The secrets of Zante’s beaches and bays

The eggy waft that drifts on the breeze at Xigia Beach might deter you from visiting – or hanging around for too long. But, there’s a very good reason to stay. The minerals that turn the island’s clear blue ocean into a milky haze here are said to hold healing powers. Think of a dip at this beach as a free spa session and the niff in the nostrils suddenly seems a little less offensive. The actual beach at Xigia is tiny – so drop by early if you want to secure a spot. Though, because of the sulphur – this beach isn’t one you’d usually want to settle down on for too long. 

The relatively quiet shores of Kalamaki Beach hide an underwater secret: sea grass meadows. Stunning to snorkel over – and protected inside the island’s National Marine Park, these warm waters are also favoured by Zante’s turtles. There’s just one bit of noise pollution that you can’t escape. Kalamaki sits just south of Zakynthos airport. Which is ideal for stunning snaps of jet engines as you lay on the sands. Not ideal if you’re in the market for an idyllic afternoon of blissful peace on your beach towel. Whether the beauty of the wafting strands of seagrass on the sea bed – and the potential to snorkel alongside a turtle or two, is adequate compensation for the nearby runway? That’s for you to decide. 

Banana Beach is a strong contender for our ‘all-rounder’ title. And, really, the only thing that stops it earning the most coveted of beach titles? It does occasionally come with a party atmosphere. That’s not to say families won’t feel welcome here – but if you’re looking for a quiet beach, Banana isn’t the one. What is does have, is facilities by the bucket and spadeful. Beach bars, restaurants and watersports options line the huge stretch of sand to bring just about everything you’d need for a day on the sands. The cocktails and shade-dappled oasis of Banana Baya adds a little luxe life to your beach vibe along with their cabanas, umbrellas and loungers.  

One of the first things you’ll notice at Gerakas Beach – apart from the rolling dunes, and gorgeous green cliff tops – are the curious wooden frames dotted along the shoreline. Placed there by beach rangers, the rustic contraptions are to stop you inadvertently stomping over the precious turtle nest locations. Loggerhead turtles use this beach as a nesting site – and the frames help both turtles and sunbathers share the sands in an eco-friendly way. Wander the shoreline and count the nests, swim in the warm shallow waters and keep your eyes peeled for hatchlings emerging from the sand. 

Zante’s beaches practically demand you do little but laze the days away listening to waves lap the shore – or enjoy a mix playing from a nearby beach party. But for those who like a little ocean-based adrenaline rush, Tsilivi serves up some exceptional windsurfing weather. In the mornings, prevailing winds rarely rustle up anything to unnerve newbies and Zante Windsurf are the folks to get you on the water. After 3pm? The breezes pick up and the windsurfers with a little more experience take to the waves. Watch for tips as they zip over the ocean or get on your board and join them, if you’ve got the know-how. 

So far, our run down of the best beaches in Zante has served up golden sands, gorgeous views and shallow swimming spots. Time for something a little different then. This time, we’re pointing you – and your hire car towards Porto Steniti on the west coast. This place is a little tricky to get to – and there’s no beach as such when you get there. What you will find, is a deep fjord, with crystal blue waters, that leads into a craggy inlet on a remote and quiet part of the island. If you fancy the swim – without the headache of parking the car, one of the best things to do in Zante is hire a boat for the day. Putter up the coast, drop anchor and enjoy this idyllic slice of the island. 

You’ll find the family-friendly sands of Alykes Beach on the north coast of Zante. Shallow, warm waters are the ideal spot for safe swimming – or a paddle for tiny toes taking their first steps into the water. Facilities here fall into the ‘Goldilocks’ bracket of just enough. A few shops and a handful of cafe/restaurants keep you on the sands all day, without making the beach feel overcrowded and busy. Handy parking makes it easy to drive up and be on the beach in minutes and a nearby harbour adds in the option for an afternoon boat trip. Watersports provide a spectator sport for those adamant they want to stay glued to their beach towel, or high speed fun for adventure on the ocean. For a change of scene, the nearby salt flats are the place to look out for Zante’s wildlife.