Blue Flag 2021: the award-winning beaches of Zakynthos
The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) has announced the coasts, marinas and tourist boats awarded this year with the “Blue Flag”.
With 545 award-winning beaches, 16 marinas and 6 tourist boats, Greece ranks 2nd in the world out of 49 countries (complete and detailed list of award-winning beaches at https://www.blueflag.gr/).
The island of Zakynthos has 6 beaches awarded with the “Blue Flag”.
Let’s see them in detail:
From North to South the list of the 6 “Blue Flag” beaches of the island of Zakynthos
Makris Gialos
Makris Gialos is certainly the most interesting beach of the 6 awarded with the “Blue Flag” and to be included among the things not to be missed in a 7-day itinerary in Zakynthos. The beach is made of white pebbles, the sea is gorgeous with an indescribable blue green and turquoise color. The beach is free but it is also possible to rent two sun loungers and an umbrella for € 8.
Alykes
Alykes Beach is a long, fine sandy beach located on the northeastern side of the island of Zakynthos and similar to neighboring Alykanas. It has a very beautiful sea, characterized by a shallow seabed and crystal clear water. Ideal for families with children. It is equipped with bars, establishments where it is possible to practice various water sports, and restaurants. There is both a free beach area and lidos where you can rent 2 sunbeds and 1 umbrella for between € 5 and € 8!
Alykanas
Alykanas beach is very similar to Alykes beach; being an extension of it, it is difficult for tourists to understand where one ends and the other begins. Frequented mainly by families with children due to its shallow water, Alykanas has a sandy beach and clear water. It offers various services including taverns, showers and water sports. Tourists can choose between a free beach area and private beaches, where the rental of two sunbeds and an umbrella ranges between € 5-7.
Katragaki / Eleon Grand Resort
Katragaki beach is a small pebble and sand beach (this is the location). To expand the space, protective walls were built and lawns were created by the various accommodation facilities to accommodate sunbeds and umbrellas. The water is shallow and the sea is clear, thanks also to the few tourists who frequent the area.
Bouka
Bouka beach is a sand and pebble beach located just north of the Venetian Tsilivi tower (this is the location). The beach is both free and equipped. The Donkey Beach and Abra Cat Abra lidos offer deck chair and umbrella rental services. The water is shallow, the sea is crystal clear and warm, perfect for children to swim all day. The cost of 2 sun loungers and an umbrella is a maximum of € 6.
Laganas
Perhaps the most talked about “Blue Flag” of Zakynthos. Laganas is the nightlife area for 18-21 year olds and the most touristic of the island. The sandy beach joins up with that of the Kalamaki Marine Park (Zone A). The seabed is shallow and the water is clear. The cost of 2 sunbeds and 1 umbrella varies from free (in some establishments) to € 8. More info: “What to do in Laganas“.
Where to find more information about Zakynthos Island:
On the Facebook group of Welcometozante (CLICK HERE), all the updates, advice, questions and answers on the island of Zakynthos are posted.