Zakynthos—also known as Zante—is one of the Ionian Islands, sitting just south of Kefalonia and west of the Peloponnese. It’s not a huge island, so it’s easy to get around, and ferries and flights make it fairly simple to reach.
One of the island’s most important features is the National Marine Park around Laganas Bay, where loggerhead sea turtles nest each year—some beaches have limited access during nesting season, but there are ways to visit responsibly.
Tourism is the island’s main industry now, and there’s been a recent push to balance that with conservation. You’ll notice that in the turtle zones, but also in hiking areas and rural parts of the island where things still move at a slower pace. Here are the best beaches in Zakynthos for all kinds of trips and tastes.
Kalamaki Beach is a wide stretch of sand on the south coast, known for being one of the main nesting areas for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Between May and October, you’ll notice wooden frames in the sand—those are there to protect the nests. Because of that, there are some rules in place: no motorized water sports, and everything wraps up by sunset to keep things quiet.
The water stays shallow for a good distance, so it’s easy to wade in without worrying about steep drop-offs. Great if you’re with kids or just want a relaxed swim. There are sunbeds and umbrellas, but they’re spaced out and cleared away at night to keep the beach turtle-friendly.
Zakynthos is one of the best islands in Greece for seeing wildlife. You might see a turtle while snorkeling near the shore, especially if you go early or later in the day. Volunteers are usually around, too—they’ll chat with visitors and explain what’s being done to protect the turtles. It’s an easygoing beach, and it’s nice to know that just by being a bit mindful, you’re helping preserve the area.
View of Laganas Bay from the Kalamaki beach on Zakynthos, Greece © Shutterstock
Xigia Beach sits between high white cliffs on the northeast coast and has a very different feel from the sandy beaches elsewhere on the island. The big thing here is the sulfur springs—they flow into the sea from nearby caves, which makes the water look milky-blue and gives it a bit of a sulfur smell. Some people like to swim here for the mineral benefits, especially for joint pain or skin conditions.
The beach is small and covered in pebbles, and the sea gets deep quickly. The water’s colder than in other areas, even in summer. You can swim out to the caves where the sulfur is stronger if you're curious.
Facilities are pretty limited—a small canteen sells drinks and snacks, and there are a few sunbeds. There’s a pulley system from the taverna up above that brings down drinks, which is fun to see. It’s not a long-stay beach, but it’s definitely one of the best beaches in Zakynthos—just don’t be surprised by the smell.
Gerakas sits at the far southeastern end of the island, inside the National Marine Park. It’s a long stretch of sand with calm, shallow water and some important rules because it’s another loggerhead turtle nesting beach.
The beach is only open during the day and closes at sunset, and you’ll be asked to stay close to the water so you don’t disturb any nests.
Like Kalamaki, you’ll probably see a few wooden markers where turtles have laid their eggs. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available in one section, but they get removed every evening.
About a two-minute walk from the beach is the Zante Turtle Center, which is worth a quick visit if you want to understand more about what’s happening with the turtles here. Gerakas is also pretty sheltered from wind, so the water’s usually calm. It’s a good place to spend a quiet afternoon. This is one of the best things to do in Zakynthos.
Navagio beach with shipwreck and motorboat on Zakynthos island in Greece © Samot/Shutterstock
Navagio Beach, also called Shipwreck Beach, is one of the most photographed places on Zakynthos, and one of the best beaches in Greece. It’s a small cove with white pebbles, surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and only reachable by boat. In the center of the beach sits the rusted wreck of the MV Panagiotis, a freight ship that ran aground during a storm in 1980, supposedly while smuggling cigarettes.
Because there’s no road access, you’ll need to take a boat—usually from Porto Vromi or Agios Nikolaos. These tours often include about an hour to swim and walk around the beach. There are no amenities here, so it’s best to bring what you need for the visit.
If you’re more interested in the view from above, there are several viewpoints on the cliffs overlooking the beach. They’re popular for photos, but be careful—there are no railings in some areas, and the ground can be unstable.
Sometimes the beach is closed because of landslides, but the boats will still circle the cove so you can see it from the water.
