Zakynthos

Zakynthos is a truly captivating island located in the Ionian Sea, just off the west coast of Greece. Zakynthos bursts with natural beauty! It's the third largest of the Ionian islands and boasts a varied terrain that ranges from rugged coastlines and dramatic cliffs to verdant hillsides and fertile plains.

 

 

Each of the Ionian Islands is different and offers a different experience. While the other islands are rich in preserved history, Zakynthos has less of it. However, where it clearly excels is in the abundance of turtles and small sandy coves. It is definitely worth a trip here to enjoy the beauty it has to offer. For us personally, a week was quite enough to get us through the whole island and still have plenty of time to do nothing.

 

Zakynthos and beaches

One of the most characteristic features of Zakynthos is its coastline, which is dotted with picturesque beaches, hidden coves and secluded bays that offer endless opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Navagio Beach, is perhaps the most famous of all, with its pristine white sands, turquoise waters and rusting shipwreck hull. This attraction draws millions of people a year, and often its beauty is lost under the onslaught of tourists.

The island's north offers many sandy beaches with gradual entry into the sea and clear water, such as Xigia Sulfur Beach or Alykanas Beach. In the east, there is a nature reserve and Gerakas Beach or Laganas Beach. It is here that you can see the Kareta Kareta turtles in the summer months and even swim with them. The south, on the other hand, offers pristine stone beaches that are ideal for discovering underwater life and admiring the clarity of the sea. Among the most beautiful are Korakonisi Beach and Porto Limnionas. You'll also find Damianos Cave, which looks like a Batman.

 

Flora of Zakynthos

The interior of the island is characterized by lush olive groves, vineyards and citrus orchards interspersed with charming villages where time seems to have stood still. The rugged mountains offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, while the fertile valleys are a tangle of fields and forests full of wildlife. One of the best ways to explore Zakynthos is to venture off the beaten track and discover its hidden gems. From traditional mountain villages to historic monasteries.

 

Zakynthos as a party island

Zakynthos is also famous for its celebrations, which take place throughout the year. From religious festivals, traditional music and dance performances to wine tastings and gastronomic events. The Laganas area is particularly famous for wild parties into the early hours of the morning, and you can often still find drunken young people trying to hit their hotel after 9am.

 

When is the best time to visit the island?

The best time to come here is definitely August when there is the best chance to swim with the turtles. We met several of them every day. The first day we rented a boat, enjoyed the views of the surroundings and anchored offshore as soon as we saw them. The second day, we bought an inflatable so we went looking for them. Since the sea, even a few dozen meters from the shore is not too deep, there is nothing to worry about. With the inflatable, we even encountered a lot more of them because they weren't afraid of the sound of the engine.

If you just want to be near Laganas and take a trip to Navagio, you don't need a car. However, if you decide to explore the south side of the island, you will not be able to do so without a car. You can get around the east and north of the island by bus, but the southern part of the island isn't as touristy and you can't get to many of the beaches by public transport. However, there's almost no traffic and plenty of parking space, so don't worry and try to start exploring the hidden gems.

 

Zakynthos and boat rental

Many people don't know that in Greece you can very easily rent a smaller boat. You just need a normal car license, a 15 minute training course and you can take a boat along the coast. It's very easy and surprisingly cheap too. The cost of a full day's hire is around €100, plus another €20 or so for petrol. Renting a boat is the perfect way to explore hidden gems, discover secluded beaches and drop anchor in your dream spot! The best part is you don't need a chauffeur or guide! Not to worry!