Zakynthos (Zante)★★★
Zakynthos (in English "Zante") is the island of extremes. In the west: dramatic, hundreds of meters high cliffs, at the foot of which lies the most famous beach in Greece — Navagio, the shipwreck beach that everyone knows from Instagram. In the east: gentle hills, golden sandy beaches, and the protected nesting area of the loggerhead sea turtle. And in between: a tourism spectrum ranging from mindless party scene (Laganas) to complete seclusion (west coast).
Zakynthos has 40,000 inhabitants, is 406 km² in size, and receives over 800,000 tourists in the summer — most of them British and Italians. The island was almost completely destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1953, which also hit Kefalonia and Ithaca. Zakynthos Town was rebuilt in neoclassical style, but the old Venetian alleys were lost.
The smartest strategy for Zakynthos: take a rental car, stay in the quieter north or on the east coast, and make day trips to the highlights. 3–5 days are enough for the island.
Achtung
Laganas is a turtle nesting area. No lights on the beach in the evening, no loungers after sunset! The national park imposes hefty fines.
Navagio (Shipwreck Beach)★★★
Navagio is probably the most photographed beach in the world — and one of the few places that are just as spectacular in reality as in the pictures. A crescent-shaped bay, enclosed by 200-meter-high vertical limestone cliffs, white sand, unreal blue water, and in the middle the rusty wreck of the "MV Panagiotis" — a freighter that ran aground here in 1980 (allegedly loaded with contraband).
Access: Navagio is only accessible by boat. Most tours start from Porto Vromi (west coast, 30 min. ride, from €15 p.p.) or from Zakynthos Town/Agios Nikolaos in the north (longer, but often combined with Blue Caves, from €25). Small boats from Porto Vromi are cheaper and more flexible than the large excursion boats. On the beach itself, there is no infrastructure — no shade, no water, no WC. Bring everything with you.
Best Time: Mornings between 9 and 11 am, when the sun illuminates the beach and the large boats are not yet there. From 12 pm, it gets crowded and the light is harsh. In the afternoon, the beach is in the cliff's shadow.
The viewpoint above the cliff (free, accessible by car, Google Maps: "Navagio Viewpoint" or "Shipwreck Viewpoint") offers THE photo — the iconic view from above of the bay and wreck. A low railing is all that stands between you and a 200 m drop, so be careful with children and selfie sticks. Sunset up here is unforgettable.
💡 Tipp
For Navagio photos from above: viewpoint at the cliff (free, Google Maps "Navagio Viewpoint"). For the beach itself: boat tour from Porto Vromi (cheaper than from Zakynthos Town). Combine both in one day — morning boat, afternoon viewpoint.
Blue Caves★★★
At Cape Skinari, the northern tip of Zakynthos, the sea has carved a series of natural rock arches and sea grottos into the cliffs, where the sunlight creates an unreal blue. The water reflects the light from the white rock walls and the sandy bottom — everything glows electric blue, even the skin when you jump into the water.
The most impressive grotto is the actual "Blue Cave" — a natural arch large enough for small boats. When the morning sun (9–12 am) shines directly in, the effect is strongest.
Access: Boat tours from Agios Nikolaos (the small harbor in the north, not the town on the east coast!) start every 30 minutes, duration about 45 min., €10 p.p. Or from Zakynthos Town as a full-day excursion combined with Navagio (25–40€). Those who rent a small motorboat (from Porto Vromi or Agios Nikolaos, about €50–80/day) often have the grottos to themselves in the morning.
Turtle Bay & Laganas★★
The Bay of Laganas on the southern coast is one of the last major breeding grounds for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. Between May and October, the females come ashore at night to bury their eggs in the sand. 6–8 weeks later, the babies hatch and instinctively crawl towards the sea — provided they are not confused by artificial light.
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos (founded in 1999) protects the nesting beaches — Gerakas, Daphni, Sekania (completely closed), and Kalamaki. Strict rules apply:
- No access to nesting beaches after sunset
- No loungers, umbrellas, or tents on marked nesting areas
- No artificial light near the beach at night
- Boats must keep a 300 m distance from breeding areas
- Fines up to 50,000€ for violations
Seeing turtles: The best place is Gerakas Beach in the southeast — in the morning, you might be lucky to spot turtles in the shallow water. In the harbor of Argostoli (Kefalonia), they are almost guaranteed — but the harbor of Laganas also has regular sightings. Guided eco-tours (from 35€, e.g., via the Turtle Information Centre in Gerakas) are the most respectful way.
Laganas Town itself is, similar to Kavos on Corfu, a British party hotspot. The main street called "Strip" is a single club at night. For the turtle national park, this mass tourism is a constant problem. Those who love the turtles are better off staying in Kalamaki (quieter, still on the nesting beach) or Vasilikos (family-friendly, close to Gerakas).
Achtung
Laganas is a turtle breeding ground. No lights on the beach in the evening, no loungers after sunset! The animals are endangered — respect the rules.
Zakynthos Town
Zakynthos Town (Zante Town, 11,000 inhabitants) was rebuilt in neoclassical style after the 1953 earthquake and today appears clean, orderly, but somewhat sterile compared to grown Greek port towns. Still, a half-day is worthwhile:
Agios Dionysios
The church of the island's patron saint Dionysios at the south end of the waterfront — the striking freestanding bell tower is a landmark of the town. Inside, the silver shrine of the saint and colorful frescoes. Free.
Solomos Museum
On Markusplatz (the most Venetian square in town): Museum about Dionysios Solomos, who wrote the Greek national anthem — on Zakynthos! Also works by poet Andreas Kalvos. Interesting for literature fans, otherwise optional. €4, Mon–Sat 9 am–2 pm.
Bohali Hill
Above the town, the Venetian Castle Bohali (ruin, freely accessible) offers a great panoramic view over the town, the harbor, and the bay. In the village of Bohali, there are several tavernas with view terraces — perfect for dinner at sunset.
Waterfront Promenade
The waterfront promenade (Strata Marina) from the Agios Dionysios Church to Solomos Square is the place for the evening Volta (stroll). Cafés, ice cream parlors, fishing boats — relaxed Greek small-town life.
Other Beaches
★★ Gerakas Beach
At the southeastern cape: golden sand, shallow water, turtle nesting area. Sunbeds only in the unmarked area, beach closes at sunset. The cliffs behind are made of soft marl and constantly erode — don't sit directly against the rock wall!
★★ Porto Limnionas
Not a beach in the classic sense, but a natural rock pool on the west coast — a narrow gorge between cliffs leading into the crystal-clear sea. You lie on the rocks, jump into the deep water, and swim into the caves. A taverna above the cliff with a grand view. One of the island's best-kept secrets — although Instagram is increasingly changing that.
★ Xigia Beach
Tiny bay on the northeast coast with a natural sulfur spring: The water is milky-turquoise and smells slightly of sulfur. Supposedly healing for the skin. Very small, quickly fills up in summer. Come in the morning, spread a towel on the rocks, glide into the healing water.
Banana Beach
The largest beach on the island on the Vasilikos peninsula. Organized part with sunbeds and beach bar, natural part further north. Golden sand, shallow water, good for families. Water sports possible.
Porto Zoro & Porto Roma
Two smaller bays on the Vasilikos peninsula. Porto Zoro is more photogenic (rock formations in the water), Porto Roma quieter and sandier. Both family-friendly with a taverna on the beach.