Zakynthos, greece
Attractions Guide

Zakytnthos is the southernmost of Greece's Ionian islands and can be reached by car ferry from the port of Kyllini, which is located southwest of Patras on the Peloponnese Peninsula. Scattered all over Zakynthos island are places of incredible natural beauty, some of which are only accessible by boat tour.

The best way to get around the island is by renting a car or moped, as taxis are very expensive and there aren't many buses connecting the small island.

After arriving in the island's main city of Zakynthos (Zante Town) you might like to hike up the hill to the Bochali View Point, which offers excellent views over the coast.

The viewpoint is approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km) one way from the ferry departure point, and 1.2 miles (1.9 km) back to the Zakinthos Bus Station, where you can take the bus to other towns around the island.

You can catch the frequent bus or drive from Zante Town south to the town of Laganas for several more attractions. From the Laganas bus stop it's a 1 mile (1.6 km) walk (each way) to Port Sostis in the town of Agios Sostis. Here you can walk across to the tiny Cameo Island and enjoy its remarkable cove.

After enjoying Cameo Island and Marathonisi Beach you can head up Zakynthos's scenic western coast. First stop at the Cliffs of Keri viewpoint, which offers brilliant coastal views and even a small lighthouse. 

Continue up the coast to the Plakaki Rocks, where you can take in striking views of the surrounding white cliffs with a very short walk from the parking area. If you're making good time you might stop next at Korakonissi, a strange but beautiful formation along the coast.

Among Greece's most iconic sights in Navagio Beach, seen from above. The Navagio Beach View offers incredibly gorgeous views overlooking the iconic Shipwreck Beach (navagio translates to shipwreck in English). This view high above the beach is one of the finest that you'll find among the Greek Islands. Be sure to walk along the cliffs in order to view Navagio Beach from the perfect angle, which you can reach with a round-trip walking distance of approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) from the parking area.

Reaching Navagio Beach View by Bus & Hiking

If you'd like to see the famous Navagio Beach from above, you can take the bus to the town of Anafonitria and walk approximately 4.8 miles (7.7 km) round-trip from the bus stop to the Navagio Beach View.

From Zakynthos (Zante Town) you can book a boat tour that takes you along (and inside of) the northern coast's gorgeous Blue Caves. Next your boat tour will take you to stunning Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach) named after the giant beached boat ruins on its shores. The boat tour typically lasts a few hours, and both Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves can only be accessed by boat.

Bus Options

Alternatively you can take a bus to the town of Alykes (which is closer to Shipwreck Beach) and take a boat tour from this town.

Car/Motorbike Options

At the northern tip of Zakynthos Island you can book a short boat tour from the Potatmisbros Boattrips, or the nearby village of Agios Nikolaos. The advantage with these tours are that they are quicker, since the starting points are located closer to the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach.

Another option with a car or motorbike is to take a boat tour from Porto Vromi Maries on the west coast of Zakynthos (near the Navagio Beach Viewpoint).

Along the northern tip of Zakynthos you can admire two lovely windmills at the Windmills Snack Bar while enjoying fantastic views over the coast. These are the beautiful Potamitis Windmills, which also sit next to the quaint Skinari Lighthouse. These windmills are adjacent to the Potatmisbros Boattrips boat tour of the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach.

Near the northern tip of Zakynthos is one of the island's most beautiful and popular beaches, the tiny Xigia Beach, which is surrounded by cliffs and small caves. The vibrant blue waters of Xigia Beach are known for their high collagen and sulphur content, which are good for health and relaxing. A natural spring flows into the sea at Xigia Beach creating the spa-like conditions here.

At the southeastern tip of Zakynthos you'll find the long sandy Gerakas Beach. You can reach this beach easily by car/motorbike or with a 2 mile (3.2 km) round-trip walk from the bus stop in Vasilikos. The beach is surrounded by interesting small cliff formations and hosts views looking out to the other side of the island. Gerakas Beach is also known to be frequented by sea turtles.

The city of Alykas also has a stunning beach surrounded by great scenery you might consider visiting, Alykanas Beach. Similarly this beach can be easily reached by car or by walking approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round-trip, starting from the bus stop in Alykes.