Zakynthos Island

Information and must-see places that you shouldn't miss

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is a beautiful Greek island located in the Ionian Sea. It is the ideal holiday destination for people who love amazing sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, stunning natural sights and lush landscapes, as well as vibrant nightlife. It has an area of 405.55 square kilometres with an incredible 123 kilometre coastline. Zakynthos lies in the eastern part of the Ionian Sea, around 12 miles west of the Greek mainland. It offers a unique blend of nature, recreation and culture, and is home to the world-renowned Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves, as well as one of the most important breeding locations for the endangered Caretta-Caretta loggerhead sea turtles. This picturesque island offers everything a summer traveler could desire - whether it is a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled trip, Zakynthos is sure to impress.

1. Shipwreck Beach
The world famous Shipwreck is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It rose to fame in 1980 when a smuggling vessel named "Panagiotis" was washed up on the shore. "Panagiotis" was carrying a freight of contraband cigarettes from Turkey, when it was pursued by the Greek Navy. Encountering stormy weather, it ran aground in a shallow cove, where it was abandoned. This astounding beach, with its clear blue waters and impressive cliffs, is only accessible by the sea.
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2. Blue Caves
Among the island's most impressive natural wonders lies the breathtaking Blue Caves, situated beneath the Cape Skinari lighthouse in northern Zakynthos. These remarkable caves are renowned for their striking blue waters that create a captivating ambiance. The magnificent arches, created by erosion along thousands of years, provide an entryway to the caves, leading to a truly magical world. You can opt to explore the Blue Caves by renting a boat or by joining a tour arranged by local travel agencies.
View on Google Maps
3. Marathonisi
Marathonisi island (also known as the Turtle Island) is a small uninhabited island located in Laganas Bay. It resembles a turtle in shape. Marathonisi is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, which is the spawning place of the Caretta-Caretta loggerhead sea turtles. Entirely blanketed by lush foliage, it boasts two primary beaches and offers pristine waters and several gorgeous sea caves. To visit Marathonisi island, you can rent a boat or take part in excursions organized by local travel agencies.
View on Google Maps
4. Mizithres
Mizithres stands as one of Zakynthos' most impressive natural sights. These two huge conical rocks rise from the crystal clear waters, below the lighthouse of Keri. They are called the Small and Big Mitzithra. Next to Mizithres is a beautiful beach that was created fairly recently, when a section of the cliff collapsed into the sea and shaped a small coast. You can admire the Mizithres rocks either by sea (you may rent a boat or join an organised trip) or by land (there is a great viewpoint in Keri village).
View on Google Maps
5. Porto Limnionas
Porto Limnionas is a picturesque bay surrounded by imposing cliffs and dazzling blue waters. It is located 25km from Zakynthos Town, close to Agios Leon village. The sea at Porto Limnionas is crystal clear and quite cold as there are underwater currents as well as an underwater river coming from within a very long, unexplored cave. Porto Limnionas is a popular spot for snorkeling, with numerous caves and a wide variety of fish. Those who prefer to soak in the sun can stretch out on one of the flat rocks.
View on Google Maps
6. Marine Park
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is one of the most important breeding areas of the endangered Caretta-Caretta loggerhead sea turtle, which is considered one of the oldest forms of life on the planet. The nesting habitat comprises five beautiful beaches: Gerakas, Daphni, Sekania, Kalamaki and Laganas. It also encompasses the islets of Marathonisi, Pelouzo and Strofadia, as well as the wetland of Keri Lake. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is located along the southern coast of the island.
View on Google Maps
7. Gerakas Beach
Gerakas is a long and wide beach with golden sand and crystal clear waters. It is part of the National Marine Park, which is the spawning place of the Caretta-Caretta loggerhead sea turtles. Gerakas beach is located in the southeastern part of the island, in Vasilikos village. Its shallow waters make it ideal for all ages and the lush surroundings of the area offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling. There are several other sandy beaches nearby such as Banana, St. Nicholas and Porto Roma.
View on Google Maps
8. Xigia Beach
Nestled on the northeastern coast of Zakynthos island, this beautiful small beach offers a unique chance to enjoy a health spa for free! One of the first things that will strike you as you approach Xigia beach is the amazing turquoise colour of the sea, which is a result of natural spring water flowing into the sea after gathering sulphur through the rocks. You can actually see the undissolved minerals pouring into the sea in some areas. This flow of sulphur produces a natural spa with healing properties.
View on Google Maps
9. Bochali
Bochali is a scenic village located on a lush hill, overlooking Zakynthos town. It is renowned for its breathtaking views of the town and the Ionian Sea. Apart from its natural beauty, Bochali is home to the Venetian Castle of Zakynthos that dates back to 1480, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the island's history. Another fascinating sight nearby is the Strani Hill, where Dionisios Solomos, the national poet of Greece, wrote the “Hymn to Liberty” that later became Greece's national anthem.
View on Google Maps
10. Kampi Cross
The Kampi Cross is located on Schiza mountain, in Kampi. This monumental structure serves as a reminder of the lives lost during the Greek Civil War and World War II. Its colossal size, built from sturdy cement, makes it visible from afar. The verdant surroundings offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. Its location provides a perfect spot to witness the renowned Kampi sunset. Kampi village has maintained its traditional Greek lifestyle, making it an enchanting place to wander around.
View on Google Maps

