Zante Holiday

Holiday Zante - Beaches

The island of Zante is well known for its beaches. There are many beaches which will appeal to everyone: from unspoilt beaches, to beaches with watersports, secluded beaches - the list is endless. Many of the beaches in the south of the island (such as Gerakas & Sekania) are also breeding grounds of the endangered Caretta Sea Turtles, which lay their eggs in the soft sand and the baby turtle's hatch about 8 weeks later.

From some of the beaches on the island it is possible to take boat trips to see the turtles, the most well known beach from which to do this is Laganas beach. It is a favourite trip of many tourists as it offers a unique experience to see such ancient and majestic creatures swimming gracefully in the calm waters of the Ionian Sea.

The best known beach on Zakynthos is Navajo, also known as Shipwreck beach or Smuggler's cove - it is breathtakingly beautiful. Any visit to Zante is not complete without seeing this beach. It is one of the top attractions in Zante. Tsilivi, Argassi and Alykanas beaches are great for watersports with a wide range on offer. Diving, snorkelling and scuba diving are also popular on the island and Agios Nikolaos beach has the best reputation for scuba diving on the island.

At Keri Lake there is a popular scuba diving school and from here it is also possible to visit some nearby blue caves.

Many of Zante's beaches are excellent for families and safe for young children and swimmers of any level (as the water is shallow) - with tourist's favourites being Alykes, Tsilivi and Argassi. For those that prefer uncrowded beaches you might like to visit: Amoudi, Dafni & Makris Gialos to name just a few. Anyone who feels like they need a bit of pampering or relief from aches should go and swim at Xigia beach, as the water has a high sulphur content and is renowned for having healing properties. For unique and unspoilt places to swim try Limnionas and Porto Roxa.

Zante is definitely a beach lover's paradise, with such a wide variety of beaches on offer.

Agios Nicolaos (St Nicolas) A popular beach is situated to the north of Vassilikos. It is great for watersports and scuba diving. The beach is named from the small chapel on the left-hand side of the bay. Locally there are a number of restaurants and hotels.
Alykes Alykes is one of the best beaches in the north of Zante, being a long stretch of soft golden sand. It is an ideal family beach as the sand gently shelves into the water making it safe for young children and swimmers of any level. Watersports are available here as well as boat trips to the Blue Caves and the Shipwreck.
Alykanas Alykanas beach lies on Alykes bay, at the opposite end from Alykes beach. Alykanas beach offers watersports, golden soft sand and shallow waters making it perfect for all the family. Bars and restaurants are within easy walking reach and the resort of Alykanas is just a short walk away.
Argassi Argassi beach is a beautiful sandy beach, excellent for children and families. Although it is a bit narrow, it stretches for more than 1 km so it never feels crowded. Located in the south- east of Zante, there are many coves nearby - perfect for exploring. Watersports are also available.
Banana Beach The Banana beach is also know as the Ionio beach. The longest beach on the island and is popular with locals and tourists alike. The water here is shallow and crystal clear. Located on the Vassilikos peninsular.
Bouka A small quiet sandy beach. Lots of space for everyone. A shallow beach ideal for children. Very clear water so is perfect for snorkelling. Close to Tsilivi beach offering a smaller less crowded alternative to anyone staying in Tsilivi.
Dafni Located in the south of Zante, in the area of Vassilikos. The beaches in this area belong to the Zakynthos Marine Park, which protects the wildlife in the vicinity. This beach is a long, wide, sandy beach that is breathtakingly beautiful with amazing views across the gulf of Laganas. The famous and unfortunately endangered Caretta turtles. No visitors are allowed on this beach at night tp protect the turtles.
Gerakas Voted one of the most beautiful beaches on Zante. This long sandy beach is a nesting place for the Caretta turtles. Similat to other beaches on the south coast of the island it belongs to the National Marine Park which works hard to protect the wildlife in the area. No watersports or beach bars are available to so as to reduce noise and disruption to the turtles. As a result, this has helped maintain the beauty and serenity of this wonderful beach.
Kalamaki Kalamaki beach is a continues on from the popular Laganas beach. It is a long, wide beach with soft sand. With other beaches in the area this is a popular beach for the Caretta Caretta turtles to lay their eggs. This beach can qucikly be reached by road from the resort of Kalamaki.
Laganas Laganas is the most famous & popular beach on Zante. The beach is in the resort of Laganas. It is a huge beach, approx 9 km and is a long stretch of golden sand. Claimed to be one of the longest beaches in Greece. Boat trips to see the Caretta Caretta turtles are available from this beach.
Navagio (Smuggler's Cove) Navagio beach, also known as Shipwreck and Smugglers cove, is the most popular sights on Zante. It is one of the most famous beaches in Greece. Believed to be the most photographed beache in the world, it has featured in many holiday brochures and travel books. If you are on any holiday to Zante then you must visit this beach. Accessible only by boat, because it is surrounded by cliffs and driving or walking to the beach is not possible.
Porto Koukla One of the top sandy beaches on Zante. An unspoilt beach, great for anyone looking for a relaxing and tranquil beach. Sunbeds and parasols are on offer. A few beach bars and tavernas line the beach and most provide traditional Greek food.
Porto Roma Named after one of the most famous Zante residents, Alessandro Roma. He lived near this beach. A quiet picturesque beach, which has fairly shallow water. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available here and there is also an excellent taverna offering Zakynthian cuisine and fish dishes.
Porto Zoro A beautiful beach in the south of Zante, unspoilt, tranquil with golden sand. Famous for the facinating rocks just out to sea, which are mushroom shaped and give a quirky view to the beach. There are lots of sunbeds and umbrellas available. The beach is easily accessible and has parking available nearby.
Tsilivi A large beach which is wide and long with soft sand. Perfect for children as the water is shallow, so they can play safely. Tsilivi beach is a winner of the prestigious international Blue Flag award. It has very clean waters and the beach.
Xigia A pebbly beach, unique on the island as the beaches water has a high sulphur content, giving the beach a distinctive sulphuric aroma. The sulphur comes from a cave closeby and this beach is a goodt place for people suffering with aches, pains and arthritis to bathe as the sulphuric water helps ailments. Also reputed to be a cure for skin problems and helps remove cellulite.