Sun, sea and sand on a green paradise island. Does that sound like a faraway exotic destination? Not at all! You will find all this and more on the Greek island of Zakynthos. The aptly named 'Pearl of the Ionian Sea' is the perfect sun holiday destination. Book your flight, hotel, rental car and activities with Transavia Holidays. Compose your dream holiday on Zakynthos in a few easy steps. Get ready to dive into the azure blue water.
Book flight + hotelPart of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos lies to the west of mainland Greece. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, summer months are almost always sunny and warm. Do you love a beach holiday? Zakynthos offers an abundance of beautiful, white sandy beaches to choose from. Navagio Beach is the island's hotspot. You often see it in photographs and with good reason. Nestled in a picturesque bay surrounded by limestone rocks and cliffs. Navagio is best known for the shipwreck that lies on its beach. This smuggling ship was sailing from Turkey to Italy in 1980, but stranded on Zakynthos and was never recovered. Only accessible by boat, Navagio Beach with its white sand and clear blue sea is an unforgettable sight.
Many more beautiful beaches await in the southern coastal resorts of Laganas and Agios Sostis. Also visit the many charming restaurants, bustling terraces and nightlife. This part of the island is especially known for the Caretta-Caretta turtles that live in the National Marine Park. This turtle species is almost exclusively found on Zakynthos. Because of the size of their heads, they are also called "loggerhead turtles". During breeding season some beaches are strictly guarded because the turtles bury their eggs in the sand. Want to learn more about these unique animals? Visit the Turtle Rescue Centre near Gerakas Beach.
Ready for a change from sea and sand? Zakynthos also offers culture and history. Take a walk through Zakynthos Town and admire its picturesque centre. An earthquake almost completely destroyed the city in 1953, but you can still admire beautiful churches and museums with many preserved art treasures. The charming shopping streets offer great finds in the best boutiques. Prefer quiet locations? Then rent a car and drive to one of the many mountain villages, such as Machairado. From here, take a beautiful walk through the countless olive groves and vineyards. Or rent a boat and sail to the 'Blue Caves'. The reflection of the sunlight on the seawater casts a blue glow on these impressive rock formations.