I love beaches, and Zante has so many it can be hard to choose which one to go to! I have family on the island, so I often visit.
Are you looking for a social beach with music, secluded coves, fine sandy shores, or a family-friendly beach? To help you pick the best Zante beach for you, I have created this top ten list based on key factors such as landscape, accessibility, services, and attractions.
The best Zante beaches
Many beaches on Zante are awarded the Blue Flag, which means that they are safe and well-organized with restaurants, bars, sunbeds, and water sports. And there are more secluded beaches, without music or taverns. Like, Dafni Beach, which can only be reached by dirt road.
If you are lucky, you may spot a sea turtle. Because Zante island is the most important Loggerhead sea turtle breeding ground in the Mediterranean.
Does Zante have sandy beaches?
Yes! The eastern coast of Zante has sandy beaches. The only exception is Makris Gialos, made of white pebbles.
Are you ready to start planning your next beach trip? Here are 10 of the best Zante beaches!
1. Best Zante beaches: Shipwreck Beach
I am sure that you’ve already seen a picture of Shipwreck Beach (Navagio). This iconic spot can be found on countless postcards, calendars, coffee table books, and websites all over the world. Its impressive landscape of towering limestone cliffs, and the rusty shipwreck on a white beach, make this place a real tourist magnet.
You can visit Shipwreck Beach by organized boat tour. The departure points are Porto Vromi Maries, St. Nicholas, Zante town and Skinari.
Personally, I avoid crowds and admire Navagio from a panoramic view at the top of the cliffs. You can find this spot halfway between the villages of Volimes and Anafonitria. There is an asphalt road leading to a car park. Just go down a few steps, and you’ll see the shipwreck.
2. Best Zante beaches: Laganas, Zante
Laganas is a busy and popular beach packed with bars, restaurants, and more. There is a party vibe, and it’s for anyone who is looking to have fun. Are you in the mood for great food and cocktails? Check out Hamsa Beach Bar – Restaurant!
Laganas can also be good for family holidays. Because the seabed is shallow, and the water is clear and warm. It is a safe place for young kids, plus the grainy soft sand is perfect for building sandcastles!
3. Best Zante beaches: Banana Beach, Zante
If you enjoy paragliding, SUP, or jet skiing, head over to Banana Beach. Besides popular water sports, you’ll also find lots of bars with sunbeds and umbrellas. If you want to party, head over to Casa Playa.
Banana Beach is also good for kids because of its soft white sand and clear shallow sea. However, for those who are looking for a quiet, relaxing day, it is not the best option.
4. Best Zante beaches: Tsilivi Beach
Beautiful Tsilivi is a Blue Flag sandy beach with a few pebbled patches, surrounded by lush greenery. On the beach are many hotels, restaurants, and bars with beautiful decks. For the best Greek food, walk over to Taverna Paradeisos, one of my favorite taverns.
The sea at Tsilivi is clean and shallow, making it a great choice for children. There are no steps to get to the beach, so it’s perfect for families with babies. If your kids like water parks (mine do!) go to the Tsilivi Water Park, 5 minutes inland.
5. Best Zante beaches: St. Nicholas Beach
St. Nicholas Beach is located in a protected bay with a cute chapel built on top of the rocks. It is a busy, organized place with loud music coming from the hip beach bars.
It is also a great place for affordable water sports. Which is why it’s especially popular among young people. Here you can parasail, rent a jet ski, play volleyball, or just relax. PS. Don’t get lost; there is a town with the same name in the northern part of the island!
6. Best Zante beaches: Alykes
Alykes is another great spot for families. Its soft white sand gently shelves into the clear turquoise sea. There can be some waves here, but not high ones that knock you over. If you need a little excitement, you can also find water sports and beach bars on Alykes.
7. Best Zante beaches: Gerakas Beach
Gerakas is ideal for those who are seeking a quieter environment. It is not overdeveloped and there are no facilities because this beach is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and the breeding place of sea turtles. If you want to learn more about these special creatures, you can visit the Zante Sea Turtle Rescue & Information Center.
8. Best Zante beaches: Marathonisi
Another spot the Loggerheads love is Marathonisi, a small island in Laganas Bay. Its breathtaking beach with fine white sand, pines, and olive trees is a must-visit. Marathonisi is part of the marine park, and that is why you can visit only certain parts of the beach. I recommend you also check the back of the island, there are some small caves there, and it is an excellent place for swimming! Don’t forget to bring your own water and snacks. You can get to Marathonisi by taxi boat, organized excursion, or by renting your own boat.
9. Best Zante beaches: Porto Limnionas
Porto Limnionas is a fjord-like cove surrounded by green-blue water and caves. The cove is lined with flat rocks, where you can lay your towel down and soak up the sun. Due to its location, it is not suitable for children or people with health conditions.
To get there, drive through the village of St. Leon. Follow the signs on the asphalted road running down to the sea until you find a parking area. From there, you’ll get down by a few steps carved into the rock. There are no bars or facilities, but you can find a few loungers and umbrellas.
10. Best Zante beaches: Xigia Beach
If you want a spa experience, head over to Xigia. The area is famous for its sulfurous water, hence the stunning electric light blue color of the sea. The sulfur comes from a nearby cave, and you may notice the distinct aroma in the air.
There are two sulfuric beaches at Xigia, of which one is organized with umbrellas and chairs. The other one is wilder, about a 10–15-minute walk from the main road. For food, there is a small Greek tavern right by the cliff.
Zante has a beach for everyone
From the organized shore of Laganas to the sublime hidden coves of Porto Limnionas, Zante has a beach for everyone. And with this list of the best Zante beaches, the island is all yours to explore. Whether you are a solo traveler, with family, or on vacation with friends. Don’t think twice: come and see them for yourself!
Καλό ταξίδι! (Have a nice trip)
