Zakynthos Greece
3
Day Itinerary •
Greece
Three days in Zakynthos reveals one of the most extraordinary islands in the Ionian Sea, its remarkable Navagio Shipwreck Beach, the most photographed beach in Greece and one of the most iconic in the world, combined with the extraordinary sea caves of the Blue Caves, the remarkable Venetian old town of Zakynthos and the extraordinary loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches of the south. This route covers the essential Zakynthos experience: the extraordinary Navagio Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves boat trip, the remarkable Zakynthos Old Town with its Venetian heritage, the extraordinary sea turtle nesting beaches of Laganas and Sekania, and the finest beaches from Porto Zoro to the hidden coves of the northeast coast.
Best Time To Visit
May to June or September to October
Getting There
Fly into Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) or ferry from Kyllini (1 hour)
Getting Around
Car or scooter essential. Navagio requires boat trip from north.
Budget Per Day
Approx 80 to 150 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy, boat trips and driving
DAY 1
ZAKYNTHOS TOWN
MORNING
ZAKYNTHOS OLD TOWN AND SOLOMOS SQUARE
Zakynthos Town was entirely rebuilt after the catastrophic 1953 earthquake in the original Venetian style, its remarkable arcaded streets, neoclassical churches and the extraordinary Solomos Square giving the finest reconstructed Venetian townscape in the Ionian islands. The remarkable Byzantine Museum on the square contains the finest collection of Byzantine icons and post-Byzantine art saved from the 1953 earthquake. Museum entry approx 4 euros. Drive: 15 min drive
MIDDAY
BOCHALI CASTLE AND VENETIAN FORTRESS
The Bochali Castle above Zakynthos Town is the most extraordinary viewpoint on the island, its remarkable Venetian fortifications giving the finest panoramic view over the town, the harbour and the extraordinary Peloponnese coast across the Ionian Strait. The extraordinary church of Agios Georgios inside the castle walls is the finest Venetian ecclesiastical building remaining on Zakynthos. Entry free. Drive: Walk down to town
AFTERNOON
THE CHURCH OF AGIOS DIONYSIOS
The Church of Agios Dionysios is the most extraordinary ecclesiastical building in Zakynthos, its remarkable 19th-century basilica containing the silver casket with the relics of St Dionysios, the patron saint of the island, and the finest collection of religious silver in the Ionian islands. The extraordinary bell tower beside the church gives the finest view over the Zakynthos harbour. Entry free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary village of Bochali above Zakynthos Town contains the finest hidden viewpoint on the island, its remarkable traditional kafeneion on the village square giving the most authentic local experience in Zakynthos with extraordinary views over the town and the Peloponnese. Almost entirely unknown to tourists. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe on Solomos Square Outstanding Greek coffee on the finest square in the Ionian islands with views over the reconstructed Venetian town. | Lunch: Taverna in Zakynthos old town Outstanding Zakynthian lunch with local skordostoumbi, mandolato and excellent Ionian white wine. | Dinner: Restaurant on the Zakynthos waterfront Outstanding fresh seafood dinner on the extraordinary Ionian Sea waterfront.
DAY 2
NAVAGIO AND BLUE CAVES
MORNING
NAVAGIO SHIPWRECK BEACH
Navagio is the most photographed beach in Greece, its extraordinary white limestone cliffs enclosing a perfectly sheltered cove of vivid turquoise water with the rusting wreck of the MV Panagiotis at the centre giving the most iconic beach landscape in the Mediterranean. Accessible only by boat from Porto Vromi or Agios Nikolaos. Boat trip approx 15 euros return. Drive: Continue by boat
MIDDAY
THE BLUE CAVES OF CAPE SKINARI
The Blue Caves of Cape Skinari on the northern tip of Zakynthos are the most extraordinary sea caves in the Ionian islands, their remarkable arch-roofed caverns reflecting the extraordinary blue Ionian water in shades of turquoise and cobalt that give the caves their name. Small boats enter the caves for an extraordinary swimming experience. Boat trip approx 10 euros. Drive: Drive south
AFTERNOON
ANAFONITRIA MONASTERY AND VILLAGE
Anafonitria is the most extraordinary medieval village on Zakynthos, its remarkable 15th-century monastery where St Dionysios lived as a monk giving the finest Byzantine heritage on the island. The extraordinary tower of the monastery and the remarkable frescoes in the church give the finest medieval atmosphere in Zakynthos. The traditional village around the monastery is the finest in the interior. Entry free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary viewpoint above Navagio Beach at the top of the limestone cliffs is the finest cliff-top view in the Ionian islands, accessible by road to a car park and a short walk to the fenced viewing platform 200 metres above the extraordinary turquoise bay. Free. The view is equally extraordinary at sunrise before any other tourists arrive.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early breakfast before boat trip Early start for the Navagio boat. The beach is extraordinary before 11am when the tour boats arrive. | Lunch: Fish taverna near Porto Vromi Outstanding fresh Ionian fish lunch near the Navagio boat departure point. | Dinner: Restaurant in Zakynthos Town Outstanding Zakynthian dinner back in the old town after the extraordinary north coast day.
