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Things to do in Zakynthos

A quintessential Greek island — home to breathtaking beaches, turquoise waters, and even a turtle or two.

Our most recommended things to do in Zakynthos

Navagio Beach: Day Tour of Shipwreck Beach & the Blue Caves

1. Navagio Beach: Day Tour of Shipwreck Beach & the Blue Caves

Experience Navagio Beach by glass-bottom speedboat and taste products at a local market on a full-day guided tour from Zakynthos. Swim at one of the Blue Caves and take the scenic route to the famous windmills of the Skinari Cape. Start your Zakynthos tour with a pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned minibus. Drive north to Xingia and stop for breathtaking coastal views and photo opportunities. When you reach the northern tip of the island, you’ll be greeted by the famous windmills. From their high vantage point, look down on the Blue Caves below. Then, discover the Blue Caves from the inside on a small tour boat and pass underneath their arches. Take the chance to swim in the vibrant blue waters. Further along the coast, board a speed boat at Navagio’s Shipwreck Cove and gaze down into the sea through the boat’s glass bottom. Swim in turquoise waters for a leisurely hour. Be inspired by the breathtaking view of the world-famous shipwreck beach from above. Visit a market with local traditional products such as wine, olive oil, raki, nuts, fruits, honey, local cheese, and preserves. Try free samples and buy treats to take home. If you’re hungry, indulge in Greek food at Michalis, a traditional local taverna at Kampi (not included). At the end of your island day trip, the driver will take you back to your hotel.

Zakynthos: Half-Day Tour to Turtle Island and Keri Caves

2. Zakynthos: Half-Day Tour to Turtle Island and Keri Caves

Spend the day at sea on this multi-stop boat tour in Zakynthos. Visit Kalamaki Beach, Laganas, Turtle Island (Marathonisi), and a local olive oil press. Meet the resident turtles, swim near the Keri Caves, and taste olive oil samples.  After hotel pickup, start discovering the highlights of the southern region of Zakynthos. The first stop will be at Kalamaki Beach to learn about the turtle nests in the area. Next, embark on a 3-hour cruise on a glass bottom boat around the beach of Laganas. Stop at the nearby island of Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island. Admire its beautiful caves and white sand beaches, and keep an eye out for the Caretta turtles who inhabit the surrounding waters. Continue sailing to the Keri Caves, located on the southern coast of Zakynthos. Make a stop for swimming before returning to the port and traveling to the Aristeon Olive Oil Press.  At the press, learn about the long history of olive oil production on the island and taste some samples before returning to your hotel.

From Porto Vromi: Navagio Shipwreck Beach Excursion by Boat

3. From Porto Vromi: Navagio Shipwreck Beach Excursion by Boat

Discover the Navagio Shipwreck on a cruise from Porto Vromi in Zakynthos. Go for a swim in the crystal clear water, marvel at an iconic shipwreck from 1980, and relax in the sun at Shipwreck Beach. Set sail from Porto Vromi Maries toward Navagio Beach, a magical-looking cove with clear blue waters famous for its 1980 shipwreck. Depart from Zakynthos and admire panoramic ocean views as you navigate. Come up close to the boat for amazing pictures and take a break to swim. Take a short 15-minute cruise from Porto Vromi Maries. Soak up the Mediterranean sun at Navagio Beach, only accessible by sea. Also known as 'Shipwreck Beach' discover the site of the MV Panagiotis wreck, which ran aground and washed up on the sand in 1980. Return towards Porto Vromi Maries and stop for a swim at the blue caves, the hidden beach of Sfogio, or the paradisiac beach of Porto Steniti. See the natural formations of the Neptune Profile cave before getting dropped off back at the port.

Zakynthos: Marathonisi and Cameo Islands & Keri Caves Tour

4. Zakynthos: Marathonisi and Cameo Islands & Keri Caves Tour

After a convenient pickup from your hotel, head to Kalamaki beach on Zante's southern shores. Enjoy the pristine beach with soft sand and warm waters, protected by National Marine Park. See where the endangered loggerhead sea turtles nest. Next, head to Laganas beach to board the glass-bottom boat. Sail to the Keri Caves, carved by time, tides, and wind. Follow the coastline, admiring the white beaches, rock arches, forested hills, and enormous limestone cliffs that fall into the sea. Pass through the famous rock arch, Kamara.  Stop for a 20-minute swim just outside the entrance to a vast cave. Climb back on board to head to Marathonisi Island, an exotic, green, and coincidentally turtle-shaped island. Enjoy an hour on the golden sandy beach where you can swim and snorkel. Head back and pass the famous Cameo island bridge. Enjoy the idyllic views of secluded beaches surrounded by steep white limestone. Enjoy a final stop at the award-winning Aristeon ecological olive oil press museum in Lithakia. Explore the history of olive oil making on the island with experts.  Enjoy free tasters of local olives and traditional bread with different flavored extra virgin olive oils (most likely lemon, orange, and garlic). Take a sample of olive oil shampoo, soap, body cream, or face cream. You can also buy these products to support local businesses.

Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise on a Glass-Bottom Boat

5. Zakynthos: Turtle Spotting Cruise on a Glass-Bottom Boat

After being picked up from your accommodation, set off to begin your 3-hour eco-friendly turtle spotting cruise. Climb aboard a special glass-bottomed boat and embark on your journey through the National Marine Park surrounding the island.  Make a photo stop at the famous Cameo Islet, which was created by the 1633 earthquake. Take unique photos (guaranteed sightings) of the turtles from up close, and take the opportunity to swim amongst them in their natural habitat.  After this, explore the enchanting Keri Caves, and pass underneath the “Kamares”, before enjoying another swimming opportunity in the clear waters. Finally, arrive at the turtle-shaped island of Marathonisi. Swim and have fun at the Golden Nesting Beach which is home to the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta Caretta. You will also have the chance to admire the stunning caves.

Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach, Viewpoint, Blue Caves Day Tour

6. Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach, Viewpoint, Blue Caves Day Tour

Visit all the must-see spots in Zakynthos. Visit Shipwreck Beach, the Blue Caves, impressive viewpoints, and more. Begin with a stop at Bohali hill, the oldest neighborhood in Zakynthos town. Then head to Xigia beach where the springs provide a natural spa. From Agios Nikolaos port, take the boat to the shipwreck and blue caves. Check out Shipwreck Beach and swim around the Blue Caves. After returning to Agios Nikolaos port, enjoy a 1-hour photo stop at the shipwreck viewpoint before ending at a traditional olive oil factory for olive oil tasting.

From St.Nikolaos: Boat Cruise to Navagio Beach & Blue Caves

7. From St.Nikolaos: Boat Cruise to Navagio Beach & Blue Caves

Combine mysterious shipwrecks and crystal-clear waters on this cruise trip from St. Nikolaos. Explore the white sands, marble cliffs, and the remains of a shipwreck at Navagio Beach. Visit the region’s blue caves in a glass-bottomed boat, and make a swim stop. Choose from a shared or private cruise. Meet your captain "Takis Karidis" at noon at the port of St. Nikolaos on the northeastern side of Zakynthos island. After a short meet and greet with your skipper, set off into the horizon aboard your boat for a day full of adventure.  Set sail to your first stop of the day, Navagio beach. While approaching the shipwreck beach, hear the true story of the abandoned boat from the captain. Hop off the boat and get on the beach for an hour of free time. Get back on board at your captain's call to continue to your next destination. Next, head to the Blue Caves on a glass-bottom boat. See the deep blue water and observe fish, corals, and marine life underneath you. If you wish, you can ask your skipper for a life vest and swim in the crystal clear waters. End your day back at the dock in St. Nikolaos. 

Zakynthos Early Morning Shipwreck, View point and Blue Caves

8. Zakynthos Early Morning Shipwreck, View point and Blue Caves

Begin your experience with a pick-up from your accommodation. On the way to take the boat, you will enjoy the views of the olive groves, vineyards, the diversity of the landscape, the traditional village houses, the old churches, and the stunning panoramic views of the turquoise sea waters until we arrive in Porto Vromi. From this small port, we will get on board a small to medium size boat, which allows us to enter inside the caves. It will take about 20 minutes to sail along the west coast, and reach to Navagio Beach that is our first stop. Now that you are one of the first tourists to land so early at one of the most famous beaches on the planet, grab your camera and get ready to snap the best pictures with the most amazing background of the rusty hull of the commercial shipwreck, named, M/V Panagiotis, which grounded onshore in 1980 and lies in the middle of the white sandy beach. The next stop is the blue caves that took their name from the sapphire color cast by the sunlight shimmering through the water and being reflected into the caves. For about 20 minutes, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Another stop will be a secluded, and originally pebbled beach which is a characteristic sample of the natural beauty of Zakynthos, for swimming or sun tuning. Simply, another hidden gem. We continue our 3 hours boat trip, exploring more caves, each one more unique than the other. However, the last one is the magnificent Poseidon cave. Next to it, there is a natural rock formation in which you can easily spot the stunning face of Poseidon, the god of the sea, storms, earthquakes, and horses. Back to the minivan to visit the Shipwreck View Point. From the platform, you will be able to see and photograph what is considered one of the 30 most beautiful beaches all over the world. For safety reasons, you will follow the guide walking about 10 min along a stony path leading out to the cliff top to a high promontory facing the sea, where he will help you capture the best photos of the iconic shipwreck in the background. Full of pictures it is time for lunch (own expenses) at a Greek, Zakynthian family-run taverna, named Galaxy, a neat location at Anafonitria. Yiayia (grandmother in Greek ) Dimitra is the boss of the kitchen, with her delicious home-cooked traditional dishes with fresh homegrown vegetables and homemade wine and desserts, while the rest of the family would treat you like a family member or a friend. Simply authentic taverna in a mountain village, very nice atmosphere, good menu, sensible prices, very generous dishes. Last stop will be the famous 2,000 years old olive tree at Exo Chora. It is one of the seven oldest olive trees in the Mediterranean, and probably one of the oldest olive trees in the world. Some local treats and we are ready to drop you off to your accommodations.

