlooking the sea on Solomos Square, the Byzantine Museum serves as a repository for Byzantine and post-Byzantine religious art from across the island.
Within the collection are frescoes, icons, and wood carvings dating back to the Byzantine period.
Additionally, the museum houses paintings, vestments, crucifixes, and numerous other liturgical artifacts from the 15th to the 17th centuries.
Many of these items were created outside of Zakynthos and transported to the island during its time under Ottoman control.
Elsewhere in the museum, a scale model of the city and historical photographs provide insight into how Zakynthos appeared prior to the devastating earthquake of 1953.
13. Keri Lighthouse
Located near the southern tip of Zakynthos, this lighthouse, perched atop a 300-meter cliff, is just one aspect of its appeal.
A restaurant is positioned at the cliff’s edge, providing diners with a romantic view of the sapphire Ionian Sea, the cliffs, and the outcroppings below.
As the terrace faces west, it offers spectacular sunsets.
The restaurant also features a small skywalk for those who enjoy heights.
While this experience necessitates a meal or drink expense, there are alternative viewing points further down the road, allowing guests to admire the scenery without incurring costs.
14. Askos Stone Park
Located in the northern area of Zakynthos, this attraction combines elements of a wildlife sanctuary, zoo, farm, forest reserve, and archaeological site.
The park derives its name from the abundance of stone structures visible throughout, including paving stones, dry stone walls, stone-built stables, and remarkable cisterns carved from the cliffs dating back over six centuries.
For children, the highlight is the opportunity to interact with and feed animals such as ponies, deer, peacocks, raccoons, chinchillas, turtles, goats, rabbits, and pigs.
The farm is also home to orchards producing peaches and apples, cultivated without the use of pesticides.
Depending on the season, visitors may engage in rural activities, such as olive harvesting or cow milking.
15. Aristeon Olive Press & Museum
Renowned for its exceptional olive oil, Zakynthos features this complimentary museum located just a few kilometers from the airport, which offers comprehensive insights into olive oil production.
The tour commences in the 1700s, showcasing a variety of antique tools including a wooden press and grindstones that were historically powered by animals.
Visitors can compare these historical tools with the contemporary factory, featuring stainless steel vats and centrifuges.
Throughout the tour, the guide shares interesting facts about olive oil and clarifies the distinctions between virgin and extra virgin olive oil.
During the tasting session, homemade bread is offered to dip in Aristeon’s quality oil, and a shop is available selling olive oil soap as well as flavored oils infused with garlic and lemon.
