I’ve been to Zakynthos twice, spending about 11 days there in total. Both trips were last-minute and budget-friendly, so the accommodation was basic, but the experiences were great.
I stayed in Laganas both times, near the beach. It’s a popular spot for nightlife, bars, and beach clubs, with a long sandy beach lined with restaurants and places to relax.
Most of my days were unplanned, which ended up being the perfect way to enjoy the island.
Turtle Island (Marathonisi)
One of my favourite experiences in Zakynthos was visiting Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island.
You can book a tour or take a taxi boat from Laganas port. The island is small and easy to explore on foot. We chose a direct boat and returned later in the day, but it’s important to check the last return time.
The island is known for the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles, which nest there, so some beach areas are protected. It’s also called Turtle Island because its shape looks like a turtle from above.
The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, although it can get busy during peak season. Still, it’s definitely worth visiting.
Turtle Spotting Tours
FFrom Laganas, you’ll find plenty of turtle spotting tours advertised everywhere.
Personally, I wouldn’t book one just for the turtles. We spent hours on the boat and only saw one briefly — I actually spotted more turtles from the port and on the way to Marathonisi.
The highlight was the scenery, especially the coastline and the famous Keri Caves, with a few swimming stops along the way.
If you’re lucky, you can often see turtles directly from Laganas beach or the port while snorkelling.
One of my most unforgettable moments for me and my sister was seeing baby turtles make their way to the sea at night on Laganas beach.
Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach)
A must-do in Zakynthos is visiting Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach.
I did two different tours there, but my favourite was a pirate-style boat trip around the island with swimming stops at stunning spots like White Beach. The water was unbelievably blue.
On my first visit, you could still access Shipwreck Beach directly, but during my second trip this was no longer allowed due to safety concerns after landslides.
What surprised me most was how much smaller the shipwreck looked the second time. The sea and weather are slowly destroying it, so it’s definitely worth seeing sooner rather than later.
Exploring the Island by Land & Sea
My second Navagio Beach tour included both land and boat stops.
We were originally meant to visit the famous Navagio viewpoint, but wildfires had closed the area for safety reasons. Instead, we stopped at Bochali for panoramic views over Zakynthos Town, which was still stunning.
We also visited Xigia Beach, known for its natural sulphur water. The smell is strong, but the bright blue water is beautiful and said to be good for the skin.
Another stop was one of the island’s oldest olive trees, believed to be over 2,000 years old, with nearby local shops selling olive products and handmade souvenirs.
Later, we reached Porto Vromi, where we took a smaller boat towards Navagio Beach and stopped for another swim near White Beach.
Wildfires During Our Trip
During one of my trips to Zakynthos, large wildfires broke out across the island. For several days, many areas were closed, and helicopters and planes flew overhead trying to contain the fires.
What felt strange was how normal everything else seemed, beaches were still busy, restaurants stayed open, and most tourists carried on with their holidays.
It was definitely a unique experience to witness.
Sunset Boat Trip
One experience I did on my own in Zakynthos was a sunset boat trip to Mizithres.
It felt slightly romantic for a solo activity, but I ended up loving it. The boat was small, the atmosphere relaxed, and it was easy to meet new people.
We stopped for swims along the coast before watching the sunset over the famous white cliffs and turquoise water at Mizithres.
Honestly, it was one of the highlights of my trip..
Final Thoughts on Zakynthos
Overall, I feel like I experienced most of what Zakynthos has to offer.
If you love crystal-clear water, boat trips, and beautiful beaches, the island is definitely worth visiting. The coastal scenery is incredible.
Laganas is lively and convenient, but not the prettiest area to stay in. For something quieter and more scenic, I’d recommend the north of the island or staying near Zakynthos Town.
Compared to other Greek islands, Zakynthos is still fairly affordable. The food is great almost everywhere, although public transport is limited, so taxis or organised tours are usually the easiest way to get around.
I genuinely loved both of my trips and would happily go back again.
Some places I’d recommend eating at are:
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