10 must-have experiences in Zakynthos

If you want to discover more about Zakynthos, check out our guide to the best restaurants, the ‘hidden’ Mediterranean paradise, or my top 5 beach bars with amazing views.

Planning to rent a boat for your Zakynthos adventure? It’s one of the most magical ways to experience the island – giving you access to hidden beaches, turquoise coves, and stunning viewpoints you simply can’t reach by land.

Before you set sail, make sure to check out my complete guide with everything you need to know: our exact boat route, top tips, what to bring, and a few things to avoid. Trust me, it’ll make your day at sea even better:

READ MORE HERE

Unless you’re a confident and very calm driver, I wouldn’t recommend going by car; the road is steep, narrow, and poorly maintained. This is definitely a route better suited for hiking.

That said, the view from the top was absolutely phenomenal, and combining nature with a touch of history made it feel even more rewarding. The church is one of the few surviving examples of Byzantine architecture on Zakynthos, and its setting overlooking the traditional lands of Vasilikos adds to its quiet significance.

According to our friends, the island opens at 9:00 AM local time, and it costs €5 to cross the wooden bridge and enter. Upon arrival, they take a photo of you – and later turn it into a little keychain with your picture inside. A unique and charming souvenir, and such a sweet way to remember your visit.

If renting a boat or car isn’t quite your thing, and you prefer a motor-free experience but still want to see the island from a new perspective, I highly recommend trying a paddleboard. It adds a touch of adventure to any beach day, letting you glide further out on the water while soaking in views you wouldn’t get on foot – and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle along the way. It’s fun, peaceful, and a beautiful way to connect with the sea.

This was such an iconic view – nestled amidst the dramatic beauty of the Mediterranean landscape. Greece is a country of enchantment, filled with natural wonders and breathtaking moments. Navagio Beach, with its hidden cove and shipwreck in the sand, felt like a dream carved into the cliffs. 

There’s a path leading down to the viewpoint, and it tends to draw a crowd. Take extra care here – the view is absolutely mesmerizing, and it’s easy to get swept up in the moment and lean too close to the edge of the towering cliffs. Be sure to walk a little further down the path, away from the main photo spot where most people gather. While you won’t see the shipwreck from there, the views from the other sides – and further along the cliff – are equally breathtaking in their own right.

When in Greece, a frappé is the perfect way to cool down — whether you’re at a cozy local café or a chic beach bar by the sea. These were some of my favorite beach bars:

1. Koukla Beach – Greek and Sea Food Taverna 
2. Fondo Beach Bar Restaurant
3. Roxa Retreat
4. Ionion Beach Bar Restaurant Porto Roxa
5. Nikos Beach Bar Restaurant 
6. Porto Azzuro Beach Bar

My favorite thing when I travel is discovering hidden gems – those places where locals enjoy their meals or get their vitamin C by the water’s edge. Spots full of charm, character, and tranquility, framed in authentic beauty. There are always hidden gems to find – you just have to search long enough or ask the locals. My favorite places on the island were Xigia Pelagaki, and Filippoi; two beaches that couldn’t be more different. Read more about these hidden gems HERE.

If turquoise therapy is a thing, you’ll get the ultimate session at Mizithres. This place feels like stepping into another world — a little like Narnia, only real. The view is absolutely surreal, and there are several spots along the way to stop and take it all in.

Getting to Mizithres is easy, whether you’re driving a car or exploring by ATV, which many visitors rent on the island. There’s a large parking area, and just next to it, you’ll find a small café close to the main viewpoint. From there, you can enjoy the view with solid ground under your feet and a safety railing in front — the perfect spot to admire the two iconic rock formations surrounded by shimmering turquoise and icy blue water (depending on the time of day and season).

If you, like us, want to get even closer, there’s a short walk of about 7–10 minutes from the parking lot. At the end of the trail, you’ll be standing right at the cliff’s edge with an unobstructed, panoramic view that’s simply unforgettable. Walk along the ridge if you can — there are several quiet spots along the way, and the first lookout point is usually where most tourists gather.