5 Best Beaches in Zakynthos

Zakynthos is known for clear blue water, tall cliffs, and beaches that look unreal in person. If you are planning a trip and want to see the best beaches in Zakynthos, this guide will help you choose the right places. These are the 5 best beaches in Zakynthos, based on beauty, color, and overall experience. Watch the video below, then read the details for each beach.

The 5 Best Beaches in Zakynthos

Below are the five beaches that stand out the most. They offer bright water, great views, and some of the top places to swim in Zakynthos.

1. Navagio Beach

Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is the most famous beach in Zakynthos. It sits below tall white cliffs and can only be reached by boat. The blue water and dramatic cliffs make it one of the top beaches in the Ionian islands.

Why visit: Huge cliffs, clear water, and one of the most photographed beaches in the world.

2. Porto Limnionas

Porto Limnionas is a rocky cove with deep clear water. It is one of the best places to swim in Zakynthos if you like natural rock pools. A small taverna sits above the water with great views.

Why visit: Strong water colors, great swimming, and a relaxing spot to spend a few hours.

3. Mizithres

Mizithres is known for two sharp rock peaks and very bright blue water. Many visitors take a short turtle watching boat ride to see the rocks up close. It is one of the most beautiful coastal views on Zakynthos.

Why visit: Amazing colors and a fun boat ride that adds to the adventure.

4. Xigia Beach

Xigia Beach has natural sulfur water that gives it a strong smell at first, but the water feels refreshing and many people like the health benefits. The beach is small, easy to reach, and sits between cliffs.

Why visit:Unique water, cool scenery, and simple access by car.

5. Agios Nikolaos Beach

Agios Nikolaos is a sandy beach with calm water and a peaceful vibe. It is easy to reach and has plenty of space for swimming, relaxing, and spending the whole day. Many visitors say it is one of the best beaches in Zakynthos for families.

Why visit:Good for all ages, simple to get to, and perfect for a long beach day.

Fun Facts About Zakynthos

Zakynthos has many interesting facts that make the island even more special. Here are a few fun ones:

• Zakynthos is home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. These turtles lay their eggs on the sandy beaches of Laganas Bay every summer.

• The island is also called Zante, which comes from its Venetian name. Many visitors still use both names today.

• Zakynthos is known for its musical history. Local choirs and traditional songs, called kantades, are an important part of the culture.

• Navagio Beach became world famous after a ship carrying smuggled goods washed ashore in 1980. The shipwreck is still there today.

• Zakynthos has some of the clearest water in the Ionian Sea. Many people say the bright blue color looks unreal in person.

• The island is one of the sunniest places in Greece. It gets many more sunny days per year compared to mainland cities.

• Zakynthos Town was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1953. The newer buildings were designed to look similar to the old styles.

History of Zakynthos

Zakynthos has a long history that goes back thousands of years. The island was mentioned in ancient Greek writings and was known for its strong connection to the sea. In ancient times, Zakynthos was an independent city state and took part in major events across Greece.

During the Middle Ages, the island came under the control of the Venetians. They ruled Zakynthos for hundreds of years and left a strong influence on the architecture, culture, and even the local music. This period helped shape the island into the place people know today.

After the Venetians, Zakynthos passed through different rulers until it joined the modern Greek state in the 1800s. The island was hit by a major earthquake in 1953, which destroyed much of the old town. Zakynthos was rebuilt, and many buildings today were designed after that earthquake.

Even with all these changes, the island kept its natural beauty and its strong local traditions. Zakynthos is now known for its beaches, sea turtles, music festivals, and warm hospitality. It is one of the most popular islands in the Ionian Sea and keeps growing in visitors every year.

Conclusion

Zakynthos has many beautiful places, but these are the 5 best beaches in Zakynthos for color, swimming, and overall experience. This list gives you a simple starting point for planning your beach days and exploring the top spots on the island.

This list was prepared by Tony Kariotis of GetGreece. He travels the islands year after year to help travelers skip the guesswork and see the best of Greece with confidence.