★ Top sights 10
Alykanas is a sandy beach on the northeastern coast of Zakynthos, stretching along the Alykes resort area. The shore is wide and gently sloping, with fine white sand and calm, shallow waters that stay clear even far from the shoreline. The beach borders a salt lake, after which the nearby village of Alykes takes its name. Wind conditions are typically mild, keeping the surface smooth. The long coastal strip extends northward into the broader Alykes bay, one of the more sheltered stretches of the island's northeastern coast.
Agios Sostis is a small islet on the southern coast of Zakynthos, situated within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. A narrow wooden pedestrian bridge connects it to the main shore near Laganas, making it accessible on foot in about eight minutes from the beach, or by road roughly 3 km. The islet is small, rocky, and crowned with a modest white chapel. The surrounding sea is exceptionally clear, with sandy and rocky patches visible through shallow water. The setting above the Marine Park waters makes it one of the most photographed coastal spots on the island.
A neoclassical building in St. Mark's Square containing the mausoleum with the remains of the poet Dionysius Solomos (creator of the Greek national anthem) and Andreas Kalvos. The exhibition presents the history and culture of the island, including manuscripts and personal objects.
The archaeological site of an ancient Mycenaean necropolis near Cape Kampi with views of the cliffs - around 3,000 years old burial site, one of the oldest on the island.
The most strictly protected beach of the National Marine Park, accessible only from 7:00 am to sunset without umbrellas and anchorage. Important nesting site for giant petrels with the highest density of nests on the island - direct observation of rare sea turtles.
A secret pebble cove on the wild west coast accessible only by off-road or boat - clear emerald water in a fjord-like cove with no tourist infrastructure for true adventurers.
A quiet sandy beach in the northeast of the island between Tsilivi and Planos, popular with locals for its peaceful nature and clear water.
Vouno Olive Press is a family-owned olive oil producer established in 1971 in the village of Agios Leon, in the mountainous interior of Zakynthos. The press works predominantly with Koroneiko olives — around 80% from modern cultivations and 20% harvested from indigenous trees over 500 years old, growing on terraced hillside plots in the area. Pressing takes place between October and January following the traditional harvest cycle. Zakynthos as a whole produces between 6,000 and 8,000 tonnes of olive oil annually, and the elevated interior around Agios Leon is one of its primary olive-growing zones.
The largest church on the island right by the harbour with an impressive 40 m high bell tower, built in 1925-1948 and the only one that survived the 1953 earthquake without damage.
The southernmost tip of the island with breathtaking views of Marathonisi (Turtle Island) and the open Mediterranean Sea. The starting point for boat trips to the Keri Caves and Mizithrés Rocks, a wild landscape off the beaten track.
Activities & local 6
Family-run ecological olive press and museum in Lithakia village, producing Zakynthian extra virgin olive oil with Protected Geographical Indication. Visitors can tour the traditional stone mills, learn the full olive oil process, and buy directly from the press. One of Zakynthos's top-rated agritourism attractions.
Small traditional three-generation winery in Kalipado producing Zakynthian wine since 1918. Specialises in sweet Muscat wines made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, a variety grown exclusively on Zakynthos. One of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the Ionian Islands.
Third-generation family winery in Kalipado village, established in 2011, producing wines from local varieties Robola, Moschato and Kydonitsa. The estate is now the most visited winery on Zakynthos and also runs a highly-rated restaurant. Tastings and winery tours available daily in summer.
Tame horse rides through olive groves, vineyards and along the coast - available for beginners and advanced riders. A unique experience includes swimming with the horses in the sea during private excursions.
The water sports centre at Tsilivi Beach offers parasailing, jet ski, wakeboard, banana boat and paddleboard.
The picturesque northern harbour as a starting point for boat trips to the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach - a shorter and faster route than from Porto Vromi. A small taverna with fresh seafood right by the dock.
Beaches & coast 23
A popular beach in the southeast of the Vassilikos peninsula, famous as the best diving and snorkelling spot on the island thanks to its clear water and rich underwater fauna. Boat transport to Keri Caves and Turtle Island.
A long sandy beach on the north side of the island with crystal clear water and a shallow bottom suitable for families with children. There are historic salt pans (alykes = salt pans in Greek) and mini golf nearby.
