Written by Missy Johnston
Beautiful Blue Waters of Zakynthos Island, Greece
Zakynthos, also sometimes known as Zante, has a reputation as an Ionian Island paradise. It features a variety of beaches to suit the desires of everyone in the yacht charter party. In fact, its beaches are widely regarded to be the most beautiful in all of Greece. No Ionian Island yacht charter would be complete without a thorough exploration of the stunning scenery and sparkling waters along the coast of this Greek island treasure.
When cruising on an Ionian Island yacht charter itinerary, don’t miss these favorites to be sure to experience laid-back life on Zakynthos.
Makris Gialos Beach
The deep, calm waters of this beach provide the perfect setting to see what’s going on under the water’s surface. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the main attractions on Makris Gialos Beach, located on the northeast coast of the island. Experienced scuba divers will want to jump right in, while novices—and anyone who would like to brush up on some skills—have the opportunity to be set up by your crew with a rendezvous scuba diving operation for scuba diving lessons.
Makris Gialos Beach- Zakynthos, Greece
Banana Beach
Lounge chairs and umbrellas dot the shores of Banana Beach, but don’t be fooled; there are plenty of ways to customize the experience without joining the crowd. Remember, they came into the beach from land, you are coming into the beach by water. Choose from several restaurants, bars, claim some sand to relax in the sun on Zakynthos’ longest beach, or never leave the yacht and swim from right on board, or use the yacht water toys, if available.
Gerakas Beach
Gerakas Beach is for nature lovers. The sand here is not white, but golden, and bordered by greenery rather than rough cliff faces. The loggerhead sea turtle makes its nesting ground here, so keep an eye out for them in the water when snorkeling, they are beautiful swimmers.
Zakynthos Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Navagio Beach
Navagio Beach, also known as Smuggler’s Cove and Shipwreck Beach, looks like the stunning backdrop to a pirate movie. However, its name comes from the wrecked freight liner, The Panagiotis. The remains of it still sit on the stark white sand. Yacht charters have the unique privilege of visiting this beach, because it’s only accessible by boat and therefore tough to reach for most travelers.
This is the beach that many refer to as the most beautiful beach in Greece, and some go so far as to say it’s the most beautiful in the world. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, however, so guests will have to make up their minds for themselves. At any rate, it is certainly a great location for a photo op.
Zakynthos Sunset over Shipwreck Beach
Porto Vromi Beach
Porto Vromi offers a chance to escape the tourist scene and spend some time in peace and seclusion. An inlet set between the endpoints of two land formations, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a cocktail on the sand.
Xigia Beach
Xigia Beach features sulfur springs that rival any man-made spa. Watch for the telltale white clouds in the otherwise turquoise water, and enjoy this pungent substance, which is famous for its healing and anti-aging benefits. Climb in, relax, and see if these springs truly turn back the hands of time.
Xigia Beach – Natural sulfur spa on Zakynthos Island, Greece
Zakynthos is all about beaches, water and sand. Ashore, earthquakes have leveled much of any century’s old architecture, so much ashore is modern. The beauty of the beaches, water and sand; however, make this island well worth visiting on an Ionian Island private yacht charter.
