Getting to know Zakynthos and its beaches!

Zakynthos, the verdant Ionian island, may attract thousands of tourists every summer, but what strikes visitors to the island is that they won't find enormous hotel complexes anywhere, only small or medium-sized accommodation. This is due to an island-wide environmental awareness, which doesn't allow any private individual or entrepreneur to encroach upon the island's beautiful natural environment.

Frequent rainfall on the island significantly aids the development of its flora and fauna, while Zakynthos's overall environment has managed to draw attention not only from the Greek, but also from the international community. Its shores provide refuge for rare animal species to breed, such as the well-known loggerhead sea turtle Caretta-caretta and the Monk Seal Monachus monachus – two endangered species protected by international conventions and Greek law alike.

Loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta-caretta, prefer the Mediterranean beaches for breeding, especially the unique beach of Laganas, in the southern part of Zakynthos. The Greek state plans to establish a National Marine Park there, with the exclusive aim of protecting the sea turtle and educating tourists.

Laganas is only 11 km from the town and attracts the largest tourist traffic in summer, as it is an ideal holiday destination for young people as well as families. On the other hand, the Monk Seal, Monachus monachus, lives and breeds on the western, steep beaches of the island and is also protected by Greek law.

All of Zakynthos's 44 villages have managed to modernise while simultaneously preserving their traditional character. Some of the most well-known tourist areas on the island's south are Argasi, Kalamaki, Alykes, Alikanas, as well as Planos – Tsilivi beach, which has been awarded a blue flag.

Further north, visitors will also find amazing beaches such as Tragaki, Kypseli, Gerakario, while the village of Vasilikos captivates passers-by with its beauty, offering dream-like beaches perfect for numerous water sports, including Porto Roma, Agios Nikolaos, Porto Zoro and Gerakas.

Finally, no one should leave the island without first strolling along Strata Marina, the famous Rouga, the shopping centre with its picturesque arches, and the paved central square of Agios Markos, which attracts the most activity.

Book cheap flight tickets now and head off to Zakynthos!

Zakynthos – Beaches

Zakynthos has beautiful, exotic, and famous beaches, with clear crystal waters. The marine park and protected beaches are part of Zakynthos's natural wealth.

 

Ionio Beach

Ionio beach is one of the picturesque and quiet beaches that Zakynthos boasts. At Ionio beach, you can enjoy sunbathing and relaxation during your summer holidays in Zakynthos. Zakynthos presents Ionio beach, which is located in the Vasilikos area, an area with rare natural wealth. Ionio beach is covered with fine sand and has shallow, very clear waters. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy sunbathing and their summer swim in a picturesque and peaceful environment, but also for families as the waters and environment are safe for children.

Ionio beach is an extension of Banana beach. It features a small bar where you can get your coffee, drink, or a sandwich after your swim.

Zakynthos is full of picturesque and very beautiful beaches like Ionio beach. It is worth visiting one of these charming and quiet beaches, Ionio beach, during your holidays and summer trips to the island.

 

Vasilikos

Zakynthos features the Vasilikos area, characterised by its natural marine wealth and natural beauty. In the Vasilikos area, you will also find very well-known beaches such as Agios Nikolaos beach, Porto Zoro beach, Banana beach, Porto Roma beach, and Gerakas beach.

Zakynthos features the Vasilikos area, which is characterised by its natural marine wealth and natural beauty. Vasilikos includes verdant mountains and some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, such as Gerakas beach, Agios Nikolaos beach, Porto Roma beach, Porto Zoro beach, and Banana beach.

The picturesque landscapes, rich sand, and crystal-clear waters characterise these beaches, while many of them provide refuge and breeding grounds for the rare Caretta-caretta turtle. For this reason, these particular beaches are protected and remain closed at night to safeguard the breeding of this rare turtle. Furthermore, water sports are only permitted at specific points and to a certain controlled extent.

