Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a stunning island in the Ionian Sea, famous for its turquoise waters, white cliffs, and sandy beaches. It is also a paradise for nature lovers, as it hosts the endangered loggerhead sea turtles and other marine life. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture, Zakynthos has something for everyone.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Zakynthos to make your trip unforgettable.
1. Visit Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is one of the most iconic sights in Zakynthos. It is a secluded cove with a rusting shipwreck on the shore, surrounded by towering white cliffs and crystal-clear blue water. The only way to access this beach is by boat, and you can book a tour from Exo Chora that will take you there and also to the Blue Caves, a series of natural arches and caves that reflect the color of the sea. You can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe in this fantastic scenery and enjoy the views from different angles.
2. Experience the thrill of paragliding over Zakynthos
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, paragliding is one of Zakynthos’s best things to do. You can soar over the island and admire the stunning views of the coast, the mountains, and the landmarks. Experience the exhilarating freedom of flying through the air like a bird with the guidance of an expert instructor during a tandem paragliding adventure. You can choose from different flight durations and locations, depending on your preferences and weather conditions. You can also capture your fantastic experience with photos and videos.
3. Explore Marathonisi Island and Keri Caves
Marathonisi Island is a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Visitors can observe them up close by boat. You can also swim or snorkel in the clear water and spot other marine life, such as dolphins, octopuses, and starfish. On your way back, you can stop at Keri Caves, a set of caves and rock formations that offer a spectacular sight. You can dive into the water and discover the hidden beauty of these caves.
4. Have fun at Laganas Off-Road Buggy Adventure
Laganas Off-Road Buggy Adventure is a fun and exciting way to explore Zakynthos. You can drive your buggy, share it with a friend, and follow a guide through dirt roads, olive groves, vineyards, and villages. Discover the excitement of off-road driving and immerse yourself in Zakynthos’s rich history and culture. You can also stop at some of the best spots for photos and refreshments. The tour includes lunch at a traditional taverna.
5. Discover the wildlife of Zakynthos Island
Zakynthos Island is home to various wildlife on land and water. You can book a day trip that will take you to some of the best places to see them. You can start with a boat ride to Agios Sostis Port, where you can see the Caretta caretta turtles swimming in their natural habitat. You can also visit Cameo Island, a small island connected by a wooden bridge with a beautiful beach and a bar. Then, you can head to Marathonisi Island and Keri Caves for more turtle spotting and snorkeling. Finally, you can visit Agalas Village, where you can see wild goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, chickens, and peacocks.
6. Enjoy Zakynthos Water Park
Zakynthos Water Park is a water park that offers fun and entertainment for all ages. It has over 30 attractions, ranging from gentle slides and pools to extreme rides and rapids. You can enjoy the wave pool, the lazy river, the splash zone, the jacuzzi, and more. You can also try some of the most exciting attractions, such as Black Hole, Kamikaze Slide, or Free Fall Slide. You can book your tickets online and get a bus transfer from your hotel. There’s a great restaurant and bar at the park where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
7. Taste some of the best wines in Greece at Solomos Winery
Solomos Winery is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Zakynthos. You can find the place in Kalipado, about 10 kilometers from Zakynthos Town. It produces some of the best wines in Greece, such as the famous Verdea, a dry white wine made from local grapes. You can book a wine-tasting tour and visit the winery, the cellar, and the tasting room. You can also sample some award-winning wines and learn about their production process and characteristics.
8. Visit Kefalonia Island, the largest of the Ionian Islands
Kefalonia Island is the largest and most beautiful of the Ionian Islands. It is famous for its stunning beaches, such as Myrtos and Antisamos, charming villages like Fiskardo and Assos, and natural wonders, such as Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave. You can book a full-day tour from Zakynthos and visit Kefalonia Island by bus and boat. You can explore the island’s highlights and enjoy its scenery and culture.
9. Cruise to Navagio Beach from Zakynthos Town
If you want to see Navagio Beach from a different perspective, you can book a boat cruise from Zakynthos Town. You can admire the city, port, and castle as you ride along the coast. You can also stop at some of the best spots for swimming and snorkeling, such as Xigia Beach, a natural spa with sulfur water, and Makris Gialos Beach, a pebbly beach with crystal-clear water. You can also visit Navagio Beach and spend some time on the shore or in the water.
10. Discover the fascinating dunes of Eonion
Eonion is a unique place in Zakynthos with dunes of different colors and shapes.
It is located in Vasilikos, about 15 km from Zakynthos Town. It is a protected area that hosts rare plants and animals, such as sea daffodils and sand lizards. You can book a tour that will take you to Eonion by jeep or quad bike. Learn about the formation and ecology of the dunes as you explore them. You can also enjoy the views of the sea and the mountains.
Final Thoughts
The island of Zakynthos offers many attractions and activities to suit all tastes. You can enjoy its nature, history, culture, and entertainment in many ways. Zakynthos will satisfy you whether traveling alone, with your partner, family, or friends. You will have an unforgettable trip you will remember for a long time. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets to Zakynthos now and discover the ten best things to do on this fantastic island.