BEACHES

Marathonisi – Turtle Island

Marathonisi lies in Laganas Bay and is one of the most recognisable small islands around Zakynthos. Its shape is often compared to a turtle, but its real significance comes from the Caretta caretta turtles that use the surrounding protected marine environment. A boat excursion from Keri or the wider Laganas Bay area can combine Marathonisi with swimming and turtle observation. However, this is not a wildlife attraction in the conventional sense. The turtles are protected animals and should be observed responsibly, without chasing, surrounding or touching them. For Yamas guests, we recommend choosing operators who respect the regulations of the National Marine Park rather than boats promising unrealistically close encounters.

Keri and the Keri Caves

The southwest of Zakynthos offers some of the island’s most beautiful scenery. Keri Lake is a small seaside settlement with tavernas and a relaxed waterfront, and it is an excellent starting point for private boat excursions. From here, explore the Keri Caves, secluded swimming spots and the waters around Marathonisi. Above the coast, Keri village offers an entirely different atmosphere. The surrounding cliffs provide some of the finest sunset views on the island.

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The Myzithres Rocks

One of the most dramatic views in Zakynthos is found near Keri. The two enormous white Myzithres rock formations rise from intensely blue water beneath towering cliffs. The contrast between white limestone and the Ionian Sea is spectacular. The viewpoint above Myzithres is especially impressive around sunset. For an even better experience, see the formations from the water during a private boat trip from Keri. Swimming beneath these cliffs, when conditions and access regulations permit, is one of the most memorable experiences Zakynthos can offer.

Porto Limnionas

Porto Limnionas is not a conventional sandy beach. It is a natural inlet carved into the rocky western coastline, with exceptionally clear emerald and turquoise water. Visitors swim from the rocks into deep water, making it ideal for confident swimmers and snorkelling. The landscape is dramatic and completely different from the sandy beaches of southern Zakynthos. Come early during July and August, as the area becomes busy. A long swim followed by lunch overlooking the cove is one of our favourite ways to experience western Zakynthos.

Porto Roxa

Close to Porto Limnionas, Porto Roxa offers another beautiful rocky swimming experience. There are platforms and access points into deep, clear water and the atmosphere is usually relaxed. Combining Porto Limnionas and Porto Roxa creates an excellent introduction to the wild western side of the island.

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Xigia Beach

Xigia is one of Zakynthos’ most unusual beaches. Natural sulphur springs flow into the sea here, giving the water a distinctive mineral quality and occasionally a noticeable sulphur aroma. The small cove is surrounded by cliffs and the water is beautifully clear. Arrive early because the beach is small and becomes busy quickly during summer.

Gerakas Beach

Gerakas is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in southern Zakynthos and one of the most important nesting beaches for Caretta caretta turtles. Its long curve of sand, clear shallow water and natural surroundings make it particularly attractive to families. Because it is part of a protected nesting environment, some sections may be restricted and access is controlled. Respecting the marked nesting areas is essential.

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Dafni Beach

Dafni is another beautiful beach within the protected marine environment.

It feels more natural and secluded than many of the island’s organised beaches and is surrounded by green hills.

Access can be slower than to the larger resort beaches, but that is part of its appeal.

It is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a quieter beach day.

Banana Beach

For travellers looking for facilities, beach service and water sports rather than complete seclusion, Banana Beach is one of the island’s best options.

The long sandy beach is located on the Vasilikos peninsula and offers organised areas, restaurants and water activities.

It works particularly well for families and groups in which some guests want to relax while others prefer to be active.

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Agios Nikolaos Beach – Vasilikos

Do not confuse this Agios Nikolaos with the harbour of the same name in northern Zakynthos. Agios Nikolaos Beach in Vasilikos is a lively organised beach with clear water, beach facilities and water sports. It is a good choice for younger travellers and families looking for activity and comfort.

Makris Gialos

On the northeastern coast, Makris Gialos combines transparent water with rocky scenery and excellent snorkelling. The beach is smaller and less developed than the major southern beaches and works well as part of a day exploring northern Zakynthos.