DAY 3
SOUTH COAST
MORNING
LAGANAS SEA TURTLE NESTING BEACHES
The Laganas Bay is the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting site in the Mediterranean, its remarkable protected beaches from June to August hosting hundreds of Caretta caretta nests. The extraordinary turtle watching boat trips from Laganas give the finest wildlife experience in the Ionian islands. The remarkable National Marine Park of Zakynthos protects the entire bay. Boat trips approx 15 euros. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
PORTO ZORO BEACH
Porto Zoro is the most extraordinary beach on the southeast coast of Zakynthos, its remarkable sheltered cove of vivid turquoise water and white pebbles flanked by extraordinary limestone cliffs giving the finest natural beach setting on the island outside the north coast. The remarkable snorkelling around the limestone rocks gives the finest underwater experience in this part of Zakynthos. Free beach. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
GERAKAS BEACH AND CAPE GERAKAS
Gerakas is the finest beach on Zakynthos, its remarkable golden sand and extraordinary turquoise water at the southern tip of the island giving the best natural beach experience in the Ionian Sea. The beach is also a loggerhead sea turtle nesting site and is protected by the Marine Park. The extraordinary rocky headland of Cape Gerakas gives the finest view over the open Ionian Sea. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The Sekania beach within the Laganas Marine Park is the most important loggerhead turtle nesting beach in the entire Mediterranean, completely closed to protect the nests. The ARCHELON turtle rescue centre in Laganas accepts volunteers and gives the finest insight into sea turtle conservation in Europe. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast before south coast drive Early start for the turtle boat trip. The Laganas boats depart from 8am in summer. | Lunch: Taverna near Porto Zoro Outstanding fresh fish lunch near the finest beach on the southeast coast of Zakynthos. | Dinner: Farewell dinner in Zakynthos Town Outstanding final dinner in the extraordinary Venetian old town. Local mandolato nougat for dessert.
DAY 4
MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
💎 HIDDEN GEM
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
DAY 5
MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
💎 HIDDEN GEM
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Where To Stay
Zakynthos Town, Nights 1 to 2 Best base for the whole island. Hotels from 60 to 150 euros. Walking distance from the old town and waterfront. Tsilivi or Planos, alternative Quieter resort area north of the town. Hotels from 50 to 120 euros. 10 minutes by car to Zakynthos Town. Budget option Guesthouses in Zakynthos Town from 35 euros. The reconstructed old town is compact and walkable.
Top Tips
1. The Navagio viewpoint above the beach is free and gives the most extraordinary view in Greece. Arrive at sunrise for an empty clifftop experience.
2. Navagio boat trips: go early morning before 11am. The beach fills completely with boats by midday. The Porto Vromi boats are less crowded than Agios Nikolaos.
3. Turtle watching in Laganas: the ARCHELON charity runs ethical boat trips that maintain a respectful distance from nesting turtles. Book with them.
4. Zakynthos Town is best in the evening when the cruise day-trippers have left. The waterfront at sunset with the Peloponnese across the water is extraordinary.
5. The Blue Caves are most extraordinary when the sun is high (10am to 2pm) and the refracted light creates the most vivid blue inside the caverns.
6. Zakynthian cuisine: order sofrito (garlic veal), skordostoumbi (garlic sausage), and local mandolato nougat made with Zakynthos honey and almonds.
Total Budget
80 to 150 euros/day