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The Best Beaches on Zakynthos

Greece › Zakynthos › Beaches
By Santorini Dave

A small beach cove with turquoise water and picturesque cliffs, with a few shaded sun loungers

On Zakynthos’ northeast shore, small and scenic Xygia Beach features natural sulphur that flows from a nearby spring, touting many health benefits such as easing pain from sore muscles and bones, and improved skin conditions. A nice taverna is perched directly above the beach and boasts stunning views of the Ionian Sea.

See Also
• Where to Stay in Zakynthos

Zakythnos Beach Basics

The Greek island of Zakynthos (Zante) is famous for its stunning beaches, ranging from sandy shores with crystal-clear waters to dramatic cliffs and sea caves.

Lively Laganas Beach on Zante’s southern shore often attracts a party-like crowd. Saint Nikolas Beach, set in a beautiful sandy southeastern bay, offers plenty of water sports and is popular with the young and peppy. Tsilivi Beach, just north of Zakynthos town, is a family-friendly resort town with a Blue Flag beach.

Zakynthos’ Blue Flag beaches, awarded for meeting high standards for safety, water quality, and environmental protection, are Bouka Beach, Tsilivi Beach, and Banana Beach.

Free transportation shuttles are available daily to Banana Beach and Saint Nikolas Beach, with shuttles departing from and returning to Laganas, Kalamaki, and Argasi.

Zykanthos National Marine Park

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos, established in 1999, is located primarily along the island’s southern coast. Beaches within the park boundaries have several restrictions in place to protect the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) who nest on the sandy beaches, as well as monk seals, one of the rarest mammal species in Europe, who give birth in the island’s sea caves.

Beaches in the Marine Park include:
• Gerakas Beach
• Kalamaki Beach
• East Laganas Beach
• Dafni Beach
• Sekania Beach

Sandy beach with wooden structures set up to protect sea turtle nests.

Protected turtle nesting sites at Kalamaki Beach.

Best Zante Beaches

  • The best beach for families is Tsilivi Beach.
  • The most famous beach is Shipwreck Beach (currently closed in 2024).
  • The best unique beach is Xygia Beach, the island’s “sulphur” beach, known for its health benefits.
  • The best beach for water sports is Banana Beach.
  • The best beach in a remote area is Shipwreck Beach.
  • Beaches with Seatrac equipment: There are currently no beaches with Seatrac equipment on Zakynthos. Seatrac mechanisms assist mobility challenged beach-goers access the sea.

12 BEST BEACHES OF ZAKYNTHOS

1. Shipwreck Beach (aka Navagio Beach) – currently closed (2024)

Photo of a decaying shipwreck sunk into golden sand in an Ionian Sea cove

Located on the northwest tip of the island, this is the island’s most famous beach, with a stunning location surrounded by soaring white cliffs. Shipwreck Beach was originally called Agios Georgios, but was renamed as Shipwreck Beach when a ship ran aground on the beach in 1980 – it is still there today. Drive time from Zakynthos Town is about one hour. The beach is a mix of sand + pebbles, and the waters have an electric blue color because of naturally occurring sulphur in nearby caves. The beach has no amenities – no toilet, no beach bar, no shade.

Note: Shipwreck Beach is currently closed (2024) due to erosion on the cliffs and risks of rockfalls and landslides. Not only is the beach closed, but the road that leads to the viewing platform on the cliff above the beach is frequently closed due to threat of wildfire (the road is very narrow with no escape routes). The road into the viewing platform is often also closed (on short notice) due or to safety concerns related to bad weather or strong winds. These closures can happen on short notice, so it’s a good idea to check with your hotel concierge on the day you are planning to visit – there is a local phone number to verify current conditions and viewing platform closures.

Bus: No bus service.

  • Recommended Shipwreck Beach Hotel
    There are no hotels near this beach.