However, Zakynthos hosts the largest diving centre on the island at Agios Nikolaos beach, where you can learn free diving techniques and enjoy the magnificent seabed off Zakynthos's beach.

Additionally, the Vasilikos area has many cafés, bars, and restaurants to cater to all your needs for drinks and good food.

Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful destinations for summer holidays, and the Vasilikos area is unique on the island and throughout Greece. We recommend visiting one of the finest beaches with rare natural beauty, Vasilikos beach, during your holidays and summer trips.

 

Xygia

Xygia beach is known for the therapeutic properties of its waters. In the medicinal waters at Xygia beach, you can enjoy swimming during your summer holidays and simultaneously treat chronic conditions such as arthritis.

Xygia beach has sulphur-containing waters, which give them a distinctive aroma and healing properties that treat chronic conditions like arthritis and others. Xygia beach is located 23 kilometres from the town.
Around Xygia beach, there are cafés and tavernas with a wide variety of foods and fresh seafood. The beach also has car parking.

Navagio (Shipwreck)

Navagio beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world! The beach is undoubtedly Zakynthos's most renowned beach. The island boasts one of the most famous beaches globally.

Navagio beach is Zakynthos's trademark, which is why its picture has travelled the world. It is a pebble beach located northwest of the island.

Access is only by excursion boats from Agios Nikolaos.

Navagio beach gets its name from the ferry that illegally transported cigarettes and alcohol, which was shipwrecked and destroyed on the beach as a result of pursuit by the Greek navy and the bad weather in the area.

 

Blue Caves

The Blue Caves are one of the island's stunning attractions. The blue colour of the Zakynthos sea is reflected in the caves, creating a spectacular sight.

An impressive natural attraction, drawing a large number of visitors every year. Discovered in 1897, they are located on the northeastern side of Cape Skinari. Their name comes from the intense blue colour of their waters.

The largest of the Blue Caves is the Kianoun Cave. Tours are conducted by excursion boats, and the best time to visit is in the morning, when the reflections created on the cave walls by the sun's rays produce beautiful colours in the water.

The Blue Caves are an example of the unique natural beauty that characterises the island and one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Greece.

 

Accommodation in Zakynthos

Naturally, your visit to this truly special island can only be combined with accommodation of corresponding standards and high quality. Some of the best options you have are:

Best Western Zante Park Hotel****: Nestled in the embrace of the Ionian Sea, just 200m from the unique beach of Laganas, you will find the hospitable BW ZANTE PARK. It offers modern amenities, relaxation, fine dining, entertainment, conference services, professional service, and enjoyment for even the most discerning guests!

Galaxy Hotel***: Built within lush gardens that lead to the golden sandy beach of Laganas, and with 30 new suites ideal for families, the Galaxy Hotel is an idyllic place for your holidays. Feel the warmth of traditional Zakynthian hospitality combined with modern amenities that a unique hotel can offer!

Diana Hotel****: Recognisable and timeless, modern yet elegant and luxurious. The Diana hotel is located in the centre of Zakynthos town. The first-class Diana hotel, with its refined services, guarantees to satisfy the needs of even the most demanding guest.

Diana Palace Hotel****: Imagine a landscape of amazing beauty, surrounded by palm trees, and you have envisioned the Diana Palace hotel. The Diana hotels family promises something for everyone – from quality service and comfortable accommodation to entertainment and sports. Guests of Diana Palace return again and again to enjoy the distinctive atmosphere and feel the sense of renewal they deserve.

Filoxenia Hotel****: Emerald green lawns. Blue skies, yellow quartz and large mountains. These are the "jewels" of the Tsilivi area, aiming to "spoil" you from the moment you arrive at the Filoxenia hotel. The complex's natural beauty contrasts with traditional hospitality.

 

Entertainment in Zakynthos

As for your entertainment, you can consider it guaranteed at Club Barrage. The powerful and carefully selected music, strong drinks, and the passion of the club's people for what they do, guarantee you fun until the early hours and events you'll remember for years!