Things to do in Zakynthos: beaches, sea caves and local food

A boat trip through limestone arches, lunch beside the water and an afternoon tasting island wine: these are the things to do in Zakynthos that make room for both the coast and the countryside. For a first visit, choose one boat trip, a beach day and time in town, then add the food stops that interest you.

Our selection explains the differences that matter when planning: which caves are in the north, which are in the south, where you will find sand and where you enter from rocks. You do not need to see every place. Pick one area each day and leave enough time to enjoy it.

The Blue Caves: start in northern Zakynthos

The Blue Caves are near Cape Skinari in the north. Limestone arches and the light reflected through the water are the attraction, best appreciated from a boat close to the coast.

Check your departure point before booking. Leaving from Zakynthos Town means a different journey from starting near the caves themselves. At Skinari, the family-run Potamitis Brothers offer a trip focused on the Blue Caves, among other routes.

Ask how long you will spend aboard, which stops are planned and whether the outing covers only the caves or a wider route. Cave entry and swimming stops depend on sea conditions and the skipper's decision.

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Lunch by the water at Nobelos

Nobelos is a family-run restaurant in the northern Agios Nikolaos area. Its terrace sits beside the sea, making it somewhere to allow time for a meal after exploring the north.

The kitchen serves Greek cooking, fish and meat dishes, using ingredients that include produce from local farmers and fishermen. Ask what is available that day, particularly if you have a specific fish in mind.

You do not need to stay at the lodge to eat here. Table bookings and sunbed reservations are separate, so choose the arrangement you actually want.

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Keri Caves and Marathonisi: a boat day in the south

Keri Caves lie on the south-western coast. They are separate from the Blue Caves in the north; choose between them with your accommodation and other plans in mind.

Limni Keriou is one departure point for trips in this area. Some itineraries combine Keri Caves with Marathonisi, often called Turtle Island. Ask to see the actual route before booking, as southern boat tours do not all visit the same places.

Marathonisi is a protected turtle nesting site. A turtle sighting is never guaranteed. Watch from a distance without touching, feeding or entering the water to swim alongside one. ARCHELON's guidance calls for boats to stay at least 15 metres away.

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A beach day: Gerakas or Banana Beach?

Gerakas offers a sandy bay in Vasilikos. It is also a protected nesting beach, so follow signs and staff instructions and stay clear of marked areas. Visits are restricted to daytime.

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Banana Beach suits a day with organised facilities: sunbeds, places to eat and water sports. Choose it when you want to settle on the beach for several hours with services nearby.

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Porto Limnionas: swimming from the rocks

Porto Limnionas is a rocky inlet on the west coast, framed by pale cliffs and clear water.

There is no sandy beach, and access involves steps and rocky surfaces. If you want a gradual sandy entrance to the sea, choose a different beach.

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Myzithres: see the rocks from above

The two pale Myzithres rocks are a reason to explore the Keri area. A boat gives you a view from the water; a meal on the cliffs offers another perspective.

Keri Lighthouse Restaurant overlooks the rocks from above. It serves Zakynthian cooking and seafood, with tables for visitors who want to enjoy the setting over a meal.

Mention the view when requesting a table. The terrace belongs to the restaurant, so plan this as a restaurant visit rather than assuming it is a public lookout.

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Zakynthos Town and Bochali: make time for an evening out

Zakynthos Town is a good place for a walk, coffee and dinner. Start around Solomos Square, explore the shopping streets and continue along the waterfront. Include Alexandrou Roma Street if browsing smaller shops is part of your idea of an afternoon out.

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Bochali sits above the town, with views over its buildings and harbour. You could head up for the panorama and a coffee before dinner below, or spend the evening in Bochali itself.

The view from the neighbourhood and a visit inside the Venetian castle are different outings. Check the castle's opening hours separately if you want to enter the archaeological site.

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Aristeon: get to know the island's olive oil

The family-run Aristeon olive press is in Lithakia. Its museum traces olive-oil production through older machinery and the modern process, with the chance to taste oil alongside bread and olives.

It is a worthwhile stop if you enjoy learning where the ingredients on your table come from. The equipment gives context to the bottles in the shop and shows how production has changed.

If seeing the mill operating is important to you, ask in advance. Visiting the museum does not mean the production line will be running that day.

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Grampsas: allow time for wine and dinner

Grampsas Winery is in Lagopodo, a village to consider for a day exploring inland and discovering wine made on the island.

The estate offers tasting packages and has a restaurant with a planted courtyard. Choose a tasting on its own or check arrangements for combining it with a meal during restaurant hours.

Ask which wines and food are included. Small bites served with a tasting and a full restaurant meal are different bookings. Arrange your journey back before drinking.

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Kampi: a taverna above the sea at sunset

Plan to reach Kampi on the west coast towards evening. Sunset Michalis Taverna is one option: a family-run place with a terrace facing the sea and cliffs.

The kitchen focuses on Greek cooking, grilled meat and seafood. Ask about the cooked dishes and specials available that day before choosing your meal.

Book ahead if sunset is the reason for your visit, and request a suitable table. Arriving while it is still light gives you time to settle in and see the landscape before the sun goes down.

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What about Navagio, or Shipwreck Beach?

At our check on 4 November 2026, Discover Greece listed Navagio Beach as closed to visitors, with access prohibited. Do not book a cruise assuming it includes a beach landing. Recheck both the boat itinerary and access to the viewpoint before visiting the area.

How to fit these places into your trip

Plan by area to avoid repeatedly crossing the island:

• Northern day: the Blue Caves and a meal at Nobelos.
• South and south-west: choose a Keri-area boat trip, or visit Aristeon and see Myzithres from above. What you can combine depends on the length of your chosen activity.
• Vasilikos day: choose Gerakas or Banana Beach and stay for several hours.
• Inland outing: arrange a winery visit or drive towards Kampi for dinner.
• Evening in town: walk around Zakynthos Town and visit Bochali.

For a base that suits the places you want to explore, see our Zakynthos destination guide.