This guide provides information on what to see in Zakynthos and lists the main attractions that you should not miss during your holiday on the island.

The popularity of Zakynthos, also known as Zante, as a preferred destination for young people looking for fun, doesn’t do justice to the island’s many attractions, starting with its beautiful beaches. In addition to its vibrant nightlife loved by young people, there are also remote beaches for couples looking for a more tranquil atmosphere and well-equipped beaches ideal for families with young children. The last few years witnessed a renewed interest in the natural landscape and culture of Zakynthos, which today attracts a diverse mix of tourists of all ages.

Here is the list of the most beautiful places to see in Zakynthos:

Shipwreck Beach

Shipwreck Beach, the most famous attraction on the island, tops the list of places to see in Zakynthos. The shipwreck that, on that distant October 2, 1980, could have permanently scarred one of the most beautiful bays in Zakynthos, has instead made it famous all over the world (read The History of Shipwreck Beach). Shipwreck Beach can only be reached from the sea, either by taking part in a group excursion or by renting a boat. For our excursions, we only use small boats, thus giving you the opportunity to fully enjoy the moment you enter this spectacular bay with electric blue waters. For more information: Excursions to Shipwreck Beach.

For beautiful souvenir photos, go to the viewpoint near the village of Anafonitria. Whether it’s a view of the cliffs, the white sand, the turquoise water with its changing hues of blue or the shipwreck in the middle of the beach, we can assure you that any picture you’ll take from here will look like a postcard.

Marine Park

With its 89 km², the Zakynthos Marine Park is the second most important attraction in Zakynthos. This area has some of the best sites on the island and requires at least two days to visit. Let’s see together what to visit in the Marine Park, in this 2-day itinerary.

Day 1: Marathonisi Island, Loggerhead (Caretta-Caretta) Turtles and Keri Caves.

Marathonisi Island is a true paradise, especially for snorkeling enthusiasts. Rocky and uninhabited, with a beautiful seabed and breathtaking caves on the western side, this island is the destination of numerous boat excursions. Marathonisi Island is a protected nature reserve and is in fact accessible to the public only from 8:00 AM to sunset, since it is one of the beaches where Loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) turtles lay their eggs. The island has two beaches: a sandy one where only smaller boats can dock and a pebble one surrounded by high cliffs.

During the excursion or if you are lucky during a swim, you will have the chance to observe Loggerhead (Caretta-Caretta) turtles swimming and relaxing in their natural habitat. Finally, to conclude the tour of this area, you can visit Keri’s natural arches and caves at the western border of the Marine Park: as you swim inside the caves, you will be enchanted by the intense blue color of the sea. Visiting all three Marine Park sites will take about three hours, when you take part in an organized tour that uses a boat carrying a maximum of 24 passengers or when you rent a boat that doesn’t require a license or one with a skipper for greater comfort and a more special experience with family or friends. Read more on the excursions to the Zakynthos Marine Park.

Day 2: Dafni and Gerakas.

Dafni and Gerakas are the only two beaches in Zone A, the most protected area in the Marine Park, accessible to the public from 8:00 AM to sunset. These two pristine sandy beaches, with crystal clear shallow waters, well protected from the winds, are ideal for a relaxing day to enjoy nature.

To reach Dafni, you’ll have to travel a few km on a dirt road, which makes it one of the least touristy and wildest beaches on the island. Gerakas is located 10 km from Dafni. In high season, access to this sandy beach is restricted to a maximum of 350 visitors at a time. Many people don’t know that one of Gerakas peculiarities is a sort of lunar landscape created by the rain carving the clay cliffs that are typical of this area. Both beaches are home to numerous turtle nests, protected by wooden cages, and offer the added bonus of swimming and snorkeling without the stress of boats, which are not allowed to access the area.

Xigia

Xigia Beach is one of the must-see sites in Zakynthos. What makes this place special is its sulfurous water, which gives the sea striking shades of blue and white. The beach is very small with few sunbeds: you’ll have to arrive early in the morning for a chance to find a spot for your towel. Few, however, know that there are actually three beaches in Xigia: the first and most famous one is located below Xigia Tavern, from where most of the pictures you see on social media are taken; the other two, which are called “little Xigia” and “paralia Pelagaki“, are located a few hundred meters before the main beach and are as beautiful but less touristy.

