Zakynthos, The Greek Island With A Famous Shipwreck Beach: Where To Eat, Stay And Play

Located off the Mediterranean coast and part of the Ionian islands, Zakynthos is widely known for its outrageous turquoise waters, rocky bluffs, lush pine, and olive tree landscape, and one of the most famous beaches in the world.

For years, Zakynthos was known as a popular British destination for late-night revelers. Now, with the addition of new luxury hotels and seafront culinary options, it is experiencing a renaissance of luxury. While the beach town of Laganas is still filled with noisy cocktail bars for late-night parties, the rest of the island is tucked into a bohemian escape.

On my first visit to Zakynthos, I was immediately captivated by the tranquility of the mild climate, the gentle breezes that are not as strong as in the Cyclades, and the crystal-clear waters. The beaches, with their natural beauty, are a haven of peace. Around every corner, there are dramatic caves, coves, and nesting grounds for the island's loggerhead sea turtle population in the southern part of the island.

Zakynthos is easily reached via an international airport and is beginning to attract a new wave of tourists. The island has become a culinary destination with fine dining options and Michelin-quality restaurants opening. Many of the most popular restaurants are family-owned and very special, using organic farm produce.

WHERE TO STAY

With stunning new luxury hotels recently opening, this island is quickly becoming more of a romantic escape, leaving its party island reputation in the past. Here is a selection of the top choices on the island.

King Jason Zante

This brand-new property on Zakynthos's North East coast overlooks the bay of Tsilivi. The adults-only resort offers up to 54 elegant suites with pool views and 33 exclusive Swim-up Suites.

Ranging from private 2-bedroom villas to overwater suites, where you can dive off your deck, all areas provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, sea and sky, land and water.

Dining options include the Peruvian fusion restaurant Pisco, the Levantine-inspired cuisine of Haroūb, and the all-day Watergarden Restaurant.

Favorite room: Island Swim Up Suite set along the large pool with a private terrace.

The Bay Hotel and Suites

This summer, a stunning renovation was revealed at this beautiful 50-acre property with its prime location right in front of its own private beach. The Bay is located in Vasilikos, a lovely part of the island where lush green mountains meet the white sandy beaches. This barefoot-style resort boasts three restaurants: Thyme, which has an elegant yet relaxed menu filled with seasonal local ingredients. Meraki is a traditional Greek restaurant open all day, and Arodo is a poolside à la carte restaurant. You can also enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars by the poolside while live music entertains.

The resort is in an enviable position that many of the island's hotels do not have, and that is direct access to a private beach where you can walk straight from your room to the sand. The property offers a sea-facing overflow pool for adults for a serene sanctuary where you can chill out on poolside lounges or enjoy the privacy of the beach with sunbeds and shaded umbrellas. The resort also has an indoor/outdoor spa, two tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, and a boutique. The staff here is remarkable; they all treat you like you are a visiting family member and ensure you are well cared for.

Favorite room: Senior Suite, Sea View for easy direct access to the beach.

Lesante Cape Resort & Villas

Located on a remote cliff along the Akrotiru peninsula, this destination is a stunner. Infinity pools are throughout the property, offering dramatic views of neighboring Kefalonia. There is a secluded pebble beach as well as separate adult and children pools.

Designed as a traditional Greek village, with its square at its center -where all the socializing and events take place, offering a café, a taverna, and shops all around it; the Lesante Cape offers up 55 contemporary chic rooms and ten villas, infinity pools, five restaurants sourcing ingredients from an organic garden, and a spa.

Favorite room: Cape Three Bedroom Seafront Villa, created as a private countryside estate with a large swimming pool.

Olea All Suite Hotel

This tropical-modernist resort set high on a hill is a remarkable new destination. This sprawling property of 93 suites revolves around a 4,000-square-meter pool that resembles a lake. Water is the main feature here, with streams and pools integrated between island-like groupings of cube-style structures while hidden gardens and age-old olive trees look on.

The three restaurants offer high-end culinary options, including Flow Dine & Wine, a creative degustation experience, Pacifico by Nikkei for Peruvian cuisine, and an international buffet at Omikron Restaurant. The Olea Royal Spa is also a quiet sanctuary with private pool, and an outdoor gym.

