Best things to do in Laganas

An important nesting ground for sea turtles, Laganas Beach stretches along the southeastern coastline of the island of Zakynthos. Despite being part of a protected marine park--established to protect the endangered loggerhead sea turtles--the beach remains one of the island's major tourist attractions. The wider waterfront area contains more than 100 bars and nightclubs, while the beach itself features several snack bars and traditional taverns, located just steps from the sea. This is the most crowded spot on Zakynthos all through the day and well into the wee hours of the night, so be sure to stake out your piece of warm sand as early as you can.

The largest stretch of sand on the island, Banana Beach offers golden sands, a beautifully stark rocky landscape, and clear water. Facilities include beach chairs and umbrellas for rent and bars serving snacks and cold drinks. Watersports outfits provide numerous ways to get your thrills on or above the sea, such as parasailing, waterskiing, jetskiing, and being pulled behind a fast boat in various types of big inflatable devices. Plenty of parking is available if you plan to arrive by car.

The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) sits as an exposed cove famed for its crystal clear water and the skeleton of an abandoned merchant shipthat's been rusting away on the white sand since 1982. The beach stretches along the northwestern shore of Zakynthos, an area defined by its sheer limestone cliffs. The turquoise water lapping against the sandy beach attracts thousands of swimmers, snorkelers, and divers, many of which arrive by cruise ships from nearby ports. For panoramic vistas of this beach, bring along some drinking water and head to the nearby village of Anafonitria, famous for its viewing platform that hangs on the edge of a steep cliff.