Cameo Island

This charming islet, located in Laganas Bay and surrounded by crystal clear, intensely turquoise waters, is famous for the pier connecting it to the mainland. With a bar located at the top overlooking Laganas Bay and an enchanting white pebble beach, it is an ideal location to spend a few hours relaxing or sipping a drink with a sea view. Young people and families often gather here at sunset for happy hour while waiting for the evening events to begin.

Mizithres Sea Stacks

These 2 incredible sea stacks, surrounded by an intensely blue sea, gained in popularity after the 2018 earthquake caused the collapse of the cliff, resulting in the formation of a white beach. Year after year, also thanks to the numerous photos shared on social media, a growing number of tourists have been visiting this Zakynthos location either by participating in an excursion or by renting a boat. A romantic alternative is renting a boat with a skipper at sunset and sipping a drink while the sun slowly sets into the sea between the two stacks.

Zakynthos Town

Make sure to spend some time in the eclectic town of Zakynthos, (also called Chora or Póli by the island’s residents), the capital and main port of the island. The city, with its bars, promenade and enchanting views, has something for everyone, from the people of the night to the couples on a romantic getaway. Set off to explore the narrow streets leading to Bochali, located on top of Strani Hill, the highest point in the city, from where you can enjoy a sensational view.

Porto Limnionas

Porto Limnionas cove, which is famous for its crystal clear waters similar to a pool, is an unmissable stop for anyone vacationing on the island and is in fact included in all the lists of must-see places in Zakynthos. This rocky fjord, located on the western coast, has a small beach carved out of the rocks over the years, which offers umbrellas and chairs. The water is cold, due to the freshwater from a spring meeting the sea, but perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. It’s an ideal place for everyone: couples, families and young people.

Porto Roxa

Porto Roxa is a rocky cove located a couple of Km from Porto Limnionas. It provides a few rocking beds, ideal for relaxing while being lulled by the sound of the waves in the background. Over the years, these beds are slowly being replaced with traditional sunbeds: we recommend arriving early for a chance to find one available. Furthermore, access to the beach can be a bit difficult, so don’t forget to bring shoes. For those who love diving, there is a diving board from where you can jump into the sea.

Kapo Skinari

In Kapo Skinari, there are several windmills with a sea view that have been converted into apartments. Many tourists come here after seeing photos on social media, but Kapo Skinari is not just that. Upon climbing down a series of stairs, you’ll in fact find yourself in front of crystal clear waters, rich in sea life, especially Posidonia Oceanica, a water plant, present in different areas of the Mediterranean, which gives the sea its incredible turquoise color. Kapo Skinari is ideal for snorkelers and adrenaline-seekers, thanks to a diving board positioned at a height of 5m.

Water Sports

Zakynthos island is a paradise for those wanting to try water sports, which are one of the main attractions for young people vacationing on the island. The selection is impressive: windsurf, jet skis, parachutes, banana boats, crazy sofa, etc. The best beach for windsurfing is Tsilivi, with Manos Kefalinos, the only instructor on the island. The main and best equipped beaches for water sports are Banana Beach and San Nikolaos, which can also be reached by a free shuttle.

Nightlife

Obviously, when talking about a holiday in Zakynthos, you cannot forget its vibrant nightlife. Recommending fun destinations is not easy, because it all depends on what holiday experience you are looking for: there are those who come in August to live at night and hop from one club to the other, but there are also families looking for relaxation and venues where to leisurely enjoy a drink. In any case, if you love having fun, including the crowded events that made Zakynthos famous among young people around the world, you are in the right place.

For young people, we recommend the Tuesday and Friday events at the Barrage (the largest disco on the island), a few evenings at the discos in Laganas and, in the name of trash, a boat party. Here is the “list of the best events in Zakynthos“. For families and couples looking for tranquility, we recommend the town of Zakynthos, which offers numerous trendy places to enjoy a drink or a meal, Cameo Island or restaurants by the sea for a romantic evening.

Where can you find more information on what to see and do in Zakynthos?

We post all updates on Zakynthos venues, events and happy hours on the Facebook group Welcometozante: join the group and stay informed!