Zakynthos – 10 Things to Do

Zakynthos is a gem in the middle of the Ionian Sea. Its beautiful scenery, clear seas, and lively culture make it a popular tourist destination. This beautiful Greek island has a lot of things to do and see that will make your trip memorable. Zakynthos has something to suit different tastes, whether you like relaxing on a yacht, looking for excitement, or just wanting to enjoy the natural beauty and historical wealth. We’ll show you the best 10 things to do and see in Zakynthos so that you can get the most out of your trip. Let’s set sail on this trip to find Zakynthos’s unique charm. Its a great place for yacht rentals in Greece

1. Take a look at Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach).

A Secret Gem

Shipwreck Beach, also called Navagio Beach, is Zakynthos’ most famous feature. It is surrounded by steep cliffs. This hidden cove can only be reached by boat and is home to the famous, rusty ruins of a ship that sank in the 1980s. It looks like a scene from a picture, with the shipwreck lying in the middle of sparkling white sands and clear blue water.

Why you should go there

It’s an adventure in and of itself to take a Greece boat charter to Navagio Beach. Along the way, you’ll get to see amazing views of the Ionian Sea, and you’ll also get to explore one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to get a sense of Zakynthos’s natural beauty.

2. Check out the Blue Caves

Nature’s Wonder

At the northern tip of Zakynthos, the Blue Caves are a group of rock formations that were shaped by the sea. It is famous that the water in these mesmerising caves is an amazing shade of blue. This is because sunshine reflects off the sea floor.

An Experience You Can’t Miss

People can swim in the Blue Caves’ surreal water or explore them by kayak or small boat. It is truly amazing to swim in the clear blue water while being surrounded by the natural architecture of the caves. This is one of the most memorable things to do in Zakynthos.

3. See the town of Zakynthos

What makes the island beat

The centre of the island is Zakynthos Town, which is a busy place for culture, history, and nightlife. The town was rebuilt in the traditional Venetian way after the 1953 earthquake, which destroyed it. It has a charming mix of old and new features.

A Trip Through Culture

People can look at the beautiful parks, museums, and churches in Zakynthos Town as they walk through the streets. The lively markets and local restaurants in town give you a taste of the island’s rich food history. If you want to know if Zante town is worth a visit, the clear answer is yes, just for its rich culture and historical importance.

4. Go to Keri Lighthouse to see the sunset

An Observation Deck

The Keri Lighthouse, which is on the southwest tip of the island, has one of the most beautiful views of the sunset in Zakynthos. The lighthouse is a peaceful place to watch the sun go down over the Ionian Sea, turning the sky orange and pink.

Happiness and beauty

This quiet place is great for people who want to take a moment to relax and think in the beautiful scenery of Zakynthos. The wide views of the sea framed by the rough coastline are truly memorable and capture the island’s peaceful beauty.

5. Go for a swim at Turtle Island (Marathonisi)

An area of natural beauty

A small island off the coast of Zakynthos called Marathonisi is also known as Turtle Island. It is part of the National Marine Park. This untouched paradise is famous for its beautiful beaches and lush greenery. It is also a place where the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles lay their eggs.

Conservation and beauty come together

The beautiful beaches of Marathonisi are just one reason to visit. You can also learn about and help protect sea life while you’re there. Because the water is clear and there are quiet coves, it’s a great place to swim and see Zakynthos’s diverse underwater life.

6. Enjoy the food from the area

A Journey Through Food

The food in Zakynthos is famous for being a mix of traditional Greek flavours with a twist that makes them their own. Fresh seafood, Zakynthian rabbit stew, and the famous Kleftiko are just a few of the foods that you can find in local taverns and restaurants.

Taste how real it is

People who love food should check out the island’s restaurants. Together, the strong flavours and the friendly service of the locals make for a real and unique dining experience. Wine and olive oil from Zakynthos are important parts of the local food, so don’t forget to try them.

7. Hike in the Venetian Castle

Ruins of the past with a view

The Venetian Castle, which is on top of a hill and looks down on Zakynthos Town, gives you a look into the island’s history and a wide view of the area. The castle remains, which date back to the 1400s, are surrounded by lots of trees and plants, making it a great place to hike and explore.

A Walk Through Time

People can walk around the old ruins and learn about the castle’s strategic importance and how it helped defend the island in the past. The walk to the castle is educational because it combines exploring nature with learning about history.

