The islands most popular beaches are concentrated along the south and east coast.  This includes the sweeping golden bay of Kalamaki and Laganas, acknowledged as the most important Mediterranean nesting ground for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle it is also one of the longest stretches of sandy beach in Greece, measuring 9 km long.  A string of beautiful beaches and charming coves trace the peninsula of Vasilikos; running from Ionio to Banana Beach (which has a nudist section) following on to Agios Nikolaos and Porto Roma.  Gerakas and Daphne beach fall within the jurisdiction of the National Marine Park and right of use is lawfully limited.

For the confident swimmer wishing to experience a more dramatic seascape the island has some breathtaking bays situated far from the crowds.

 Marathias on the cape of Keri is a little known pebble beach.  On foot, access is via a path through an olive grove.  An interesting arrangement of hand painted signs have been thoughtfully placed to show the way.  The beach is long and narrow but this is compensated by magnificent panoramic sea views across to Marathanisi (a.k.a Turtle Island).  The water here is crystal clear,  pleasingly warm and great for snorkelling enthusiasts.  Huge outcrops of rock have been worn smooth by centuries of weather and make for ideal bathing spots.

Moving up the rocky west coast, many of the bays are walled by sheer cliffs but a handful are accessible and offer impressive diving and swimming.  One such place is Korakorisi Island. Reached by a new road, it is sign-posted from the mountain village of Kiliomeno.  A striking islet with craggy silhouettes sculptured by the full force of nature.  The rocks are almost moonscape in appearance and you will need protective footwear to safely climb in and out of the water.

Porto Roxa serves those looking for a diving thrill.  The diving platform is not for the faint hearted.  It invites many of the islands youth to test their bravery and the tight fit of their swimwear!  The inlet is deep and clear.  If you don’t want to get your hair wet there are scores of salt-coated rock pools to explore.  Beware it does get busy in August – though this makes it more of a spectator sport!

Waiting patiently at the end of a long winding road you will find the little isthmus of Limnionas.  The scenery is a delight, a tranquil backdrop to the traditional stone taverna that perches just above the sea.  You are always guaranteed a invigorating swim in the fresh sapphire waters though sunbathing areas are a little sparse.

Continuing northwest Porto Vromi is picture perfect and well worth a visit if simply to check out the stunning azure waters as seen on many island postcards.  The dazzling blue colour is actually a natural trick of light refraction.  Porto Vromi, as the name suggests is a small port ferrying boats to and from the nearby shipwreck and the blue caves at Skinari on the northern most tip of the island.

Xigia beach can be found on the northeast side.  It is a small shingle cove tucked below the main coastal road leading from Skinari to Zakynthos town.  Nearby sulphur-caked caves can be explored by the confident swimmer – beware the water is deep and the currents can be strong.  Sulphur washes into the cove from cold underground springs making the water cool, slightly cloudy and at times quite pungent.  The bathers down on the beach are served refreshments by way of an ingenious basket on a pulley system connected to a static canteen-van roadside.