Zakynthos Hidden Gems: Best Beaches and Viewpoints

Zakynthos, often called Zante, is a top destination for summer lovin’ beach enthusiasts. But, we will admit, our own first impression of Zakynthos was that it was only known for its party beach clubs, high end restaurants and the overrated Navagio Beach. Yes, we said overrated! As none of this is typically up our alley, we were hesitant to visit. Still, we were curious enough to find out if Zante had anything to offer beyond the resorts and tourist buses. Were there still Zakynthos hidden gems to be found?

Zakynthos has some of the best beaches in Greece and some are certainly more popular than others. Although the known ones are worth visiting, we discovered numerous secluded beaches on Zakynthos which we fell in love with.

In this guide, you’ll find tips on how to visit the best hidden gems on Zakynthos, including maps and links of the exact locations to the island’s best kept secrets.

Zakynthos Hidden Gems Essentials

🚘 The island doesn’t have great public transportation. Booking a rental car is by far the most convenient and cost-effective way for visiting all of Zante’s hidden gems.

⚓️ If you are set on visiting the legendary Navagio Shipwreck Beach, plan on booking a tour in advance because it gets really busy during peak season.

🐢 Don’t only focus on Shipwreck Beach! Zakynthos is also famous for sea turtles – do not miss out on visiting Turtle Island or a Sea Turtle Watching Boat Tour.

⛴ Taking a ferry to Zakynthos? Plan ahead and reserve your seat because many sailings in the summer sell out.

Zante Map: Beaches and Viewpoints

Practical Information About Visiting Zakynthos

The Best Time to Visit Zakynthos

It’s much more enjoyable to visit Zakynthos during shoulder season. This means you should avoid visiting in June, July or August if possible. September, when the average temperature sits around 24°C /  75.2°F is absolutely perfect. With popular destinations such as Zakynthos, visiting outside of peak season can be critical to your experience.

→ ✈️ Find cheap flights to Zakynthos ←

How to Get to Zakynthos

Zakynthos Airport Dionysios Solomos (ZTH) is the island’s international airport and a convenient option for those flying. Popular European budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair fly direct into this airport which is especially ideal if you are already traveling within Greece or Europe. Getting to your stay from the airport will not take more than one hour, given the relatively small size of the island. There are many places to visit in Zante by car, which is the easiest way to get around. Waste no time and pickup your rental car at the airport upon arriving.

→ 🚢 Find schedules and ferry tickets to Zakynthos ←

If you are already driving while in Greece, you can reach Zakynthos by ferry. The ferry from mainland Greece departs from Kyllini and will get you to Zante in just one hour. For one car, two adult passengers (babies are free!) and one dog, we paid €65 for a one way ticket.

→ 🗺 Read More: How to Get to Zakynthos ←

How Many Days Should You Spend in Zakynthos?

In order to see as many Zakynthos hidden gems as possible, it’s recommended to plan a week long visit. There are many things to do in Zante and you’ll want time to explore accordingly. A proper trip or vacation should not be rushed but we understand not everyone has an unlimited schedule. If you are short on time, it’s doable to check off a handful of items on your Zakynthos must see list in 3-4 days.

→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Zakynthos ←

Do You Need a Car in Zakynthos?

Most of the locations listed in this post are best explored by car travel. Especially if you plan on visiting the northern side of the island where public transportation doesn’t reach, it’s critical to have your own car. Unless you have an unlimited budget, it’s not recommended to rely on taxis or hiring a car.

Some beaches and destinations are popular enough and will offer shuttles from major areas of the island. This is a smart budget solution but not ideal if you’re looking to explore on your own time. If you aren’t visiting Zakynthos with your own car, consider renting a car. Prices are likely much lower than you’d expect, especially for compact and manual vehicles.

