Every summer visitors flock in their multitudes to the stunning beaches of Zakynthos, also referred to as Zante, in the Greek Isles. The third largest of the Ionian Islands, Zante is actually endowed with lots of sunshine, clear turquoise waters, many sandy beaches, charming traditional mountain villages, and dramatic natural scenery. Add generous doses of warm Greek hospitality and Zante is actually the perfect beach holiday destination.
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1. Navagio/ Shipwreck beach
Navagio or perhaps shipwreck beach as it’s commonly known is actually among the most photographed beaches in Zante. The beach is dramatically dominated by the wreck of a Freightliner, the MV Panagiotis which ran aground after a storm in 1980 and has laid abandoned in the brilliant white pebbled beach ever since. Located on the North West coast of Zante, Navigo is actually a white pebbled stretch of beach backed by towering white limestone cliffs.
Access to the beach is only offered by boat with probably the closest access port being Porto Vromi located to the south. Boats also depart from the Harbour of Saint Nikolas in Volimes, located to the north of Shipwreck beach and from the island’s capital city of Zakynthos Town.
There aren’t any amenities or perhaps facilities on the beach so make sure you’ve all of the necessities such as an, drink, and food umbrella for shade with you before you depart.
2. Banana beach
Banana beach is actually probably the longest stretch of beach in Zante and boasts soft white sand and crystal clear water. Located fourteen km or perhaps a 20-minute drive to the south of Zakynthos Town. The beach is very commercial with plenty of operators offering umbrellas and sunbeds with bars and restaurants dotted along the length of the beach.
Water sports are also very popular with everything from Ringo rides to paragliding and jet skis. The water is fairly shallow, making it a good choice for families with kids. Getting there’s a breeze, there’s a free bus that departs Argassi, Kalamaki, and Laganas daily. Public busses will also be offered throughout the day.
3. Makris Gialos beach
If snorkeling and diving are the things of yours then you need to head straight to Makris Gialos beach. The secluded beach is actually located on the North East coast of the island approximately thirty km from Zakynthos Town. The water is actually heavy, fresh, and crystal clear and you will find caves that may be seen from the beach that are great for snorkeling and diving adventurers.
There’s a nearby dive school for all diving needs. The beach isn’t very crowded as there are actually no facilities or perhaps amenities. The water at Makris Gialos beach gets very deep very quickly so it’s not the best choice for kids but great for adventurers or perhaps couples looking to escape to a gorgeous secluded beach for the day. The beach is actually located a short walk down from the main road and there’s automobile parking available.
4. Agios Nikolaos beach
Confusingly, there are actually 2 beaches in Zante with the same name. One is actually a quiet secluded beach on the North East coast and also the next, the more popular beach is actually on the Vassilikos peninsular not far from the well-known Banana beach. The southern Agios Nikolaos or perhaps Saint Nikolaos beach is actually named due to a quaint little chapel on the hill at the far end of the beach.
The beach has fine golden sand set against calm blue water, drawing in visitors in the multitudes of theirs. Facilities are actually plentiful and the beach is usually packed. Beachfront bars play music throughout the water as well as the day is actually a hive of activity with water sports for adventure seekers.
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5. Gerakas beach
Located on the South Eastern tip of Zante, Gerakas beach is actually a long, slightly curved stretch of sandy beach with magnificent views of the surrounding cliffs and landscape. The beach is actually a protected marine park so is not overdeveloped like some other beaches on the island. It’s also home to the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtles who choose the sandy beach to lay the eggs theirs.
There’s a Turtle info center located just off the beach and that is certainly worth a trip to learn about efforts to protect the turtles and wildlife in the region. As a result of the slightly out-of-the-way location, it’s best to drive. There’s parking that is free and it’s approximately 16km or perhaps a 30-minute drive from Zakynthos Town.