Laganas Beach is another key nesting area for the endangered Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtles) in the Mediterranean. The beach itself is long, sandy, and gently sloping, making it easy for kids and swimmers (see our guide to Greece with kids). You’ll find plenty of sunbeds, restaurants, and beach bars during the day.
Laganas is the island’s main nightlife hub, with bars and clubs lining the main strip just off the beach. Things kick off after sunset and go late, with places like Rescue Club, CherryBay, and Zeros drawing big crowds, especially in summer. It’s loud, energetic, and mostly geared toward a younger crowd looking to party.
There is plenty of conservation work happening alongside all that tourism. Between May and October, you might catch a glimpse of turtles offshore or nesting in the sand. Parts of the beach are protected, with signage and volunteers working to keep things turtle-safe.
Sunbeds, umbrellas and boat during sunrise in Tsilivi Zakinthos Greece © Shutterstock
Just a short drive (about 4 miles or 6 km) from Zakynthos Town, Tsilivi Beach is a good option if you’re looking for something that works for both kids and adults. The sea stays shallow for quite a while, so it’s easy to wade out without going deep quickly. You’ll also find a good mix of things to do—jet skiing, paragliding, or just relaxing on a sunbed (they usually run about €7 for two with an umbrella).
The area around the beach is well set up for visitors. There are beachside tavernas, cafés, and even a water park nearby. In the evenings, you can wander into town for mini-golf, bowling, or dinner at a traditional taverna.
It’s busy enough to keep you entertained without being overwhelming, easily one of the best beaches in Zakynthos.
Porto Limnionas isn’t a beach in the usual sense—it’s more like a cove surrounded by cliffs, with crystal-clear water and no sand. You’ll need to drive a winding road from Agios Leon to get there and then head down a set of steps carved into the rock.
Once you’re down by the water, there are concrete platforms where people lay out towels or rent sunbeds for the day (€5). It’s a good swimming spot, but the water is deep from the start, so it’s really for strong swimmers. A lot of people bring snorkels—it’s easy to explore the underwater caves and crevices along the cliffs.
There’s a taverna built into the hillside with a view across the cove. It’s a good place to grab a drink or take a break from the sun. If you’re visiting during the summer, it’s worth getting there early in the day since parking is limited and it gets busy quickly, being one of the best beaches in Zakynthos.
Porto Limnionas Beach Zakynthos Greece © Shutterstock
Agios Sostis Beach is a narrow strip of sand and small pebbles between Laganas and Keri. One of the first things you’ll notice is the wooden footbridge that leads across the water to Cameo Island—it’s pretty eye-catching.
The beach is calm and shallow, which makes it good for younger kids or anyone who wants to float around without worrying about waves.
You’ll find loungers, umbrellas, and a few inflatable toys floating nearby. Since it’s part of the Zakynthos Marine Park, there’s a chance you might see loggerhead turtles in the water—especially during nesting season.
There’s a small boardwalk behind the beach with tavernas, souvenir shops, and places to grab a drink or snack. You can also catch a boat here to Marathonisi (Turtle Island) if you’re interested in a short trip out on the water. In the evening, a lot of people cross over to Cameo Island for a drink and the sunset.
Cameo Island is a small private island just off the coast near Laganas. You reach it by walking across the aformentioned wooden footbridge. Once you’re on the island, there’s a small rocky cove with clear water and a quiet atmosphere—even though it can get pretty busy.
This isn’t a beach for laying out on the sand—there isn’t any—but there are wooden loungers and a beach bar. The surrounding rocks give a bit of shade later in the day, and the water is great for swimming or snorkeling. You’ll probably see a few fish darting between the rocks near the shore.
Later in the day, the beach bar becomes more of a hangout. The lights go on, music starts playing, and people tend to stick around for a drink as the sun goes down. It’s not the easiest terrain to navigate, so it’s better for adults or older kids who don’t mind the rocky layout. See our Greece travel tips for more advice.
Porto Limnionas Beach Zakynthos Greece © Shutterstock
Banana Beach is the longest beach on Zakynthos and gets its name from its curved shape. It’s on the southeast coast and is a good place to catch the sunrise. The sea here tends to stay calm, which makes it easy for swimming.
