Zakynthos

Island · Ionian Islands, 🇬🇷 Greece

Population 41,180

Area 404 km²

Time zone Europe/Athens

Official website www.zakynthos.gr

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Explore Zakynthos

Zakynthos Essentials

Zakynthos is defined by dramatic limestone cliffs and the turquoise waters of Navagio Beach, home to the 1980 Panagiotis shipwreck. The island’s southern shores, particularly within the National Marine Park, serve as vital nesting grounds for endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles. Beyond the coast, the capital features the Renaissance-style Saint Nikolaos on the Mole and the museum dedicated to national poet Dionysios Solomos. For panoramic views, the hilltop village of Bohali overlooks the harbor and the remains of a Venetian castle.

13 places

Editor's Choice

This selection highlights the diverse geography and heritage of Zakynthos, from the dramatic limestone cliffs of Cape Keri to the famous shipwreck overlook at Navagio. Cultural sites include the Dionysios Solomos Museum in Zakynthos Town and the Venetian-era stone bridge in Argassi. Natural landmarks range from a 2,000-year-old olive tree in Exo Hora to the sea caves of the Keri peninsula and the turtle conservation center at Gerakas, dedicated to the protected Caretta caretta species.

8 places

Shipwrecks and Caves

Zakynthos features a dramatic coastline defined by white limestone cliffs and crystal-clear Ionian waters. This collection highlights the island's most significant geological and maritime landmarks, from the iconic Panagiotis shipwreck on Navagio Beach to the Blue Caves at Cape Skinari, famous for their light-refracting properties. Explore the sea-carved arches and tunnels of the Keri and Damianou caves, which offer insights into the island's karst topography and local folklore. These sites provide a glimpse into the natural erosion processes and maritime history of the southern Ionian Sea.

5 places

Best Beaches in Zakynthos

Zakynthos features a diverse coastline ranging from the dramatic limestone cliffs of Navagio Beach, home to the 1980 Panagiotis shipwreck, to the sulfur-rich waters of Xigia. The southern Vasilikos Peninsula and Laganas Bay serve as vital nesting grounds for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles, particularly at Gerakas and Dafni beaches. While the eastern shore features long, sandy stretches like Banana and Alykes with shallow waters, the western coast is characterized by rugged fjords and rocky inlets like Porto Roxa.

12 places

Historical Landmarks

Zakynthos’ historical landscape is defined by its Venetian fortifications, Mycenaean burial sites, and the remnants of rural life before the 1953 earthquake. This selection features the 17th-century Venetian Castle in Bochali, ancient Tholos tombs, and the unique 15th-century Andronios Wells. The list also includes the atmospheric ruins of the St. Andreas and St. Nicholas monasteries, alongside the surviving stone bell tower of Lagadakia village.

6 places