Zakynthos is one of the lesser-known Greek islands in the Ionian Sea and is becoming more popular every year with rising visitor numbers, and understandably so. It’s the perfect size to explore on a holiday, and getting around is easy. With plenty of direct flights from the UK, including London, Manchester and Birmingham, there’s nothing standing in your way for an amazing family holiday! The Venetian, Neapolitan, French and British influences on the island, historic sites, monasteries, churches and, of course, fantastic beaches are waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Zakynthos is best visited between April and November with the summer months being the hottest.
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Navagio beach: The ‘Shipwreck beach’
Navagio beach in the north-west of Zakynthos is also dubbed the ‘shipwreck beach‘, making this beach a must-visit beach and popular attraction at once. The giant shipwrecked freighter is right in the middle of the beach, and this famous Smugglers Cove, named for its surrounding rocks, looks just as impressive from the viewpoint at the top. Seeing a real shipwreck up close will be just as exciting for you as it is for your children. Apart from the shipwreck, this beach also offers white sand and crystal-clear waters, just what you expect from the perfect Greek beach holiday making it a great candidate for the best beach in Zakynthos. You can reach Navagio beach by boat from Porto Vromi or from Agios Nikolaos harbour.
Porto Limnionas beach: Snorkellers’ paradise
Porto Limnionas is not a beach as such but a great location for swimming and snorkelling. This water inlet on the west coast of Zakynthos can only be reached by dirt road but that’s part of the adventure. This narrow inlet is fantastic for snorkelling. As there is no beach, there is no sand to wash up and cloud your underwater view. There is a tavern for snacks and drinks, and you can even rent sunbeds and umbrellas for some shade. From the viewpoint above the bay, Porto Limnionas looks almost like a channel or river, making it perfect for swimming because there are no waves, and the water is calm. The water is also amazingly clear, so even without snorkelling or diving, you will be able to see some fish swim underneath you.
Gerakas beach: turtle sanctuary
Located in the far south of the island, Gerakas beach is perfect for nature lovers. While this beach is also known as ‘turtle beach‘, you are probably not going to see any turtles running around. However, some parts of the beach are blocked off for nesting, and you may spot a turtle egg or two. There’s even a Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Center where you can learn more about these fascinating animals. This beach has no facilities or tavernas but the nearby town of Vasilikos offers anything a hungry sunbather may wish for. The sea at this beach is crystal clear and shallow, so you can walk in for a bit before you swim. Bring your snorkel as well because you may even spot a sea star on the bottom of the sea.
Tsilivi beach: 2 kilometers of fun
Located on the east coast of Zakynthos, Tsilivi beach is a great choice for families with young children. The area is well-developed, with calm water and white, clean sand. The water is shallow as you walk into it, and the sand beneath your feet feels soft and smooth. The beach is over two kilometres long, offering plenty of space for you, your little ones, and all their water toys. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds at affordable prices at this blue-flag beach. You can play beach volleyball or try out several water activities, such as jet skis and even parasailing, which is just as much fun to watch from the beach. Tsilivi beach is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards offering the perfect scenery for your perfect beach day in Zakynthos. This long stretch of sand is also perfect for a walk or even an evening run.
For everyone who likes to enjoy the quiet with a view of the ocean the infinity pool at TUI BLUE Caravel is the perfect choice and close to Tsilivi beach if you ever decide you’d like to join in the fun. Or do you prefer a swim-up pool at the TUI BLUE Zante Maris?
Laganas & Kalamaki beach: two-way beach
You can find the longest beach in Zakynthos between the towns of Laganas and Kalamaki. While Laganas in the west is popular among younger people and the party crowd, the beach becomes quieter the further you head east. With fewer bars, restaurants and tavernas, Kalamaki seems more like the marine park that this area is. A nesting place for sea turtles, this beach is closed after sunset so as not to disturb these fascinating creatures. During the day, however, you get to enjoy the calmness of the water, marvel at its fantastic turquoise colour and build a sandcastle or two in the warm sun.
Conclusion on the best beaches in Zakynthos
These are just a few of the best beaches in Zakynthos, but there are many more! The Greek island is well worth the trip if you want to enjoy beautiful and calm beaches, fantastic scenery and warm weather!