The longest sandy beach on the southeast coast of Zakynthos, over 1 km of fine golden sand backed by dunes and olive groves. Fully equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and tavernas, and the main hub for water sports on the island — jet ski, banana boat, parasailing, windsurfing.
Pebble and sandy beach at the northern port of Agios Nikolaos in Volimes with sunbathing, tavernas and snorkelling lessons. Starting point for ferries to Kefalonia and boat trips to the Blue Caves.
A bustling resort on the south-east coast just outside Zakynthos Town with a narrow strip of golden sand and a lively night-time atmosphere. A starting point for hiking trips to Mount Skopos and Vassilikos.
A small harbour beach right by the old harbour of Zakynthos Town, where fishermen land their fresh catch at dawn. Popular for morning coffee on the seafront, authentic atmosphere off the tourist circuit.
A quiet pebble beach with a small harbour in the heart of a protected marine park - an ideal starting point for boat trips to the Keri caves, Marathonisi and the Mizithrés caves. Fisherman's tavern right by the pier.
A picturesque pebble beach in the northeast of the island, the starting point for boat trips to the Blue Caves, with clear water turning emerald green thanks to the reflection of the surrounding vegetation.
A popular family beach 6.5 km north of Zakynthos Town with clear water, a gentle approach to the sea and a wide range of water sports. A lively resort atmosphere with shops, restaurants and bars.
A small hidden sandy beach in the south of the Vassilikos peninsula with clear water and picturesque surrounding vegetation. A less touristy alternative to Gerakas and Banana Beach, ideal for a quiet relaxation.
A peaceful sandy beach surrounded by pine trees in the quiet village of Vassilikos, away from the noisy tourist traffic. Clear turquoise water, gentle entry into the sea and an authentic Greek taverna with fresh fish.
The second of the three sulphur beaches in the north-east of the island with a more significant inflow of healing sulphur water. Wild natural gorge with cliffs and emerald clear water, minimal tourist infrastructure.
A beautiful beach with fine golden sand at the south-eastern tip of the Vassilikos peninsula, protected within the National Marine Park as a nesting site for the giant caretta (Caretta caretta). The beach closes after 19:00 to protect turtle nests.
A long sandy beach in the south of Zakynthos neighbouring Laganas, protected as a loggerhead turtle (caretta caretta) nesting site within the National Marine Park. Golden sand, shallow calm water and seasonal restrictions on umbrellas and night access to protect the nests.
Underwater caves on the southern tip of the island accessible by boat - fascinating rock arches and blue light.
The longest beach on the island (9 km) with fine sand and shallow sea, it is also the most important nesting site of the giant petrels in the Mediterranean with more than 2,000 nests per year. Part of the beach is strictly protected as part of the NMPZ.
An uninhabited islet in Laganas Bay - a nesting site of sea turtles karetta karetta with clear water.
The most photographed beach in Greece - a dramatic cove with turquoise sea, white limestone cliffs and the wreck of the MV Panagiotis from 1980. Accessible only by boat from Porto Vromi or Agios Nikolaos.
A unique natural fjord bay on the west coast of the island with clear waters and multicoloured rock walls reflecting the light. Ideal for snorkelling and jumping into the sea from the rocks; small tavern right by the water.
A small quiet sandy beach on the Vassilikos peninsula, still little affected by mass tourism and surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Clear water, romantic atmosphere and fishing boats create an authentic Greek experience.
One of the most remote coves on the island with steep cliffs and clear water without any tourist infrastructure - accessible only by boat or by a challenging mountain path from Exo Chora.
A small beach with a sulphur spring - mineral water creates a unique underwater atmosphere with healing effects.
Exceptional pebble beach in the northeast of the island, where sulphurous springs spring directly into the sea, giving the water healing properties and a pleasant temperature. A unique natural spa experience with intense sulphur scent and clear water.
Culture & history 12
A charming stone village on the west side of the island with authentic character and views of the Ionian Sea. The starting point for accessing the secret coves of Porto Limniona and Porto Roxa, famous for their local cuisine.
A 15th-century Byzantine monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, where St. Dionysius was abbot before his appointment as bishop. A massive medieval tower, stone arches and a peaceful atmosphere in a pine forest near Navagio Beach.
A historic district on a hill directly behind Zakynthos Town with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the town and harbour - named after its flowering gardens. Cozy tavernas, near the entrance to the Venetian Castle.
