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Zakynthos Beaches: The 15 Most Beautiful Swimming Spots
A trip by Tom & EllaGreece MomentsZakynthos Beaches: The 15 Most Beautiful Swimming Spots
Tom & Ella spent two weeks chasing every cove on Zakynthos to crown the fifteen bays worth your time – from the iconic shipwreck on the wild west to turtle-nesting sands in the south.
Yoma Cove Suites
Five cave suites in the quiet north, up by Volimes near the Shipwreck coast.
9.6 Alternative places to stay
ZakynthosDay 1
Banana Beach & Porto Zoro
Banana Beach
One of the best-organized beaches on the island: wide golden sand, several beach clubs with lounge chairs, and the full menu of water sports – from jet-skis to banana-boat rides that gave the place its name. The shoreline slopes gently into the sea, perfect for families with children. Very busy in summer, so come early and grab a sun lounger before the beach clubs fill up by mid-morning.
Porto Zoro beach
Narrow but long strip of sand pressed between dense pine vegetation and steep cliffs. Striking boulders rise straight out of the water, lending a special atmosphere and a bonus for snorkelers – fish gather in the crevices below. Gentle slope and crystal-clear water make it suitable for families with children. The beach bar and restaurant on site is on the high-priced end, but the location more than compensates.
Airport Cafe
A quirky cafe near Kalamaki where planes land so close you can almost touch them – Zakynthos's answer to St. Maarten's Maho Beach. The runway sits just beyond the beach, and at sunset, watching aircraft descend against golden light is genuinely thrilling. Grab a coffee or cocktail and wait for the next arrival. A uniquely Zakynthian experience that plane-spotters and Instagram lovers won't want to miss.
ZakynthosDay 2
Porto Limnionas & Korakonisi
Porto Limnionas
Emerald-green water, white cliffs, and green bushes – one of the most photogenic spots on the entire island, though hard to find comfortable lying spots, with concrete terraces and rock slabs instead of sand. The taverna sets up sun loungers on the rock levels with welcome shade. Dive or jump straight into the clear water; the snorkeling here is some of the best on the west coast.
Korakonisi
A small peninsula with a unique rock window offering photo opportunities. Narrow bay with clear water ideal for snorkeling; water shoes essential due to the rocky seabed. The natural rock arch frames a postcard-perfect view across to the Ionian Sea, and the cove below stays quiet even in peak season – a rare combination on Zakynthos. Bring snorkel gear; the marine life around the rocks is impressive.
Porto Roxa
A fjord-like bay, ideal for watching the sunset. White cliffs glow orange and pink in the evening. Access is via ladders and rocks, and water shoes are mandatory – the seabed drops off steeply. The Ionion Beach Bar right on the bay does honest snacks and drinks at fair prices, perfect for nursing a beer as the cliffs catch fire at golden hour.
L'ete Sunset Bar
Watch the sun drop into the Ionian from this west coast perch – one of Zakynthos's most popular sunset spots. L'ete combines the cocktail bar atmosphere with panoramic sea views that turn golden every evening. Arrive early enough to claim a good seat; the show is worth the wait. A reliable choice when you want sunset dining without committing to a full taverna meal.
Ambelostrates
One of the island's most atmospheric dinner spots, set on terraces surrounded by trees with vineyard views. Ambelostrates in Kiliomenos village serves traditional Zakynthian cuisine with a sophistication that surprises – this isn't your typical taverna. The setting alone, draped in greenery with candlelight reflecting off stone walls, makes the meal memorable. The village of Kiliomenos itself is worth a wander before or after dinner.
ZakynthosDay 3
Navagio & the Shipwreck viewpoint
Navagio beach
White cliffs, turquoise-blue water, a rusting shipwreck on fine sand. Accessible only by boat and currently officially closed due to risk of falling rocks. The most photographed beach in Greece – and one of the most challenging to reach. Boat tours from Porto Vromi or Cape Skinari take you into the bay for the full panorama, while the cliff-top viewpoint above offers the iconic shot you've seen on every postcard.
