5 Best Sights in Zakynthos, Greece

Not nearly as unknown as it used to be, though the same could be said for the entire peninsula, Banana Beach's golden sands are still impressive. It is the largest beach on the island, with rocky, wooded fringes and clear, shallow waters perfect for families. It has a few bars, restaurants, and services. Sun beds occupy a good chunk of the shoreline, but its size means you can always find a quieter corner. Around four bus services a day run here from Zakynthos Town, if you don't want to drive. Amenities: sun beds; showers; food and drink. Good for: families; sunworshippers; swimming.

Most beaches accessible only by boat tend to be remote affairs; their shores little trod. Navagio is the exception. It somehow manages to be impossible to reach yet simultaneously overrun. The reason is simply that every ship on the island heads here—though if you don't want to spend all day on a tour at sea, you can grab a quick boat (30 minutes) there and back at nearby Port Vromi. The beach gets its nickname from the MV Panagiotis, a cargo vessel that fell foul of the rocks here in 1983 while smuggling contraband cigarettes. It has been rusting on this shore ever since. Some have theorized it was placed there to attract visitors, but only the most devout of cynics would deny this cove its serendipitous beauty. From above, a curve of white cliffs bristling with green stubble frames its subject and sands perfectly. Strangely, it's perhaps the only beach you can best appreciate from afar. The viewpoint (with nearby parking) is a good hour's drive from Zakynthos Town and just as packed as below. Only from there does its geometry truly sing. Amenities: none. Best for: boat trips; viewpoints; Instagram photos.

A charming tour run by the most famous olive-oil brand on Zakynthos. Many of the island's famed dopia olive trees are thought to be more than 2,000 years old, and this deep dive into local oil production in Zakynthos follows the process from branch to bottle. If you want to see an ancient dopia in real life, head to the village of Exo Chora, on the northwest coast. At its center grows what's known locally as the "elephant tree," a truly venerable gnarled wonder.

The Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtle is a common visitor to Zakynthos. Every summer, hundreds return to its shores to lay their eggs, and yet their survival remains in the balance. The IUCN still classify this species as vulnerable. The problems caused by encroaching development, uneducated tourists, and unscrupulous boat tours is a major threat to the welfare of a species that, when hatched, already has just a one in 1,000 chance of surviving until adulthood. This center, run by volunteers, does its part to help those that stumble along the way. It should be noted that you aren't guaranteed to see any sea turtles (there are usually a few turtles); that's the nature of a rescue center. Daily feedings (10 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm) do take place, however, when there is something to feed. The center runs on minimal staff and looks a little shabby these days, but still offers good information.

For an island that doesn't really do public transport, Zakynthos makes a rare exception for its resort areas. There are regular buses between Tsilivi and Zakynthos Town, around 6 km away, during summer. That helps to make this one of the busiest stretches on the island, and you'll struggle to find an inch of its golden sands not subsumed by a sun bed or lobster-red British tourist. It also means it's well catered to, with umpteen bars, tavernas, and cafés surrounding the shore. Its waters accommodate Jet Skis, kayaks, banana boats, and paragliders. It's busy but you know what you're getting, and it's a good spot for those with little children, who will want for nothing. Amenities: food and drink; toilet; lifeguard; showers. Good for: families; watersports; resorts.