Zakynthos is a picturesque island located in the Ionian Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning landscapes. In this article, you will find the most important information about the island, including what to see and which beaches to visit.
What to see on the island?
Here are five places worth visiting in Zakynthos:
Navagio Beach
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is one of the most picturesque beaches on the Greek island of Zakynthos. It is located on the northern coast of the island, surrounded by high cliffs and crystal-clear water.
The name „Navagio” means „to sink” or „merchant ship”, referring to the wreck of the MV Panagiotis, which washed ashore on the beach in 1980. Along with the white sand and turquoise waters, the wreck has become one of the main features of the beach landscape.
Navagio Beach can only be accessed by sea or through narrow and steep paths from the top, which adds to its mystery and charm. The water on the beach is crystal clear and shallow, making it a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling.
In addition to the beautiful beach and wreck, the area offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains. Along the beach, there are also souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants where you can try traditional Greek dishes.
Navagio Beach is one of the most beautiful places in Zakynthos and one of the most famous symbols of Greece. It is definitely worth visiting for nature lovers and those who appreciate beautiful landscapes.
Beaches on the island of Zakynthos
The island of Zakynthos is full of beautiful beaches with white sands and turquoise waters. Below are a few of them:
- Gerakas Beach – a southern beach known for its stunning views and excellent conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Laganas Beach – a long sandy beach known for its warm water and diverse marine life.
- Tsilivi Beach – a family-friendly beach with shallow waters and a variety of attractions such as water sports and boat rentals.
- Kalamaki Beach – a beach located on the southern coast, famous for its beautiful scenery and the opportunity to spot sea turtles.
- Porto Limnionas Beach – a small beach with stunning views of cliffs and rocky formations, perfect for diving and swimming.
Of course, there are many other beautiful beaches on the island of Zakynthos worth seeing and exploring. Each of them offers a unique atmosphere and character that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Mount Skopos
Mount Skopos is one of the highest peaks on the Greek island of Zakynthos, reaching a height of 485 meters above sea level. It is located in the southeastern part of the island, between the towns of Argassi and Vasilikos.
Mount Skopos is a popular destination for hiking and walking excursions, as it offers incredible views of the coastline, the Ionian Sea, and the nearby islands. The climb to the summit is relatively easy and can take about two hours, with the route passing through pine forests and rural landscapes.
There are many picturesque hiking trails that lead to the summit of Mount Skopos, offering various levels of difficulty. Along the way, visitors can admire diverse geological formations, beautiful landscapes, and even encounter wild goats freely roaming the mountain terrain.
A visit to the summit of Mount Skopos is not only a great opportunity for outdoor recreation, but also a chance to admire the beauty of nature and the history of Zakynthos.
Anafonitria Monastery
Anafonitria Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries on the Greek island of Zakynthos, located in the mountains in the northwest part of the island, about 25 km from the island’s capital, Zakynthos town.
The monastery was founded in the 13th century and is associated with the life of St. Dionysius, one of the most revered saints on the island of Zakynthos. According to legend, Dionysius was an ascetic and hermit who spent many years of his life in seclusion, in a cave in the vicinity of the monastery.
Anafonitria Monastery is known for its beautiful monastery church, which was built in the 18th century and contains many valuable works of art, such as icons and frescoes. The church is surrounded by beautiful gardens, with numerous trees and flowers, making the place incredibly peaceful and charming.
Anafonitria Monastery attracts many pilgrims who come to pay homage to St. Dionysius, as well as tourists who want to admire the beauty of this place and learn about the history of Zakynthos. In addition to the church, the monastery also houses a museum where visitors can see numerous valuable objects related to the history of the monastery and the island of Zakynthos.
In summary, Anafonitria Monastery is one of the most important landmarks of Zakynthos, worth visiting during a stay on this beautiful Greek island. This place is not only significant from a historical and religious point of view, but also offers unforgettable aesthetic and spiritual experiences.
Keri Cave
Keri Cave is one of the most famous tourist attractions on the Greek island of Zakynthos. It is located at the southern tip of the island, near the village of Keri, and is accessible both by land and by sea.
Keri Cave is actually a system of several caves, with the largest one measuring over 100 meters in length and 20 meters in width. Inside the cave, there is an incredible atmosphere created by stunning stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a crystal-clear lake that seems almost magical.
