Zakynthos’ secret beaches

Zakynthos is best known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, but despite the fact that every year, tourists flock to the island from every corner of the world, Zakynthos still offers relatively remote areas hiding wonderful beaches and breathtaking landscapes; this guide will help you discover the island’s secret beaches.

Almost all these beaches are located on the western coast, the least crowded and wildest area in Zakynthos. To reach them, you’ll have to take dirt roads with steep beach access, but if you like a little adventure, you’ll be able to discover some truly spectacular places. Keep in mind that these beaches have no lifeguards on duty and their remoteness makes it more difficult for emergencies vehicles to get there, if needed.

Although the easiest and safest way to access these natural jewels is from the sea, by renting a small boat, with or without a skipper, in this guide, we’ll explain how to get there by renting a scooter, quad or car.

Here are Zakynthos’ secret beaches.

Plakaki

Of all of Zakynthos’ secret beaches, Plakaki is the hardest to reach and the least visited. From the village of Agalas, you’ll get to a free parking lot (here is its location on Google Maps) and from there, you’ll have to walk for a few hundred meters along a path carved into the rock. A handrail helps with the descent, but the uneven terrain and the presence of branches makes this path challenging and not suitable for children and elderly people. However, all your efforts will be rewarded when you reach the “beach”, which is nothing more than a huge white rock, hence the name Plakaki (tile in English). An indescribable sea and wild and unspoiled nature make Plakaki a paradise for snorkelers and those who love the renown Greek sea. Don’t forget to bring sport shoes, sunscreen and at least one bottle of water per person, because the area is exposed to the sun from 11:00 AM to sunset!

Korakonisi

Korakonisi is actually a small rocky peninsula, even though it is considered an island; its name, in fact, comes from Koráki=crow and Nisi=island, due to its shape resembling a crow’s head. To reach Korakonisi, take the road from the village of Kiliomenos and head north towards Agio Leon. After approximately 1.5 Km, you’ll see a sign for Korakonisi. Turn left and follow the road towards the sea. At the end of the road, park and continue on foot. You will notice a small kiosk bar on the right. Continue to go down and you will reach a series of steps carved into the rock, with an iron handrail that will help you with the short by steep descent. The water is refreshing and crystal clear, and the seabed is perfect for snorkelers and freedivers. If you reach the top of this peninsula, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the coastline.

Porto Stenitis

Porto Stenitis cove is a small fjord sloping down to the sea, featuring a rainbow of colors sure to delight the eye and the spirit. From the village of Maries, take a narrow, paved road until you reach a dirt road. If you have not rented a quad or a 4×4 Jeep, we recommend parking at the beginning of the dirt road and walking for the remaining 1.5 Km. Although there is no beach, there are some rocks sloping down into the sea providing access to the water. It’s a nice place for a swim, with crystal clear waters and rugged landscapes. Porto Stenitis is one of the stops of the West Coast Tour.

Filippoi Beach

Filippoi Beach can be reached by driving on a paved, bending road from the village of Volimes. The view from the road is breathtaking; from the various angles, you can see the sheer cliffs typical of the island’s western coast. You’ll have to enter the water from large rocks and swim to reach the sandy beach on the right. It’s worth a visit if you love swimming, climbing and enjoying nature. It is not recommended if you have mobility problems. The parking lot is small, with room for no more than five cars, but normally that is not a problem. You can also reach the beach by private boat.

XIGIA

Xigia Beach is one of the most unique and visited beaches in Zakynthos, thanks to the presence of sulfur springs giving the water white reflections. Although so popular, few people know that only 500 m from this famous beach (where Xigia Tavern is located), there is another one just as beautiful, but a little more difficult to reach (here is its location on Google Maps). This small pebble beach can be accessed by steep but not overly challenging stairs. The sea is crystal clear with an intensely blue color. On the left, there is another larger beach, accessible through a dirt path. There are about ten umbrellas: the cost for two chairs and an umbrella is €8.00. We recommend getting there before 11:00 AM, for a chance of finding one available.