2. Porto Zoro Beach

View of a golden beach with thatched sun umbrellas and craggy rock formations

This pristine beach on the island’s southeast peninsula, 11 km from Zakynthos Town, features stunning scenery with tall rocks that rise up from the water like gigantic mushroom caps. The beach and seabed is fine sand and there are beach showers, comfy sunbeds, and indoor modern washrooms. The water shelf is smooth with a gradual slope. It’s a great beach for families with young children or older kids who aren’t interested in water sports – there are none offered here. Snorkeling is good, as the fish gather around the big rocks at the end of the beach. Porto Azzuro Restaurant is a nice beachside restaurant and bar.

Bus stop: At the beach entrance, 2 min walk.

  • Recommended Porto Zoro Beach Hotel
    There is a very limited selection of hotels near this beach, of questionable quality. The best beach hotels near Porto Zoro can be found at nearby Banana Beach.
Open air, covered restaurant tables overlooking a beach in Greece.

There is one restaurant at Porto Zoro Beach, with good food and flush toilets.

3. Gerakas Beach (aka Yerakas)

Wooden boardwalk sloping down to a golden sandy beach in Greece

One of the shallowest beaches on the island with a very gentle sloped seabed. Also very scenic, with a long (940 m) stretch of sand. Great for families with young children, although there is no toilet or shower. No tavernas, change rooms, or beach bars, either. Some suncots (not many) and umbrellas are available for rent. (Note that visitors are not allowed to bring in their own umbrella.)

As a protected beach in the National Marine Park, the beach closes from sunset until 7am, and no water sports are allowed. While there are no tavernas on the beach, there are several located above the beach on the main road coming in. 18 km from Zakynthos Town.

Bus stop: At Vasilikos, 10-minute walk.

Wooden frames set up to protect endangered sea turtle nests on a sandy beach.

Protected nesting sites of the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtle at Gerakas Beach.

4. Plaka Beach

View up a sandy beach with thatched umbrellas on a sunny day

Near the village of Vasilikos on the southeastern tip of the island, Plaka Beach is a gem with coarse sand and some interesting rock outcroppings — very picturesque. A quiet beach with a relaxed vibe, there are no watersports here. There are a few charming beach bars at which to kick back and enjoy the scenery. Washrooms are available in the beach bars.

Bus: No bus service.

5. Banana Beach

entrance to a golden sandy beach with wooden swings advertising the name of a beach bar

This north-facing Blue Flag certified beach is the best beach for water sports, offering the full gamut of equipment including jet skis, parasailing, and wake boarding. Action-packed, Banana is one of the longest beaches in the area and attracts a young and exuberant crowd. Luxury sunbeds and cabanas line the golden-sand shores and crystal-clear waters. Music from the beach bars is upbeat. The shallow waters make this a good spot for swimming too. Located on the Vasilikos peninsula on the island’s southeastern tip, 15 km from Zakynthos Town. Free shuttles run from Laganas, Kalamaki, and Argasi.

Bus stop: At beach.

Tables set up in an open-air cafe pergola

The bar at Banana Beach overlooks the water.

6. Laganas Beach

Wide sandy beach lined with sun beds and umbrellas

The island’s most famous party spot, with rowdy bars found along the town’s club strip, Laganas features modern dance clubs with international DJs that stay open through the night. Laganas Beach is 5 km long, the longest on the island, and boasts shallow waters and rose-colored gold sand, with seaside restaurants and bars that are open until 2 am. Near Laganas Beach, Cameo Island is a tiny islet that connects to the mainland via a wooden bridge with spectacular scenery, 8-minute walk from Laganas Beach. Cameo Island has great snorkeling, and visitors may get a chance to swim with the sea turtles.

Bus stop: At beach.

Outdoor pool with sun canopy, as seen through purple flowers.

The 5-star beachfront Domes Aulus Zante hotel on Laganas Beach.

7. Saint Nikolas/Agios Nikolaos Beach (south island beach in Vasilikos)

Overhead view of a golden sand beach lined with sun umbrellas and sunbathers

Lively and rollicking, this beautiful wide sandy beach faces east and sits on the Vasilikos Peninsula, just south of Banana Beach. This is one of the best beaches for water sports, with a large selection of equipment rentals of all types available, including jet skis, boat-towed inflatable rides, and scuba diving equipment. Amenities include restaurants, bars, sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, and showers. Beach bars can be busy and loud here — catering more to the under 30 crowd. At the far end of the beach sits a picturesque chapel built in 1675. Located 17 km from Zakynthos Town, with free shuttles from Laganas, Kalamaki, and Argasi.

