Zakynthos is famous for its turquoise waters, dramatic coastline and beautiful beaches, but some of the island’s best swimming spots are spread across different parts of the island. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to leave the busy resort areas behind, follow the coastline and discover a different beach whenever you feel like it.
From long sandy beaches in Vasilikos to small coves surrounded by cliffs in northern Zakynthos, there is a beach for almost every type of traveller.
If you are planning to explore the island at your own pace, here are some of the best beaches in Zakynthos to visit by car.
Gerakas Beach
Located at the southern end of the Vasilikos peninsula, Gerakas Beach is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Zakynthos. Its long stretch of sand, clear shallow water and relatively natural surroundings make it an excellent choice for travellers looking for a relaxing day by the sea.
Gerakas is also an important nesting beach for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, and forms part of the protected area of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. Visitors should therefore respect the signs and instructions in place to protect nests and wildlife. Access to the Marine Park’s turtle nesting beaches is permitted from 07:00 until sunset.
The beach is particularly suitable for couples and families who prefer a quieter atmosphere away from the island’s busier resorts.
Best for: Relaxation, families and nature lovers.
Banana Beach
If you prefer a more organised beach with plenty happening throughout the day, Banana Beach is one of the best choices in Zakynthos.
Situated on the Vasilikos peninsula, it is known for its long sandy shoreline, clear water, sunbeds, beach facilities and water sports. It is one of the island’s larger and more organised beaches, making it especially popular with visitors who want to spend an entire day beside the sea.
Travelling there with your own rental car also means you can combine Banana Beach with other nearby beaches in Vasilikos and turn the journey into a full day of exploring the southeast coast.
Best for: Water sports, groups of friends and a full beach day.
Xigia Beach
Xigia is one of the most distinctive beaches in Zakynthos.
Located on the northeastern coast of the island, this small pebble cove is surrounded by impressive cliffs and bright turquoise water. What makes Xigia particularly unusual are the sulphur springs that flow into the sea, giving sections of the water their characteristic appearance and smell.
The beach itself is relatively small, so arriving earlier in the day is often preferable during the busy summer period. Parking is available above the beach, followed by a walk down towards the cove.
The drive to Xigia is also part of the experience, as the northern side of Zakynthos offers beautiful coastal scenery and several other places worth stopping at along the way.
Best for: Couples, swimming, photography and travellers looking for something different.
Makris Gialos
Continue along the northeastern coast and you will find Makris Gialos, another beautiful stop that fits perfectly into a Zakynthos road trip.
Unlike the long sandy beaches of southern Zakynthos, Makris Gialos has a more rugged character, with pebbles, rocky surroundings and impressively clear water. The area is particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy swimming and snorkelling.
Because Xigia and Makris Gialos are located relatively close to one another, visiting both during the same drive is an easy way to experience more of the island’s northern coastline. Xigia itself lies near Makris Gialos on this northeast section of Zakynthos.
Best for: Snorkelling, clear water and scenic road trips.
Porto Limnionas
For something completely different from the island’s traditional sandy beaches, drive west towards Porto Limnionas.
Rather than a typical beach, Porto Limnionas is a spectacular rocky inlet surrounded by limestone cliffs. Its deep blue and turquoise water makes it one of the most memorable swimming locations on the western side of Zakynthos. Natural rock terraces around the inlet provide places where visitors can relax between swims.
The journey across the island also allows you to see a very different side of Zakynthos, passing through inland landscapes before reaching the dramatic western coastline.
Best for: Strong swimmers, dramatic scenery and adventurous travellers.
Kalamaki Beach
Kalamaki is an excellent choice if you are looking for a wide sandy beach with shallow water and easy access from the southern part of Zakynthos.
Like Gerakas, Kalamaki is located within the wider protected area associated with the National Marine Park and is one of the nesting areas monitored for Caretta caretta turtles. Visitors should always follow local conservation rules and avoid disturbing marked nesting areas.
Its location also makes Kalamaki convenient to combine with other attractions and beaches around southern Zakynthos.
Best for: Families, relaxed swimming and sandy beaches.
Explore More Than One Beach in a Day
One of the biggest advantages of having a car in Zakynthos is that you do not have to choose just one beach.
You can start your morning swimming on the eastern coast, stop in a traditional village for lunch and finish the afternoon watching the sun from the western side of the island.
For example, you could spend one day exploring the beaches around Vasilikos and another driving north towards Xigia and Makris Gialos. On a different day, head west to discover Porto Limnionas and the island’s more rugged landscapes.
This flexibility is what makes exploring Zakynthos by car such an enjoyable part of the holiday.
Tips for Visiting Zakynthos Beaches by Car
During the summer months, popular beaches can become busy, particularly from late morning onwards. Starting your trip earlier gives you more time to explore and can make parking easier at smaller beaches.
Keep water, sunscreen and everything you need for the day in the car, especially when visiting smaller coves where facilities may be limited.
It is also worth checking your route before leaving, particularly when heading towards the more remote western and northern parts of the island.
Most importantly, respect protected areas, local signs and designated parking areas. Zakynthos’ coastline is one of the island’s greatest attractions, and responsible travel helps keep these places beautiful for future visitors.
Discover Zakynthos at Your Own Pace
The beaches of Zakynthos are spread across the entire island, and each coastline offers a different experience. One day you can relax on the sand at Gerakas or Banana Beach, while the next you can swim between cliffs at Xigia or Porto Limnionas.
Having your own vehicle means you decide where to go, how long to stay and what to discover next.
With Levantino Rentals, you can choose from a range of cars to find the vehicle that suits your trip and start exploring Zakynthos at your own pace. Levantino Rentals is based in Planos and offers a fleet that includes cars, scooters and ATVs, as well as free pick-up and delivery at many rental locations.
Your next favourite beach might be just a drive away.
