Beaches on Zakynthos Southern Coast
Zakynthos southern coast, which includes the Marine Park, stretches from Keri Beach to Gerakas Beach.
This area, which is also known as the Gulf of Laganas, has numerous sandy beaches. Gerakas, Dafni and Kalamaki beaches are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise to protect the nesting and hatching sites of Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles.
The beaches of Laganas, Agios Sostis, Cameo, Keri and Marathia have no time restrictions, but they do have a boat speed limit, that cannot exceed 6 nautical miles. More information on “Map, beaches and rules of the Marine Park“.
GERAKAS BEACH
Gerakas Beach is considered among the most beautiful beaches in Zakynthos. This strip of sandy beach is located at the southern end of Zakynthos and is about 17 km from the capital. Chosen year after year by hundreds of Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles as their nesting site, in the months of August and September, it is actually possible to witness the eggs hatching, and see the small turtles take the sea route. Marine sports and bars are prohibited in this area. Gerakas is under the protection of the Marine National Park and in fact at the entrance, WWF volunteers will explain the rules to follow while on the beach.
GERAKAS BEACH
Gerakas Beach is considered among the most beautiful beaches in Zakynthos. This strip of sandy beach is located at the southern end of Zakynthos and is about 17 km from the capital. Chosen year after year by hundreds of Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles as their nesting site, in the months of August and September, it is actually possible to witness the eggs hatching, and see the small turtles take the sea route. Marine sports and bars are prohibited in this area. Gerakas is under the protection of the Marine National Park and in fact at the entrance, WWF volunteers will explain the rules to follow while on the beach.
DAFNI BEACH
Dafni Beach is part of the National Park protected area. This long stretch of golden sand is the least popular among the beaches of the Marine Park as it can only be reached by private vehicle. Here you will find numerous turtle nests covered by wooden cages positioned for protection by WWF volunteers. The local seabed is home to Posidonia meadows, where numerous fish find shelter from predators.
DAFNI BEACH
Dafni Beach is part of the National Park protected area. This long stretch of golden sand is the least popular among the beaches of the Marine Park as it can only be reached by private vehicle. Here you will find numerous turtle nests covered by wooden cages positioned for protection by WWF volunteers. The local seabed is home to Posidonia meadows, where numerous fish find shelter from predators.
KALAMAKI BEACH
The sandy Kalamaki Beach is the longest beach of the Marine Park and it is the continuation of Laganas Beach. The edge of Kalamaki Beach is marked by a WWF kiosk where volunteers provide information on the rules to be followed in the protected area. Almost every year, about 200 turtle nests are laid on this beach, recognizable by the characteristic wooden structures that the volunteers put in place for protection. Typically, the first stretch of beach is always crowded, but further down towards the end, there are more tranquil spots.
KALAMAKI BEACH
The sandy Kalamaki Beach is the longest beach of the Marine Park and it is the continuation of Laganas Beach. The edge of Kalamaki Beach is marked by a WWF kiosk where volunteers provide information on the rules to be followed in the protected area. Almost every year, about 200 turtle nests are laid on this beach, recognizable by the characteristic wooden structures that the volunteers put in place for protection. Typically, the first stretch of beach is always crowded, but further down towards the end, there are more tranquil spots.
LAGANAS BEACH
Laganas Beach is the most famous beach in Zakynthos. The beach is located about 10 kilometers from the capital and it is by far the most popular beach for young people. Laganas is characterized by an immense sandy beach, dotted with deckchairs and umbrellas, and is embraced by an infinity of restaurants and bars open until late in the evening. The sea water, although less spectacular than in other parts of the island, is still crystal clear with a shallow bottom that degrades slowly.
LAGANAS BEACH
Laganas Beach is the most famous beach in Zakynthos. The beach is located about 10 kilometers from the capital and it is by far the most popular beach for young people. Laganas is characterized by an immense sandy beach, dotted with deckchairs and umbrellas, and is embraced by an infinity of restaurants and bars open until late in the evening. The sea water, although less spectacular than in other parts of the island, is still crystal clear with a shallow bottom that degrades slowly.
CAMEO BEACH
Cameo Island, the second most photographed point in Zakynthos, has the smallest beach on the southern coast. This white pebble beach is easily accessible from Laganas both on foot and by car or scooter. In the past, Cameo Island was a coastal promontory, but as a result of numerous earthquakes that hit the area, it has become the island you see today. A romantic wooden pier connect the island to the mainland.
CAMEO BEACH
Cameo Island, the second most photographed point in Zakynthos, has the smallest beach on the southern coast. This white pebble beach is easily accessible from Laganas both on foot and by car or scooter. In the past, Cameo Island was a coastal promontory, but as a result of numerous earthquakes that hit the area, it has become the island you see today. A romantic wooden pier connect the island to the mainland.
KERI BEACH
Keri Beach is located in the south-western part of the island and offers beautiful views of Marathonisi Island. The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand with some trees providing shade in the hottest hours. The seabed is sandy and shallow making it possible to walk for about twenty meters in crystal clear waters. It is definitely an ideal place for families with small children.
KERI BEACH
Keri Beach is located in the south-western part of the island and offers beautiful views of Marathonisi Island. The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand with some trees providing shade in the hottest hours. The seabed is sandy and shallow making it possible to walk for about twenty meters in crystal clear waters. It is definitely an ideal place for families with small children.
MARATHIA BEACH
Marathias Beach is located about 19 km from the city of Zakynthos. The sea is crystal clear and the beach is made of white pebbles. The water is shallow making it ideal for families with small children. The beach can be accessed by going down a dirt road behind a restaurant. In the hottest hours, beachgoers can find shelter by renting an umbrella from the beach attendant.
MARATHIA BEACH
Marathias Beach is located about 19 km from the city of Zakynthos. The sea is crystal clear and the beach is made of white pebbles. The water is shallow making it ideal for families with small children. The beach can be accessed by going down a dirt road behind a restaurant. In the hottest hours, beachgoers can find shelter by renting an umbrella from the beach attendant.