18 Best Attractions in Zakynthos

Zakynthos (Zante) is a Greek island where every tourist can find something interesting. The geography of the island is incredibly diverse: on the northwest coast, steep hills descend to rocky shores with beaches covered in white pebbles and the azure sea; on the southern part, there are fewer rock formations, and along the coast, stretches beaches with golden sand.

The central part of the island is a fertile plain covered with forests and olive groves. Zakynthos is also known for its landmarks - historical, architectural, and natural. Here is a brief list of what to see on the island of Zakynthos, Greece.

Navagio Beach, with its pristine white pebbles surrounded by steep white cliffs, is arguably the most picturesque and photographed beach in Greece. It is located on the western coast of Zakynthos, in what is known as Smugglers' Cove.

Its name (navagio in Greek means 'shipwreck') comes from the wrecking of a ship in 1980 that was smuggling cigarettes.

A unique feature of this beach is that it can only be reached by water. Water taxis regularly dock here, departing from the port of Agios Nikolaos, located on the northeast coast of the island, 20 miles from Zakynthos Town.

Address: Shipwreck Beach, Elation, Greece.

Zakynthos is located on the eastern coast of the island of the same name, of which it is the capital. The town stretches in a wide arc along the steep shores of the bay.

Unfortunately, many neoclassical city structures were destroyed during the earthquake of 1953, but the remaining cobbled streets and squares filled with bakeries, cafes, boutiques, and jewelry shops still delight visitors as they stroll through the town.

Address: Zakynthos, Greece.

This magnificent museum of ecclesiastical art is housed in a beautifully restored building on the main town square. Almost all of the museum's exhibits were saved-by volunteer sailors-immediately after the earthquake of 1953. The rich collection of the museum includes entire interiors of churches and monasteries.

In addition, it houses the facade and fragments of the 16th-century church of St. Andrew Volimios, which was completely destroyed during the well-known earthquake.

Address: Byzantine Museum, Platia Solomou, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece.

Built in the 1660s, this majestic mansion is one of the few old buildings that survived the 1953 earthquake, during which much of Zakynthos was destroyed.

The building belongs to the Roma family members, who decided to restore it and opened it to visitors in 2007. The mansion's interior features antique furniture, paintings, and books, giving visitors insight into the life of local aristocracy who lived centuries ago.

One of the few beaches in Zakynthos that is part of the National Marine Park. Kalamaki is located in the eastern part of Laganas Bay and is considered one of the best beaches on the island. The coastline is a protected area, so many zones are fenced off, water sports are absent, and services to tourists are limited.

The beach has a single bar where you can rent umbrellas and loungers. The golden sand is impeccable, and the shore gently slopes into the warm, clear water. From the beach, you can see swimmers hundreds of yards from the shore-thanks to the calm and shallow sea in this part of the bay.

Address: Kalamaki Beach, Laganas 291 00, Greece.

The partially ruins of an ancient Venetian fortress are located on a wooded hill looming over the town center. To see the fortress ruins, you need to overcome a steep 15-minute hike or drive 1.5 miles on an alternate road.

Today, the hill is a quiet forest park with stunning views of the town, the port, and the sea. Scattered throughout the forest area are partially ruined churches. Here you can also see a British football field from the 19th century.

Address: Venetian Castle, Bochali 291 00, Greece.

In the northern part of the island, at Cape Skinari, is the most famous natural attraction of Zakynthos-the famous Blue Caves. Sunlight entering the rocky grottoes refracts through the mineral- and calcium-rich sea water, giving it a stunning emerald and bright blue hue.

Combined with the white cliffs, this creates a magical effect! The amazing natural reserve, which consists of grottos and arches, can be reached by small boats equipped with glass bottoms that regularly depart from the port of Agios Nikolaos on the northeast coast (20 miles from Zakynthos Town).

Address: Blue Caves, Greece.

On the southwestern coast, near the village of Keri (about 9 miles from Zakynthos), a series of stunning caves open directly into the crystal-clear azure sea. These caves are particularly popular among adventure seekers. Exploring such a natural wonder, especially with scuba gear or a mask and snorkel, is likely one of the most exciting and memorable adventures during your stay on the island.

The color effects from the sunlight passing through the water and reflecting off the cave walls allow for stunning photos and videos. The Keri Caves can be visited independently by renting a boat or with an excursion group.

Address: Keri Cave, Greece.

This beach with crystal-clear, azure water against a backdrop of cliffs and grottoes is one of the best uncrowded spots on the island for swimming and sunbathing. Porto Limnionas is located in a wild area near the village of Agios Leon.

You can reach it by descending on a newly built road. The beach is becoming more popular each year, so it may get crowded during the height of the summer season.

Two local taverns with terraces overlooking the sea rent loungers and umbrellas. Porto Limnionas is a great place for snorkeling. Additionally, you can explore amazing caves and even an underwater bridge.

Address: Porto Limnionas, Artemisia 290 92, Greece.

