Zakynthos stole my heart the moment I set foot on its sun-drenched shores. This Greek paradise in the Ionian Islands offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery I’ve ever encountered. The crown jewel of Zakynthos is undoubtedly Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach).
Navagio Beach is accessible only by boat and framed by towering limestone cliffs that create one of Greece’s most photographed landscapes.
My adventures exploring the island led me to several viewpoints above Navagio, where the panoramic vistas of the shipwreck against turquoise waters took my breath away. The main viewing platform has changed in recent years with safety railings added, but the view remains spectacular.
I recommend arriving early morning to avoid crowds and capture the perfect photo.
Beyond the famous shipwreck, Zakynthos reveals hidden treasures around every corner. Crystal caves, secluded swimming spots, and charming coastal villages dot the island’s perimeter.
During my week-long stay, I discovered that boat trips offer the best way to explore the island’s rugged coastline and access beaches that remain wonderfully untouched by mass tourism.
Discovering Navagio Beach
Navagio Beach stands as Zakynthos’ most iconic landmark, combining breathtaking natural beauty with fascinating history. The striking contrast between turquoise waters, white pebble shores, and towering limestone cliffs creates a truly unforgettable scene.
The Allure of Shipwreck Cove
The centerpiece of Navagio Beach is the famous shipwreck that gives the beach its nickname. This rusting vessel, the MV Panagiotis, ran aground in 1980 while allegedly smuggling cigarettes. Now it rests dramatically against pristine white pebbles, creating one of the most photographed spots in Greece.
What makes this cove truly special is the dramatic backdrop of sheer limestone cliffs that tower over 200 meters high. The water here displays an almost impossible shade of blue that shifts from turquoise to deep sapphire depending on the sunlight.
I’ve visited several beaches throughout the Mediterranean, but none quite capture the magical combination of natural drama and human intrigue like Navagio does. The enclosed nature of the cove also means the water remains incredibly clear and calm most days.
Navigating the Waters to Navagio
The only way to reach Navagio Beach is by boat, which adds to its exclusive appeal. I recommend booking a boat tour from Zakynthos Town, Porto Vromi, or Cape Skinari. These typically cost between €20-40 depending on the season and tour length.
Many tours combine a Navagio visit with stops at the Blue Caves, offering great value. For a more intimate experience, consider:
- Private boat rentals: More expensive but allows customized timing
- Small group tours: Better for photography and less crowded beach time
- Glass-bottom boats: Excellent for viewing underwater scenery en route
The boat journey takes about 30-45 minutes from most departure points, offering stunning coastal views along the way.
Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat as there’s no shade or facilities on the beach.
Best Times to Visit
May stands out as the perfect time to visit Navagio Beach. The weather is pleasantly warm (around 20-25°C), but you’ll avoid the intense summer crowds and scorching heat of July and August.
Morning visits (before 10am) offer the best lighting for photos and fewer boats. I arrived at 9am during my May visit and had nearly an hour with relatively few people on the beach.
If visiting during high season (June-September), consider:
- Weekdays: Significantly less crowded than weekends
- Late afternoon: Most tour boats leave by 3-4pm
- Shoulder months: May and October balance good weather with fewer tourists
The viewpoint above the beach, accessible by car and a short hike, provides the classic postcard perspective. I recommend visiting both the viewpoint and the beach itself for the complete experience.
Idyllic Villages of Zakynthos
Wandering through Zakynthos’ charming villages gave me a genuine taste of authentic Greek island life away from the tourist crowds. These peaceful hamlets offer a glimpse into traditional Ionian culture with their stone houses, friendly locals, and incredible homemade food.
Volimes: Traditions and Handicrafts
Volimes captured my heart immediately with its rustic stone buildings and winding streets. This mountain village, located in the northern part of Zakynthos, feels wonderfully untouched by tourism.
Local women still practice traditional handicrafts here, creating beautiful handwoven textiles and lace items. I spent an afternoon watching skilled artisans craft intricate pieces, their fingers moving with impressive speed and precision.
Many shops in Volimes sell locally-made honey, olive oil, and souvenirs crafted from olive wood. The village also serves as a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions like Navagio Beach viewpoints.
What impressed me most was how genuinely welcoming the locals were, often inviting visitors to watch their craft demonstrations.
Local Flavors and Village Delicacies
The village tavernas across Zakynthos serve some of the most authentic Greek food I’ve tasted. Family-run establishments offer dishes made with recipes passed down through generations.
I discovered ladotyri, a local cheese aged in olive oil that gives it a unique tangy flavor. It’s completely different from any cheese I’ve tried before! Many tavernas serve it as part of a meze platter alongside olives and fresh bread.
Don’t miss trying fritoura, a Zakynthian specialty of fried eggplant served with skordalia (garlic sauce). The island’s villages also produce exceptional honey, often infused with local herbs and wildflowers.
Morning markets in villages like Maherado offer a chance to sample seasonal fruits, homemade preserves, and fresh-baked bread. These simple pleasures truly captured the essence of village life for me.
Beach-Hopping Around Zante
Zante (Zakynthos) offers some of the most spectacular beaches in Greece, each with its own unique charm. The island’s coastline is incredibly diverse, with everything from secluded coves to popular stretches of golden sand.
