Quick Answer : Yes. Absolutely.
In fact, Zakynthos surprised us more than any other Greek island we’ve visited.
Before returning, I expected to enjoy the holiday. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the island. Yet here we are, already booked to return next year.
For us, Zakynthos combines incredible scenery, fascinating wildlife, beautiful beaches, welcoming locals, excellent tavernas and some of the most spectacular coastline we’ve ever seen.
Why Is Zakynthos Famous?
Zakynthos is best known for:
- Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach)
- The Blue Caves
- Loggerhead turtles
- Stunning beaches
- Crystal-clear water
- Incredible boat trips
All of those are worth experiencing. But after spending two weeks exploring the island, I think the real star of Zakynthos is something else entirely. Its coastline.
What Is The Coastline Like In Zakynthos?
I’ve visited several Greek islands; Corfu, Kefalonia, Crete, Santorini, Thassos. All beautiful in their own way, but Zakynthos has the most remarkable coastline I’ve seen anywhere in Greece.
- The white cliffs.
- The hidden coves.
- The caves.
- The dramatic rock formations.
- The tiny beaches tucked away between towering limestone walls.
Even after two weeks, it felt as though every corner revealed something new. What’s particularly surprising is that Zakynthos sits relatively close to Kefalonia and isn’t a million miles from Corfu, yet its coastline feels completely unique.
I don’t really know why. It just does.
What Is The Sea Like In Zakynthos?
The sea around Zakynthos deserves a section of its own. I’ve seen beautiful water elsewhere. Including the Caribbean. Yet somehow the sea around Zakynthos felt different. The colour changes constantly. At times it looked turquoise. At others it seemed electric blue. Around parts of the island, the water almost appears unreal.
Combined with the white cliffs and rock formations, the result is breathtaking.
Photographs don’t quite do it justice.
Why Are Loggerhead Turtles So Important In Zakynthos?
One of the first things visitors should know about Zakynthos is how important the loggerhead turtles are to the island. Large parts of the southern coastline are protected because turtles return every year to nest.
On my birthday, we visited a turtle rescue and conservation centre near Gerakas. Originally we’d planned a completely different day. Instead, we spent hours learning about turtles, terrapins, conservation and the challenges created by tourism.
It ended up being one of the most interesting experiences of the entire holiday.
I learned:
- Only a tiny proportion of turtles survive to adulthood.
- Plastic pollution can be fatal because turtles mistake it for food.
- Protected nesting beaches are monitored daily.
- Volunteers identify and protect new nests.
- Some beaches close overnight during nesting season.
One of the most fascinating ideas was a sand recovery system. Visitors use a shower after leaving the beach, and the recovered sand is collected and returned to the beach later. A simple idea. But a powerful reminder that tourism has an impact.
Can You See Turtles In Zakynthos?
Yes. We saw one in Laganas Harbour. Certain areas attract turtles because fishermen feed them and food is easy to find. Seeing one was exciting. I’d always wanted to see a turtle in the wild.
But the conservation centre also made me think differently about it. The owner pointed out that whilst it gives visitors a chance to see turtles, it isn’t necessarily natural behaviour.
It’s one of those conversations that stays with you long after the holiday ends.
Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Zakynthos?
For us, Alykes was perfect. We stayed at Maria Studios and Apartments, just outside Alykes itself. The complex was centred around a swimming pool, with all the accommodation facing inwards. It felt friendly, relaxed and welcoming.
Most importantly, it struck the balance we were looking for.
Is Alykes A Good Place To Stay?
Very much so. What we liked most about Alykes was the balance. It had:
- Plenty of tavernas
- Bars
- Shops
- A lovely beach
- Easy walking access
- A relaxed atmosphere
But it never felt overwhelming. We visited Tsilivi and thought it felt considerably busier and more commercial. We visited Zakynthos Town and enjoyed it but it didn’t quite have the holiday atmosphere we were looking for. Nearby Alykanas offered even more tavernas and places to explore on foot.
For couples, retirees and families, Alykes felt like an excellent base.
What Are The Best Beaches In Zakynthos?
