Overview

Q: What is the best beach in Zakynthos?

It depends on your vibe: for an easy sandy day, Tsilivi Beach is a favourite; for iconic Vasilikos sand, try Gerakas or Banana; for dramatic sea colours, Porto Limnionas is hard to beat (rocky entry).

Q: What beaches are near Tsilivi?

Tsilivi Beach is the main long sandy option. On calmer days, Amboula Beach can feel a bit quieter. For a 'wow' day trip, head to Vasilikos beaches like Gerakas, Dafni, and Banana.

Q: Are there boat-only beaches in Zakynthos?

Yes-several west-coast coves and swim stops are commonly reached by boat (conditions dependent). They're beautiful but usually have no facilities, so plan like an 'adventure swim day'.

Q: Best beaches in Zakynthos for families?

Families often prefer sandy beaches like Tsilivi, Kalamaki, Alykes/Alykanas, and some Vasilikos beaches. Rocky swim spots (Porto Limnionas/Porto Roxa) can suit confident swimmers on calm days.

Now let's go deeper with the full beach guide below.

Two beach styles: sandy bays vs rocky swim spots

Zakynthos has two very different beach "moods", and your best beach depends on which mood you want that day:

• Sandy beaches (best for long, relaxed days): Tsilivi Beach, Kalamaki, Alykes/Alykanas, Vasilikos beaches like Gerakas and Banana
• Rocky swims (best for dramatic sea colour and cliff scenery): Porto Limnionas, Porto Roxa, Korakonisi, and clear-water coves like Makris Gialos

If you're staying in Tsilivi, you're perfectly set up to do both: easy sandy days close to home, then one or two 'big wow' drives/boat days when the conditions are right.

Best for swimming, lounging, and families

These are the beaches most travellers picture when they imagine Zakynthos: wide sand, easy swimming, and a proper beach-day rhythm.

• Tsilivi Beach: long sandy beach and one of the easiest repeat-swim spots on the island
• Kalamaki Beach: long sandy shoreline with a calmer feel on many days
• Alykes Beach / Alykanas Beach: relaxed north-east beach towns with an easy pace

Vasilikos peninsula sandy favourites (great for a day trip if you combine two or more):

• Gerakas Beach: big scenery and wide sand (follow any seasonal signage)
• Dafni Beach: quieter, natural feeling
• Banana Beach: large, lively, lots of space
• St Nicholas Beach: popular for water sports

Best for sea colour, photos, and cliff-backdrop dips

If your favourite part of holidays is that 'how is the water THIS colour?' moment, this is your list. These places can be incredible on calm days.

• Porto Limnionas: iconic west-coast swim spot (rocky entry, water shoes help)
• Porto Roxa: similar dramatic sea colour and vibe, often paired with Limnionas
• Korakonisi: wild rock formations and big scenery (plan carefully wind conditions matter)
• Makris Gialos: a clear-water cove on the north-east side
• Xigia Beach: distinctive water and a unique feel

Secret swim spots most visitors miss

If you love the famous beaches, you'll also love the 'secret Zakynthos' side: tiny coves, steep cliffs, and swim stops that feel like a private discovery.

The main difference is logistics: some of these are easiest (or effectively only possible) by boat, and most have no facilities-so arrive prepared.

West coast hidden coves (often reached by boat):

• White Beach: a small bright cove framed by pale cliffs, commonly approached by boat.
• Sfogio Beach: another secluded cove frequently visited as a swim stop
• Porto Steniti (Stenitis Bay): rugged, fjord-like swimming area with deep water and a wild feel, great for confident swimmers on calm days.

South coast adventure swims:

• Keri Caves area: sea caves and swim stops that feel very 'Zakynthos'; best enjoyed as a boat excursion when the sea is calm.
• Marathonisi (Turtle Island): a special day out that's typically done by boat, always respect any marine-park guidance and signage. We suggest you combine this with Keri Caves as a day trip

North coast adventure swims:

• Blue Caves area: The famous sea caves that you've seen 'Zakynthos' for best enjoyed as a boat excursion when the sea is calm.
• Shipwreck beach (Navagio) : Of course we couldn't include the most photographed beach in the world, we suggest you combine this with Blue Caves as a day trip.

Tsilivi-base tip: do your big boat/hidden-cove day, then come back to Tsilivi Beach the next day for an easy reset. Your trip feels balanced instead of exhausting.

Where to go when you want a calmer day

The easiest way to find a quieter beach day in Zakynthos is timing: go earlier, keep it simple, and avoid over-hopping.

Good calmer-feeling choices (depending on conditions):

• Dafni Beach (Vasilikos): arrive earlier for a quieter vibe
• Amboula Beach (near Tsilivi): can feel calmer than the main stretch on the right day
• Makris Gialos early in the day for clearer water and a more relaxed feel
• Alykanas/Alykes outside peak hours for an easygoing north-east beach day

Always check access, parking, and sea conditions on the day-Zakynthos can be windy, and different coasts behave differently.

A Tsilivi base makes beach-hopping simple

If you want to see a lot of beaches without feeling like you're constantly in transit, choose a base that gives you an easy 'default beach' plus good access to day trips.

That's why Tsilivi works so well: you get Tsilivi Beach for easy swim days, plus you can day-trip to Vasilikos (Gerakas/Dafni/Banana), the west-coast swim spots (Porto Limnionas/Porto Roxa/Porto Vromi), and Zakynthos Town evenings.

Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites is based in the Tsilivi area, which makes this exact style of trip easy: relaxed beach days when you want them, and adventure days when conditions are right.

Extra questions travellers search for about Zakynthos and Tsilivi

Tsilivi or Vasilikos-where should I stay?

Vasilikos is best for quiet nature-style beach days; Tsilivi is best for convenience and variety (beach + restaurants + easy day trips). Most travellers choose Tsilivi as a base and do Vasilikos as a day trip.

Is Tsilivi Beach sandy?

Yes-Tsilivi Beach is a classic sandy option and works well for repeat swims, especially if you want an easy beach routine.

Are west-coast swim spots safe?

They can be amazing on calm days, but they're often rocky with deep water. Check conditions, use water shoes, avoid risky cliff areas, and don't force it if the sea is choppy.

What's the best 'one wow beach day' in Zakynthos?

For many visitors, a Vasilikos beach day (Gerakas + Dafni or Banana) delivers that wow feeling without the complexity of a boat-only plan.

Where can I do a boat day that includes hidden coves?

Look for excursions that include west-coast coves or the Keri Caves area, and choose based on sea conditions and your comfort level.

Where should I stay in Tsilivi?

If you want a comfortable base in the Tsilivi area, Zante Calinica Hotel & Suites is a convenient option for beach days and island exploring.