Zakynthos (Zante) is an island of incredible beauty in the Ionian Sea. It is popular in Greece and abroad for its heavenly beaches and unique landscapes. Let’s travel together to the 10 most beautiful, worth visiting places of Zakynthos.
The city of Zakynthos
On the east coast of the island, built at the foot of the hill of Bohali, lies the city of Zakynthos, the capital of the island. Unfortunately, a lot of the city’s neoclassical buildings were destroyed by the earthquake in 1953, however, the beauty and elegance of this city has not been lost; the quaint squares, the imposing traditional buildings with the arches, the cobbled streets, its dozens of shops and its visitors make this place vibrant. Solomos Square hosts the statue of the Greek national poet Dionysios Solomos. There are also many impressive churches, with the most important one that of Agios Dionysios, patron saint of the island, a church dating from 1708, where the holy relics of the Saint are kept. The Venetian Castle constitutes one of the greenest parts of Zakynthos and a place from which you will enjoy a stunning view of the town and the harbor.
Byzantine Museum
In the central square of Dionysios Solomos there is the Museum of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine art, the largest museum in Zakynthos; it is a magnificent neoclassical building, erected after the earthquake in 1953. The Museum contains Byzantine icons, wood carvings, impressive shrines and temples, murals and paintings from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. There are also images of the city before the devastating earthquake in 1953, giving visitors some idea of how the city looked like then.
Shipwreck
“Navagio” (Shipwreck) beach belongs to the 30 most impressive beaches in the world and the most popular Instagram landscapes with millions of posts worldwide. The shipwreck dates back to 1980, when the ship that sunk was transporting smuggled cigarettes. That´s why it is sometimes referred to as the “Smugglers Cove”. Besides the whole setting of the old rusty shipwreck, the beach is of unparalleled natural beauty, with crystal clear, turquoise waters and fine white sand, below the steep cliffs, creating a heavenly landscape. It is absolutely a MUST on your bucket list of activities while on holiday on the island of Zakynthos!
Blue Caves
The Blue Caves, a series of geological formations created naturally by erosion, is one of the most stunning views of Zakynthos, stretching to Skinari Cape, on the northwest coast of the island; they feature a succession of limestone arches through which only small boats can travel, as the area is only accessible by the sea. What makes this place special, though, is the unique colour of the sea as the light reflects onto the water, producing an ethereal blue colour. It is a place that will soothe you with its incredible natural beauty and its tranquility, creating a magical atmosphere, better experienced at sunrise or sunset.
Keri Caves
About 14 kilometers from the city of Zakynthos, visitors can find Keri Caves, a landscape of unique beauty. They are located on the south-western part of the Keri peninsula, near the village of Marathia. These caves carved into the rock, extend for over 18 kilometers, exhibiting stunning reflections on the water, created by the light of the sun inside them. Rich in marine fauna, they constitute an ideal opportunity for its visitors to practice snorkeling or diving. Keri Caves can be reached by private boat or by joining an organized excursion.
Gerakas beach
For many visitors, the beach of Gerakas is the most beautiful of the island. It is located on the south coast of Zakynthos and forms an endless sandy beach that gives visitors the feeling that they are in Africa. Its waters are shallow and calm, ideal for families. This beach is a protected area of the Zakynthos Marine Park because of the sea turtles presence there, which choose this place to hatch. Access to the beach is not allowed after sunset, but it is worth visiting during the rest of the day, enjoying its natural beauty and calm waters.
Porto Limnionas beach
This is definitely one of the most picturesque bays on the island, located in a wild location, a short distance from the small village of Agios Leon. Limnionas is a deep natural harbor, surrounded by colorful rocks that make for great platforms to lay down towels and sunbathe. As the sunlight is reflected on the sea, it makes waters look like an aquarium, that´s why it is an excellent location to go snorkelling!
Laganas resort
Laganas, the heart of nightlife and entertainment, is the most famous and busy resort in Zakynthos, that´s why it is particularly popular among youngsters. It is the island´s premier resort, quite developed with luxury as well as affordable accommodation. It is located in the southern part of Zakynthos and it hosts the largest beach on the island, with a length of 9 km. Laganas is also known for the population of the endangered species Caretta-Caretta turtles, which lay their eggs there; for that reason its beach is a part of the protected National Maritime Park of Zakynthos.
Alykes beach
On the west coast of the island, 18 kilometers from the town of Zakynthos, lies the touristy village of Alykes, having taken its name from the salt-pits nearby. The beach of Alykes stretches along a very wide bay, a busy sandy beach mainly for those who love water sports. It is one of the best beaches on the island, organized with loungers and sunbeds, surrounded with a wide variety of bars, restaurants and taverns. Also, from the beach of Alykes visitors can take short boat trips to the Blue Caves and the Shipwreck.
Marathonisi islet
Marathonisi is a small private island, very close to Keri beach. Home to the endangered species of sea turtles Caretta Caretta, it belongs to Natura 2000 protection network and therefore anchoring is prohibited. For this reason, visitors must be very careful during their trip there as it is a breeding place for the sea turtles. Furthermore, another species in danger of extinction, the Monachus Monachus seal goes there to rest and reproduce. Marathonisi can be visited by private boat or by taking part in organized boat tours from Keri beach and Laganas bay.