Alykes Beach
This was our most-used beach. Easy to access. Lots of nearby tavernas and bars. Many sunbeds available with a minimum spend rather than a separate hire fee. Perfect for relaxing beach days.
Gerakas Beach
Beautiful in its own right. But what makes it special is the connection to turtle conservation. Knowing the beach plays such an important role in protecting wildlife gives it a very different feel.
Shipwreck Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Greece. Seeing it from a boat was every bit as impressive as we’d hoped.
Hidden Beaches And Coves
Some of our favourite discoveries had no famous name. Small beaches. Tiny coves. Quiet stretches of coastline discovered whilst exploring the island.
Is Hiring A Boat In Zakynthos Worth It?
Without hesitation. Yes. One of the best days of our holiday involved hiring our own boat. Many visitors don’t realise that smaller boats can often be hired without needing a boating licence.
That makes the experience far more accessible than people expect. It’s not cheap. Expect to pay for:
- Boat hire
- Fuel
We paid around €150 for the boat and approximately €45 in fuel afterwards. But the freedom is worth every penny. You can explore:
- Hidden coves
- Quiet beaches
- Swimming spots
- The famous coastline
- The Blue Caves
And see the island from a completely different perspective.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Zakynthos?
See The Island From Above
If you’re short on time, make sure you visit:
Shipwreck Beach Viewpoint
Probably the island’s most famous view.
For good reason.
Myzithres Viewpoint
For me, this was equally impressive.
There is even a stylish clifftop café where you can sit, enjoy a drink and take in the scenery.
It felt less rushed and more relaxed than many of the island’s headline attractions.
See The Island From Below
Equally important.
Boat trips and boat hire allow you to experience:
- Shipwreck Beach
- Blue Caves
- Hidden coves
- The remarkable coastline
Learn About The Turtles
The conservation centre and nesting beaches provide a completely different side to Zakynthos.
One that many visitors overlook.
Is Zante Water Village Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
In fact, it ended up being one of the highlights of our holiday.
The park has 13 slides, including both individual and two-person raft rides.
There are also dedicated children’s areas for younger visitors.
We visited in June and arrived around 11am. The park was surprisingly quiet.
With almost no queueing, we were able to work our way through every slide and revisit our favourites multiple times.
My Favourite Ride
The Boomerang. Two people sit together in a raft before plunging down a steep drop and shooting up what feels like a vertical wall. For a split second, it feels as though you’re going to fly off the end. Then gravity takes over.
Exhilarating, terrifying and hilarious all at once. We rode it several times.
Good To Know
- Excellent value for money
- Very clean
- Some bars are cash only
- Lockers available
- Food was disappointing
- All-day visits are easy
Next time, we’ll probably buy a season pass.
Is It Easy To Drive In Zakynthos?
Very. Driving around Zakynthos was remarkably straightforward. Compared to some destinations:
- Roads were generally good
- Parking was easy
- Most parking was free
- Traffic wasn’t excessive
The busiest area we encountered was around Zakynthos Town. Otherwise, driving felt very similar to other Greek islands we’ve visited. There are occasional potholes that remind you where you are, but nothing particularly challenging. Car hire was also straightforward.
Interestingly, many providers don’t require large deposits or credit cards, although you should always check individual terms and conditions.
How Expensive Is Zakynthos?
Overall, we found Zakynthos reasonably priced. I’d place it:
- Similar to Corfu
- Similar to Kefalonia
- Cheaper than Santorini
The best-value food often came from smaller, more local tavernas. Restaurants with spectacular views tended to charge a little more, which is hardly surprising. Examples from our trip:
- Car hire: approximately €280 for a week
- Boat hire: approximately €150 plus fuel
- Water Village: excellent value
- Tavernas: reasonable, particularly away from the busiest areas
How Long Should You Spend In Zakynthos?
My answer might be controversial. At least two weeks. Many guides recommend a week. For us, that’s not enough. Week one is spent unwinding. Week two is where the real magic happens.
We normally hire a car in the middle of the holiday, creating a perfect mix of:
- Relaxation
- Exploration
- Beach time
- Day trips
- Boat days
If your schedule allows it, two weeks gives you time to enjoy the island rather than simply tick attractions off a list.