6 Best Sights in Zakynthos, Greece

Most beaches accessible only by boat tend to be remote affairs—Navagio is the exception. The pin-up beach of Zakynthos, Navagio somehow manages to be impossible to reach yet its waters are simultaneously overrun by boats. 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 Porto Vromi. The beach gets its nickname from the MV Panagiotis, a cargo vessel that fell afoul of the rocks here in 1983 while smuggling contraband cigarettes. Since 2018, when a rockfall injured several people, going on shore is prohibited, and that's still the case. However, the iconic view from the panoramic viewpoint higher above the cove (and also from the water) is still open and immensely popular. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: swimming.

This beach owes its name to the small chapel that stands to its western end. Its shores are hardly pious though. This is the sportiest of the sands lining the Vasilikos, with the thwack of volleyballs accompanying loud music, the roar of Jet Skis, and a mostly younger crowd. It's also very pretty, with a thick ring of pines fringing the white-pebble shore and twinkling sapphire waters. There's every variety of water sport here, but it's an especially good spot for diving and snorkeling. Some restaurants offer free sun beds if you stop to eat. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; water sports. Best for: snorkeling.

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: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers. Best for: swimming.

One of the better options for those allergic to crowds. Large-pebbled Makris Gialos, on the northeast coast, lacks the facilities of many of the larger beaches, so rarely fills up. Limited parking means it isn't the most accessible, though most just park by the road. A few more sun beds and umbrellas have cropped up in recent years, but it's easy to find your own spot. There's a bar and shop a short hop from the shore. Aside from that, all you have is sunshine and deep waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Boats also go from here to the Blue Caves. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Porto Vromi is another gem found on the far northwestern coast. Its narrow shore isn't very large and doesn't attract that many on-shore visitors, although it does get busy with visiting boats. A pebbly shore drops off quickly to reveal deep waters, so it's not much good for families with small children. Most use it as a departure point for boats to Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves, but it's worth a visit in its own right. The cove is dotted with small caves and surrounded by quiet mountain villages. It's a great escape from the masses. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: solitude.

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 (4 miles) 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; lifeguard; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming, walking.