Nature – Climate – Beaches

Zakynthos is the third largest island of the Ionian Sea, after Kefalonia and Corfu. It is 406 sq. kilometres in extent, with a coastline of 123 kilometres. The island’s shape resembles an uneven triangle, the base of which is formed by the bay of Laganas, while the cape of Schinari at the north of the island forms its peak. It is the southernmost island of the largest islands in the Ionian Sea, located at the NW of the Peloponnese, and is washed by the Ionian Sea. The climate in Zakynthos is much more agreeable than in other Ionian islands. The island’s average temperature is 11, 5º C in wintertime and 27º C in the summer. It rarely snows on the island.

The island’s agricultural production is gathered on its east side, while the west coasts are rough and steep, with many bays and rocky beaches. Zakynthos was always renowned for its luxuriant vegetation. Homer himself named it “iliessa” («õëÞåóóá»), which means forested. Coniferous trees, wild plants, vines, and olive trees grow on the island. During the summer, especially in August, the celebrated sea lily blooms in Zakynthos. Its scent is magnificent, and this may explain the reason why the island was named Fioro of Levante (Flower of the East). The island’s fauna is also very rich, since the well-known caretta- caretta turtle comes here to reproduce and hatch its eggs in the sandy beaches of Laganas’ bay, of Gerakas and other beaches. 

The island’s beaches are well-known for their crystal clear, shallow waters, while their coasts are mostly sandy. There are many wonderful beaches on the island of Zakynthos which attract many tourists.

The beaches near Vasiliko are famous for their crystal waters and their golden sands. Vasiliko is situated approximately 15 kilometres from the island’s capital, which the locals call Chora. Shortly before Vasiliko, at Ksirokastelo, there is a road leading to Sekania and Dafni, two wonderful beaches, still untouched by growing tourism. At Vasiliko, a visitor is offered a variety of choices in order to select the beach of his liking. Many of these beaches are: Porto Zoro, Mavrantzi, Bananes, Porto Roma, Agios Nicolas and Gerakas (many consider this to be the most beautiful beach on the entire island) – which is the main reproduction area of the caretta- caretta turtle.

Only two kilometres from Chora, turning right towards Kalamaki, one of the largest resorts on the island, one can reach the bay of Laganas, with an impressive 9 kilometre long sandy beach, sand dunes, fine sand and shallow water. Laganas’ beach as well as the nearby beaches at Kalamaki and Agios Sostis attract thousands of tourists during the summer. We move on towards the beaches Arkadianos, Porto Koukla, Tartarouga and Limni Keriou, at the base of cape Marathias.

Lovers of savage beauty will find magnificent beaches for swimming on the west side of the island. At the village of Agios Leon, one will find the rocky voes of Limnionas and Roxa, after walking through an impressive wild landscape. The waters there are deep and cool, and the natural beauty of the scenery is majestic. By taking a little boat from Porto Vromi, one will reach the beach of “Navagio” (Shipwreck). This beach is literally the ornament of the island, and is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

In the town of Zakynthos, one can visit the organised beach of the EOT (National Organism of Tourism). Starting from the town, after passing Akrotiri, one will find Tsilivi and its beautiful sandy beach, after approximately 5 kilometres. The beaches of Aboula, Ammoudi and Alykes (named after the “alykes” – salt marshes in the area) are situated on the costal route towards the northern part of the island.

On the road to Orthonies, one will find Ksigia, and 2 kilometres later, Makrys Gialos, a wonderful pebbled beach with deep waters. At the end of this route, after taking a short ship ride, one will find the well-known Galazia Spilea (Blue Caves).