10 Best Beaches in Zakynthos

Navagio Beach (known to many as Shipwreck Beach) is a pristine patch of sand that’s only accessible via the sea. The azure waters of Navagio are best reached by boat trip from Zakynthos town and while undoubtedly beautiful, the cove becomes extremely crowded at peak times. As a result, this popular beach is best enjoyed early in the morning when traffic is at a minimum.

Alternately, a viewing platform set amid the cliffs over the beach provides an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy Navagio. From here, the isolation of the cove becomes apparent and the colors that make up this famous beach are at their most vivid.

Alykes Beach is a long stretch of sand known for its cleanliness and remarkably shallow waters. For this reason, Alykes is one of Zakynthos’ most popular beaches for families, with excellent facilities such as changing rooms, showers and cafes widely available, too. Sun loungers complete with parasols are on offer at Alykes while the full gamut of water sports options can also be found including jet ski rental and paragliding.

Alykes is a resort in its own right and is home to a variety of hotels and apartments to suit all budgets, with the emphasis very much on family-oriented accommodations.

Kalamaki Beach is an enormous sandy beach that is part of the island’s National Maritime Park located on the southern shore of Zakynthos. This special status comes a result of the beach’s importance to the local Loggerhead turtle population, which use Kalamaki as a nesting place. This means that Kalamaki, for all of its popularity, remains a quiet beach that attracts couples and families to its relaxing surrounds.

Tepid, crystalline waters make Kalamaki a delight for swimming, as does the shallowness of the sea. For those seeking to catch a glimpse of Loggerhead turtles, it’s best to head to Kalamaki at the first crack of dawn.

Agios Nikolaos is a small yet pristine stretch of pebble beach on the North shore of Zakynthos. As one of the main jumping-off points for both ferries to neighboring Kefalonia and boat trips to Smuggler’s Cove, Agios Nikolaos can become crowded in peak months with families and couples. On the other hand, the popularity of the area means that this beach boasts excellent bars and restaurants as well as free-to-use sun loungers and showers.

Backed by cliffs and boasting the kind of shallow, crystal clear waters for which Zakynthos is famous, Agios Nikoloas is definitely one of the North coast’s finest beaches.

Porto Zoro is one of Zakynthos’ prettiest beaches. It’s a narrow arc of shingle flanked by distinct rock formations. For all of its beauty, this beach remains quiet even at peak times of the year, with Porto Zoro attracting a more family-oriented crowd.

Located 17 km from Zante town, this is by no means a remote beach and the presence of a luxury hotel make Porto Zoro extremely well stocked with facilities including restaurants, bars, changing rooms and more. As with many beaches in Zakynthos, Porto Zoro benefits from transparent waters renowned for their shallowness, making swimming safe for the whole family.

Alykanas Beach benefits from a tranquil vibe and stunning scenery just outside the idyllic fishing village of the same name. Backed by lush olive groves and rolling hills, Alykanas is a relaxing yet well-maintained beach that is known as a hub for families and couples. With a variety of bars and restaurants such as the excellent Shoestring, which serves Greek classics in a refined style, Alykanas Beach has top-quality amenities.

One of the key benefits of Alykanas Beach is the variety and quality of water sports on offer, which includes kayaks, jet skis, banana boats and more.

Though not technically a beach, Porto Roxa is definitely one of Zakynthos’ most widely visited coastal areas due to its undeniable beauty. Situated on the island’s rugged south-west coast, Porto Roxa attracts an energetic crowd who come to dive off the rocks and enjoy the variety of tavernas overlooking the cove. In fact, purchasing a drink usually includes free sun-lounger use, which otherwise comes at a premium here due to limited space.

Porto Roxa can be visited by boat trip from nearby Porto Limnionas or, alternately, it’s possible to drive to this beach and make use of the free parking lot nearby.

Limni Keriou, a small but spectacular stretch of coastline, is the name given to both the village and its adjacent beach. Shaded by pine trees and lined with traditional tavernas, Limni Keriou is one of the more relaxing beaches in Zakynthos. The water here is shallow and clear with sand underfoot, meaning Limni Keriou is a perfect beach for families. Nearby Marathonissi island will attract adventurers who can rent their own boat to tour this beautiful patch of land merely a mile off shore.

For those who prefer more leisurely activity, the village of Limni Keriou itself is a delight to explore with its narrow streets, ancient houses and a delightful old monastery. The best views of the beach at sunset can be enjoyed from the lighthouse, which is accessible via the village.

Close to the island capital of Zakynthos town, Tsilivi Beach is a lively resort that attracts a mixed crowd including families, couples and younger groups. This long and extremely popular strip of coastline is equipped with a range of amenities including umbrellas, sun loungers, bars and restaurants. Tsilivi Beach is also renowned for its cleanliness and is often touted as one of Zakynthos’ most spotless beaches.

Though Tsilivi Beach is a large resort, nightlife tends to be on the quieter side with cocktail bars preferred over raucous nightclubs. One of the most popular is Ark Bar, a town center staple serving great cocktails and snacks in a convivial atmosphere.

As one of the most popular resorts in Zakynthos, Laganas Beach is a great option for those seeking a lively time. Even so, the beach is long enough to never feel crowded even in peak months, with the selection of bars and restaurants on offer making it one of the best served on the island. Sprawling and buffered on both sides by lush green hills, Laganas is one of the island’s most picturesque large beaches.

Laganas Beach is renowned as a vital area for the Loggerhead turtle, which comes here to lay its eggs. This means that Laganas Beach is a great spot to see these endangered creatures in their natural habitat, with the shallow and clear waters ideal for snorkeling with these beautiful animals.