→ 🚙 Find your affordable rental car for Zakynthos ←

Zakynthos Hidden Gems: Beaches and Swim Spots

1. Blue Caves / Potamitis Dive Spot

Visiting the Blue Caves is one of the most popular activities in Zakynthos. What’s overlooked is the phenomenal swim and dive spot of Potamitis right next door. If you are at all interested in gorgeous cliffside views and diving, this is the only spot for you. Potamitis is likely the best place to go in Zante for jumping off cliffs. The bays and small caves which you can swim to are unspoiled, not to mention the clear marine life visible right beneath you.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: Park by the windmill and walk towards the restaurant. Pass the cafe and head down a hefty set of stairs to make your way down the cliff. There will be different viewpoints along the way to stop and admire the scene.

Beach Type: No sand, only man made concrete platforms. In order to get into the water, you can either use the stairs built into the rock or jump off one of the many diving “boards.” You’ll reach a few different shaded terrace areas where you can grab a lounge seat and set your things.

This is our personal favorite hidden gem on Zakynthos! Read more: Potamitis Dive Spot Travel Guide

2. Madrakia Beach

Great things come in small packages, just like this beach. This petite little piece of coastline is overshadowed by the popular Agios Nikolaos Beach down the road which tends to get very crowded. Madrakia Beach will likely only be occupied by small fishing boats and locals looking for a quick dip. If you feel like escaping into your own beach nook for an afternoon, this spot won’t disappoint. The view of Vardiola St. Nicholas island in the distance is also an unexpected treat. A quaint beach bar named Madrakia is located on site which means there’s no reason to leave all day!

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: Enter through the port area here where you’ll drive to the end and find a handful of free parking spots.

Beach Type: Small pebble sand. Suitable for setting up an umbrella as there are no trees for shade.

→ 🛌 Stay at the Vigla Villas in Agios Nikolaos ←

3. Paralia Alikanas

You’ll find Paralia Alikanas waiting for you on the lefthand side of this longer stretch of beach. The unassuming spot is small with just a handful of spots for some umbrellas and towels. Personally, this place was heaven for us and met all of our requirements to be a hidden gem. It is extremely quiet and you may share it with only one or two other groups of people. You can’t say that about many other beaches on Zante! The water was impeccably calm due to the rock barriers and also relatively shallow. A picture perfect paradise by our definition.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: A dirt parking lot is found here and is a short one minute walk from the beach.

Beach Type: Fine sand with shallow and calm water – great for kids! Depending on the time of day, the retaining wall provides shade without needing to bring an umbrella.

→ 🛌 Stay at the Zante Nest Studios & Apartments in Alikanas ←

4. Shoestring Restaurant Beach Bar

We literally did a double take as we drove by this view of a magnificent and virtually empty beach. We’ll never understand why many travelers will flock to a packed destination just because it’s a “must see” and skip over lesser known gems like this one. This beach is part of the Shoestring Restaurant and Beach Bar but purchasing a drink or two is a very small price to pay when enjoying an idyllic beach almost all to yourself. This beach is perfect in every way for those looking to swim in peace. Clear water, sandy and completely tucked away from the masses. 

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: You can park at the top of the street and make your way down through the beach bar. Or, park here at the bottom to easily reach the water. If you do the latter, you can setup camp away from the Shoestring area for free.

Beach Type: Fine sand and shallow. Lounge chairs available from Shoestring.

→ 🛌 Stay at the Bel Momento in Alikanas ←

5. Kaminia Beach

This became our go-to beach bar on evenings where we didn’t want to travel too far from our Airbnb. Kaminia is a much more relaxed beach club compared to the other beach clubs in Zakynthos. The beach provides a low-key vibe perfect for families who aren’t necessarily interested in partying all night long. When you buy drinks (around $7 a piece), you get to enjoy their lounge chairs for free. The place is also pet friendly which means your dog can join you for happy hour. To top it off, there is a beautiful spot for a killer photo opportunity which really screams “I went to Greece!”

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: There are a couple of parking lots located near the hotels which can be used by beach visitors. Both lots are only one minute away from the beaches.

Beach Type: A narrow sandy beach is available with lounge chairs. There is also a grass area set further back from the water if you don’t feel like bringing sand home.

