The western coastline of the island of Zaynthos is dominated by jagged
rocky cliffs and small rocky bays. You will find some of the most
spectacular Zante scenery in this region, with dramatic contrasts
between sea and stone.
The western coastline runs from the Zantes northern tip of Skinari
westward towards the southern region of Marathias. The west coast is
about 40 kilometers in distance and should definitely be included in
your Zakynthos holiday plans, especially if you are keen for a bit of
adventure.
The most famous beach in Zante, and in fact in most of the
Mediterranean, is located on the west coast of Zakynthos. Shipwreck Bay,
also known as ‘Navagio’ in Greek, can only be reached by taking a boat
trip in Zakynthos.
With bright white pebble sand and extraordinarily blue turquoise
waters, the beach at Navagio Bay is quite out of this world! Towering
cliffs dwarf the beach at Shipwreck Bay, where a stranded wreck lies
washed up in the middle of the beach.
You can experience Shipwreck bay in two ways – either from the
lookout tower, located outside the village of Anafonitria on the west
coast of Zante, or by visiting the beach by boat. Both options are
really spectacular things to do in Zakynthos.
From the lookout tower you get the advantage of seeing and capturing on
camera the iconic image of Shipwreck from above. This has to be one of
the most amazing views in the world.
Visiting the beach on a Zante boat trip is also quite breath-taking.
Approaching the beach is a once in-a-lifetime experience – the huge
cliffs surrounding the bay, combined with the stranded ship in the
middle, ensure that this is an awe-inspiring moment.
Spending time at the Shipwreck beach you will be able to swim in the
cool turquoise waters and explore the wreckage of the boat, which has
been engraved with hundreds of names of visitors since the ship washed
up here years ago.
There are a number of boat trips departing to Shipwreck bay on a
daily basis from all around Zakynthos. However, for a really personal
and relaxed experience we recommend the Potamitis Brothers who leave
from the lighthouse at Skinari. This way you can combine a trip to the
Blue Caves with your day at Shipwreck. Also, with the Potamitis brothers
you can really tailor make your stay at Shipwreck and decide how long
you want to stay at the beach. They will always go out of their way to
ensure you have a fantastic boat trip.
While driving along the west coast of Zante, you will to a turn off
down to the small bay of Porto Vromi. The drive down to the beach is
rather steep and winding, but the views along the way are really
beautiful with sweeping cliff views over vast expanses of the Ionian
Sea.
Most people who head down to the beach at Porto Vromi use this as a
launching pad to head off on a boat trip to Shipwreck Bay. There are a
number of different boat trips available from here and Porto Vromi
provides a great chance to head out and enjoy time on the sea.
As your boat leaves the bay at Porto Vromi try to spot the stunning
profile of the Sea God Poseidon, which is carved into the cliff on the
left.
Two of the most popular spots for relaxing and swimming on the west coast
lie next to each other, separated by just a few kilometres. Limnionas
and Porto Roxa are very similar bays. Both feature striking rocky fiords
and bright blue and green sea water. The fiord at Limnionas is
particularly spectacular with large sea caves marking the cliff face.
From Limnionas and Porto Roxa you can take a flying leap from the rocks
into the sea below. This is a fun chance for an adrenaline buzz if you
are keen! Alternatively, you can dive in from slightly lower heights.
The swimming here is very different from the sandy beaches of the south
and east coasts of the island. Deep seas predominate on the west coast
of Zakynthos and at Limionas and Porto Roxa you can be sure that your
toes won’t touch the bottom. This environment is perfect for snorkelling
with lots of caves to explore.
After your swim you can either relax on the rock platforms at Limnionas or
on the sunbeds at Porto Roxa. There are tavernas at both beaches ready
to serve you a delicious meal overlooking the sea. The taverna at
Limnionas provides particularly spectacular views over the sea and tried
and tested fantastic food. This is one of the most popular restaurants
with Zakynthian locals and you can’t get a much better recommendation
than that.
Both Limnionas and Porto Roxa can be reached by turning off the main
road at the west coast village of Agios Leon.
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