Ionian
Zakynthos
Home to the most iconic shipwreck beach in the world — and much more besides.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Busy in peak
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
In pictures
Zakynthos
Zakynthos contains multitudes. Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) is arguably the most iconic beach image in all of Greece — an isolated cove accessible only by boat, its turquoise floor framed by soaring white cliffs and a rusting freighter beached on the sand since 1983. The Blue Caves near Cape Skinari glow with a refracted underwater light that photographs barely do justice. And then there are the loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) — Laganas Bay is one of the most important nesting beaches in the Mediterranean, protected by a national marine park with seasonal access restrictions. The north of the island, around Volimes and Alykes, is dramatically beautiful and still relatively wild. The south — particularly the Laganas resort strip — is a completely different, very loud proposition.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Laganas resort strip on the south coast is extremely loud and package-holiday-heavy. Sea turtle beaches have restricted access.
Hidden gem
Skip the boat tour mob and kayak to the Blue Caves at first light — you'll have them alone for an hour.
Where it sits
Ionian, Greece
Zakynthos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Zakynthos? +
- The best months to visit Zakynthos are May to October. Avoid late July and August if you can — the island is crowded in July and August.
- How do you get to Zakynthos from Athens? +
- Zakynthos has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry.
- Is Zakynthos good for couples? +
- Zakynthos is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Zakynthos good for families with kids? +
- Zakynthos is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Zakynthos expensive? +
- Zakynthos is affordable by Greek-island standards — value-for-money is on the weaker side, so set expectations.
- Do you need a car on Zakynthos? +
- You'll want a rental car on Zakynthos — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Zakynthos? +
- Laganas resort strip on the south coast is extremely loud and package-holiday-heavy. Sea turtle beaches have restricted access.