Hidden Gems and Sandy Shores
My favorite part about exploring Zante is discovering beaches that aren’t on every tourist’s itinerary. Gerakas Beach, located on the southeastern tip, is a protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles. I arrived early one morning and had the soft golden sand nearly to myself.
Dafni Beach is another treasure that requires a bit more effort to reach. The winding drive down is worth it for the crystal-clear waters and fewer crowds.
Laganas Bay might be the island’s top resort area, but I found that venturing just beyond the main strip reveals quieter spots to enjoy the same beautiful waters.
Cameo Island, connected by a charming wooden bridge, feels like stepping into a postcard. The small entrance fee keeps crowds manageable, and the views are simply breathtaking.
The Mesmerizing Blue Caves
The Blue Caves along the northern coast of Zante are truly a natural wonder. I booked a small boat tour from Agios Nikolaos port, which let us get close to these magnificent formations.
What makes these caves special is how sunlight reflects off the water, creating a magical blue glow that illuminates the white cave walls. The effect is most dramatic during morning hours.
Our boat captain navigated through narrow openings into larger caverns where we could swim in the luminescent waters. The cool temperature was refreshing on a hot summer day.
For the best experience, I recommend choosing a smaller tour group rather than the large boats. This allows more time to explore each cave and take photos without feeling rushed.
Zakynthos After Sundown
When the sun dips below the horizon, Zakynthos transforms into a magical island with both energetic nightlife and peaceful evening experiences. The contrast between lively clubs and serene coastal walks offers something for every type of traveler.
Vibrant Nightlife and Beachfront Clubs
Laganas is the beating heart of Zakynthos nightlife, with dozens of clubs lining the main strip. I found Club Rescue particularly impressive with its open-air dance floor and international DJs that keep the energy going until sunrise.
For a more upscale experience, I loved Tragaki’s beach clubs where you can sip cocktails with your toes in the sand. Banana Beach Club offers the perfect mix of relaxed vibes earlier in the evening before transforming into a dance haven after midnight.
Most clubs don’t get busy until after 11 PM, so I recommend having a late dinner at one of the beachfront tavernas before heading out. Cover charges typically range from €10-20, but many places offer free entry before a certain time.
Calming Evening Strolls
The Zakynthos harbor promenade becomes wonderfully peaceful after dark. I often walked along the waterfront in Zante Town, watching fishing boats gently rock in the moonlight while local families enjoyed their evening gelato.
Tsilivi Beach offers a gorgeous nighttime walking path with subtle lighting and the sound of waves as your companion. The restaurants along this stretch stay open late, and I frequently stopped for a nightcap of local wine while watching the sea.
For something truly special, I recommend visiting Keri Lighthouse at dusk. The sunset views are breathtaking, and staying a bit longer rewards you with an incredible blanket of stars over the Ionian Sea. The roadside taverna nearby serves excellent Greek coffee to keep you warm on cooler evenings.
Day Trips from Zakynthos
While staying on Zakynthos, I’ve discovered several amazing day trips that let you explore the wonders of the Ionian Sea. These nearby destinations offer a perfect mix of history, stunning landscapes, and authentic Greek experiences that complement your Zakynthos vacation.
Kefalonia: An Island Nearby
Kefalonia is just a short ferry ride away and makes for an incredible day trip. I catch the morning ferry from Agios Nikolaos port, which takes about an hour. The island’s dramatic landscapes immediately captivate me, especially the stunning Myrtos Beach with its white pebbles against turquoise waters.
Don’t miss Melissani Cave, an underground lake where sunlight creates magical blue reflections at midday. I always recommend timing your visit around noon for the best experience.
The charming fishing village of Assos offers perfect spots for lunch, with fresh seafood tavernas overlooking a picturesque bay. If you’re a wine lover like me, visit the Robola Winery to taste their distinctive local varieties before catching the evening ferry back.
Retracing Odysseus in Lefkas
Lefkas (or Lefkada) connects to the mainland by a causeway, making it accessible by car or tour bus. I’m always struck by its blend of mythology and natural beauty – legend says this was home to Odysseus!
Porto Katsiki beach is a highlight with its dramatic white cliffs and crystal waters. I recommend arriving early in the morning to enjoy it before the crowds. The mountain village of Karya offers a glimpse into traditional Greek life with lace-making workshops and authentic tavernas.
For adventure seekers, Lefkas has some of the best windsurfing spots in Europe, particularly at Vasiliki Bay. I’ve spent joyful afternoons watching the colorful sails dance across the water while enjoying fresh Greek salad at beachfront cafes.
Historic Excursion to Athens
For history buffs, a day trip to Athens is ambitious but doable!
I take an early morning flight. The flight lasts about 45 minutes, allowing me to maximize my time.
The Acropolis is naturally the centerpiece of any Athens visit. Those ancient columns standing proudly against the blue sky never fail to move me.
After exploring the Parthenon, I wander through the historic Plaka district. The district has narrow streets and charming shops.
Stopping for souvlaki at a local taverna gives me the energy to continue exploring.
The National Archaeological Museum houses incredible treasures that help connect the dots of Greek history.
By late afternoon, I’m usually heading back to the airport. I’m tired but filled with incredible memories.
While ambitious, this day trip offers a perfect contrast to beach life on Zakynthos.
