Step back in time and embrace the off-the-beaten-track character of Zakynthos island. The southernmost of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos has become increasingly well known – mostly due to the exposure it has received on social media. Once everyone saw how beautiful it was, they had to visit. Your holiday in Zakynthos begins right now, as you let the muses inspire your trip!
Planning your trip to Zakynthos doesn’t have to be an overwhelming affair where you worry about every little detail. Instead, let Epicure Greece plan your trip for you. With this resource, we’d like to inspire you by covering some of the many highlights that make Zakynthos so special. If anything we say inspires a question, please feel free to reach out.
Zakynthos is the most southern Greek island in the Ionian sea. It used to be most well-known for attracting British tourists, but, since the rise of social media, Zakynthos has become something of a breakout star because it is very, very beautiful, and because of many other things we’ll cover below. Your holiday in Zakynthos starts here, in your imagination! For even more holiday ideas in the Ionian Islands, take a look at our Kefalonia Holidays and our Ithaca Holidays!
We’ve all seen the pictures of the insta-famous ‘Shipwreck Beach’ and we promise that the view is even more breathtaking in real life! But there is so much more to this island than the famed instagram spot and we’re here to let you in on some of our Zakynthos secrets.
Step back in time and embrace the off-the-beaten-track character of Zakynthos Island. From the Blue Caves and Turtle Beach, to some of the best scuba diving in Greece. Your Zakynthos Island holiday can comprise of the very best parts of the island, with a Zakynthos itinerary designed specifically for you!
The viewpoint of Shipwreck beach where all the iconic photos are taken is easily reached by car. It’s in the northwest of the island and is roughly 45 minutes driving from Zante Town. The best time to come here is in the late morning and early afternoon. Sadly, if you try and ‘beat the crowds’ by coming early in the morning, the sun hasn’t yet fully risen over the beach yet and you won’t get the same stunning blue water colour.
After the Shipwreck beach, the Blue caves on the very northern tip of Zakynthos Island, is probably the island’s next most iconic sight. These caves can only be reached by boat from Porto Vromi but the geological formations, particularly the double arch, are very impressive.
You will see many a sign and hear many a tale about ‘swimming with turtles’ on Gerakas Beach or ‘Turtle Beach’. It’s a nesting ground for the Caretta Caretta turtles and protected by the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. If you do wish to visit, please be cautious to support ethical companies who are focussed on the conservation of these turtles.
A traditional Zakynthian meze is called dopio (which literally means “local”). It’s a sharp, spicy Zakynthian cheese matured in olive oil for several months and often served with fried eggs, tomato, and the island’s special cured ham (cured to a recipe inherited from the Venetians no less!). The island’s most famous sweet is “Frygania”: a creamy dessert that typically consists of three layers. The base is prepared with syrup-drenched Greek rusks, topped with vanilla-infused cream, and finished off with a layer of whipped cream and cinnamon.
Zakynthos is known as a scuba diver’s paradise. There are 12 spectacular dive site dotted around the island with chances to see some unique marine life, ranging from Meditteranean monk seals to massive sea turtles. If you are not a diver but still fancy some underwater fun, invest in a mask and snorkel. On the wild-west coast, the snorkelling is truly epic and there are many hidden caves and rocky coves to discover.
Plakaki Beach is lovely hidden beach where you will most likely be the only soul there! The hike down features a lot of uneven terrain and steep stairs (which is probably why most people give it a miss) so make sure you wear proper shoes. But once you’re on the beach, it’s a slice of heaven! One that is easier to get to is Porto Limonias: an Instagram-tastic little cove with easy parking, and a great restaurant. There are some awesome sea caves to check out and the water is a beautiful shade of blue.
Porto Paradiso on Alykes Beach is a bar worth writing home about. They serve great food anytime time of day and, in the evening, there is no better place to visit for a few drinks. We have a particular fondness for the passionfruit cocktail! Denis and his crew are unbelievably welcoming and will make you feel right at home as you gaze out over the light blue waters of the Ionian over to Kefalonia.
There are too any beaches to pick a best one! Tourists tend to gather in the south of the island where, we’ll be honest, we would recommend avoiding. But the touristy area doesn’t include the Southeast headland of Skopos. Here, you can discover beach after beach – from the wild and empty Vourderi beach to the picturesque sandy beach of Porto Zorro with its with well-maintained beach club and comfortable sun loungers, and the slice-of-paradise Makris Gialos. There’s a beach for everyone on Zakynthos, if you know where to look!
El Sueno in the northeast of the island is simply stunning. The restaurant has a big round terrace and, no matter where you sit, you will have a fantastic view overlooking the coast and the tiny island of Myrissi. They offer a fantastic selection of food from fresh seafood to typical Greek dishes. After your meal, walk down the wooden stairs to their own secret swim spot where the water is turquoise and crystal-clear. There is even a little cave which offers fabulous snorkelling.
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.