Zakynthos: Romantic Guided Sunset Tour to Agalas Viewpoint

9. Zakynthos: Romantic Guided Sunset Tour to Agalas Viewpoint

Embark on a Zakynthos sunset tour experience. Make sure to carry your camera as your guide will capture fabulous photos of you and the magnificent views on the tour. After pickup, get a map of the adventure awaiting you. Explore Cameo Island, Keri Mizithres viewpoint, Agalas, and Damiano's cave. Make your way to the charming paradise of Cameo Island. Walk across a 100-meter wooden-rope bridge that connects the island with the mainland, enjoying views of the crystal-clear seawaters. Spot sea urchins and fish. If you are lucky, you can see the loggerhead Caretta swimming under the bridge. Continue to the Keri Mizithres viewpoint. See 2 imposing white rocks in the waters of the southwestern coast. Find yourself surrounded by huge cliffs. Capture the view with the help of your guide. Learn about the world’s largest Greek flag and a copy of an ancient Greek sculpture at this site. Move onward to Agalas, nestled among pine trees and olive groves. Witness its colored buildings and the large bell tower of the village's church. Navigate the rocky 150-meter path to Damiano's cave. This 2-story structure is filled with awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy the view of the lush hills and the sea from the cave. On the opposite side of the cave, see the 12 wells of Agalas village. Hear the local legend of Andronios, the 300-meter-tall dragon who is said to have made the wells. Make a stop near Damiano's cave at one of the stone-built rest areas to enjoy the glorious sunset. Soak in the stunning surroundings and romantic atmosphere from this location.

From Kefalonia: Zakynthos Boat Trip with Navagio Swim Stop

10. From Kefalonia: Zakynthos Boat Trip with Navagio Swim Stop

Start your full-day boat trip from Kefalonia and visit the famous island of Zakynthos. Explore the stunning coastline and enjoy the swimming stops in secluded little coves around the island.  Your day starts off at Poros Port, where the boat will head to the northern coast of Zakynthos. Experience the blue caves and take the opportunity for a swim in this beautiful blue water. Enjoy the vivid colors of the Zakynthos coastline.  The next stop is the famous Navagio shipwreck beach where you can see the semi-covered remains of a ship. Admire the impressive landscape and the crystal blue water at this amazing beach and take some great photos.  Spend lunchtime relaxing in the traditional village of Alykanas on the northern side of Zakynthos. Savor a Greek lunch and use the free time there to explore the area at your own pace. At the end of your trip, the boat will return to Poros Port.

Top sights in Zakynthos

Frequently asked questions about Zakynthos

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What people are saying about Zakynthos

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 3,954 reviews

This was a fantastic experience! We visited the Shipwreck and went swimming in the sea then our guide took us to use stunning blue caves! We swam in 1 Cave and were able to get off the boat in another Cave to look right inside. I'd recommend this trip to anyone who loves an adventure

Absolute must do!!! Best day so far, this place is gorgeous and the small tour really gives you more information with our tour guide. To see shipwreck beach from inside was just incredible. Definitely recommend.

Great trip, tour guide was very accommodating and saw some beautiful places! Would’ve been nice to see a few more turtles (we saw 3) but it was off season so still great to see and visit the other places.

We had a very nice day. Shortened due to a plane to catch which is a shame but our guide was able to show us everything in due time. Great

Alright ! Unfortunately we didn't have time to see everything that was indicated in the program but the sunset is worth it