Do you want to know more about the top things to do in Zakynthos? Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece with its crystal clear waters, lush nature, beautiful sunsets and cozy villages.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for nightlife or a relaxed vacation in the sun, Zakynthos is an island that’s loved by all kinds of travelers. Here are my best recommendations of things to do in Zakynthos as a tourist:
Explore Keri Caves
Keri Caves is a must to visit for those who like to snorkel in turquoise and crystal clear waters. Here there are plenty of natural caves where you can snorkel and explore.
To get to this beautiful place you have to book at boat tour, which there’s plenty to choose from in the cities and villages in Zakynthos. My best tips is to compare the different companies to see which tour is the best for you and offers the best price.
You can also rent your own boat if you have experience.
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Visit the famous Navagio Beach
Navagio Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. It’s also known under the names “Shipwreck Beach” and “Smugglers Cove”, and is located close to the picturesque village of Volimes.
The beach is known for its crystal clear waters, white soft pebble beach, and high cliffs that surrounds the beach.
If you appreciate a good view then I can highly recommend to visit the top of the cliffs which offers a great view of the beach, the ocean, and big parts of the island.
This is no doubt the best attraction in Zakynthos. It’s such a majestic and magical place.
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Visit Marathonissi to see wild sea turtles
One of the most popular things to do in Zakynthos is to visit the island Marathonissi. This island is located in the middle of Laganas Bay and is known to be home to the beautiful loggerhead sea turtle.
One thing that’s cool about this island is that it’s also shaped like a turtle when seeing it from the beach in Laganas. Make sure to visit this island to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
NOTE: There’s no facilities or amenities on the island that can disturb the turtles, and therefore it’s recommended to bring your own food and drinks. Just make sure to not leave anything behind that will harm the sea turtles.
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Visit the monastery Panagia Skopiotissa
On the southeast part of the island you’ll find the Panagia Skopiotissa monastery. It’s a monastery from the 15th century where you can enjoy beautiful environments and learn about its interesting history.
In this holy place you can see some beautiful fresco paintings.
Tips: You can hike up to the monastery from Kalamaki, which offers some beautiful views along the way.
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Spend a day in Laganas
Laganas is known for being the party town in Zakynthos and here you’ll find a bar street with several pubs, bars and night clubs that are open all night long. If you’re a real party person, then you’re going to love spending the nights in Laganas.
However, even though it’s known to be a party destination, it’s still popular among those who prefers a more relaxed vacation. During the days you can relax at the beach where they have both sunbeds and umbrellas. There are also all different kinds of amenities, water sports, and various boat trips that you can book.
I can recommend rening a paddle boat when visiting Laganas Beach to go out and see the sea turtles. They are curious and sometimes they come up next to the boat to say hello.
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Explore Zakynthos Town
When it comes to things to do in Zakynthos, you simply must visit Zakynthos Town. It’s the capital on the island, and was built up after several of its buildings got destroyed by the big earthquake in 1953.
Today it’s built up in a traditional Venetian style and here you can get lost in beautiful cobbled stone streets and stroll along the lovely fishing harbor. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon in Zakynthos.
When visiting this town you also have stop by the beautiful church Aghios Dionysios where Zakynthos famous patron saints are buried.
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Go swimming at Porto Limnionas Beach
Porto Limnionas Beach is the hidden gem of Zakynthos. It’s located in an abandoned fishing harbor along the coast and here you can go snorkeling, swimming, jumping from cliffs into the crystal clear waters, and explore sea caves.
Sunbeds are available for a fee, and there’s also a cosy restaurant where you can enjoy some drinks and food with a view of the ocean.
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Enjoy the sunset from Kampi
On the west side of the island you’ll find the cosy and charming village of Kampi. Here you can enjoy some beautiful sunsets from the top of the hill that stretches 300 meters above the sea.
On the way up to the hill you can make a stop at the Shiza Cross, which is a memorial site for the people who died during the Greek Civil War.
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Visit Kalamaki
Kalamaki is located next to Zakynthos Town and is one of the nicest areas on the island. On the main street in this town you’ll find plenty of bars, restaurants and hotels.
In addition to this there’s also a nice beach which is known for being a place where the sea turtles lay their eggs. It’s also a nice beach for those who likes to go swimming and tanning.
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Go see wild sea turtles
When you’re in Zakynthos, is a big chance that you’ll get to see a wild sea turtle. You can just go out snorkling close to the beach or go out with a paddle boat and spot these beautiful creatures.
If you join a sea turtle excursion, there’s an even bigger chance to see some turtles. One of the most popular tours is called ”Mario’s Cave and Turtle Boat Trips” and also includes stops by sea caves and other beautiful places around the island.
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Stop by the monastery Anafonitria
Close to the beach Navagio you’ll find this beautiful monastery from the Byzantine period. The monastery dates back to the 15th century and survived the big earthquake in 1953.
Anafonitria is known for being picturesque with beautiful decorations and details. The monastery is also famous for being the place where the patron saint Dionysios lived at the end of his life during the 16th century.
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Explore Blue Caves
Blue Caves is one of the attractions that you simply have to add to your bucket list of things to do in Zakynthos.
This place is located just outside Cape Skinari on the north side of the island and is surrounded by crystal clear waters. It’s recommended to go here by boat so you can explore the sea caves to the fullest, and also go swimming and snorkeling.
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Things to do in Zakynthos with kids
For those who travel with kids I can tell you that there are plenty of things to do in Zakynthos with your children. There are several nice beaches, waterparks, various water sports, and lots of fun boat trips.
- Go to Tsilivi Waterpark
- Try different kinds of water sports
- Have fun at Water Village
- Visit an olive oil factory
- Go on a boat trip to see wild sea turtles
- Rent a paddle boat with a waterslide
- Go snorkeling and swimming at Blue Caves
- Walk over the bridge to Agios Sostis
What are your favorite things to do in Zakynthos? Leave a comment below!
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