Zakynthos Island, Greece (Zante) is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. With its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters, it offers the perfect setting for a vacation filled with amazing experiences.
Zakynthos is a paradise waiting to be explored. Just 16 kilometers off Peloponnese’s west coast in the Ionian Sea, the geography of this idyllic island is stunning. Whether you’re looking for dramatic cliffs plummeting to a rocky shore with white pebble beaches and crystal-clear turquoise seas, or golden-sand beaches and less rock formations on the south coast, Zakynthos is one of the top tourist destinations in Greece.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the top 10 attractions and things to do on Zakynthos Island.
We will explore some of the best places to visit and activities to try, so you can make the most of your holiday in this beautiful part of the world.
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1) Zakynthos Town (Zante Town) – Zakynthos Island Escapades
As the capital of Zakynthos, Zakynthos Town (also known as Zante Town) is a must-visit destination on the island’s east coast. This charming town boasts a stunning bay, lined with a wide arc of gently sloping shores. While the 1953 earthquake may have demolished many of its Neoclassical buildings, the town’s paved streets and squares, filled with bakeries, cafés, boutiques, and jewelry stores, are still a joy to explore on foot.
One of the town’s most famous landmarks is the main church, Agios Dionysios. Built-in 1708, this beautiful church houses the relics of the town’s patron saint and was reconstructed in 1954. If you’re looking for breathtaking views of the town and port, head up to the village of Bohali, located 2.5 kilometers away. Here, you’ll find a ruined Venetian castle, set in a park filled with pine trees. Although the attraction was mostly destroyed by the earthquake, you can still see the main gate, outer walls, and battlements, all of which bear the Lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice.
No visit to Zakynthos Town would be complete without wandering through its picturesque streets and exploring its many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Whether you’re searching for unique souvenirs, delectable cuisine, or simply want to soak up the local culture, Zakynthos Town is the perfect place to do it all.
2) Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach)
If you’re looking for one of the most picturesque beaches in all of Greece, then you can’t miss out on visiting Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos’ west coast. Located in Smuggler’s Cove, this beach boasts stunning white pebbles surrounded by cliffs that are simply breathtaking. The beach’s name comes from the wreckage of a cigarette smuggling ship that washed up here in 1980.
What makes Shipwreck Beach even more unique is that it can only be accessed from the sea. You can grab a taxi boat from the harbor at Agios Nikolaos on the island’s northeast coast, which is around 32 kilometers from Zakynthos Town. Trust us when we say that the boat ride is just as beautiful as the destination itself.
Once you arrive at the beach, take a moment to soak in the view and capture the moment with a photo or two. You’ll see why this place is so popular with photographers and Instagrammers alike. It’s no wonder that Shipwreck Beach has been dubbed as one of the most photographed beaches in all of Greece.
In addition to its beauty, the beach also offers a great spot for sunbathing and swimming. The crystal-clear waters and refreshing sea breeze will surely rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
If you’re up for it, you can also take a stroll along the cliff tops for some more awe-inspiring views. There’s truly no better place to experience the natural beauty of Zakynthos than Shipwreck Beach.
So, make sure to add this destination to your Zakynthos itinerary and prepare to be blown away by the spectacular beauty of this hidden gem.
3) Roma Mansion – Zakynthos Island Escapades
One of the few historic buildings to withstand the destructive earthquake of 1953, Roma Mansion is a must-see attraction for those who are interested in history and architecture. This proud mansion, built in the 1660s, is owned by the Roma family and was restored in 2007, giving visitors an insight into how aristocrats lived centuries ago.
The mansion’s interior is home to exquisite period furniture, elegant paintings, and an impressive collection of books, which offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the local elite. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the grandeur and elegance of the past, while also learning more about the island’s history.
You can find Roma Mansion at Louka Carrer 19, Zakynthos Town 29100.
Visiting this beautiful mansion is a must-do activity, and you’ll find yourself transported back in time as you explore the stunningly restored interiors. So, be sure to add Roma Mansion to your list of must-visit destinations on your Zakynthos adventure.