Favorite room: Superior Water Suite swim up/Pool View surrounded by water and with a direct access to the main pool and bar.

WHERE TO EAT

Nobelos

In Agios Nikolaos, on the northeast coast, superyachts and billionaires frequent the family-owned Nobelos on the waterfront at the edge of a pine forest. Spend a day lounging on sunbeds on its small, sandy beach, then enjoy my favorite food on the island, including sea-to-fork fish and traditional Greek fare. Produce is sourced from the owner’s organic farm, and fish are transported via wooden caique. The charming Seaside Lodge is built entirely from stone in the old Zakynthian architectural style and is a reminder of the traditional mansions of Zakynthos.

Prosilio

Located beside Solomos Square in Zakynthos Town, Prosilio is one of the island’s best fine dining destinations, according to locals. Talented young chef Kristy Karageorgou crafts creative dishes using Zakynthian ingredients. Each dish is perfectly created to take guests on a sensory journey, exploring the traditional with a contemporary twist.

The minimal interior includes an open kitchen in a beautiful garden setting, while a Moroccan-inspired corner invites you to enjoy the house cocktails. They also offer a wide selection of more than 100 wines.

Utopia

Located on the coast of Argassi Village, this elegant and romantic spot offers dramatic sunset views from its three levels of dining. The menu offers many fresh options, ranging from street food like Mousaka Tacos to pasta and grilled fish. Don't forget to sample the huge signature cocktail menu, each with its own specific inspiration from the island.

Anadalis

Located in the Windmill Bay Hotel, this lively seafront restaurant offers some creative culinary options. You can enjoy a magnificent view of the city as the waves lap below you. The seafood dishes are especially popular, and the sea bass is caught locally by the fishing boats. Cocktails are a real treat here, with my favorite margarita with dry ice smoke flowing from it.

WHERE TO PLAY

Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach

One of the most dramatic experiences you can have on the island is arriving at the famed Navagio Beach. You will always remember Shipwreck Beach because the water is spectacular and the brightest blue you have ever seen. Lying in the center of the sandy beach is a rusty shipwreck from the 80’s, now split into small pieces, which lies submerged in bright white sand surrounded by sheer vertical cliffs. While landslides have closed access to the beach, it is best to visit the bay by renting a charter boat from Ionian View Yachting for expert guidance and getting so close to the shipwreck you can almost touch it. Ionian View Yachting will also take you along the coast to the caves and small bays for swimming.

Turtle Island

Turtle Island is located off Keri Beach in Laganas Bay. Zante Turtle Island (Marathonisi) was given its nickname because of its resemblance to a turtle. Marathonisi is also the breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. The Zante turtles are a huge attraction and are considered one of Earth's oldest forms of life.

Blue Caves

Located on the northern end of the island, near Agios Nikolaos, these natural arches and water caves have been carved out by the tides for thousands of years. It's best to rent a small boat so you can swim and explore the deep interior caves.

Gerakas Beach is a famous sandy seashore with clear waters, a shallow seabed, and a handful of sunbed pairs. It is also a natural habitat for the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle. Sandy, peaceful, and free-spirited—there are no facilities or beach bars around—the beach will be your tranquility haven.

Banana Beach is a gorgeous, lengthy strip of fine golden sand, the largest seashore on Zakynthos Island! Boasting turquoise waters and a soft, wide-area shore, Banana is a prime destination for everyone wanting to sunbathe, dive into the waters, or relax by the beach! Its gradually deepening seabed makes it a fantastic choice for families with children!

Porto Limionas is a unique seaside formation near the village of Agios Leon! Hardly touched by a human hand, this fjord-like bay hosts large rocks that you can use to dive into the clear waters and witness the jaw-dropping colors of the Ionian Sea!

There are also numerous cultural sights to visit as you explore the island: the Church of Saint Dionysios, Solomos and Kalvos Museum, Post-Byzantine Museum, Helmis Natural History Museum, Roma Mansion, Monastery Agios Georgios ton Krimnon, Agia Mavra Church, and Askos Stone Park.