Zakynthos has more than 100km of coastline, and the beaches[2] along it are genuinely varied — long sandy resort beaches on the south coast, hidden rocky coves on the west, and a few protected stretches that double as sea turtle nesting sites. Here’s an honest guide to the best of them, organised by what kind of beach day you’re after.
Best beaches for families
Look for shallow, gently sloping sand and calm water.
- Banana Beach — on the north coast near Alykanas, with shallow, calm water that’s ideal for younger kids.
- Alykes & Alykanas — a long stretch of sandy beach on the north-east coast with gentle, easy entry into the water.
- Tsilivi — easy beach access with resort amenities close by, a popular family base for good reason.
Best beaches for couples and quieter days
For a calmer, less crowded beach day.
- Vasilikos Peninsula — a series of quieter coves in the southeast with some of the calmest, clearest water on the island.
- Porto Roxa — a small hidden cove near Kampi on the west coast, reached by a steep set of steps, with clear water and far fewer visitors.
- Agios Sostis — two small, peaceful coves near Cameo Island, with a whitewashed chapel nearby.
Best beaches for adventure and swimming
Rocky coves, clear water, and a bit more effort to reach.
- Porto Limnionas — a rocky cove on the west coast with striking, deep, clear water, good for swimming, snorkelling, and cliff-jumping if you’re up for it.
- Xigia Beach — a cliff-framed cove on the north coast, known locally for its sulphur-spring water.
Best beaches within the National Marine Park
Beautiful swims that also happen to be protected loggerhead sea turtle nesting sites — watch for roped-off sections of sand in summer.
- Gerakas Beach — at the island’s southeastern tip, one of the best swims on the island and part of the Marine Park.
- Laganas Beach — the island’s longest beach, lively and resort-adjacent, but still within the protected nesting coastline.
- Kalamaki Beach — right next to Laganas, similar golden sand with a calmer atmosphere.
Best beach for a quick, easy photo stop
Cameo Island, near Agios Sostis, is a small islet reached by a short wooden walkway with turquoise water on both sides — close to the south-coast resorts and one of the most photogenic, low-effort stops on the island.
A quick note on Navagio (Shipwreck Beach)
Navagio is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, but the beach itself is currently closed to landings and swimming, following a landslide-risk assessment of the cliffs above the cove. You can still see it from the official clifftop viewpoint, or from a boat holding a safe distance offshore — just don’t plan on swimming there this season.
Choosing beaches by which side of the island you’re on
The south and east coast (Laganas[5], Kalamaki, Tsilivi, Alykes, Vasilikos) is flat and easy to drive between beaches, so beach-hopping several spots in one day is realistic. The north and west coast (Porto Limnionas, Xigia, Porto Roxa) involves narrower, slower mountain roads, so it’s worth treating as its own dedicated day rather than squeezing in alongside south-coast beaches.
Getting to the harder-to-reach beaches
Several of the beaches on this list — particularly Porto Roxa, Porto Limnionas, and Xigia — aren’t well served by public transport and are much easier to reach with your own vehicle. Having a car, scooter, or ATV means you can string several beaches together in a day and stop wherever the water looks too good to pass up.
Zaimi Rentals[1] offers cars, scooters, and ATVs with free delivery to your hotel, villa, or the airport anywhere on the island, no deposit required on most rentals, and 24/7 local support if you want route suggestions for your own beach-hopping day.
Book your car, scooter, or ATV with Zaimi Rentals →
Best Beaches in Zakynthos: FAQ
What is the best beach in Zakynthos for families?
Banana Beach and Alykes/Alykanas[4] are generally the best choices for families, thanks to their shallow, calm water and gentle entry.
What is the most beautiful beach on Zakynthos?
Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) is the island’s most iconic beach visually, though it’s currently closed to landings — visit[3] the clifftop viewpoint instead. For a beach you can actually swim at, Porto Limnionas and Gerakas are both regularly rated among the best.
Are Zakynthos beaches free to visit?
Most beaches are free to access, though some resort beaches have paid sunbed and umbrella areas alongside free sections of sand.
Which beaches are best for snorkelling?
Rocky coves like Porto Limnionas tend to have clearer water and more to see than the sandy resort beaches.
Do I need a car to reach the best beaches?
Not for the main south-coast resort beaches, but several of the island’s best hidden coves (Porto Roxa, Porto Limnionas, Xigia) are much easier to reach with your own vehicle.
