This Ionian island is home to Navagio Beach's famous shipwreck, the luminous Blue Caves, and protected loggerhead turtle nesting grounds in Laganas Bay's clear waters.
Zakynthos, an island in Greece's Ionian Sea, is known for its striking coastline and rich marine life. You can explore Navagio Beach, a secluded cove with a shipwreck, or visit the Blue Caves with their vivid azure waters. The island is home to loggerhead sea turtles, which nest in Laganas Bay. Inland, you'll find olive groves, vineyards, and traditional villages where you can experience local cuisine and culture.
Getting to Zakynthos
You can reach Zakynthos by air or sea. The island's international airport receives flights from Athens and many European cities, especially during summer. If you prefer traveling by water, regular ferries connect Zakynthos to Killini on the Greek mainland. The ferry journey takes about 75 minutes. During summer, you can also travel by boat to the nearby island of Kefalonia.
Coastal Attractions
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is a cove accessible only by boat, surrounded by towering cliffs and clear waters. On the shore lies the shipwreck that gives the beach its name. Near Cape Skinari, you'll find the Blue Caves, natural arches and caverns in the cliffs that create stunning light effects in the water. You can visit them on small boat tours that depart from various points around the island.
Marine Life and Conservation
Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nest on Zakynthos, particularly in Laganas Bay on the southern coast. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos protects the turtles and their nesting grounds. If you visit between May and October, you might see turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs or hatchlings making their way to the sea. Remember to respect the nesting areas and follow local guidelines to help preserve this habitat.
Zakynthos Town
Zakynthos Town, the island's capital, sits on the eastern coast. A 1953 earthquake damaged much of the town, but you can still see some Venetian-style buildings. You can walk along the waterfront promenade, visit the Byzantine Museum to see religious artifacts, or climb to the Venetian Castle for views over the town and sea. In central Solomos Square, you can relax at a café and observe local life.
Local Cuisine
Zakynthian cuisine incorporates the island's agricultural produce. Try ladotyri, a local cheese aged in olive oil, or skordostoumbi, an eggplant dish flavored with garlic and tomatoes. The island produces olive oil and wine. You can visit olive groves and wineries to learn about traditional production methods and taste local products. Many tavernas along the coast serve fresh seafood.
When to Visit
The timing of your visit to Zakynthos depends on your preferences. July and August are the warmest months, with crowded beaches and higher prices. May, June, September, and October have comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors, making it easier to explore the island. Winter months are quiet, with some businesses closed, but you can experience local life and see the island's green landscapes.
