Zakynthos, Greece – Complete Travel Guide to the Ionian Gem of Beaches, Caves & Culture

Tucked away in the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is one of Greece’s most beloved islands, known for its dramatic landscapes, iconic beaches, marine life, and vibrant local culture.
 

From the world-famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach to charming hilltop villages and secret sea caves, Zakynthos is a destination that effortlessly combines natural beauty with authentic Greek character.

📚 Table of Contents

Why Visit Zakynthos

Island History and Local Culture

Best Things to Do in Zakynthos

Top Beaches You Can’t Miss

Marine Life & the Caretta Caretta

Villages & Inland Exploration

Food & Dining

Nightlife Scene

Where to Stay

Getting to Zakynthos

Getting Around the Island

Best Time to Visit

Travel Tips

Final Thoughts

✨ 1. Why Visit Zakynthos?

🌊 Home to Navagio Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in the world

🐢 Important nesting site for Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtles)

🧿 Unique sea caves and natural arches

🍷 Rich culture, local cuisine, and traditional villages

🎉 A balance of lively resorts and quiet escapes

Zakynthos offers something for every kind of traveler, from honeymooners and families to backpackers and beach lovers.

🏺 2. Island History and Local Culture

Zakynthos has a rich and storied past, once ruled by the Venetians, Ottomans, and British before joining Greece in 1864. Known as “The Flower of the East”, the island flourished under Venetian rule, which influenced its architecture, art, and music.

The islanders have a deep sense of pride in their folk traditions, music (Kantades), and religious celebrations, especially during Easter and the feast of Agios Dionysios, the island’s patron saint.

🧭 3. Best Things to Do in Zakynthos

🚢 Visit Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach

Accessible only by boat

Crystal-clear waters, towering cliffs, and a rusted shipwreck on white sand

Best viewed from the Shipwreck Viewpoint for that iconic photo

🌊 Explore the Blue Caves

Natural sea caves on the island’s north coast

Best seen by boat tour or kayak

Light reflections create intense shades of blue inside the caves

🐢 Snorkel in Laganas Bay

Spot Caretta caretta turtles in their natural habitat

Book eco-conscious turtle-spotting tours

🏰 Visit Bohali Castle

Venetian castle ruins with panoramic views of Zakynthos Town

Romantic spot especially at sunset

🏞️ Hike Around Keri and the Keri Cliffs

Incredible views of the Ionian Sea

Visit the Keri Lighthouse and take in sunset scenes from high above

🏖️ 4. Top Beaches You Can’t Miss

🏝️ Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)

Iconic, remote, surrounded by cliffs

Accessible only by boat (excursions leave from Porto Vromi or Agios Nikolaos)

🌊 Gerakas Beach

Protected nesting site for sea turtles

Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with golden sands

🐚 Banana Beach

Largest beach on the island, with watersports and beach bars

Ideal for active travelers

💙 Porto Limnionas

A rocky cove with stunning turquoise water

Great for cliff diving and snorkeling

🏖️ Dafni Beach

Remote and peaceful

Reachable via a bumpy road but worth it for tranquility and sea views

🐢 5. Marine Life & the Caretta Caretta

Zakynthos is one of the most important breeding grounds in the Mediterranean for the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

🏖️ Gerakas, Laganas, and Kalamaki beaches are protected nesting sites

🚫 Avoid disturbing marked nests

🚤 Choose eco-certified turtle tours to observe them responsibly

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos was created to protect these incredible creatures and the fragile marine ecosystem.

🏘️ 6. Villages & Inland Exploration

While the coastline gets most of the attention, Zakynthos’s interior offers a calmer, more traditional Greek experience.

🏡 Volimes

A peaceful village known for handicrafts, honey, and textiles

Visit during your trip to the Blue Caves or Navagio viewpoint

🛖 Kiliomenos

Historic village with traditional stone houses and local tavernas

Great stop on a mountain drive

⛪ Anafonitria Monastery

15th-century monastery where Saint Dionysios spent his final years

Serene setting and a touch of spiritual history

🌿 Olive Oil Tours

The island produces excellent olive oil and wine

Visit local farms or the Aristeon Olive Press Museum

🍽️ 7. Food & Dining

Zakynthian cuisine blends Greek island staples with Venetian influences.

Must-Try Dishes:

🍖 Sofigadoura: Beef in tomato and onion sauce

🍲 Ladotyri: Local cheese preserved in olive oil

🧄 Skordostoubi: Eggplant cooked in garlic and vinegar

🧁 Mandolato: Nougat-like sweet with almonds and honey

Top Restaurants:

Nobelos Bio Restaurant – Farm-to-table fine dining in Agios Nikolaos

Pandesia in Laganas – Traditional dishes with a modern twist

Porto Roulis in Keri – Cliffside dining with sea views

Taverna Xigia – Near the sulfur beach, local seafood specialties

🍸 8. Nightlife Scene

Zakynthos is famed for its nightlife, especially in the resort town of Laganas, often compared to Mykonos for its lively energy.

Hotspots:

Rescue Club & Zeros Club (Laganas) – Nightclubs with DJs, themed parties

Cocktail bars in Zakynthos Town – Classier, quieter experiences

Ammos Beach Bar (Tsilivi) – For cocktails by the sea at sunset

Keri Village Tavernas – Live Greek music nights

Whether you want to dance until dawn or enjoy a quiet night under the stars, Zakynthos delivers.

🏨 9. Where to Stay

🌟 Luxury:

Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort (Tragaki) – Adults-only with private pools

Contessina Suites (Tsilivi) – Boutique charm and high-end comfort

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly:

Zante Maris Suites – Excellent service, family suites, and pools

Mediterranean Beach Resort (Laganas) – Beachfront location with amenities

🧳 Budget:

Diana Hotel (Zakynthos Town) – Clean and central

Koukounaria Hotel & Suites (Alykes) – Affordable, peaceful setting

⛴️ 10. Getting to Zakynthos

✈️ By Air:

Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) connects to Athens and many European cities

Charter flights are common during summer

⛵ By Ferry:

Ferries from Kyllini (Peloponnese) to Zakynthos Port (~1 hour)

Year-round service, with frequent sailings

🚗 11. Getting Around the Island

🚘 Car rental is the best way to explore the island’s hidden gems

🛵 Scooters or ATVs are a fun and flexible option

🚌 Local buses connect major towns, but routes are limited

🚖 Taxis are available but can be pricey

Tip: Avoid driving at night on mountain roads if unfamiliar.

🌤️ 12. Best Time to Visit

📝 13. Travel Tips

🧴 Bring reef-safe sunscreen (marine parks request eco-friendly products)

🚫 Do not touch turtle nests or feed wildlife

📸 The Navagio viewpoint gets crowded—visit early or near sunset

🧭 Combine boat tours to Navagio and Blue Caves to save time

💶 Cash is useful in villages, though cards are widely accepted in towns

🏁 14. Final Thoughts

Whether you’re gazing out over white cliffs and azure seas, diving alongside sea turtles, or enjoying a glass of local wine in a sleepy village square, Zakynthos will leave a lasting impression. It’s an island of contrasts—lively yet serene, wild yet refined.

For those seeking natural wonder, cultural charm, and unforgettable beach days, Zakynthos is not just a stop on the map—it’s a destination to fall in love with.