Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is one of those iconic spots that appears on every postcard and coffee table book of the island. This pristine crescent of sand is bounded by dramatic 200-meter high cliffs and electric blue Ionian waters.
Despite this, it can get very crowded at peak times.
Porto Limnionas
A sheltered cove on the west coast of the island that offers access to crystal clear deep water and swims into nearby sea caves. You’ll need to walk through vineyard-strewn hills or take a boat tour to reach this hidden gem and the fact that it isn’t accessible by bus means you may find yourself with this stunning cliff-backed beach all to yourselves.
This must be one of the most iconic beaches in Greece, and it’s certainly the most striking of any on Zante. Navagio, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is a stunning crescent of white sandy beach bounded by towering cliffs and some of the most electric blue Ionian waters I’ve ever seen. The rusty remains of a shipwreck that ran aground here in 1980 add to the allure.
Due to its proximity to Zante Town, it’s the most popular beach on the island during high season and there are a lot of tavernas and beach bars here where you can lay out a towel and soak up some sun. However, if you get here early enough, you can still find a spot with some shade and avoid the crowds.
Gerakas Beach
Gerakas Beach is a long, sandy beach on the southeastern peninsula of Vasilikos. It is the perfect spot to relax on the beach and swim in the calm water of the Ionian Sea. However, it closes at 8:00 pm as part of the National Marine Park because it is a nesting ground for the Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle).
You can also go snorkeling here. Its clear, shallow water makes it easy to see the different types of fish in this area. The sand is soft and there aren’t many rocks to stub your toes on, making it suitable for families.
There are some great hiking trails near the beach, as well as a small church and a cafe that offers refreshments. You can access the beach by taking a bus from Vasilikos or Zante Town. Alternatively, you can book a tour that will take you around the island including Navagio Beach and other famous landmarks on Zakynthos.
Dafni Beach
Dafni Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Zakynthos. This rocky beach offers spectacular views of the cliffs and the island of Pelouzo in the distance. There are taverns by the beach that offer drinks and food. The road to this beach is very rough and can be tricky but once you reach the beach it is worth it!
The west coast of Zakynthos is wild and rocky with small inlets and coves bounded by cliffs. The best of the beaches on this side of the island are Gerakas beach and Navagio Beach. Gerakas Beach is a beautiful strip of golden sand that is also a protected nesting ground for Caretta-Caretta turtles. The beach is only open during the day and there are taverns by the water.
Navagio Beach is famous for its rusty shipwreck that rests in a sandy cove framed by cliffs. It is the iconic beach that you see on every postcard and coffee table book of Zakynthos. This beach is accessible by boat and can be visited on a tour of the northern coast of the island.
Agios Nikolaos Beach
One of the best beaches in Zante, Navagio, is famous for its milky blue waters that are not only good for your skin but also fascinating to snorkel. There is a little tavern here that looks out of place from the main road and serves delicious food, but if you go down a dirt path behind it you will discover a hidden beach whose water contains sulfur that produces a strange hot-cold effect when it mixes with seawater.
Dafni Beach is another beach that is well-known for its marine life. It is a turtle nesting ground and has clearer water than other beaches on the island. It is also a popular snorkeling beach in Zakynthos for visitors. The rocky swimming area is not suitable for children, but there are tavernas overlooking the water that serve drinks and food throughout the day. This is the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon.