Zakynthos – or known by its Italian name of Zante – has long been a popular package holiday destination, which sees sun-worshippers flock to its lively resorts and stretches of breathtaking sandy beaches. But while there are some busy and more built-up areas, such as Laganas, there are peaceful, more rural parts that are less crowded and much more family-friendly.
There are dozens of different beaches across this Greek Island famous for its spectacular scenery, turquoise waters and turtles – Zakynthos is home to one of the most important loggerhead turtle nesting sites in the Mediterranean, with the highest nesting density recorded anywhere in the region. So you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the best beaches in Zakynthos.
Whether you’re looking for soft sandy beaches perfect for families, dramatic coves ideal for snorkelling, or protected turtle nesting sites, Zakynthos has something for every beach lover. From the world-famous Navagio Beach to hidden gems tucked along the coastline, here are the best beaches you need to visit.
Best beaches in Zakynthos
On our Greek family holiday, we stayed in the peaceful area of Vasilikos, which is situated on the southeastern part of the island. It’s been described as the ‘quiet paradise’ and for good reason. Close to tavernas and shops, yet tucked away in a peninsula overlooking the spectacularly blue Ionian Sea, our stay at Periyali Villas meant we had some quality family time as well as the chance to relax. And one of the highlights of our stay was being able to explore the beaches nearby, of which there are many!
While we were lucky enough to have a few within walking distance, there were several to explore a short drive away. And what we found with all of the beaches on Zakynthos is that they’re excellent for families – particularly those with young kids. The water is shallow – perfect for paddling, while at many of them, there are also good facilities such as toilets and restaurants.
We were able to visit quite a few beaches during our week in Zakynthos and were impressed with all of them. Here are our top picks:
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
No list of the best beaches in Zakynthos would be complete without mentioning Navagio Beach – arguably Greece’s most photographed beach. This stunning cove is framed by towering white limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically into impossibly turquoise waters, with the rusted wreck of the MV Panagiotis creating one of the most iconic beach scenes in the world.
Important note: The beach itself has been closed to visitors since 2022 due to rockfall danger. Boats can still approach the bay at a safe distance, and the experience of seeing those towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters from the sea is absolutely breathtaking. The viewing platform above the beach (accessible by road) offers spectacular views from 200 metres above and is absolutely worth the visit.
Most boat tours from Zakynthos Town, Porto Vromi, or Agios Nikolaos include Navagio Beach as a highlight. Boat tours typically cost €30-50 per person for group tours. The best time to visit is early morning, before 11am when the light illuminates the beach perfectly and before the crowds arrive.
Banana Beach
Banana Beach is one of the largest beaches on Zakynthos, and its soft, golden sand is perfect for little feet as well as sandcastle building. What we most liked about Banana is the wooden walkways, which is so much easier when you have a stroller, and the well-organised sunbed section and parasols. Those closest to the water were €15 for the day for two, while the more basic varieties at the back were rentable for €8. There are also several bars and restaurants, as well as waiter service right to your sunbed. If you’re into your watersports, then parasailing and jet skis, as well as banana boat rides, are available.
While there is ample parking, do get there early to bag yourself a good spot. We went at 9.30 am, and Banana Beach was practically empty. When we left in the afternoon, it was very crowded.
Located about 14km from Zakynthos Town on the Vasilikos Peninsula, Banana Beach stretches for over 500 metres, making it one of the island’s longest sandy beaches. The shallow, calm waters make it ideal for families, while the range of water sports appeals to adventure seekers. Water sports prices: jet skiing €50-70 per 30 minutes, parasailing €40-60 per person.
Gerakas Beach
Gerakas was the closest beach to our accommodation, and also one of the most magical. Protected by the National Marine Park because it is a nesting site for loggerhead turtles between the months from May-October, you may be lucky enough to watch them hatching and making their way into the sea. The morning we chose to head down there, we saw over 50 baby turtles, and it was a special moment.
The beach itself is fantastic for families – while large sections are cordoned off to protect the turtle nests, there is still plenty of room for sun loungers and beach towels, and the water is shallow with sand underfoot. Head down to the far end, and you’ll find a quieter section away from the crowds. Be warned, there are no facilities on Gerakas beach itself, but just a short five-minute stroll will bring you to shops and several tavernas, while fruit sellers go up and down the beach offering their goods.
This is one of the most important turtle nesting sites in the Mediterranean, so be sure to follow the conservation rules: no umbrellas in the sand after 7pm, no night swimming, and stay away from cordoned areas. The beach is accessed via a dirt road, and there’s free parking available.