Korakonisi

For adventurous swimmers, Korakonisi is one of the island’s most interesting natural locations. It is known for extraordinarily clear water, dramatic rock formations and excellent snorkelling. This is not a conventional beach-club experience. Bring suitable footwear and expect a more natural setting. For strong swimmers and active Yamas guests, it is well worth discovering.

Food in Zakynthos

Zakynthian cuisine deserves much more attention than it usually receives. The island’s fertile landscape produces olive oil, honey, vegetables, fruit, cheese and wine, while the surrounding Ionian Sea provides excellent fish.

Look for local cheeses such as ladotyri, a robust cheese traditionally preserved in olive oil, as well as myzithra and local graviera.

Rabbit, rooster, lamb and slow-cooked meat dishes are common in traditional tavernas.

Local cooking often uses garlic generously, particularly in traditional dishes such as skordostoumbi melitzana – aubergine prepared with a powerful garlic sauce.

Sartsa is another Zakynthian speciality, typically involving beef or veal cooked with tomatoes, garlic and local cheese.

At the coast, keep things simple: fresh fish, grilled octopus, vegetables, local olive oil and chilled Zakynthian wine.

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Where to Eat

Zakynthos offers everything from simple family tavernas to sophisticated restaurants and beach dining.

For the most authentic experience, do not restrict yourself to the major resorts.

Zakynthos Town is excellent for contemporary dining and evening drinks.

The mountain villages are ideal for traditional meat dishes and long lunches.

Keri and the coastal villages are strong choices for seafood.

The Vasilikos peninsula offers several attractive beachside restaurants that work particularly well for relaxed summer lunches.

Around Kampi and Keri, choose a restaurant with a western-facing terrace for dinner at sunset.

Our Yamas rule is simple: if you are ordering fish, ask what arrived fresh that day rather than automatically ordering from the printed menu.

Wine in Zakynthos

Wine is one of the island’s best-kept secrets.

Zakynthos has thousands of acres of vineyards and a long winemaking history influenced partly by Venetian rule.

One of the island’s most distinctive wine traditions is Verdea, historically produced from a blend of local white grape varieties.

Avgoustiatis is one of the red varieties strongly associated with Zakynthos, while other Ionian and indigenous grapes are also cultivated.

Several wineries are located within easy driving distance of Zakynthos Town and offer tastings and introductions to local production.

A winery visit is an excellent activity for couples or groups looking for something beyond beaches and boats.

For Yamas guests, we recommend arranging a proper tasting rather than simply stopping to buy bottles. Meeting the producers and understanding the island’s grape varieties adds a completely different dimension to the experience.

Zakynthos by Boat

If there is one experience we strongly recommend in Zakynthos, it is a private boat day. The island looks completely different from the sea. Depending on where your villa is located, there are two particularly rewarding areas to explore.

From the north, concentrate on Cape Skinari, the Blue Caves and the dramatic northwest coastline around Navagio.

From Keri in the south, explore Marathonisi, the Keri Caves, Myzithres and the secluded bays of the southwest.

For guests staying several days, we would actually recommend doing both rather than trying to cover the entire island on one rushed boat trip.

Choose a comfortable motorboat or yacht with an experienced local skipper, towels, drinks and snorkelling equipment. A private skipper is particularly valuable because the best swimming locations change according to wind and sea conditions.

Villages Worth Discovering

The interior of Zakynthos is where you begin to understand the island beyond tourism.

Kiliomenos is known for traditional stone architecture and its distinctive bell tower.

Loucha is a small village with stone houses and narrow streets surrounded by greenery.

Kampi is famous for its western views and extraordinary sunsets.

Ano Gerakari offers panoramic views across the island.

Volimes in northern Zakynthos is known for local products, handicrafts, honey and traditional goods and is worth combining with a northern coastal excursion.

These villages are not about major attractions. Their appeal lies in slowing down, stopping for coffee or lunch and seeing a more authentic side of island life.