Keri Cave is open to visitors, who can enter and admire its beauty. There are also several viewpoints around the cave from which you can admire the picturesque landscapes of Zakynthos Island, as well as the nearby coastline and the Ionian Sea.
In summary, Keri Cave is an incredibly beautiful place on Zakynthos Island that is worth visiting during your stay on this Greek island. The cave offers unforgettable aesthetic and spiritual experiences, as well as the opportunity to admire the beauty of nature and landscapes of Zakynthos Island.
Caretta Caretta Meeting Point
Caretta Caretta Meeting Point is one of the most important tourist attractions on the Greek island of Zakynthos, attracting hundreds of tourists every year. It is a place where you can see rare species of sea turtles, including the famous Caretta Caretta turtles.
Caretta Caretta Meeting Point is located on the southern coast of the island, near the village of Laganas, which is one of the most important nesting sites for these turtles in the world. Here, you can observe the turtles in their natural environment and learn more about their habits and behaviors.
In addition to turtle watching, Caretta Caretta Meeting Point also offers various activities and experiences such as diving, boat trips, and fishing. It is a perfect place for nature and animal lovers, as well as families with children.
Caretta Caretta Meeting Point is also an important place in terms of the conservation of sea turtles and their natural habitat. That’s why tourists are encouraged to follow certain rules, such as maintaining a distance from the turtles and not polluting the beach and water.
In summary, Caretta Caretta Meeting Point is not only a tourist attraction, but also an important place for nature and animal conservation. It is a place worth visiting during your stay on the Greek island of Zakynthos to see these beautiful and rare species of sea turtles and learn about their world.
When is the best time to visit Zakynthos?
The best time to visit Zakynthos is during the summer months of June, July, August, and September. During this time, the air temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius, and the sea water temperature ranges from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. However, it’s worth noting that the island gets crowded with tourists during the peak season, which means larger crowds and higher prices. Therefore, the best solution is to plan your trip at the beginning or end of the season when the weather is still good, and the tourist crowds are not as large.
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that outside of the summer season, Zakynthos offers lower prices and fewer tourists. During the months of April-May and October-November, you can still enjoy the beautiful weather and the charms of the island while avoiding the tourist crowds. However, it’s important to note that the sea water may be cooler during the spring-autumn period, which may not be favorable for water sports or long swims. It’s also important to remember that during the winter season, most hotels and restaurants on the island are closed, and the weather can be less stable and more unpredictable.
Where is Zakynthos located?
Zakynthos is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea, on the western coast of Greece. The island is part of the Ionian Islands archipelago and is situated about 20 km southwest of mainland Greece.
What currency is used on the island? Is it expensive?
The official currency in Zakynthos, as well as in all regions of Greece, is the Euro, which has been the official currency of the country since 2002. Prices on the island can vary depending on the type of service or product, but overall, Zakynthos is considered to be an affordable tourist destination. During the summer season (from May to September), prices may slightly increase due to higher tourist demand, but they are still relatively low compared to other popular holiday destinations in Western Europe.
Accommodation prices depend on the standard of the property and its location, but there are many budget options available, such as hostels or rooms for rent from private owners. It’s also worth noting that Greece has a high Value Added Tax (VAT), which may affect the prices of some services and products. However, groceries and markets are usually not expensive, and restaurants offer many affordable Greek cuisine dishes.
Is Zakynthos a safe place?
When it comes to safety on the island, Zakynthos is generally considered a safe place to visit. Like in other popular tourist destinations, petty thefts or scams may occur, but basic precautions such as locking hotel rooms and not leaving valuable items in plain sight can help avoid unpleasant situations. During your vacation, it’s also important to be mindful of the sun and heat to prevent heat strokes or dehydration.
Zakynthos is a paradise on Earth, offering incredible views, crystal-clear seas, and numerous attractions. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches such as Navagio, Gerakas, or Laganas, which attract tourists from all over the world. In addition, Zakynthos offers interesting landmarks to explore, such as Zakynthos Castle or the Church of St. Dionysius. It’s also worth trying the traditional Greek cuisine and tasting the wonderful local delicacies. During the summer season, Zakynthos is bustling with life and offers a rich entertainment program, with prices that are not too high. The island is safe for tourists and mesmerizes with its beauty, making it an ideal destination for a holiday getaway.
Interested in Zakynthos Island? Check out more information about Greece here!