Location: Southeast tip of Vasilikos Peninsula.
Porto Limnionas
For those seeking dramatic natural beauty, Porto Limnionas is an absolute must-visit. This isn’t a traditional sandy beach – instead, it’s a stunning rocky inlet with crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling and cliff jumping. The water here is incredibly deep and so clear that you can see straight to the bottom.
Getting there requires a steep descent down steps, but the effort is absolutely worth it. The small taverna at the top serves excellent Greek food and offers sunbeds and umbrellas for €6-10 per day. Many visitors spend hours swimming in the calm, sheltered waters, exploring underwater caves, and jumping from the smooth rocks into the deep blue sea.
Location: West coast, about 30km from Zakynthos Town. The drive takes you through olive groves and offers stunning coastal views. Best visited in the morning when the sun illuminates the water perfectly.
Not ideal for very young children due to the lack of a sandy beach and deep water, but older kids and teenagers love the cliff jumping opportunities.
Dafni Beach
If you’re up for a hair-raising car journey up and over rocky cliffs and a steep descent, then head to Dafni Beach. As we saw a wooden arrow pointing to an uneven dirt track from the main road, we were unsure whether we were heading in the right direction. Keep calm and carry on. Even when the car seems dangerously close to the edge, and when another vehicle comes towards you in the other direction, hold your nerve. You are going the right way. The view from the top is spectacular, and as soon as you see the sea, the signs to Dafni become more prevalent.
We parked behind one of the many tavernas, which also offer up sunbeds and umbrellas. The bay is a little rocky in parts, but we found the water to be calm and still, and great for snorkelling. It also felt very much like a hidden gem. Uncrowded, unspoiled and pretty, Dafni is well worth a visit even with the perilous drive!
Like Gerakas, Dafni Beach is a protected turtle nesting site within the National Marine Park, so you’ll find sections cordoned off during nesting season (May-October). The beach offers a more secluded, quieter alternative to busier spots, with tavernas providing fresh seafood and cold drinks. The snorkelling here is excellent – the rocky areas around the bay are home to colourful fish and occasionally, you might spot a loggerhead turtle swimming past.
Porto Vromi
Porto Vromi is one of the island’s best-kept secrets and serves as the main departure point for boat trips to Navagio Beach. This small, pebbly cove is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and boasts some of the clearest waters on the island – perfect for snorkelling.
The beach itself is compact with limited sunbeds, but the real appeal is the stunning natural setting and the incredible water clarity. Several boat operators offer trips from here, with the advantage of being closer to Navagio Beach than other departure points, meaning more time at the shipwreck and less travel time.
Location: Northwestern coast, about 35km from Zakynthos Town. The narrow, winding road down to the beach is an adventure in itself, but well-maintained. There’s a small taverna and free parking.
Private boat hire is available from around €200 for exploring the coast at your own pace. The cove is sheltered and the waters calm, making it suitable for families, though the pebble beach means water shoes are recommended.
Kalamaki Beach
Kalamaki Beach offers the perfect balance of facilities and natural beauty. This long, sandy beach with shallow turquoise waters is another important turtle nesting site, but unlike Gerakas, it has excellent amenities, including beach bars, tavernas, sunbed rentals, and water sports.
The beach stretches for over a kilometre with soft golden sand, making it ideal for families with young children. Sunbeds and umbrellas cost around €8-10 for the day for two, and several beach bars offer waiter service. The water is incredibly shallow for the first 20-30 metres, perfect for paddling toddlers.
Location: Just 5km from Zakynthos Town and next to the airport. You might see planes flying low overhead, which some find exciting! The resort town of Kalamaki has plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and shops.
Turtle conservation rules apply during nesting season, so be mindful of cordoned areas and night-time beach restrictions. The main strip has a lively atmosphere with beach bars playing music and offering cocktails.
Porto Roma
Porto Roma is small in comparison to the other beaches Zakynthos mentioned here. But size isn’t everything. This quaint stretch of beach is fringed by lush pine trees and has a narrow shingle beach with plenty of sunbeds and parasols. Watch the sunset over a cold beer in Nikos Beach Bar, a hidden treasure that has the most amazing views over the beach. The owner, Mrs Giana, cooks homemade traditional Greek food and is very welcoming. There is also a small jetty, which is just perfect for the children to jump off.
Located on the Vasilikos Peninsula, Porto Roma offers a more authentic Greek beach experience away from the busier tourist spots. The bay is sheltered and calm, making it excellent for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is free to access, though tavernas offer sunbeds for around €6-8 per day if you’d like them. The relaxed, laid-back atmosphere makes this a favourite with couples and families looking for peace and quiet.
