Zakynthos is an Ionian island famous for electric-blue water, dramatic limestone cliffs, sea caves, and protected turtle-nesting beaches in Laganas Bay (National Marine Park of Zakynthos). In this Zakynthos Holiday Guide, you’ll find the best things to do, must-visit beaches, where to stay, and practical local tips to plan an unforgettable trip.
Quick planning snapshot
Best time to visit
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Late May–June & September: warm sea + fewer crowds.
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July–August: hottest, busiest, and pricier.
Getting there
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By plane: Zakynthos International Airport is ZTH.
Note: the airport has announced periodic runway works/closures (e.g., Feb 2–16, 2025) — always check flight updates close to your dates. -
By ferry (mainland): the common route is Kyllini ↔ Zakynthos, operated by Levante Ferries, with multiple daily sailings depending on season.
Top things to do in Zakynthos
1) See Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) safely
Navagio is the island’s iconic cove—but access rules have been changing due to rockfall risk. For example, Greek authorities extended restrictions/closures in recent seasons.
How to enjoy it anyway: take a boat that approaches the bay for photos, and/or visit the clifftop viewpoint (when open). Always follow local safety signage and barriers.
2) Boat tour: Blue Caves + hidden coves
A half-day or full-day cruise is the classic Zakynthos experience—especially on the north coast where the sea turns neon-blue under the caves’ reflections.
3) Turtle spotting (the responsible way)
Laganas Bay is one of the Mediterranean’s key loggerhead turtle habitats.
Do it responsibly:
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Keep distance (e.g., 15 m), approach from the side, and limit viewing time.
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Respect no-go zones and speed limits in the bay.
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On nesting beaches, avoid bright lights at night and follow beach rules (some areas are daytime-only).
4) Keri & the southwest cliffs
Go for sunsets, sea caves, and viewpoints. This side of the island feels wilder and more dramatic.
5) Zakynthos Town + Bohali
Stroll the waterfront, explore churches and small museums, then head up to Bohali for panoramic views over the harbor at golden hour.
6) Day trip to Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
A short boat ride from Laganas Bay—great for swimming, photos, and nature vibes (again: follow marine park rules).
Best beaches in Zakynthos (by vibe)
Calm, sandy, family-friendly
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Tsilivi (Planos): easy access, lots of dining, good base for first-timers.
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Alykanas/Alykes: laid-back resort feel, long shallow shoreline.
Nature & scenery
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Gerakas (Vasilikos): gorgeous sand + dunes; a major turtle nesting area (expect restrictions).
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Dafni & Sekania: quieter and more protected (often with stricter rules).
Cliffs, swim spots, and “wow” water
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Porto Limnionas: rocky cove with unreal clarity—best with water shoes.
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Makris Gialos (north): pebbly, snorkel-friendly, bright water.
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Xigia (Sulfur Beach): unique mineral smell/feel—quick, memorable stop.
Party & people-watching
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Laganas: lively scene and long sandy beach—but also inside the marine park area, so be extra mindful of rules and protected zones.
Where to stay in Zakynthos (best areas)
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Zakynthos Town: convenient without a car, good for food + evenings.
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Tsilivi: balanced choice (beach + restaurants + easy access).
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Kalamaki: calmer than Laganas, close to the marine park zone.
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Vasilikos: best for nature lovers and quieter beaches (Gerakas area).
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Laganas: nightlife base (choose carefully if you want sleep).
Hotel ideas (examples by style)
Luxury / upscale
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Lesante Blu (adult-focused luxury)
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Lesante Cape (family-friendly, “village-style” resort concept)
Adults-only, couples
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Look for adults-only suites around Tsilivi and quieter hillside areas (great for sunset views). (TripAdvisor lists can help you compare recent reviews.)
Family bases
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Alykanas/Alykes and Tsilivi tend to be easiest for sand beaches and simple logistics; browse family-hotel lists and filter by pool/kids’ club.
Budget-friendly
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Argassi and Zakynthos Town often have solid-value studios and small hotels; cross-check recent reviews and location.
(Tip: in peak season, book early—especially if you want beachfront or adults-only.)
Simple itineraries
3 days (highlights)
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Day 1: Zakynthos Town + Bohali sunset
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Day 2: Boat tour (Blue Caves + Navagio viewpoint/approach depending on rules)
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Day 3: Vasilikos beaches (Gerakas) + relaxed dinner
5 days (balanced)
Add: Keri cliffs + Marathonisi boat trip + one “rocky cove snorkel day” (Porto Limnionas / Makris Gialos).
7 days (see it all)
Add: Alykes/Alykanas slow beach day, inland villages + olive oil/wine tastings, extra boat day to hidden coves.
Practical tips you’ll be glad you knew
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Renting a car makes a huge difference (many top coves are remote).
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Water shoes are worth packing (rocky entries at the best swim spots).
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Boat tours: go early morning for calmer seas and fewer crowds.
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Turtle etiquette: no touching, feeding, chasing, flash photography, or bright lights at nesting beaches.
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Navagio reality check: treat any “you can swim on the beach” promise as uncertain—rules can change fast for safety