Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is the third largest and southernmost Greek island in the Ionian Sea off the western coast of the mainland. The island is a tourist destination, especially among British tourists, with an international airport served by charter flights from all over northern Europe.
The western half of the island is a mountainous plateau, while the southwest coast consists of mostly steep cliffs. The eastern half is a densely populated fertile plain with long sandy beaches and is also home to the town of Zakynthos, also known as Chora.
While temperatures are in the 30sC during the summer months, Zakynthos still has temperatures in the high 20sC in September. The average daily maximum during this month is 27.6C, according to NOAA.
In 1953, the island was hit by a massive 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which destroyed much of the buildings on the island. Subsequently, all buildings have been strengthened to protect against future tremors.
Since the mid-1980s, Zakynthos has become a hub for 18-to-30-year-old tourists, leading to Alykanas and Laganas (previously quiet villages) becoming the new home of clubbing hotels, nightclubs, bars and restaurants. However, for those wanting a quieter scene, it is possible to leave these areas behind for unspoiled nature and golden beaches with crystal clear water.
With an area of over 156 square miles, Zakynthos boasts a coastline 76 miles in length.
Gerakas Beach is the southernmost beach of Zakynthos and is definitely one of the island’s most beautiful. It consists of a long stretch of sand, ending in a small headland that plunges into the sea, located 11 miles away from the main city.
At 3080ft long and 65ft wide, you are very unlikely to have difficulty finding a spot to set up for the day on the sandy shore. The central part of the beach has facilities including sunbeds and umbrellas, with the rest left unorganised. There are no toilets or showers available.
Between May and October, turtle eggs hatch on the beach and the tiny animals make their trek to the sea. The beach is a protected area of the Zakynthos Marine Park, with access forbidden from half an hour before sunset to half an hour after dawn. The nests are also marked and a turtle barrier is in place, according to the Mediterranean Marine Life Center.
Another hugely popular, and probably the most iconic on Zakynthos, is Navagio or shipwreck beach, a cove on the northwest shore isolated by high cliffs and accessible only by boat. However, this beach has been closed to the public over landslide fears. Recent bad weather is also causing concerns that the ship’s structure is deteriorating and may soon be washed away.
