Zakynthos has a wide variety of beaches, ranging from small sandy
coves accessible only by boat in the north, to long sandy beaches
which dominate the south.
The
beaches on Zakynthos are very high quality, with fine sand or gentle
pebbles. Contrary to popular belief, there are no "private"
beaches on the island. All Greek seafront property, by law is accessible
to the public.
Agios Nicolaos (St Nicolas)
Alikes
Alikanas
Argasi
Banana Beach
Bouka
Dafni
Gerakas
Kalamaki
Laganas
Navagio (Smuggler's Cove)
Porto Koukla
Porto Roma
Porto Zoro
Tsilivi
Xigia
Agios Nicolaos (St Nicolas)
A popular beach in the north of Vassilikos offering excellent watersports
and scuba diving. The beach derives its name from the little chapel
on the left hand side of the bay.
The area has a number of restaurants, hotels and studios.
Alikanas
Smaller than its neighbour Alikes,
Alikanas is very popular family resort with a fine sandy beach.
Alikes
At Alikes you'll find one of the finest beaches on the island. There
is good surf here and has a good variety of watersports. The resort
is busy but ideal for all types of visitor. Located 18 kilometres
northwest of Zakynthos Town.
Argasi
Argasi has a fine sand and shingle beach with many coves. The beach
is narrow and over one kilometre long.
This resort has grown substantially over the last five years due
to its proximity to the capital. There are a wide variety of watersports
and plenty of evening entertainment including bars, tavernas and
nightclubs. Argasi is located 5 kilometres south of Zakynthos
Town.
Banana
Also know as Ionio beach, Banana beach is a fine sandy beach with
clear waters. It's located in the Vassilikos
peninsular and signposted from the main road between Argasi
and Porto Roma.
Bouka
Located north of Zakynthos
Town next to Tsilivi
beach, Bouka is a small, unspoilt
beach that is far less crowded than its counterparts to the south
of the island.
Dafni
Dafni beach is a secluded area in the Vassilikos
area on the shoreline of the Zakynthos marine park. You follow
the main road through Vassilikos
and follow the sign post on to a narrow track for about 3 kilometres.
Gerakas
The best beach on the island. Tourism lives is relative
harmony with the endangered Caretta
caretta (loggerhead turtle). A steep road leads to low cliffs
and a beautiful crescent of golden sand. No watersports here -
the bay is off limits to anything but a pedalo (worth a trip to
turtle spot). The view to Marathonisi Island on a clear day is
magnificent. There is little here except for a couple of tavernas
on the approach, where you'll also find the Turtle
Protection Society of Zakynthos (worth a visit).
Please note that the beach is off-limits between dusk and dawn.
Kalamaki
A long sandy beach with shallow water, this is a quieter beach
than its neighbour, Laganas. Ideal for families, the only drawback
is the aircraft flight path directly above.
Kalamaki is located in the marine park of Zakynthos so watersports
are not permitted.
Please
note that the beach is off-limits between dusk and dawn.
Laganas
Laganas is the 'San Antonio' of Zakynthos. The nine kilometre
bay hosts a long sandy beach which is very crowded in the summer.
Beach entertainment is de
rigeur here (although watersports are severely restricted) and
the town itself is a deafening mixture of bars and nightclubs.
Everything here for the livelier visitor! Very popular with English
tourists.
Navagio
(the shipwreck)
This
beach is only accessible by boat and has become a regular stop
on any island cruise because of the famous shipwreck. The water
is very cold in this area (even in the height of summer) but the
imposing cliffs make the place very atmospheric.
For more information, please
visit the Shipwreck page.
Porto
Koukla
Further south from Laganas is the small pebbly beach at Porto
Koukla. One of the quieter beaches on the island, its warm shallow
waters are ideal for a relaxing day away from its busier neighbours.
Porto Roma
Porto
Roma is a small sand and pebble beach with a small fishing port.
Off the beaten track (most visitors head straight to Gerakas),
and before midday you can very often find yourself alone on the
beach. Nearby you will find three excellent tavernas and a couple
of small shops. Porto Roma is located 17 kilometres southeast
of Zakynthos Town.
Porto Zoro
About 16 kilometres from Zante
Town in the Vassilikos
peninsula, Porto Zoro is a quiet beach with calm waters and beautiful
rock formations.
Tsilivi
You
can spend all day endulging in one of the many varieties of watersports
on offer here. A long sandy beach with plenty of facilities nearby.
Located 7 kilometres northwest of Zakynthos
Town.
Xigia
A small beach at the bottom of a precarious track in the
north east of the island.
Due to an underwater sulphur source, there is a strong (but not
putrid) smell at this very quiet beach.