Porto Vromi beach
A small, natural harbour with two deeply indented bays and crystal-clear water. Rent a small motorboat to explore caves and hidden Sfogio Beach. This is also the main departure point for boat trips to Navagio – most tour boats leave from the lower bay throughout the morning. Arrive early before the queues build up, or stay for a swim in one of the calmest, most sheltered bays on the west coast.
Shipwreck Viewpoint
The shot that made Zakynthos famous – the rusting hull of the MV Panagiotis wedged between towering white cliffs, turquoise water gleaming below. This clifftop viewpoint delivers the iconic Navagio frame that graces every Greek travel guide. Come after your boat tour for the double perspective – beach level first, then this jaw-dropping aerial view. The monastery of Anafonitria is a worthwhile stop on the drive up.
Anafonitria Monastery
The Monastery is named after Theotokos (Panagia) Anafonitria. It is dedicated to Virgin Mary. It was founded in the middle of the 15th century, during the Venetian occupation of the island. In this monastery, St Dionysios, the protector saint of Zakynthos, became a monk, forgave the murderer of his brother and lived the last years of his life in the 16th century.
Sunset Michalis Taverna
A no-frills west coast taverna where the sunset is the main course. Michalis keeps it simple – fresh fish, grilled meats, honest Greek salads – but the location, perched above the Ionian with unobstructed western views, elevates everything. The kind of place where you arrive for dinner and stay until the stars come out. Perfect after a day on the water at Navagio.
ZakynthosDay 4
Xigia, Makris Gialos & the Blue Caves
Xigia beach
Natural sulfur springs flow from rocks into the water, causing the sea to shimmer milky blue with the unmistakable rotten-egg smell. Said to have healing effects for joint pain, arthritis, and skin conditions. The main section is packed during season; Xigia Pelagaki Beach next door is quieter, accessed via a steep staircase with a pulley system that hauls supplies down from Magda's canteen above. The free spa-like soak is the draw – bring goggles to see the sulfur clouds drift through the water.
Levante Beer Brewery
Zakynthos's first micro-brewery, run by a Bavarian master brewer who brought two-centuries-old Lager and Weiss recipes to the Ionian. Six varieties on rotation – including the unfiltered Zante Lager, the wheat-based Bavarian Weisse, the strong San Petros bock, and the dark Bruno – all served right at the brewery in St Petros, near Xigia Beach. Tours are by appointment via [www.levantebeer.com](https://www.levantebeer.com); the small tasting room is the kind of friendly find that breaks up a long beach day.
Makris Gialos beach
Pebble beach on the coastal road toward Agios Nikolaos. Sea caves in the surrounding cliffs are reachable by swimming. Crystal-clear water but it gets deep quickly – better suited to experienced swimmers and snorkeling enthusiasts than to families with small children. The reward is dramatic: drift along the cliff line and you'll find half-hidden caves carved by centuries of waves, with the seabed dropping into deep blue beneath you.
Blue Caves
The Blue Caves are, along with Navagio (Shipwreck), one of the most famous attractions in Zakynthos.They are located between the port of Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari. They are named after the particular blue reflections that the water takes on inside them. The Blue Caves consist of a series of natural caves and arches ending in the large cave (Megali Spilia) and in the small cave (Mikri Spilia).You can only access them by boat. Most boats that cruise around the island make a stop here.
Nobelos Bio restaurant cafe
The only organic restaurant on Zakynthos, perched at the island's quiet northern tip with the sea at the table edge. Nobelos sits below its namesake seaside lodge near Cape Skinari, a few minutes' drive from the Blue Caves. The kitchen pulls from the family farm and the morning's fishing boats – homemade marmalade at breakfast, grilled fish and slow-cooked meats by night, vegetables that taste of the soil they came from. Tables spread along a paved terrace strung with lights in the trees, the Ionian lapping the rocks just below. This is the dining anchor for north-island days: pair it with a swim at Makris Gialos, a Blue Caves boat from Agios Nikolaos, or a sunset run up to the Skinari lighthouse. Open all day from 8am; lunch 12-4:30, dinner 7-10:30, closed Tuesdays outside August. Reservations smart for dinner. Bring layers – the breeze off the sea picks up after sundown.