On the southeastern coast of the island, along the wide Laganas Bay (8 miles south of Zakynthos Town), there are several stretches of white sandy beach. Since the 1980s, this area has been the preferred resort zone of the island with budget accommodations-it attracts many young people seeking clear seas, sunshine, and entertainment.

This coastal area is also a nesting ground for the shy Loggerhead sea turtles, an endangered species. Specialists estimate that approximately 1,300 of these rare creatures currently inhabit the waters around Laganas Bay. The turtles are protected in the Zakynthos National Marine Park, established in 1999.

During nesting season, access to some beach areas is restricted. To learn more about the endangered species of turtles, visit the park's exhibition center located near Dafni beach.

Address: Zakynthos National Marine Park in Laganás Bay, Zakinthos 290 92, Greece.

This small island, located in Laganas Bay, south of Zakynthos, is often referred to as Turtle Island, as Loggerhead turtles (Caretta-Caretta), which are protected by the National Marine Park, lay their eggs here. For this reason, Marathonisi is deserted-visitors must leave the sandy beach before sunset during the summer months so the turtles can come ashore to lay their eggs.

From the southern ports of Limni Keri or Laganas, you can take excursion boats with glass bottoms to Turtle Island. Thanks to the remarkably clear water, you have a chance of seeing one or more turtles.

Address: Marathonisi, Greece.

This nature reserve, home to rare species of animals and plants, is located in the northern part of the island, near the mountain village of Volimes (about 18 miles from Zakynthos). Askos Stone Park is a must-visit for animal lovers.

It is particularly interesting for children-animals freely roaming the park can be fed and petted. Among the residents of the reserve are many deer, raccoons, peacocks, turtles, ponies, sheep, and many other animals.

Address: Askos Stone Park, Volimes, Greece.

Not only is it the longest beach, but it is also one of the most popular beaches on Zakynthos, thanks to its soft golden sand, transparent sea water, and shallow waters. The entire shoreline of Banana Beach in the southern part of the island is part of the National Marine Park, so the list of services provided is limited.

Nevertheless, almost the entire length of the beach has options to rent loungers or even a beach hut. The Banana Casa Playa bar and restaurant not only rents out beach equipment but also provides visitors with a full range of services, including snacks, drinks, and entertainment.

On the eastern edge of the beach, there is a Watersports Center where you can rent jet skis or water skis, as well as equipment for parasailing.

Address: Banana Beach, Epar.Od. Zakinthou - Vasilikou, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece.

The Church of St. Dionysios, reconstructed in 1948, is located on the southern coast, near the ferry terminal. It was erected in honor of the island's patron saint-St. Dionysios.

The interior of the church is richly decorated with gilded artifacts and stunning frescoes; a museum with an entrance from the back yard serves as a major restoration center. Among the museum exhibits are icons, priestly vestments, church utensils, and ancient books.

Address: St. Dionisos, Zakynthos, Greece.

Its full name is the Museum of Dionysios Solomos and Other Renowned Natives of Zakynthos. It houses not only manuscripts and personal belongings of the poet Dionysios Solomos (1789-1857) but even a mausoleum where his remains rest. The poet is best known for writing the <<Hymn to Freedom>>, which later became the national anthem of Greece.

Address: Museum of D. Solomos and Other Eminent People of Zakynthos, Zakynthos, Greece.

This monastery is just a stone's throw from Navagio Beach. It was founded during the Venetian occupation and consecrated in the mid-15th century. In the 1500s, the island's patron saint-St. Dionysios-lived here. The Anafonitria Monastery has survived the 1953 earthquake virtually unscathed.

The monastery's quirky stone tower was originally built for defensive purposes but later became used as a bell tower. The church is adorned with stunning, albeit time-worn frescoes depicting the lives of saints.

Perhaps the most picturesque area of the monastery is the courtyard, featuring freestanding antique columns, fruit trees, palm trees, potted flowers, and grapevines climbing the stone walls.

Address: Anafonitria Monastery, Anafonitria monastery, 290 91, Greece.

The monastery is located atop Mount Skopos in the southeastern part of Zakynthos. To reach it, one must undertake a long, exhausting ascent along a narrow winding road. However, the 15th-century church and breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape are worth the effort.

The church's walls are adorned with frescoes, as well as an icon of the Virgin Mary that was painted in Constantinople and brought to Zakynthos after the island was captured by Ottoman forces. On the church's floor, you can see the image of a double-headed eagle-the emblem of the Byzantine Empire.

Address: Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery, Zakynthos 291 00, Greece.

Bochali is a hill located 1.2 miles from the bottom of which Zakynthos Town spreads. From the highest point, there are stunning views of the town, the port, and the Ionian Sea. Bochali Hill is one of the oldest areas of Zakynthos. There are many palm and olive trees, under which it is pleasant to relax on a hot sunny day.

Address: Bochali, Zakynthos, Greece.