Zakynthos is the southernmost island of the complex and the third in area and population of the Ionian Islands. It is located south of Kefalonia and west of Peloponnese. Its privileged geographical position gives the traveler the opportunity to easily visit the other islands of the Ionian Islands or the opposite Peloponnesian coasts, which are famous for their beauty.
It is a mountainous island characterized by pine-covered mountains and fertile plains, which give Zakynthos endless green landscapes.
While the island’s idyllic beaches, rocky shores, impressive sea caves win the admiration of the island’s visitors.
Here, you will find some of the most famous beaches of island Greece, such as Navagio, Lagana, Volimes with the Blue Caves, etc. While touring the island, one is impressed by the unique natural beauties of the island, by the historical monuments and the hospitable inhabitants.
The island is one of the last refuges of the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle and the Munich-Monachus Mediterranean seal. That is why the National Marine Park was established on the island for their protection, in the bay of Laganas.
Zakynthos is an island with a distinct culture. It experienced a great spiritual flourishing and gave birth to great personalities who distinguished themselves in the fine arts, literature, poetry, etc. It is the special hometown of our national poet Dionysios Solomos and Andreas Kalvos. It is the place where Grigoris Xenopoulos lived and many more personalities of our recent history.
It is the island of cantada and operetta. So how can anyone not love Zakynthos? It has everything. History, sights, imposing mountains, verdant forests and fertile plains, endless sandy beaches and the blue-green waters of the Ionian Sea. All together embody the summer dream of every imaginative traveler. Visit Zakynthos and discover paradise on earth.
Beaches of Zakynthos.
Navagio
The picturesque bay with a rusty ship on its shore has long been the main image of guides to this paradisiacal Greek island. It is this attraction that owes its name to the beach. Originally, it was named after Saint George, and later renamed “Navagio”.
Tsilivi.
Tsilivi beach is located in the resort village of the same name, just 7 kilometers from Zakynthos and 1 kilometer from the large resort of Planos, in a picturesque area surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. These beautiful landscapes and convenient location make it highly attractive to tourists. Families with children flock to this place in huge numbers because of the ideal conditions
Laganas.
The beach of Laganas is located in the southern part of the island, 9 km from the capital. The 9 km long beach is one of the longest in the Mediterranean.
The coast is covered with granular soft sand. The central part of the beach has a smooth descent, clean sand and warm waters that make it ideal for family holidays.
As you start out of the central part the coast becomes stony rather than sandy and sea urchins can be seen much more often. You can find a lonely place away from the noisy crowds in the farthest parts of the beach. The beach is closed during the night because the turtles wake up at that time.
Kalamaki
Kalamaki beach is not as popular as other beaches of Zakynthos, but for many tourists it is one of the most comfortable and well equipped. It is a long beach with sand and pebbles bordering the calm blue and crystal clear sea. Kalamaki is surrounded by mountains covered with grass and various plants. The descent is smooth, shallow water is found both on the shore and farther from it. Its main feature is sea turtles. Kalamaki is part of the National Marine Park, which is why turtle nesting spots are marked.
How to get to Zakynthos?
You can come to Zakynthos either by boat or by plane. Especially during the tourist season, April to October, the options are endless.
With airplane.
Zakynthos, like almost all Greek islands that have an airport, during the tourist season have “infinite” connections with European cities. Direct charter flights are available from the UK, Netherlands, France, Spain and Italy.
The flight from Athens takes 45 minutes and there are usually flights available from Kefalonia, Corfu and Thessaloniki three times a week throughout the year. Arriving at Zakynthos airport, it would be good to have booked your transfer to the hotel from here.
By Ferry Boat.
Zakynthos has daily routes during the summer season with Kyllini and Peloponnese. The port is located in the city of Zakynthos. You can book a ticket to Zakynthos at our Ferrycenter travel agency (Oth. Amalias 12, Patras, tel: 2610 634000).
Ferry schedules to Zakynthos from Kyllini.
We recommend that you be at least 2-3 hours before the estimated departure time at the port especially if you have not purchased the tickets.
