A Guide to Zakynthos, Home to One of the Most Beautiful Beaches on the Planet

Best known for its stunning landscapes, Zakynthos, or Zante in Italian, is a Greek island between Italy and mainland Greece. One of the most southern islands in the Ioanian cluster (rivaled only by Kythira), the island covers 157 square miles (406 square kilometers) and has a full-time population of over 40,000 residents.

This island gets its name from Zacynthus, the grandson of Zeus and the Pleiad Electra in Greek mythology. Its rich history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture make it a popular tourist destination, rivaling even Santorini. Navagio Beach is one of the most iconic images of Greece and was voted #9 on the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world in 2023.

The island has a rich history and has been ruled by the Republic of Venice, the French, Russians, British, Italians, and Germans. The British handed the island back to Greece in 1864 in the Treaty of London. Famous people from Zakynthos include Dionysios Solomos, the national poet who wrote the Greek National Anthem, and Greek-Italian poet and revolutionary Hugo Foskolo.

How to Get to Zakynthos

Zakynthos City, the vibrant capital of Zakynthos Island.|©iStock/nantonov

Zakynthos has an international airport, so you can get to the island by ferry or airplane. The airport (ZTH) offers flights from Athens and multiple European and United Kingdom cities, with more flights during the high season of June through September. The airport is just two miles (about three kilometers) from Zakynthos Town, making air travel an attractive option.

The main port of Zakynthos is situated in Zakynthos Town, and ferries arrive from Greece’s mainland port of Killini in the western Peloponnese. There are no ferries from Athens, and the journey by car from Athens to Killini is approximately three hours. Expect a ferry ride of about 75 minutes between Killini and Zakynthos. During the high season, there are also ferries between Zakynthos and other Ionian islands for those who want to island hop.

Getting Around

With a coastline of approximately 76 miles (123 kilometers), the best way to fall in love with Zakynthos is by boat. There are water taxis, organized tours, or private hire options. If it works for your budget, private boat hires are an excellent choice, as they allow you to go where the larger boats can’t access. For a luxury experience, I recommend Zante Ionian Yachting.

Car transportation is another good way to see Zakynthos, and there are plenty of car rental options in Zakynthos Town and the villages throughout the island. For those who don’t want to drive, the KTEL local bus service goes to the most touristy destinations on the island, including Laganas, Alykes, Keri, Vassilikos, and the resort town of Tsilivi. Taxis are also an option, although, as in most Greek islands, there are a limited number, so plan ahead.

Things to See and Do

The iconic shipwreck on Navagio Beach. |©iStock/miljko

The Crayola color wheel has 19 shades of blue, and I suspect you can find every single one of them in Zakynthos. The island is famed for its vibrant landscapes, and from the Blue Caves to Navagio Beach, your eyes will enjoy a visual feast. Below are just a few of the spots to visit.

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)

The most famous sight in Zakynthos is Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach or Smuggler’s Cove. Accessible only by boat, this cove sets a dramatic scene with sharp limestone cliffs surrounding shimmering turquoise waters and the rusting hulk of the shipwrecked boat MV Panagiotis that lies on the beach’s white sandy shore. The site is breathtakingly beautiful, making it one of the most photographed spots in Greece. Be warned that for the summer of 2024, the beach itself will be closed due to concerns about landslides, but you can still approach the cove by boat to get a snapshot of this magical scene.

Blue Caves

Located off the coast of the village of Volimes on the northwest part of the island, the Blue Caves are another natural marvel offering intense, vivid imagery. Accessible only by sea, these caves are at their best at sunrise or sunset due to the otherworldly way the light reflects off their surface. The biggest cave is called Cyan Cave. Expect to see many shades of blue during your visit to these unique rock formations.

Keri Caves

The breathtaking Keri Caves and cliffs on Zakynthos island. |©iStock/NiseriN

While the Blue Caves are widely known, the Keri Caves offer a more secluded and equally stunning experience. Located on the southwestern coast, these caves can be explored by renting a small boat or joining a guided tour. The waters here are clear and tranquil, offering an ideal opportunity for swimming and snorkeling.