1. Shipwreck Beach
The world famous Shipwreck is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It rose to fame in 1980 when a smuggling vessel named "Panagiotis" was washed up on the shore. "Panagiotis" was carrying a freight of contraband cigarettes from Turkey, when it was pursued by the Greek Navy. Encountering stormy weather, it ran aground in a shallow cove, where it was abandoned. This astounding beach, with its clear blue waters and impressive cliffs, is only accessible by the sea.
View on Google Maps
2. Blue Caves
Among the island's most impressive natural wonders lies the breathtaking Blue Caves, situated beneath the Cape Skinari lighthouse in northern Zakynthos. These remarkable caves are renowned for their striking blue waters that create a captivating ambiance. The magnificent arches, created by erosion along thousands of years, provide an entryway to the caves, leading to a truly magical world. You can opt to explore the Blue Caves by renting a boat or by joining a tour arranged by local travel agencies.
View on Google Maps
3. Marathonisi
Marathonisi island (also known as the Turtle Island) is a small uninhabited island located in Laganas Bay. It resembles a turtle in shape. Marathonisi is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, which is the spawning place of the Caretta-Caretta loggerhead sea turtles. Entirely blanketed by lush foliage, it boasts two primary beaches and offers pristine waters and several gorgeous sea caves. To visit Marathonisi island, you can rent a boat or take part in excursions organized by local travel agencies.
View on Google Maps
4. Mizithres
Mizithres stands as one of Zakynthos' most impressive natural sights. These two huge conical rocks rise from the crystal clear waters, below the lighthouse of Keri. They are called the Small and Big Mitzithra. Next to Mizithres is a beautiful beach that was created fairly recently, when a section of the cliff collapsed into the sea and shaped a small coast. You can admire the Mizithres rocks either by sea (you may rent a boat or join an organised trip) or by land (there is a great viewpoint in Keri village).
View on Google Maps
5. Porto Limnionas
Porto Limnionas is a picturesque bay surrounded by imposing cliffs and dazzling blue waters. It is located 25km from Zakynthos Town, close to Agios Leon village. The sea at Porto Limnionas is crystal clear and quite cold as there are underwater currents as well as an underwater river coming from within a very long, unexplored cave. Porto Limnionas is a popular spot for snorkeling, with numerous caves and a wide variety of fish. Those who prefer to soak in the sun can stretch out on one of the flat rocks.
View on Google Maps
6. Marine Park
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is one of the most important breeding areas of the endangered Caretta-Caretta loggerhead sea turtle, which is considered one of the oldest forms of life on the planet. The nesting habitat comprises five beautiful beaches: Gerakas, Daphni, Sekania, Kalamaki and Laganas. It also encompasses the islets of Marathonisi, Pelouzo and Strofadia, as well as the wetland of Keri Lake. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is located along the southern coast of the island.
View on Google Maps
7. Gerakas Beach
Gerakas is a long and wide beach with golden sand and crystal clear waters. It is part of the National Marine Park, which is the spawning place of the Caretta-Caretta loggerhead sea turtles. Gerakas beach is located in the southeastern part of the island, in Vasilikos village. Its shallow waters make it ideal for all ages and the lush surroundings of the area offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling. There are several other sandy beaches nearby such as Banana, St. Nicholas and Porto Roma.
View on Google Maps
8. Xigia Beach
Nestled on the northeastern coast of Zakynthos island, this beautiful small beach offers a unique chance to enjoy a health spa for free! One of the first things that will strike you as you approach Xigia beach is the amazing turquoise colour of the sea, which is a result of natural spring water flowing into the sea after gathering sulphur through the rocks. You can actually see the undissolved minerals pouring into the sea in some areas. This flow of sulphur produces a natural spa with healing properties.
View on Google Maps
9. Bochali
Bochali is a scenic village located on a lush hill, overlooking Zakynthos town. It is renowned for its breathtaking views of the town and the Ionian Sea. Apart from its natural beauty, Bochali is home to the Venetian Castle of Zakynthos that dates back to 1480, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the island's history. Another fascinating sight nearby is the Strani Hill, where Dionisios Solomos, the national poet of Greece, wrote the “Hymn to Liberty” that later became Greece's national anthem.
View on Google Maps
10. Kampi Cross
The Kampi Cross is located on Schiza mountain, in Kampi. This monumental structure serves as a reminder of the lives lost during the Greek Civil War and World War II. Its colossal size, built from sturdy cement, makes it visible from afar. The verdant surroundings offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. Its location provides a perfect spot to witness the renowned Kampi sunset. Kampi village has maintained its traditional Greek lifestyle, making it an enchanting place to wander around.
View on Google Maps

Book a private tour with your own chauffeur

AutoLux offers flexible tailor-made Zakynthos Island Tours with your own chauffeur. Experienced, English-speaking drivers, will show you the most beautiful places of the island, including popular sights and monuments. Every private tour lasts 8 hours and is individually planned according to your needs and expectations. At the last step of your online car reservation, you will find a section called Optional Extras, where you can select this service. Exploring the island couldn't be easier and more affordable!

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Discover Zakynthos by sea with SeaLux

Our sister company SeaLux provides the opportunity to explore the island by sea at your own pace and get to some amazing locations that are not accessible by car or bike. SeaLux Private Cruises are designed to offer you an unforgettable experience while visiting the most magical places of Zakynthos such as the stunning Shipwreck Beach, Blue Caves, Marathonisi and Mizithres. SeaLux fleet consists of top of the range RIB speedboats. All boats are new, perfectly maintained and fully equipped to offer absolute comfort and safety.

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Zakynthos Island

Information and must-see places that you shouldn't miss

1. Shipwreck Beach

2. Blue Caves

3. Marathonisi

4. Mizithres

5. Porto Limnionas

6. Marine Park

7. Gerakas Beach

8. Xigia Beach

9. Bochali

10. Kampi Cross