4) Blue Caves
If you’re a fan of the mesmerizing blue hues that you find in water and skies, then the Blue Caves at Cape Skinari will blow your mind away. These spectacular caves reflect the color of the sky onto the waters below, resulting in an incredible display of bright blues, sapphires, and azure colors that seem almost magical. To experience this natural wonder, you can hop onto a small glass-bottom boat departing from Agios Nikolaos on the northeast coast, approximately 32 kilometers from Zakynthos Town. Alternatively, you can join a longer round-the-island cruise that departs from Zakynthos Town and covers the Blue Caves as one of its stops.
Either way, the Blue Caves should be on your list of must-visit destinations in Zakynthos.
5) Keri Caves – Zakynthos Island Escapades
Located on the southwest coast of Zakynthos, the Keri Caves are a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Just 14 kilometers from Zakynthos Town and close to the village of Keri, the dramatic caves open directly onto a crystal-clear turquoise sea, offering a breathtaking sight for anyone who visits.
One of the top things to do on the island is to explore the Keri Caves with a mask and snorkel or scuba dive tank. The lighting effects of the sun reflecting through the water and onto the cave walls make for some amazing photos and videos. You can witness an array of sea life and corals as you swim in the refreshing water.
To explore the Keri Caves, you can join an organized excursion or rent a boat and go independently. Going independently gives you the flexibility to choose your own time, stop along the way and enjoy the scenery, and have a more private experience with the caves.
Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, the Keri Caves is a must-see destination for your Zakynthos itinerary. Make sure to pack your swimwear and camera, and get ready to be amazed by the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you.
6) Porto Limnionas
If you’re looking for a secluded spot to swim on Zakynthos, Porto Limnionas is a must-visit destination. This hidden gem boasts crystal-clear, blue-green water set against a stunning backdrop of cliffs and caves. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing swim in nature.
Located not far from the small village of Agios Leon, Porto Limnionas is accessible by only recently paved roads. While it may be gaining in popularity each year, especially during the height of summer, it’s still considered a bit of a hidden treasure.
There are two local restaurants with terraces that offer sun-lounger rentals. From the restaurants, it’s just a short walk to the water’s edge where you’ll find excellent snorkeling, a network of caves to explore, and even an underwater bridge.
It’s important to note that the location is relatively wild and rugged, so it’s best to wear appropriate shoes and take caution when walking on the rocks.
Overall, Porto Limnionas is a breathtaking destination that’s not to be missed during your Zakynthos Island escapades.
7) Zakynthos National Marine Park in Laganás Bay – Zakynthos Island Escapades
Zakynthos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and Laganás Bay is no exception. Located on the southeast coast of the island, eight kilometers south of Zakynthos town, Laganás Bay is a paradise for sun-seekers and beach lovers.
But Laganás Bay is not only a popular tourist destination. It is also home to the loggerhead sea turtle, which is an endangered species that use the beaches around the bay as its breeding ground. An estimated 1,300 loggerhead turtles live around Laganas Bay, making it one of the most important turtle nesting sites in the Mediterranean.
To protect this fragile ecosystem, the Zakynthos National Marine Park was founded in 1999. The park aims to limit access to certain parts of the beach during the nesting season and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting loggerhead turtles.
If you want to learn more about these fascinating creatures and the work being done to protect them, be sure to visit the park’s exhibition center in Dafni, at the east end of Laganas Bay. The center provides a wealth of information about the loggerhead turtles and the ecosystem of Laganas Bay and is a must-visit for anyone interested in conservation and the environment.
Boat trips around the bay
In addition to the exhibition center, the park also offers boat trips around the bay, where you can see the turtles in their natural habitat and learn more about their behavior and biology. These trips are a fantastic way to get up close and personal with these gentle giants of the sea and appreciate the beauty and fragility of the ecosystem they call home.