8. Take it easy at the thermal springs on Zakynthos

Experience a natural spa

The Zakynthos Thermal Springs, which are close to the town of Xigia, are a unique natural spa experience. The sulfur-rich waters are famous for their healing powers. They can help with a wide range of illnesses and provide a unique way to relax and feel better.

A place to heal

Getting into the warm, mineral-rich water of the thermal springs is a great way to relax after a day of exploring. With the island’s natural beauty all around them, the thermal spas are a peaceful and healthy place to be.

9. Get a feel for village life

The real Zakynthos

Going to one of Zakynthos’s traditional towns is a must for anyone who wants to see the real side of the island. With their stone houses, cute churches, and handcrafted goods for sale, villages like Volimes and Anafonitria give visitors a look into island life in the country.

Immersion in a culture

By visiting these villages, tourists can learn about the island’s customs and culture. The friendly people, slow pace of life, and beautiful scenery make for an engaging experience that shows off the simplicity and charm of village life in Zakynthos.

10. Have fun with water sports and games

There’s adventure ahead!

With so many water sports and activities to choose from, Zakynthos is a great place for people who like to try new things. The island has a lot of exciting things to do, from jet skiing and skydiving to scuba diving among shipwrecks.

Look into the Depths

Divers will love Zakynthos’ caves, reefs, and the mesmerising underwater landscapes of the Marine Park. These are some of the best dive spots in Greece. The clear waters of Zakynthos make diving an memorable experience, no matter how experienced you are or if this is your first time.

Taking part in the island’s nightlife

The Bright Night Scene

Zakynthos isn’t just calm beaches and historical sites; the island also has a lively party scene. Laganas’ main strip is where all the party people go. It has clubs, bars, and beach parties that go on until the wee hours of the morning.

Have Fun Responsiblely

While enjoying the busy nightlife, it’s important to be kind to the people who live there and the natural world around you. Zakynthos has fun nights where you can dance the night away under the stars, but remember to be safe while you’re having fun.

Work to protect the environment and ecotourism

Keeping paradise safe

For the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta Caretta), Zakynthos has some of the best places in the Mediterranean to lay its eggs. The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is an important part of protection efforts because it keeps these beautiful animals and their homes safe.

Exploring in an eco-friendly way

Tourists are asked to support eco-tourism projects by booking tours with reputable companies and following rules that protect wildlife and nature areas. You can help protect the island’s natural beauty for future generations by going there.

The Art of Making Things in Zakynthos

A History of Excellence

Traditional crafts on the island show off its long past and cultural heritage. From making olive oil and wine to making beautiful lace and ceramics by hand, Zakynthos shows how art and skill have been passed down from generation to generation.

Bring a Piece of Zakynthos Home WITH YOU

A great way to find one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs is to look around the local markets and craft shops. You can take a piece of Zakynthos home with you because each one has a story about custom, dedication, and the spirit of the island.

Get ready for your trip

How long to remain

It is best to stay in Zakynthos for at least a week to fully enjoy its variety and beauty. This gives you enough time to see the island’s most popular sights, relax on the beaches, and get to know the culture and food of the area.

The best time to go

Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit Zakynthos. From June to September, the weather is great for exploring and spending time at the beach. But going between May and October, during the “shoulder seasons,” can also be fun because there are fewer people there and the mood is more relaxed.

In conclusion

The island of Zakynthos has more to offer than just beautiful scenery and clear water. History, culture, and nature all come together in this place, making it a rich tapestry of events. Discovering hidden coves and old ruins is exciting, but tasting local treats and seeing the beauty of nature is even better. Zakynthos really does have it all. There are many things to do and see in this Ionian gem, whether you want to relax, have an adventure, or learn more about Greek culture.

Related reading

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Other guides you might find useful:

• The Best 10 Things to Do and See in Zakynthos
• Zakynthos
• 10 Best things to do and see in Kefalonia

Greek weeks call for shore stops with their own ritual — grilled octopus and a chilled carafe of Assyrtiko on a Naxos taverna terrace, tzatziki and freshly baked tiropita in the morning, while the Meltemi grumbles offshore and the harbour stays calm.

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About this guide

This guide was prepared by the Catamaran Charter Greece editorial team — a group of charter brokers and sailors who have been organizing yacht charters in Greece since 2007. Every itinerary, marina, and pricing range described here reflects current first-hand fleet experience and direct partnership with licensed charter agencies. Last reviewed: May 2026.

If a detail looks out of date, write us at www.catamaran-charter-greece.com/contact — we update guides quarterly.