The island's most important museum, located in Solomos Square, houses an extensive collection of icons, frescoes and sculptures from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods from the 13th-19th centuries. The exhibition also includes a model of Zakynthos Town before the catastrophic 1953 earthquake.
Historic white windmills at the northernmost tip of the island with dramatic views of the blue cliffs of the Blue Grottoes. A picturesque spot for sunrise or dawn photography with panoramic views of the surrounding Ionian islands.
A traditional mountain village 19 km west of Zakynthos Town, the starting point for access to the wild western coves of Porto Limniona and Porto Stenitis via the picturesque pine-covered serpentine.
A Venetian fortress built in 1646 on a hill above Zakynthos Town, built on the site of an ancient acropolis - offering panoramic views of the town, the harbour and Laganas Bay. There is a 12th-century Byzantine church and the remains of a British-era barracks.
A picturesque stone village in the southwest of the island with views of the open Ionian Sea, famous for its olive groves and local olive oil. Starting point for excursions to the Keri caves and boat trips to Marathonisi.
Traditional village in the central mountainous part of the island, preserving the original rural character with old stone houses and local wine production.
One of the most beautiful traditional villages on the island with authentic stone houses, flowering gardens and a peaceful atmosphere away from the tourist rush. A starting point for hiking in the mountainous interior of the island.
The largest traditional village in the north of the island, composed of Ano and Kato Volimes, famous for the production of local oil, honey and hand-woven textiles (tablecloths, carpets). Starting point for a trip to the Blue Caves and Anafonitria.
The main and largest square of Zakynthos Town, named after the national poet Dionysios Solomos (author of the Greek national anthem), lined with elegant neo-Renaissance buildings and surrounded by a Byzantine museum, library and town hall.
Getting there 2
Car rental and flights · Compare prices from verified rental companies · Find the cheapest flights to Zakynthos
Ferry port · Connection to Kyllini (mainland)
Nature 12
The most strictly protected beach in the whole of Greece - closed to the public all year round as a key nesting site of the giant petrels with the highest density of nests on the whole island. Observatory available on guided expert excursions.
Fascinating sea caves at the northern tip of the island, where light refracts in the water to create intense blue and turquoise lights. The three adjacent vaults are accessible by boat from Cape Skinari or the port of Agios Nikolaos.
A romantic little island off Agios Sostis, connected to the mainland by a wooden footbridge illuminated at night. Formed by separation from the mainland during the 1633 earthquake, it's a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and upscale beach parties.
A dramatic vantage point on the 350m high cliffs on the west coast with a huge white concrete cross - considered the best place to watch the sunset on the whole island. Three local tavernas offer wine while overlooking the Ionian Sea.
The dramatic northern tip of the island with its historic windmills, lighthouse and lookout point over the cliffs of the Blue Caves. The starting point for boat trips to the Blue Grottoes and excellent conditions for snorkelling right off the coast.
One of the highest and smallest traditional villages of Zakynthos (500 m above sea level) with only 30 inhabitants and exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. Narrow stone streets and ancient atmosphere in timeless time.
The historic lighthouse on the southwestern tip of the island, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, offers views of the rocky headlands of Mizithres and the open Ionian Sea. A strong scent of pine forest and an iconic landscape for photographers.
A small uninhabited turtle-shaped island in the Laganas Bay, part of the National Marine Park and one of the most important card nests in the whole Mediterranean. Boat trips from Laganas or Keri allow sea turtle viewing from a safe distance.
The highest mountain on the southeastern peninsula (492 m above sea level) with a beautiful hiking trail (12 km, 4 hours) through olive groves and Mediterranean vegetation. On the summit stands the monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa on the site of the ancient temple of Artemis.
Greece's largest marine protected area (450 km²), designated in 1999, home to giant petrels (2,000+ nests per year), Mediterranean monk seals and a rich underwater ecosystem. Includes Laganas Bay, Marathonisi Island and surrounding waters.
Giant tortoise rescue and education station in Kalamaki, where research and rehabilitation of injured sea turtles takes place. Interactive exhibition on the ecology, threats and conservation of the Mediterranean's most endangered species.
A lesser-known vantage point above Zakynthos Town offering spectacular panoramic views of the whole town, the harbour and the southern part of the island. A quieter alternative to Bochali at sunrise or an evening romantic stroll.