by With its powdery white sands, vertical blue seas and hidden coves where endangered loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs, the beautiful lush island known as “Fiore di Levante” has some of the best beaches in the Ionian archipelago ” (Flower of the East) on the Venetians. .
Apart from the celebrated Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos, also known as Zante, the most popular strands of the island are along the east coast, while the rugged rocky west coast is the best place to find near-empty coves with shallow waters which is perfect for snorkeling.
From remote strands of caves where monk seals love to hang out, to cosmopolitan-lined beaches with excellent water sports facilities, these are Zante’s 10 best beaches.
And for more Zante inspiration, check out our guides to the island’s best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do. Plan an extended visit with our ultimate guide to planning a Greek island walking holiday.
1. Shipping Beach
Zante’s is a horseshoe-shaped expanse of white sand under huge white cliffs on the island’s rugged north-west coast, Navagio – better known as Shipwreck Beach because of the rusty remains of the MV Panagiotis that washed up on the beach after a storm in the 1980s. most picturesque beach.
Getting there: It is a 30 minute boat ride from Agios Nikolaos, Zakynthos, Skinari or Porto Vromi.
Insider tip: Navagio is often off-limits due to landslides, but you can get great photos of this celebrated beach with azure blue waters at the edge from the designated viewing area near the village of Volimes.
2. Laganas Beach
A famous party strip at night, during the day laidback Laganas in the south of the island has a sleepy vibe as revelers flock to the option of a long ribbon of golden sand to sleep off their hangovers on comfortable sun loungers, or chill in bars and houses Pub. behind the thread.
Getting there: Many buses go back and forth between the main town of Zante and Laganas.
Insider tip: For the best sunset views head for Agios Sostis and cross the rickety wooden bridge to the small island of Cameo. The fee to enter the island includes a drink in the scenic Cameo beach bar.
3. Marathonisi
A magnet for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, this desert island has stunning silky sand beaches that can only be reached by boat, flanked by pine, olive and green oak forests and crystal-clear waters . During turtle nesting season, visitors can only lounge on a small section of this beautiful beach.
Getting there: There are regular taxi shuttles from Keri beach beyond. You can also rent a self-drive boat.
Insider tip: Discover things to do and don’t become a turtle at the Marine National Park visitor center in Agios Ioannis. Even better, book a day trip to Marathonissi with the accredited nature guides from Nefis Travel.
4. Banana Beach
With its fantastic facilities, this lively beach on the south east coast of the island is popular with water sports enthusiasts, who can try out activities from parasailing, and hang gliding, to jet skiing and kayaking. Suitable for beginners, as well as more experienced water sports fans, neophytes can splash around safely in shallow waters off Banana’s sandy beach.
Getting there: It is a 20-minute drive from the town of Zante. There is also a free shuttle from the resorts of Laganas, Kalamaki and Argassi every morning in the summer, returning around 4.30pm.
Insider tip: Families who intend to try different activities should inquire about Banana’s budget-friendly package deals.
5. Gerald
A vast arc of golden-white sand fringed by shallow turquoise waters and framed by intricate gray peaks of natural clay, Gerakas is perfect for younger families who can spend long lazy days on the beach, or seek shade and sustenance in a cove low. key tavernas nearby offering excellent home-cooked food.
Getting there: From Zante town it is a 30 minute drive. There is a large car park (free) next to the beach.
Insider tip: This silky sandy beach is popular with nesting loggerhead turtles, so watch out for areas where the sand is disturbed and be aware that the beach is off limits half an hour before sunset.
6. Xigia Beach
Follow the smell of bad sulfur eggs to find this out-of-the-way pebble beach on the northeast coast of the island a few miles from Mikro Nisi fishing harbor.
The heady pong emerges from the beach’s vivid emerald-green waters bubbling with mineral-rich thermal springs said to cure everything from arthritis to depression and eczema.
Getting there: It is 8km from Alykes Beach on the road to Cape Skinari.
Insider tip: Suddenly the water shelves and rocks are dotted with sea urchins (their spines are poisonous), so wear rubber shoes and keep a close eye on young children.
7. Agios Nikolaos
Popular with locals who come here to relax in a hip pub, splash around on jet skis or paddle a SUP or sea kayak through clear waters, Agios Nikolaos was named for its tiny white-washed church dedicated to fishermen who look out on the golden ever of the resort. sandy beach.
Getting there: It is along the rocky peninsula of Vassilikos near Cape Skinari, about 30km from Zante town. Self-driving is the best option here.
Insider tip: Agios Nikolaos beach in the north is easily confused with its namesake in the south of the island which has its own harbor and pebble-lined beach.
8. Porto Vromi
For an exciting beach escape away from the crowds follow the narrow roads to Porto Vromi on the less developed northwest coast of the island, where two coves lined with fine pebbles and sugar-white sand look out over icy turquoise waters -clear of a wonderfully picturesque fjord-. like a bay.
Getting there: It is 33km from Zante Town, along a narrow road that winds like a licorice coil. Taxi or self-drive are the best methods.
Insider tip: There are a few kayaks and water bikes for rent (perfect for exploring the nearby caves and coves). Boats also leave from here to visit the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach.
9. Porto Limnionas
If you don’t want sand in your shoes (or sandwiches) then this rocky cove tucked in by towering chalk-white cliffs and set against translucent turquoise seas is fantastic. Fed by underground springs, the incredibly cool waters, which are deep and crystal clear, are also perfect for snorkelling and diving.
Getting there: From Zante the road goes across the island, through a cluster of mountain villages and down to the Porto Limnionas car park (free). From here it is a steep climb down to the beach.
Insider tip: Although this beach is quite isolated, there are a few canteens selling water, meat souvlaki skewers and other snacks. There are also a handful of sunbeds and parasols that can be hired by the day.
10. Marathias Beach
Perfect for Robinson Crusoes, the secluded pebble beach is surrounded by pine trees and olive groves in a sheltered bay on the southern tip of the island and looks out over the pristine waters of Zakynthos Marine Park to the island of Marathonisi. There are a handful of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, but nowhere to buy food or drink so bring your own.
Getting there: It is 26km south of Zante town near the small town of Keri where the road joins a dirt track. From here it is a steep hike down to the beach.
Insider tip: Taxi boats make the half-hour journey from Marathias Beach to Marathonisi Island beyond.