→ 🛌 Stay at the Fiore Beach Studios in Vasilikos ←

6. “No Name” Secluded Beach

The list of Zakynthos hidden gems isn’t complete without a secluded beach that has no name. The only reason we came across this place is because of our Airbnb host. It also happened to be within walking distance from our stay but anybody can visit it. I will admit, within two minutes of the walk (more of a hike), we weren’t really sure if the path was going to lead anywhere promising. The path is steep, overgrown and doesn’t allow for a view of where you’re headed but you have to trust the process. We trekked on and finally popped out to a quiet oasis all to ourselves. If you really feel like being the only one on a beach, this is the best beach on Zakynthos for you.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: Enter the trail here. It is possible to park a car along the road but make sure you’re not in the way of traffic. There is a gate but there are no signs which prohibit one from accessing the property so just walk around the gate. Use this map below to see where you need to take a left turn on the trail to begin descending to the beach.

Beach Type: Small pebbles and comfortable enough to lay on a towel. Shallow entrance but it does get deeper quickly. Fantastic beach for snorkeling!

→ 🛌 Stay at the Ananta Blue Residence in Argasi ←

→ 🚙 Find your affordable rental car for Zakynthos and reach hidden gems easily! ←

7. Argassi

The kitschy beach town of Argassi is filled with shops selling floaties of all shapes, cheap flip flops and ice cream at ridiculous prices. At the same time, these are the exact things which make this area so suitable for a particular type of traveler. If you’re looking to stay put in one place and enjoy your holiday with little to no plans, this is the place for you. Staying in Argassi means you won’t have to go far to find things to do in Zante. This area has countless amenities, activities and restaurants at your fingertips along with a long stretch of sandy beach. There is also a neat bridge from the Venetian era to check out.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: The area is busy which means street parking can be tough and there is no big designated parking lot. Head down this street (or similar) to find parking a bit further from the crowds. There is an entrance to the beach here as well. It is also possible to park along the road anywhere across from Cebu and enjoy the beach there.

Beach Type: Fine sand in most areas with some sections of pebbles. Possibility to set up your own umbrella or rent a lounger.

→ 🛌 Stay at the Windmill Bay Hotel in Argassi ←

8. Nikos Beach Bar Restaurant

This is another beach owned by a restaurant establishment which means it’s not free to access. It takes a short walk down a dirt road to reach this beach shack from the parking lot above. You’ll find a cafe, plenty of sun chairs and a laid back vibe. There is a cost to use the sun beds which is valid for an entire day so get your money’s worth and make a trip of it!

Since it is a beach bar, food and snacks are readily available and can be delivered to your chairs. Unlike many other paid beaches in Zakynthos, there is no music blasting here which made it a convenient spot to visit with our baby. A couple of manmade entrances to the beach make it easy to get over the rocks in the water. On the never ending list of beach bars in Zakynthos, this is a solid unpretentious pick.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: Parking is available just a quick one minute walk away in this dirt lot. There aren’t a lot of parking spaces so you may need to get creative if you arrive during a peak time.

Beach Type: Fine sand is available where the loungers are but it gets rocky in the water. You’ll have to navigate a drop off from the beach area into the water or you can use the dock and climb into the water a bit more gracefully.

→ 🛌 Stay at the Deep Blue Villas in Vasilikos ←

9. Paralia Krioneri

Just north of the busy Zakynthos port and town, you’ll find a beach along the long coastline near the main road. We ended up visiting this beach multiple times and each time, we were only accompanied by the same older crowd. Given Zakynthos can be known as a “party” destination, it can be refreshing to get away from the typical crowd. We came to the conclusion this was the local go-to spot. No other English speaking tourists were in sight which is not a common thing when visiting a popular destination. Paralia Krioneri is a beach with no fuss, no restaurants, sun beds or utilities. Just an ideal and convenient place to cool off.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: The beach is located off the main road which means you’ll simply park to the side of the road. There is no dedicated parking lot nearby but a spot is easy to find.

Beach Type: Large pebbles on the beach with larger rocks you need to bypass while entering the water. Once you are waist deep, it is sandy.