Zakynthos Town

The island’s capital, Zakynthos Town (also called Chora), offers lots to see and do in terms of history and culture. Visit the Byzantine Museum, which houses an impressive collection of icons and frescoes, and the Solomos Museum, dedicated to the famous Greek poet Dionysios Solomos. Spend an afternoon exploring the town’s charming Venetian architecture, lively squares, and scenic harbor.

Bochali Hill

After you spend an afternoon in Zakynthos Town, head up the path to Bochali Hill which offers some of the best views on the island. The hill is home to the ruins of a Venetian castle and a charming church, but the real draw is the breathtaking vista of the town and harbor below, especially when illuminated at night. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet evening stroll or a romantic date.

Strani Hill

For those who are patriotic about Greece, Strani Hill is a required stop as this is where national poet Dionisios Solomos composed the Greek National Anthem. Located just 1.5 miles (2 kilometers) from Zakynthos Town, you can enjoy panoramic views next to the monument of Solomos.

Kampi Sunset

While Greece is most known for Santorini’s epic sunset at Oia, the Kampi sunset in Zakynthos gives Oia a run for its money. The cliffs along the west coast village of Kampi provide a spectacular vantage point for watching the sunset. Choose one of the traditional tavernas perched on the cliffs and enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the panoramic views of the sun setting over the Ionian Sea. Michalis Taverna is my top recommendation.

Dafni Beach at the National Marine Park

If you love wildlife, be sure to go to Dafni Beach, home to one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the Mediterranean. This tranquil beach is part of the National Marine Park, a sanctuary for the loggerhead turtles called Caretta-carreta. The loggerhead turtles spend most of their lives at sea, but females lay their eggs on these shores at night from May to August. If you are lucky, you might see one of these rare creatures swimming in the sea, but keep in mind they are very shy, so be careful not to scare them.

Porto Limnionas

If off-the-beaten-path is your vibe, head to Porto Limnionas, a stunning inlet on the west coast that is less crowded than other beaches and features crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the serene atmosphere.

An aerial view of Porto Limnionas, a stunning inlet on the west coast. |©iStock/Mariusz Pietranek

Where to Stay

Zakynthos has lots of big hotels and all-inclusive packages, but if you are looking for a more local, family-run vibe, check out the Grapevine Hotel in Alykanas in the northeastern part of the island. The owner, Andi, and her sons work hard to ensure you have an enjoyable stay. For a more upmarket option with direct beach access to popular Tsilivi Beach, try Alexandra Beach Resort. You’ll have the option of a swim-up room, and their breakfast buffet is not to be missed! For the island’s best-kept secret, head to Nobelos Sea Side Lodge and Bio Restaurant. The four rooms at this luxury lodge are built completely from stone in the old Zakynthian architectural style. The restaurant is one of the only bio restaurants on the island and worth a visit even if you don’t stay at the lodge.

Where to Eat

For fresh, delicious fish, head straight to Bassia in Akrotiri, about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Zakynthos Town. Try the charcoal-grilled sardines and the grilled sea bass with beetroot. Prosilio in Zakynthos Town offers elegant fine dining and an impressive wine list of over 100 selections. Try the cuttlefish ravioli or the codfish sausage, but make sure to leave room for dessert. Their banoffee with hazelnut praline is the perfect end to your meal. Porto Azzuro combines both a gorgeous seaside and classic Greek taverna, so head here for lunch or an early dinner to take in the scenery.

For another classic taverna with a friendly vibe, head to Kosta’s Brother Taverna in Vassilikos on the southeast part of the island. Expect a beautiful garden, excellent homemade Greek dishes, and live Greek music on select nights.

Zakynthos is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historical sites, and culture. From a hill paying homage to the National Poet of Greece to iconic Navagio Beach, the island offers something for every traveler. Whether you are island hopping from another Ionian island or if you’ve decided to make Zakynthos your primary destination, a stop here will send you home with colorful memories.