Most people would probably know the Greek Island of Zakynthos better as Zante, which only brings to mind images of the notorious Laganas strip, full to the brim of youngsters off on their first holiday away from Mum and Dad, ready for the sun, sex and seriously dirty streets. But there’s more to this island that you might think…
Here are some of Backhackers’ favourite places to go in Zakynthos.
Navagio Beach aka Shipwreck Cove
This is the most photographed area of the whole island (and one of the most snapped spots in the whole of Europe too!). Boasting 200m high cliffs which surround an enclosed bay – home to a rusty decaying shipwreck from the 1980s. Rumour has it that the original ship has actually washed away and the one there today is simply a replacement to keep the tourists coming.
But whether or not you believe that doesn’t really matter as the beaches’ white sand contrasted against the most beautiful turquoise sea will have you mesmerised for hours. We highly advise experiencing the beach both via boat to the actual beach level and via car to the cliffs above.
While these are your only options for getting to the beach, both will make for amazing days. Boats can be chartered from any nearby port and, if you don’t have your own car, plenty of tours are available to visit the cliff view.
Potamitis Brothers Windmills
Located in Skinaria, Korithi, at the north of the island, the restaurant is home to the islands’ best honey baked saganaki – it is an absolute must try! There are also rooms available here, but what you really want to come for is the amazing view. The area is situated on the cliffs just above the Blue Caves, where you can see the boat trips running daily.
If you take a walk down the many steps built into the cliffside, perhaps stopping at the coin press to get your souvenir of the day; you will find sunbeds at various levels, some shaded and some not. At the bottom of the steps you’ll reach the sea which makes for a great snorkel area and is within swimming distance of the Blue Caves.
You can get into the sea from the platform, using the steps or alternatively, jump in from a 15ft plank (if you choose this option, you’ll find you might have an audience of tourists from the boat trips passing by).
Faros
At the end of the day, after spending most of it lounging on the sunbeds at the bottom of Potamitis, head to Faros – a restaurant just around the corner from the Windmills. From here you can enjoy anything from an evening beer to a full on dinner at a great price and with a fantastic view of the sunset.
The bright oranges and deep reds will slowly fade to perfect purples as you sip on that ice cold Mythos. If you do feel like indulging in some food, we strongly recommend the swordfish! 10 out of 10!
Sunset dinner and drinks at Lofos
If you fancy a sunset dinner somewhere else, why not try Lofos, Meso Gerakari. It’s situated almost centrally on the east coast of the island and boasts views of farmlands, rolling hills, the distant sea, and you might even meet some cute kittens to keep you company.
Food for thought when ordering: the burgers do not come with buns (just to let you know) but the cuisine is absolutely mouth-watering!
Xigia Beach
Something that’s not so mouth-watering is the smell that will invade your nose when passing Xigia Beach. Its hot sulphur springs are great for the skin but maybe not so much the nose once the eggy stench hits you. Other than that, the beach is absolutely wonderful and a day can pass here so quickly while you soak up the sun and dip in and out of the sea.
You’ll find umbrellas here already but are welcome to bring your own for that much needed shade. However, just make sure you get here earlier in the day as it can get pretty crammed on the roadside parking!
Keri Beach & Turtle Island
For somewhere not so crammed, we recommend Keri Beach and Turtle Island – NOT for the beach, but because this is one of the best places on the island to see turtles. If you rent your boat and are out before 11am you are pretty much guaranteed to see the little sea beauties.
You can also visit Turtle Island which, surprise surprise, is shaped like a turtle. Boat rentals are relatively cheap here, especially if you go in a group of 4+, and you can easily explore the surrounding caves and beaches for a few hours.
There is a local convenience store just next to the Boat Rental area so make sure you stock up on water and don’t forget your snorkel!
Porto Roxa & Porto Limnionas
Other great places for snorkelling are Porto Roxa and Porto Limnionas on the west coast of the island. Limnionas is great for snorkelling with plenty of caves to explore and rock platforms to jump from.
While out of the water you can enjoy a quick sunbathe on one of the many sunbeds built up into the cliff or find your own little area of rock to perch on. Make sure you get here earlier in the day if you’re after a sunbed and a parking space though.
If you fancy something slightly less packed, head on over to Porto Roxa and lounge on a swinging double bed with an ice cold beer purchased from the tavernas just behind. If you walk down to the sea, you won’t find a sandy beach, it’s mainly a rocky coast on the west side of the island.
But this, too, is a great snorkelling spot and, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to watch the birds dive in right in front of you, catching their dinner.
Black Caves
If you’re around the Alykes area, see if you can find the Black Caves. It’s a rickety old drive up a few twisty turns for a while, but it’s quite an experience. Once you reach the furthest point by car, you’ll find yourself at a little stand offering some food and refreshments with a big sign above it reading ‘Black Caves’.
It’s about a 5-10 minute walk up some quite jagged rocks (but sometimes path) with a rope guiding and helping you out on one side. Once you reach the top, the caves aren’t exactly huge, but the view from the top is jaw dropping.
Across the vast fields of greeny goodness you’ll be able to look out to the Ionion Sea below and perch yourself on the edge of the cave, day dreaming for hours. Note to travellers: sliders are not the optimum shoe for this walk.
Chills at Nobelos
Nobelos is situated in Agios Nikolaos towards the northern end of the island, and is a restaurant and villa-hotel rather on the expensive end. But you needn’t go there for that! If you purchase a few aperitifs, ice cream (although dear, it is surely the ice cream of the gods) or ice cold beers you have complete and full access to their pebbled beach area. Set up with sunbeds, loungers, umbrellas and beach beenies!
You can lounge along the small diving area before jumping in and exploring the rock pools nearby or even challenge yourself to swimming out and around the small island of St. Nicholas.
The crystal water will keep you occupied for hours, either bathing and relaxing or exploring. And afterwards, help yourself to the shower which is fully private and comes with a range of soaps, shampoos and conditioners inside.
To Nisi
If you’re around the Agios Nikolaos area you absolutely must head to To Nisi: a beautiful restaurant which looks out ‘To Nisi’ aka the island of St. Nicholas and is owned by the most adorable French lady possibly imaginable.
They serve the most amazing breakfasts, lunches and dinners…or just for a really nice chat with the staff over a beer. They are open late and their entire menu is take away – what more could you want?!
If you don’t want to eat in, you can always grab your food and take it to the beach opposite with the waves lapping at your feet. Highly recommended is Kayanas for breakfast (tomato, feta and scrambled egg on toast – beautiful!)
Hopefully this guide has given you an insight into a few of the places you may overlook while visiting Zakynthos. Let us know if you can think of anything else to add to the list, or if you’re planning on visiting. And if you ever make it to To Nisi, make sure to give the little French lady your best smile and a crisp high five!