→ 🛌 Stay at the Green Boat Apartment in Akrotiri ←

10. Keri Beach

One thing that’s rare to find on the beaches of Zakynthos are trees. With a baby and dog (who easily gets hot), we’re always on the lookout for partial shade so we don’t have to wrestle with an umbrella or pay for one. Keri Beach is conveniently lined with many trees right along the water. The beach is perfect for kids since the entrance to the ocean is very shallow and without waves. Two sun beds can be rented for €10 which is quite standard for the island. Keri Beach is rather popular but it’s large enough where you’ll still find a good place to sit if you arrive early enough. Near the harbor, you’ll also find many boat operators along the shore which will try to sell you boat trips or rentals.

Although close to Keri Beach, Keri Caves is only accessible by sea and one of the most visited natural attractions in Zakynthos. Deemed as a must see during your visit to the Ionian Islands, regular tourist excursions make visiting the caves a possibility.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: A big lot is conveniently located within a few steps of the beach, making it super accessible for families. At the time of our visit, parking was free.

Beach Type: Pebble beach with crystal clear water. Naturally shaded by trees along the beach.

→ 🛌 Stay at the BelMare Studios in Kerion ←

11. Porto Roxa Beach

If you’re headed to check out the neighboring Porto Limnionas, make a stop at Porto Roxa as well. Since most people flock to sandy beaches, this area seemed quiet since you’ll only find rocky beaches here. There are a handful of restaurants which offer beach services so this means you’ll need to pay in order to access the beach areas. They all provide lounge chairs and shaded sun beds for a more comfortable experience. We sat at Taverna Sunset Snack Bar and ordered a seafood snack along with some beer. It’s easier to swallow the cost of beach chairs when they’re “included” in food prices.

The water tends to be wavy here and splashes against the rocky coastline. Still, there are stairs built into the rocks which lead into the water for you brave folks. If you’re not looking to hang out for long, it is possible to access the beach at the boat launch for free. We joined some kids here in jumping off the cliff and into the bay.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: Before you’re in view of the restaurants, you’ll have the chance to park on the side of the road for free and walk ~5 minutes to your destination. If you don’t want to walk, you’ll have to park at one of the restaurants which means you’ll need to either pay for parking or purchase food/drinks.

Beach Type: No sand, no pebbles. Clifflike terrain with no “easy” access into the water.

→ 🛌 Stay at the White Rock Cave Villa in Kampion ←

12. Porto Limnionas Beach

Porto Limnionas Beach is one of the best places in Zakynthos which has unfortunately caused it to be overcrowded. It turns out that a picturesque cove with turquoise water and practically no waves is appealing to everyone! There’s no denying that it’s a popular spot and you should get here early if it’s on your itinerary. The inlet is on the smaller side which means there aren’t too many places to sit if you plan on laying out your own towel. The well rated restaurant which sits above the beach will also serve you food if you rent their sun beds.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: Although there is a decent sized parking lot at the entrance, you will still find a lot of cars parked along the street. Accessing the cove is an easy walk down a flight of stairs within the cliffside.

Beach Type: No sand, no pebbles. Laying out is possible on the many flattened concrete surfaces.

→ 🛌 Stay at the Terra Lucis Mountain Residences in Agios Leon ←

Zakynthos Viewpoints and Popular Places to Visit

Xigia Sulfur Beach

There are a couple of different sulfur beaches on the northern end of the island. Unfortunately, they are all packed to the brim with tourists which isn’t really in our interests. When arriving upon the parking area to the beach, you’ll likely see local policemen directing traffic which should tell you just how busy this place gets. However, we understand some places are still worth the crowd because they’re that marvelous and Xigia beach is a good example of that. The sulfur in the water is known to have healing and therapeutic properties which makes it a true wonder to experience first hand. 

If you don’t feel like you need to actually visit the beach, you can head here for a magnificent view and smell. It is sulfur after all!

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: There is a small parking lot at the top of the beach and near the main road. If you visit during peak season, you will be charged anywhere up to €5 by people who don’t necessarily own the lot. Beware of any fishy business! The beach entrance is about 100m down the hill from the lot.

