The Best Beaches in Zakynthos (2026 Local Guide)

Zakynthos has everything from the postcard-famous to quiet coves you’ll have almost to yourself. Here are the beaches worth planning your trip around, what each is actually like, and how to reach them.

Navagio (Shipwreck Beach)

The most photographed beach in Greece — white sand, a rusting wreck and sheer cliffs. Landing is prohibited in 2026, so you visit by boat from the water or from the clifftop viewpoint. See our guide on how to visit Shipwreck Beach, or take a boat tour to the cove.

Porto Limnionas

Not a sandy beach but a spectacular rocky inlet on the west coast with deep, clear turquoise water — brilliant for swimming and cliff jumping. Best reached with your own transport or on a jeep safari.

Gerakas

A long, golden, protected beach in the south and a key turtle nesting site. Calm, shallow water makes it great for families. Because it’s protected, parts are off-limits at night and umbrellas are limited — part of what keeps it beautiful.

Xigia (sulphur beach)

A small north-coast cove where natural sulphur and collagen springs flow into the sea — the water is cool and famously good for the skin. Included on our 4-hour northside boat tour.

Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

A tiny uninhabited islet in Laganas Bay shaped like a turtle, with a sandy beach and clear shallows where you can often spot loggerheads. Reached on a turtle-spotting boat trip from the south.

Banana & Kalamaki

Long sandy beaches near the main resorts with sunbeds, tavernas and water sports — the easy, everyday beach days. Kalamaki is also a turtle nesting beach, so follow the posted rules in the evening.

Which beach is best for you?

• Families: Gerakas, Kalamaki, Banana — shallow and calm.
• Swimming & scenery: Porto Limnionas, Xigia.
• The bucket-list photo: Navagio, by boat.
• Turtles: Marathonisi and the Laganas Bay beaches.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous beach in Zakynthos?

Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) — visited by boat in 2026, as landing is not permitted.

Which Zakynthos beach is best for turtles?

The Laganas Bay beaches (Gerakas, Kalamaki) and the water around Marathonisi / Turtle Island.

Are there quiet beaches in Zakynthos?

Yes — the west coast (Porto Limnionas, Porto Roxa) and small north-coast coves are far quieter than the main resorts.

Want to reach the beaches you can’t drive to? Take a boat tour or rent your own boat.