This beach has two sides to it. One end is lively, with jet skis, parasailing, and music pumping from beach bars. The other is much more laid-back, so you can pick the vibe you’re in the mood for. It’s one of the best beaches in Zakynthos if you’re visiting with people who have different ideas of how to spend a beach day.
There’s plenty of room to spread out, even in summer. You’ll find loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins, and a few beach tavernas where you can grab lunch or a drink. Lifeguards are usually present, which is reassuring if you’re there with kids. It’s generally a bit quieter on weekdays.
Keri Beach sits just below the village of Keri and has a more local, low-key feel. It’s a pebble beach with a backdrop of cliffs and olive trees, and there are often fishing boats pulling in along the waterfront.
The water gets deep fast, which makes it a nice option for snorkeling or diving. There are underwater caves nearby, and the water is usually clear enough to see a lot. The beach faces west, so it's also a good place to catch the sunset.
There are a couple of small tavernas by the shore and a few loungers for rent. It’s a good fit for couples or families who want something a bit quieter. You can also take a boat trip from here to the nearby Blue Caves without needing to go to one of the larger ports.
Keri beach, Zakynthos © Shutterstock
Dafni Beach is on the south coast and takes a little effort to reach — the road in winds through olive groves and is a bit rough in places, but it’s manageable with a small car or scooter.
This beach is part of the turtle conservation area, so you’ll see sections roped off during nesting season. It’s not built up, and the whole place feels slower and more relaxed. There’s no nightlife here, and that’s kind of the point.
The waves can be a little stronger than elsewhere, which some swimmers enjoy. It doesn’t get very crowded, and there are a couple of tavernas where you can grab something simple to eat (there's a lot of great food in Greece to try, after all). There’s no artificial lighting, so if you stick around into the evening, the stargazing can be pretty great. It’s a good place if you want a quiet beach day without much going on.
Alykanas Beach is a long stretch of soft sand with calm, shallow water that’s great for kids. It’s a Blue Flag beach, so the water is clean, and it’s easy to hang out here all day without needing to move around much.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas lined up along the shore, and the water stays shallow pretty far out. It’s also a good place to try paddleboarding, especially in the early morning when the sea is at its calmest. Just behind the beach, you’ve got a few tavernas and bars where you can grab something to eat or a drink.
It’s an easygoing kind of place — not too loud, not too remote. You’re about 10 miles (16km) from Zakynthos Town, and the area around the beach is pretty green. If you feel like a change of pace, Askos Stone Park is nearby and makes a good side trip, especially if you’re with kids. This is a great base if you're spending a longer time here. See our sample 10 days Greece itinerary for more ideas.
Beach Alikanas, Zakynthos © Shutterstock
Makris Gialos is a small cove on the northeast coast with clear, deep water and a rocky shoreline. It’s a great swim, and if you’re planning on snorkeling or diving, this is one of the better places to do it. There are some sea caves around the edge of the bay, and a local dive center if you want to book something.
The beach is pebbly, not sandy, and the water gets deep pretty quickly. That makes it less ideal for kids but great if you want a proper swim. There’s a taverna across the road and a few sunbeds, but not much else, which keeps things pretty quiet.
It’s about 15 miles (24km) from Zakynthos Town, between Agios Nikolaos and Alykes. Worth the drive if you’re after something a little more low-key and scenic.
Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island, sits in Laganas Bay and is only reachable by boat — usually from Keri or Laganas. It’s part of the marine park, and loggerhead sea turtles also nest here, so it’s under protection and pretty undeveloped.
There are two small beaches — one with sand, the other with pebbles — and a few sea caves around the edge of the island that are fun to swim around. The water’s really clear, and there’s a good chance you’ll see turtles if you’re lucky, especially in the early season. In fact this might just be the best beach in Zakynthos to see them. Just make sure to stay in the marked areas so you don’t disturb the nests.
There are no facilities, so you’ll need to bring water, snacks, and anything else you might want. It’s a quiet place and feels a bit off the grid, which is part of the appeal.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 24.06.2025
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