Overall, the Zakynthos National Marine Park is a fascinating and important destination for anyone visiting the island. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the natural history and ecology of Zakynthos and to appreciate the efforts being made to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem.
8) Askos Stone Park – Zakynthos Island Escapades
If you’re an animal lover or traveling with children, Askos Stone Park should be on your Zakynthos itinerary. Located in the north of the island, close to the charming village of Volimes and 30 kilometers from Zakynthos Town, this park offers an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with some incredible wildlife.
Upon arrival, you’ll be handed a map and a bottle of water with your entrance ticket. Once inside the park, you’ll be greeted by a wide array of animals, including deer, raccoons, peacocks, and tortoises. The park is also home to a pony, donkey, goats, and chickens, making it the perfect place to learn about these fascinating creatures and even feed them.
What makes Askos Stone Park unique is that the attendants are always on hand to help explain where the animals are from and how to care for them. It’s an educational experience that’s both informative and fun, making it a great destination for the entire family.
So if you’re looking for a truly memorable and educational adventure on your trip to Zakynthos, be sure to add Askos Stone Park to your list of must-visit destinations. You won’t regret it!
9) Xigia Sulphur Beach – Zakynthos Island Escapades
One of the most unique and intriguing beaches on Zakynthos Island is Xigia Sulphur Beach. This beautiful beach is set in a secluded cove, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. Although it has a distinct eggy smell, the beach is stunning nonetheless.
To access the beach, you will need to trek down a rocky incline, so be sure to wear proper shoes. Once you reach the beach, you’ll notice the white pebble sand that stretches along the shore. The beach is actually a few different beaches in a row, but the one on the north end is the most beautiful.
The most interesting feature of Xigia Sulphur Beach is the water and mud. When you step into the sea, you’ll feel the sulfur in the water and the mud it forms. The sulfur has therapeutic qualities, including helping to reduce muscle and bone pain and healing skin problems. The sulfur comes from a spring that oozes out of a small crack between the cliff walls, which turns the water a little cloudy and leaves a distinct odor.
To get to Xigia Sulphur Beach, it is easiest to rent a car and drive yourself. If you don’t have access to a car, you can attempt to get there via public transport and a taxi, but this means changing buses twice if you’re coming from Zakynthos Town.
Overall, Xigia Sulphur Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Zakynthos Island. While the sulfur may not smell great, the therapeutic qualities and stunning beauty of the beach make it well worth the visit.
10) Byzantine Museum
For those interested in the island’s religious and artistic heritage, the Byzantine Museum in Zakynthos Town is a must-visit destination. Located on the main square of the town, the purpose-built museum showcases a range of religious icons, frescoes, and sculptures from the island’s churches and monasteries, dating from the 12th century onwards.
Visitors to the museum can marvel at the intricate detail and exquisite craftsmanship of the Byzantine icons carved into wood, as well as admire the two rooms dedicated to 18th-century oil paintings. One of the most fascinating exhibits in the museum is the scale model of Zakynthos Town from around 1950, providing a glimpse of how the town looked before the devastating 1953 earthquake.
The Byzantine Museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays. The admission fee is modest and worth every penny for the cultural enrichment and artistic enlightenment the museum offers.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply a curious traveler looking to learn more about the history and culture of Zakynthos, the Byzantine Museum is a must-see destination that should be at the top of your itinerary.
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We hope this list of the top 10 attractions and things to do on Zakynthos has helped you plan your itinerary and get excited about your upcoming adventure. Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, historical landmarks, or natural wonders, Zakynthos has something to offer for everyone.
Make sure to explore Zakynthos Town, Navagio Beach, and the Blue Caves for a truly unique experience. And don’t miss out on the chance to visit Roma Mansion and the Byzantine Museum for a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
From the picturesque fishing village of Porto Limnionas to the therapeutic Xigia Sulphur Beach, Zakynthos Island Escapades promises a memorable trip that you will cherish for a lifetime.
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