The most beautiful beaches on the island of Zakynthos, Greece, the views of the whitest beaches, suitable for children and those who want to do sports, especially water sports such as snorkeling.
Zakynthos, famous for being the island where Ugo Foscolo was born, is part of the archipelago of the Ionian islands, off the Peloponnese peninsula. Geographically it is possible to divide the island into two parts.
Il southeast of Zakynthos flat is characterized by long beaches of golden sand with the seabed that slopes gently. The stretch of coast between Marathias and Gerakas encloses the bay of the turtles and it is on these beaches that the "caretta caretta" go to lay their eggs in the summer months.
Il northwest of Zakynthos it is completely the opposite: the roads are narrow and winding and the coast is formed by cliffs overlooking the sea that give way to small inlets and fjords, but not all of them can be reached by car. The sea here is deep and even cooler than the other side, but the shades of blue in this stretch are simply not to be missed.
Zakynthos is the ideal destination for both those looking for fun and for nature lovers and relaxation. My advice is to rent a car or quad bike and explore the island: parking is free everywhere! Here's what not to miss.
Gerakas Beach - Marine Protected Area
Of all sandy beaches in the southern area is the most beautiful, surrounded by an amphitheater of clayey cliffs. The seabed slopes gently and the sea is very calm. But its peculiarity is the fact that sea turtles have chosen it to lay their eggs. For this reason it is a protected marine area and the nesting area is bordered by impassable ropes.
Boat excursions or rental without a boat license
Many points of interest can be reached only by sea, so I would recommend taking at least a couple of boat trips. The offers are many and the prices depend on the type of boat chosen. For example, from Porto Vromi with € 10-15 you go to the wreck beach with boats of 30/40 passengers.
If, on the other hand, you want to have your own times and spaces, start with 70 € per boat, it is possible to rent small boats that are very easy to drive and you don't even need a license.
Another option (starting with 120 € per boat) is to rent a boat with the captain who will take you, for example, to see the caves of Keri, the sea turtles and then he will leave you on the island of Marathonissi and come back to pick you up at the appointed time.
Below are the most beautiful destinations reachable only by sea.
Turtle Island (Marathonissi): located south of Keri in the turtle bay. The islet is rocky and has a tongue of sand where the caretta caretta go to lay their eggs. The snorkeling around the island is very beautiful for the presence of small caves and for the crystal clear sea. The nearest port of departure is Keri Beach.
Keri Caves: are located in the southwestern tip of Zakynthos. To get to these caves you pass in front of immense cliffs overlooking the sea that form magnificent natural arches in some points. The sea in front of the Keri caves is dazzling blue. The nearest port of departure is Keri Beach.
Blue Caves (blue cave): these caves are at the north end of the island. The peculiarity, as the name indicates, is the blue color. When you swim inside the caves, the reflection of the water makes everything turn blue, even the skin seems to turn turquoise. The closest ports to reach them are Ag. Nikolaos and Mikro Nisi.
Shipwreck Beach: undoubtedly the most famous and photographed beach in Zakynthos, therefore also the most crowded. The color of the water is given by the limestone present in the rocks which makes it a breathtaking deep blue. But the main attraction is a wreck that lies in the middle of the beach. In this stretch the sea current is quite strong and it is not always possible to stop on the beach. The best time to visit, as it is less crowded, is there early morning, even if the cliff leaves the beach in the shade. The nearest port to reach it is Porto Vromi (west coast). Excursions also depart from Ag. Nikolaos (east coast), also stopping at the blue caves. It is also possible to admire this beach from the top of the cliff: the road is rather winding and little signposted, but it is definitely worth it.
Agios Sostis - Cameo Island
Always staying on the south coast, not far from Laganas there is this small islet easily reachable on foot via a bridge that connects it to the mainland. The island is the home of a real club which can be accessed by paying € 5 admission with drink at the bar included. The small pebble beach is very nice, there is a small walkway to facilitate entry into the water. Enjoyable soft techno music all day long.
Porto Vromi and Porto Limnionas
They are both located on the west coast and are two fantastic coves with shades of emerald green. The impact arriving by car is truly remarkable: they are real fjords.
Da Porto Vromi boat excursions start, but the small pebble beach is not to be underestimated. Swimming following the cliff, from the left side of the beach, you come to a small cave that has a very particular entrance: the rocky wall looks like Poseidon's face.
Porto Limnionas it is a long strip of sea that is channeled into the cliff. Here there is no real beach, but you can dive directly from the rocks. In any case, the area is equipped, there are terraces with umbrellas and deck chairs, and there is also a restaurant.
See the sunset from the cliffs of Keri
For those looking for romantic moments, the cliffs of Keri (just after the lighthouse) at sunset are an unmissable event. The view from up there is magical: expect the sun to go down while sitting on blocks of hay sipping a drink.
Sports and water fun
For lovers of water sports there is plenty of choice. On Kalamaki beach to the south and Tsivili beach to the east, you can try all the latest in water fun. From the simple pedal boat rental, to the classic banana boat, passing from the jet sky, to the fly board and parasailing. The costs vary depending on the activity from € 10 for the pedal boat to € 70 for the parachute.
