These are the Most Beautiful Vacation Spots on Zakynthos

Zakynthos in the west of Greece is the ideal destination for a dream vacation. Even though the island is only 25 miles long and 12 miles wide, there are numerous resorts where you can check in. From the island's capital to small coastal villages: We show you the most beautiful vacation spots on Zakynthos.

Zakynthos Town on the southeastern coast is both the capital and the most important port of the island. It is the point of entry for ferries and the starting point for ferry connections from Zakynthos to Kyllini on the Peloponnese. Many excursion and sightseeing boat tours also begin their journey in Zakynthos Town.

The town is located north of the Skopos Hill on the peninsula of the same name and west of Bochali Hill. A Venetian citadel crowns one of the hills, offering a fantastic view over the capital. Major attractions include the Basilica of Saint Dionysios, the Agios Dionysios Church, and the harbor street Odos Lombardou, which connects the two harbor piers, the Agios Dionysios Pier and the Agios Nikolaos Pier, and is lined with restaurants and shops.

On the southeastern coast, just a few miles south of Zakynthos Town, lies the small resort of Argassi. The beach of the same name is extensive and well-suited for a family vacation. Argassi is well developed for tourism and offers many recreational opportunities, taverns, restaurants, and cafés.

Argassi is known for its historical ruins. Major attractions include the remains of several old houses, churches, and bridges. Highlights include the stone bridge with three arches from the year 1806, the Roman aqueduct, the church of Agios Spyridon, and the nearby Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa on Mount Skopos. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Artemis once resided here.

The Vassilikos Peninsula stretches from Argassi to Gerakas Beach, the southernmost beach of Zakynthos island. Here, you can find everything you need for a vacation but with a bit less bustle than in resorts like Laganas. There are no large towns, but scattered groups of houses.

Along the coast are various bathing coves with fine sand, as well as accommodations, taverns, eateries, and bars. The Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa is also easily accessible from Vassilikos. From here, you have a breathtaking view over the island and the sea. On a clear day, you can even see the neighboring island of Kefalonia.

For those who like to party on vacation, Laganas in the southwest of the Greek island is the right place. Laganas is one of the most famous vacation spots on Zakynthos. Here lies the heart of entertainment and nightlife on the island. There are numerous hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, and pubs that stay open late into the night.

There is also a fantastic beach life: Laganas Beach stretches over five and a half miles and offers everything you need on vacation-from sun loungers and umbrellas to beach volleyball and water sports to boat excursions. Laganas Beach is one of the six beaches on Zakynthos where the loggerhead turtle lays its eggs.

The village of Kalamaki is separated from Laganas only by a pine forest. In recent years, several new hotels and restaurants have been established here. Both places have beautiful beaches with fine sand that merge seamlessly into each other.

While Laganas is known for parties and action, Kalamaki is more of a place for a relaxed family vacation. Although there are many hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, it is much quieter. Those who want more bustle can take the bus to Laganas, which is just a few minutes away.

On the west coast, about 11 miles from Zakynthos Town, lies the village of Alykes, known for its salt pans, where the island's salt was once harvested. Today, the old salt ponds are used as breeding grounds for birds. Alykes is a tourist village with hotels, holiday homes, restaurants, pubs, and shops and is popular for its long stretch of bay with a bright sandy beach.

Alykes grew over time into another village, Alykanas. The places are connected by a sandy beach and today form a large tourist town with many recreational opportunities. The water entry is gentle and shallow, with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas.

In the southwest of Zakynthos, the Keri peninsula juts into the Ionian Sea. A popular destination is the former fishing village of Limni Keriou. Numerous small hotels, apartments, taverns, cafés, and supermarkets have settled along the coast.

An ascending road takes you to the small mountaintop village of Keri in just a few minutes. The town center enchants with narrow, cobbled streets and traditional stone houses built around the Kafenion, the central square of the village. Noteworthy sights include the white lighthouse and the Panagia Keriotissa Church on the northern edge of town.

In the north of the island lies the small resort town of Tsilivi with its eponymous beach. Tsilivi is a typical tourist spot that has developed over the years. Today there are not only hotels, restaurants, and shops but also a lot of entertainment in the form of bowling, mini-golf, and a water park.

Add to this a great beach. Families with children especially come here because of the gently sloping water and the fine, golden sand. Locally there is much to experience-from beach volleyball to water sports. The nearby capital of the island is also quickly and easily accessible by bus for sightseeing.

Zakynthos is known as the island of loggerhead turtles. Between May and August, the sea turtles swim ashore and lay their eggs. To prevent tourism from disturbing the nesting turtles, many beach areas are closed and protected with steel cages.

On vacation, you can explore this theme further by visiting Turtle Island. The private island, also known as Marathonisi, belongs to the National Marine Park. Here you can swim and snorkel-perhaps even alongside a loggerhead turtle.

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