Bus stop: At beach.

Stone steps leading up to a small cafe on a beach, shaded by a tree.

The two beachside restaurants at Agios Nikolaos have great views of the Ionian Sea

8. Kalamaki Beach

Beach with colorful sun umbrellas and a gentle wave rolling in to shore

This protected beach is set in the National Marine Park. As such, this beach has some restrictions in an effort to protect the endangered loggerhead sea turtle and their nests (also known as caretta-caretta turtle) — including daily beach closure from sunset to 7 am. Volunteers place small wooden structures on the sand to protect the turtle nests. There are no eateries or beach bars on the beach, but several overlook the beach and have nice views.

Bus stop: At beach.

A man swims in a crystal blue hotel swimming pool on a sunny day.

Adults-only Meandros Boutique Hotel offers excellent proximity to Kalamaki Beach (5-minute walk), the airport, and Zakynthos town.

9. Tsilivi Beach

A man crouches in the surf at a golden sand beach on a sunny day.

A Blue Flag beach that’s popular with all ages and a great choice for families with young children. The seabed is shallow, the beach is sandy, and waters are very warm. Beach bars, tavernas, and water sports rentals are available: windsurfing, jet skiing, and water skiing. Surrounding the beach on all sides are numerous hotels and apartments. 7 km from Zakynthos Town.

Bus stop: Near beach.

Rows of sun beds on a sandy beach in front of a tiered hotel dining terrace

Alexandra Beach Resort & Spa sits directly on Tsilivi Beach and features a wonderful beach bar and wellness spa.

10. Xygia Beach

Overhead view of a small sandy beach in a picturesque cove in Greece

The island’s “sulphur beach” is known for its many health benefits. The sea water here is rich in naturally occurring sulphur and can sometimes appear a milky color due to the minerals that flow from the two caves at the base of the cliff. The water at this beach is also a bit cooler than at other beaches – about 20 degrees C. The waters deepen quickly and beach is mostly pebbles.

Visitors can walk to the beach from a car parking lot (with fee) above the beach or from the taverna high above the cliff – which uses a pulley system to deliver drinks and snacks to customers on the beach. Arrive early if seeking an umbrella, which are limited.

Bus: No bus service.

Two people sit at bar seating overlooking a scenic beach in Greece

Breathtaking views from the cliffside taverna at Xygia Beach.

11. Makris Gialos Beach

Overhead view of a pebble beach with sun loungers and a verdant cliff rising behind.

North of Xygia Beach, this pebble beach has clear deep waters and is a great spot to snorkel and scuba dive around the sea caves that are located on the north end of the beach. On the south end of the beach there is a wall of sheer cliff. No facilities or eateries are on the beach, but there are two tavernas just across the road that offer nice views. Some sun loungers and umbrellas are available. No showers, change rooms, or beach bar.

Bus: No bus service.

  • Recommended Makris Gialos Beach Hotel
    None

12. Bouka Beach

People walk on a wooden boardwalk along a narrow beach lined with sun umbrellas

Bouka is a small beach with a narrow strip of sand in a sheltered bay, 8 km north of Zakynthos Town. This Blue Flag beach offers good swimming and is a nice spot for families with young children; very shallow and calm waters in a peaceful setting with no water sports. Good snorkeling and lots of sunbeds, too. A beach bar and a few tavernas have washrooms. Bouka Beach is at the north end of Tsilivi Beach, just a short walk.

Bus: No bus service.

Summary: My Favorite Beach Hotels on Zakynthos

My Favorite Zakynthos Beach Hotels

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I’m Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a quick guide on visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my small team and I provide guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece - as well as favorite places to stay in some of my favorite cities - like London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Florence. Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.