Zakynthos Beaches: Navagio, Blue Caves, Tsilivi and More

Zakynthos is one of the most popular islands in Greece and rightfully so. Similarly to Kos, Zakynthos is one of those destinations that one can find everything they are looking for. There are tons of beautiful beaches of the Ionian Sea (some of the most notable in the world), some major nightlife and beach parties, a beautiful port and town area and tons more to explore, making it perfect for single party goers, adventure seekers and families alike. The island is also quite large so you could definitely fill up the days of your vacation and make them all well spent.

To start, here are some of the beaches I visited this year:

Navagio

The most famous beach in Zakynthos, and possibly the world, Navagio or Shipwreck Beach is absolutely stunning and worth every bit of the hype that it receives. The water is truly that of a neon turquoise and it is cold and crisp for a refreshing swim. The abandoned ship is also a really cool and picturesque aspect of the beach as well. Another name for the beach is “smugglers cove”, as the ship was said to have crashed after trying to escape the Greek military during harsh weather conditions for trying to transport illegal cigarettes.

However one thing to note about Navagio is that the beach area is very small and can get crowded, so for the most optimal experience it is worth considering the time you come to avoid crowds or just to take a private boat and avoid the shores all together. Also be warned there is no place to purchase food and drinks so when you do visit, make sure you are prepared for the day.

There are so many daily excursions that leave for Navagio and you’ll see tons of advertisements for them when visiting Zakynthos. Many of the tours also include visits to a few other locations after stopping at Shipwreck. Making a day out of sailing around this side of the island is definitely one of my top recommendations in Zakynthos as every single part of the ocean here is completely different from the last and all the shades of Ionian Blue are equally amazing.

The Blue Caves, Keri Caves and the various coves are all such incredible experiences and usually part of the package with the boat tours. To get inside the caves, you do have to swim out from the boat, but trust me it is worth it.

Ammos Beach Club

Ammos Beach club on Agios Nikolaos beach is a really great all around beach location. Ammos Beach Club itself is really pretty and trendy with this beautiful and unique decor. I could also imagine this picking up to a beach party vibe (Covid aside, and during high season) as I did notice some dancer poles etc. However it is also really great for families as well. It is not too rowdy and there is Agios Nikolaos water sports which will surely keep the little ones (and bigger ones) entertained also.

Another note was that I really enjoyed the food and cocktails at Ammos Beach Club. Photographed is the rabbit, which is believe it or not one of the most popular dishes on the island of Zakynthos. All the appetizers we had were also delicious and didn’t disappoint.

Kalamaki Beach

Kalamaki Beach was definitely the most low key and family oriented beach. It is just the basics with many of the chairs and one main taverna connected to Kalamaki Beach Hotel. The ocean was calm and it was not crowded at all. Kalamaki beach is also known to be a sanctuary for the Caretta Caretta turtles and their nesting site is protected by the National Marine Park.

Laganas – El Paradiso Beach Club

Laganas is definitely one of the most famous beaches on the island and is the hub spot for those looking to party. Laganas has both day and night parties with so many beach bars and clubs to choose from and the Zante strip right off the beach has many more options too, especially for nightlife.

I find Laganas to be the most aimed area for tourism with many of the common franchises you’d find int he states, but there are many other restaurants and shopping choices as well.

From our options on the strip, we chose to hang out at El Paradiso Beach Club to have both the beach and pool options. They also had great cocktails and gave us that beach club vibe, although due to COVID it definitely wasn’t crowded or turned into a real major party.

Laganas and Kalamaki are only a five minute drive from one another so it works out for anyone looking for the best of both worlds.

Tsilivi

Tsilivi is another great area to visit in Zakynthos and another one great for tourists. They have many accomodations nearby as well as a town with tavernas, shops, and it’s own strip of beach bars catering to different needs.

Venus Beach Club

Venus was an option suited for a younger more trendy crowd. It has that bougie bottle service vibe with loud lounge music and a more upscale taverna as a food option.

Barrracuda

Barracuda Bar further down the Tsilivi strip was definitely a more low key beach and catered to families. It was a lot emptier and more causal.

This is just the tip of the iceburg when it comes to the beaches in Zakynthos. Be sure to check back for my next post on the food options and how I spent my evenings in Zakynthos.

I also definitely encourage you to check out my instagram: angelica_e. I have tons more tidbits and video content to check out.

For more on my trip to Greece and recommendations, check out my other recent posts below:

KOS BY NIGHT/FOOD
KOS + GYALI BEACHES
LEFKADA
MYTIKA
KALAMOS + GENERAL TRAVEL INFO ON GREECE