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Gerakas beach, Zakynthos Gerakas beach, Zakynthos

Zakynthos offers a distinct charm compared to the more traditional Cycladic islands like Santorini and Mykonos. While those islands are renowned for their iconic architecture and bustling nightlife, Zakynthos boasts a more laid-back atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and a rich history. Its diverse landscapes, including lush green hills, secluded beaches, and dramatic cliffs, make it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a more authentic Greek experience. We have gathered a list of some of the must-sees and must-dos of this gorgeous Ionian Island.

1. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)

Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach is the most famous place on the island. Having been photographed thousands of times, the beach is considered one of the most beautiful ones on a global level. It is covered with white sand and the contrast between the bright blue waters and the rusty old shipwreck located there creates a unique scenery that attracts countless visitors every summer. Navagio can only be approached from the sea since the massive cliffs around it make it totally secluded. The only way to see Navagio Beach is by boat, so the wisest thing to do is to book a guided tour that will take you to this remote spot and allow you to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes in Zakynthos.

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)

2. The Blue Caves

The Blue Caves are located in the same region as Navagio. The caves and arches in the rocks by the sea are a naturally occurring geological formation. What makes them so special is the reflections of the seawater that makes them seem blue. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit and swim around while observing the otherworldly scenery. The underwater world around the caves is quite interesting too and ideal for snorkelling. The only way to see the Blue Caves is by boat, so the wisest thing to do is to book a guided tour that will take you to this stunning remote spot.

The Blue Caves The Blue Caves

3. Beautiful beaches

Similarly to the other Ionian islands, Zakynthos is famous for its beautiful beaches; hence, of course, one of the best things to do is to pay a visit to as many as possible! Most of them are covered with golden sand and have very clear waters, have both organized and unorganized parts available and you can easily get there by car.

The sandy beaches of Laganas and Banana are excellent for those who enjoy the comfort of tourist facilities, while Kalamaki is only partly organised. Agios Nikolaos and Agios Sostis are very popular for water sports lovers. For visitors looking for a calmer beach with a remote location that ensures a magnificent and unspoiled natural landscape, we recommend Gerakas.

Gerakas Beach Gerakas Beach

4. Zakynthos Town

Zakynthos Town, the island's capital, is a charming town with a population of approximately 10,000. As the primary port, it serves as a gateway to Zakynthos. Its architecture, deeply influenced by Venetian, French, and English colonisers, reflects a rich cultural tapestry. To experience this historical heritage, visit Solomos and Agiou Markou Squares, where you'll find significant landmarks. Scattered throughout the town, a few surviving old mansions offer glimpses into the past, standing as testaments to the island's resilience.

Zakynthos Town Zakynthos Town

5. Visit Turtle Island

Surrounded by turquoise waters and entirely covered with dense greenery, this small exotic islet is located very close to Zakynthos. Marathonisi has a golden beach, caves, natural arches and other impressive rock formations but what it is mostly known for is the sea turtles Caretta Caretta that visit this remote place frequently to lay their eggs on the beach. The best thing to do is to take part in an organised boat trip and explore the exotic landscape of Marathonisi, swim in its crystal clear waters and see the turtle nests!

Caretta Caretta sea turtle Caretta Caretta sea turtle

6. Solomos Museum

The Museum of Dionyssios Solomos, Andreas Kalvos and Other Eminent Personalities of Zakynthos is located in Zakynthos Town. The beautiful neoclassical building can be easily spotted once you arrive at Agios Markos Square. The Museum, which is also the mausoleum of the Solomos and Kalvos families, exhibits small but diverse collections, including paintings, manuscripts, coats of arms, archaeological findings and coins.

Dionyssios Solomos Square, Zakynthos Dionyssios Solomos Square, Zakynthos

7. Visit the Venetian Castle

Located on a hill above Zakynthos Town, the Venetian Castle is like an open-air museum with findings dating back from the Byzantine Era to the period of the English Occupation of the Ionian Islands. Even though it has been severely damaged due to many earthquakes and wars during the past centuries, several ruins of old walls, gates, churches and other buildings can be seen in the area. In the past, it was reconstructed two times during the Venetian and English Rule.

Venetian Castle Venetian Castle

8. Explore Volimes village

To get a taste of the local rural life, visit Volimes village in the northwestern part of the island. It is a traditional settlement with quaint neighbourhoods, some ruins and a lovely natural background consisting of fields and vegetation. Strolling around the quiet streets of the small village, you won’t notice any tourist facilities except for very few taverns and cafes frequented by locals and a few shops where you can buy traditional products. In addition to the old buildings, there are some interesting landmarks in the area, including churches and abandoned windmills.

Anafonitria Monastery, Volimes village Anafonitria Monastery, Volimes village

9. Picturesque churches and monasteries

Even though many of the island’s old buildings have been destroyed, several churches and monasteries are exceptionally well-preserved and interesting architecture-wise. These churches and monasteries are significant monuments of local culture and religion and they are definitely worth visiting. The easiest to find are the Church of Agios Dionysios and the Church of Agios Nikolaos Molos in Zakynthos Town. If you would like to combine sightseeing with exploring the countryside, you can visit The Monastery of Anafonitria, where Saint Dionysios, the patron saint of the island, spent his last days, or the Monastery of Skopiotissa, a place full of ruins with an amazing view of the natural setting of Zakynthos.

Church of Agios Nikolaos Molos Church of Agios Nikolaos Molos

10. Take a day trip to Kefalonia

When you’re done seeing most of the beauties of Zakynthos, we recommend booking a day trip to Kefalonia in order to explore another nearby Ionian island. You can book a full-day tour which will take you by boat and bus to all the major attractions of the island. You will have the opportunity to see the most important landmarks in Kefalonia’s picturesque capital Argostoli and explore the island’s impressive Drogarati Cave, as well as the mythical in-cave lake of nymph Melissani. 

Argostoli, Kefalonia Argostoli, Kefalonia

Let Sunvil be your guide to Zakynthos

Let Sunvil take care of all the details, ensuring your holiday is tailored to your interests and designed to provide unforgettable experiences. Speak to our Zakynthos specialists today using our Live Chat facility or call us on 020 8568 4499 today. Let us introduce you to the real Zakynthos.

Mark Willson

By Mark Willson

25th October 2024



Talk to our Corfu Town expert

Mark Willson
Mark Willson

Mark came to Sunvil in 2007 and, by his own admission, his spell here has been the longest he has spent in any organisation. Previously he had worked in TV, website design and the music scene in general. A fervent lover of Greece he has travelled extensively throughout the country since working at Sunvil and knows the regions we cover. He is particularly fond of the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands and cites Sifnos and Milos as particular favourites.

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We promise that a member of our specialist reservation teams will reply personally to your holiday enquiry before 5.30pm if received before 12.00pm (Monday to Friday). Enquiries received after 12.00pm will be replied to within 24-hours (excluding Sundays).

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

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