ZakynthosDay 5
Alykes, Alikanas & Climati
Climati Beach
One of the quieter spots on the east coast, popular with locals and often missed by tourists. The unpaved path access via the EL Resto Bar leads down to a small pebble cove with crystal-clear water. No amenities here – no loungers, no umbrellas, no canteen – just true tranquility even in peak summer. Bring water shoes, your own shade, and snorkel gear: the seabed drops off steeply and the cliffs around the bay create natural caves perfect for exploration.
Alikanas Beach
Light, sandy beach sloping gently into the sea – the most beautiful swimming spot for families on Zakynthos, paired with neighbouring Alykes. Quiet, with a diverse crowd and views across to Mount Skopos. A late-afternoon stroll along the long sandy crescent is a Zakynthos ritual: dip your feet in, stop at one of the seafront tavernas, watch the sun set behind the inland mountains.
Alykes Beach
Long, light-coloured sandy beach sloping gently into the sea – paired with neighbouring Alikanas, this is the most beautiful spot for swimming with kids on Zakynthos. Quiet, with a diverse crowd ranging from local families to long-stay visitors, and views across to Mount Skopos in the distance. The shallow approach makes it ideal for younger children and less confident swimmers; the resort village offers plenty of tavernas and beach bars for full-day stays.
ZakynthosDay 6
Gerakas & St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas Beach
The white church of Agios Nikolaos perches on a rocky outcrop directly above the sea – one of the most photographed sights on Zakynthos and the postcard image you've probably seen before knowing the name. Golden sand, family-friendly with a gentle slope into the sea, and surprisingly quiet for somewhere this iconic. In off-season, loungers and umbrellas are provided by the local restaurants behind the beach. The little chapel is open to visitors when its caretaker is around.
Gerakas beach
Mile-long light-sand beach with the striking rock formation 'Jason''s Bite' at the edge of the bay. One of the most important nesting sites for loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean – visitors are asked to avoid swimming here from May to September to protect the nests. The Mediterranean Marine Life Centre nearby has free exhibits on turtle conservation; outside nesting season, this is one of the most beautiful and quietest beaches on Zakynthos.
ZakynthosDay 7
Keri Caves & Cameo Island
Keri Beach
Narrow gravel beach in the coastal hamlet of Limni Keri, lined with shady tamarisk trees that create a natural canopy in the August heat. The two beach restaurants rent sun loungers and look out across to Marathonski – the 'Turtle Island' – set picture-perfect in the bay. This is also the popular launching point for motorboat rentals and Keri Caves tours; the harbour just behind the beach has half a dozen operators offering half-day trips along the cliff coast.
Keri Caves Boat Tour
Crystal waters so blue they look unreal – this boat tour from Keri reveals Zakynthos's wild southern coast. Glide past sea caves, the dramatic Myzithres rock formations, hidden Piscines Beach, and the enchanting Cave of Love. If you're lucky, turtles surface around Marathonisi on your return through Laganas Bay. You can self-drive a boat up to 30hp to Myzithres; beyond that, you'll need a skipper. The water colour here genuinely surpasses expectations.
Cameo Island
A tiny private islet at the southern end of Laganas Bay, accessible via a narrow wooden walkway from the harbour at Agios Sostis. The mainland-side beach is mostly used as a parking lot and boat dock – but the islet itself is the draw: walk across the wooden bridge for clear-water swimming on the far side, dramatic photo angles back toward the coast, and a small beach bar that opens for sunset. One of Zakynthos's most distinctive moments.
Keri Lighthouse
The Keri lighthouse, standing at nine meters tall has been guiding ships in the right direction since 1925. You are not able to see it from close up though as it is closed to the general public. Proceed towards the precipice, ignoring the signs that it is private property and prepare yourself to see one of the most amazing sunsets of your life! It has steep cliffs, lush vegetation, untamed beauty, and an endless blue that connects the sea to the heavens with the Myzithres emerging majestically from the sea the view is unique.