Zakynthos — Holiday Guide: Navagio, Sea Turtles and Beaches

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is one of Greece's most dramatic islands — the "flower of the Levant," as the Venetians once called it. Located in the Ionian Sea, this island hides one of the world's most-photographed beaches, nests endangered sea turtles and offers spectacular blue caves. From the direction of Belgrade, Zakynthos is reachable by car to the ferry port of Killini on the Peloponnese, then just one hour by boat. The summer season runs May–October, with July and August at their peak — the turquoise Ionian Sea reaches 26°C.

Why Zakynthos?

• Navagio Beach — one of the world's most photographed beaches, accessible only by boat, with a shipwreck resting on snow-white sand beneath towering limestone cliffs
• Caretta caretta turtles — Zakynthos is home to the largest nesting colony of endangered loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean; Laganas and Gerakas beaches are protected nesting zones
• Blue Caves — a network of sea caves at the island's northern tip where sunlight creates a magical blue glow inside the caverns
• Varied beaches — from the long sandy Laganas to wild Sekania, from family-friendly Tsivili to the surfer's Alikes
• Venetian culture — Zakynthos Town, rebuilt after the devastating 1953 earthquake, retains Venetian charm in its arcaded streets, churches and main square

Navagio — The Shipwreck that Changed the Island

Navagio Beach, set in an enclosed bay surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs, is one of the most recognisable natural sights in the Mediterranean. The only access is by boat — organised excursions depart from Zakynthos Town harbour and from Agios Nikolaos in the north. On the white sand rests the rusting hull of the Greek vessel MV Panagiotis, which ran aground in 1980 during a smuggling run. At the top of the cliffs there is a viewpoint from which you can see the beach from above — a guaranteed breathtaking moment. A Navagio boat excursion typically takes 3–4 hours including time on the beach. Book in advance in July–August.

Sea Turtles — Caretta caretta

Zakynthos has the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting area in the Mediterranean. Laganas Bay in the south is the main nesting beach and is strictly protected from June to August. Turtles nest at night, and tourism on these beaches is regulated. Some beaches require a permit or are completely closed during nesting season.

To see turtles in the water: organised snorkelling or boat trips from Laganas or Kalamaki offer the best chance of a responsible encounter.

Best Beaches

Laganas — long sandy beach with very shallow water, ideal for families. Lively strip with bars and restaurants.

Tsivili — calm family beach near Zakynthos Town. Pebble and sand mix, clear water.

Alikes — in the north, with windier conditions. A favourite with kitesurfers and windsurfers.

Gerakas — pristine beach in the south-east, sea-turtle nesting area; access is restricted in the evening. Stunning clear water during the day.

Practical Information

• Getting there by car — Drive to Killini (Peloponnese), then ferry to Zakynthos (1 hour). From Belgrade approx. 10–11 hours total.
• Getting there by air — Direct charter flights from Belgrade to Zakynthos (ZTH) in summer season.
• Getting around — Rent a car or scooter to reach all beaches. Local buses are limited.
• Best time — June and September for warm weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season.