Beach Type: Fine sand. Umbrellas available to rent!

→ ⛵️ Book affordable boat tours to visit the sea caves and sulfur beaches of Zakynthos ←

Keri / Myzithres Viewpoint

There are only a handful of times my jaw has dropped because of a view and this is one of them. The Myzithres Viewpoint is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Zante and should be on your must see list. There is no line and no crowd, just pure and untouched wonder! We initially planned on checking out a view at Keri Lighthouse Restaurant but after poking further into Google Maps, I noticed a potentially better and free view point. After running into a handful of paid attractions in Zante, it was nice to come across this natural hidden gem. Beware if you are traveling with kids as this is not the safest viewpoint by any means as there is no guardrail or rope.

Parking and Getting There: We parked here and hiked up a road for about 10-15 minutes until we reached the breathtaking spot here.

Plakaki Beach and Viewpoint

Plakaki Beach is known for some of the best snorkeling in Zakynthos. It’s a rocky coastline and a steep walk down from the main road but worth the journey. There are no amenities and one should visit prepared with water, snacks, suitable shoes and snorkel gear. It is a spot to visit that’s a bit on the extreme side and not ideal for children. After a 30-45 minute hike down, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best places to swim in Zante. At the top and near the main road, it’s also possible to walk along the cliff for additional viewpoints.

Quick Info

Parking and Getting There: There is a small parking lot at the end of a narrow and curvy (but paved) road to get here. From the parking lot, you’ll hike down a trail for about 30 minutes to get to the actual swimming area.

Beach Type: No sand, no pebbles. Rocky cove which is ideal for snorkeling.

Shipwreck Navagio Beach Viewpoint

To be clear, this is not a Zakynthos hidden gem but still a spectacular Zakynthos viewpoint. However, based on our own experience, we wouldn’t exactly recommend visiting Navagio unless you’re commited. It should also be emphasised that Zakynthos island is much more than just Navagio beach (and Banana Beach). Although it’s famously known to be the best of the beaches and viewpoints in Zakynthos, we personally didn’t find it worthwhile.

However, if you have patience and are determined to see the iconic shipwreck, definitely go for it! You can view the shipwreck beach from the cliffside here after a short hike along the ridge. The most convenient view of the shipwreck which doesn’t require walking, is strategically only seen from one terrace which is monitored.To view the site from the guarded balcony, you’ll wait in line near the main parking lot. We’ve heard of folks waiting in line for 45 minutes during peak season.

The road leading to the viewpoint is particularly enjoyable as we saw many roadside vendors selling items such as olive oil. This is a great chance for shopping if you’re looking to collect any souvenirs.

Parking: Relatively well sized free parking lot and a short two minute walk from the official balcony viewpoint and bar.

→ 🏴‍☠️ Book a guided tour to visit the iconic Shipwreck Beach ←

Venetian Aqueduct / Sea Stairs

Despite Zakynthos primarily being known for its beauty, it also has a bit of history as all of Greece does. Zante was once under Venetian rule and its influence can still be seen among many ruins on the island. We stumbled upon this ancient marvel while looking for a place to park at the beach. I did a quick search and discovered the structure was built back in the 16th century as a water supply source. If you admire historic engineering even a tiny bit, it’s quite fascinating to see as it disappears into the distance from the shore. Even if you’re not into the history lessons, this spot makes for an interesting photo since the aqueduct looks like stairs leading into he water.

Parking: Park on the side of the road here. The aqueduct is located directly near the parking area.

More to See and Do!

You can spend a month on Zakynthos and you probably still won’t be able to experience all of its fantastic beaches and viewpoints. The list goes on for the best beaches and viewpoints in Zakynthos. If you have any additional Zakynthos hidden gems, pop them in the comments for fellow readers!

• Gerakas Beach, Zakynthos Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Center + Turtle Watching Boat Tour!
• Paralia Kalamaki
• Makris Gialos Beach
• Korakonissi
• St. Nicholas Beach

→ 🐢 Book your boat excursion to Turtle Island on Zakynthos ←

Travel Resources for Visiting Zakynthos

TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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