Xigia Beach
Xigia Beach is unique among Zakynthos beaches for its natural sulphur springs, which create milky-white patches in the crystal-clear waters. Many believe the sulphur has therapeutic properties for skin conditions, making this a popular spot for those seeking natural spa experiences.
The beach is a mix of pebbles and rocks with dramatic white cliffs providing shelter. Getting down to the beach involves steep steps (around 80-100 steps), so it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or very young children with buggies. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning scenery and beautifully clear water.
Location: Northern coast, about 22km from Zakynthos Town. The sulphur smell is noticeable but not overwhelming. There’s a small canteen at the top selling drinks and snacks, and limited sunbed rental is available on the beach.
Water shoes are highly recommended due to the pebbles and rocks. The beach is relatively small, so it can feel crowded during peak season – visit before 10am or after 3pm for a quieter experience.
Cameo Island
Imagine having your own private island with clear, calm water gently lapping at your feet? Take a pretty wooden bridge from the town of Agios Sostis and pay just €5 per adult and you’ll receive a photo keychain as a souvenir with your entrance fee. If you plan to spend the whole day on Cameo, make sure you bring a picnic – and be prepared for it to be closed to the public when private weddings are held there.
This tiny islet connected by a wooden bridge has become increasingly popular on social media, so summer afternoons can get very busy. Visit between 9am-11am for the best experience with fewer crowds. The island has a beach bar, sunbeds, and plenty of flat rocks perfect for sunbathing. The waters around Cameo are shallow and calm, making it safe for children and ideal for spotting marine life while snorkelling.
Laganas Beach
While Laganas town has a reputation for lively nightlife and party atmosphere, Laganas Beach itself is worth mentioning as it’s the longest sandy beach on Zakynthos, stretching up to 9km. The soft sand and shallow waters make it excellent for families, though the resort area is definitely geared toward a younger crowd.
The beach is divided into sections – some managed by beach bars with sunbeds and music, others quieter and more family-oriented. Sunbed rental costs €8-10 for the day. The southern end of the beach, closer to Kalamaki, tends to be quieter and is a protected turtle nesting area.
All water sports are available here, from jet skiing to parasailing to paddleboarding. The main strip behind the beach has countless restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment options.
Best for: young adults, groups, and families who don’t mind a livelier atmosphere.
Which Zakynthos beach is right for you?
For families with young children: Banana Beach, Gerakas Beach, Kalamaki Beach, Porto Roma
For snorkelling and swimming: Porto Limnionas, Porto Vromi, Xigia Beach, Dafni Beach
For dramatic scenery: Navagio Beach (viewpoint or boat tour), Porto Limnionas, Porto Vromi
For turtle spotting: Gerakas Beach, Dafni Beach, Kalamaki Beach
For a natural spa experience: Xigia Beach
For a romantic escape: Porto Roma, Cameo Island
For water sports: Banana Beach, Laganas Beach, Kalamaki Beach
FAQs about Zakynthos beaches
Which is the best beach in Zakynthos?
It depends on what you’re looking for! Navagio Beach is the most iconic for its dramatic scenery, Gerakas Beach is magical for turtle watching, and Banana Beach offers the best facilities for families. Porto Limnionas is stunning for snorkelling and natural beauty.
Are Zakynthos beaches suitable for families?
Absolutely! Many beaches like Banana, Gerakas, Kalamaki, and Porto Roma have shallow waters, soft sand, and good facilities, perfect for families with young children. Several beaches offer sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas, and toilets.
Can you visit Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)?
The beach itself has been closed to visitors since 2022 due to rockfall danger. However, you can take boat tours that approach the bay at a safe distance, or visit the spectacular viewing platform above the beach for incredible photos.
When is turtle season in Zakynthos?
Loggerhead turtles nest on Zakynthos beaches from May to October, with peak nesting in June-July and hatching in August-September. Beaches like Gerakas, Dafni, and Kalamaki are protected nesting sites with conservation rules in place.
Do I need a car to visit Zakynthos beaches?
While some beaches near major resorts are accessible by local buses or walking, having a car makes it much easier to explore multiple beaches and reach the more secluded spots like Porto Limnionas, Dafni, and Porto Vromi. Car rental costs approximately €25-40 per day.
Which beaches have the best water quality?
Porto Limnionas, Porto Vromi, and Xigia Beach consistently have the clearest, most turquoise waters. The rocky coves and bays on the west and north coasts generally have the most crystal-clear water for snorkelling.
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