Zakynthos: Shipwrecks on Treasure Island

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Zakynthos
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
From £ 268.- per adult (excluding flights)
From £ 199, - per child (up to 11 years)

You don't have to go to the Caribbean to find white beaches and an azure blue sea. Just a three-hour flight away from the UK you will find beaches hidden between limestone cliffs, magical blue caves, a washed-up shipwreck and loggerhead turtles laying eggs in the sand. During this family trip to Zakynthos you'll stay in a hotel with a swimming pool and family rooms in the north of the island and take a boat trip to the shipwreck on Navagio Beach and explore the magical blue caves.

Day 1 – Arrival on Zakynthos

Zakynthos is a relatively small island, just 40 kilometres long and 20 kilometres wide. It has an international airport and is easily accessible by ferry from Lefkada , Kefalonia and mainland Greece. Zakynthos is known for its crystal clear water, white cliffs and rugged mountains. What a dream! You will stay in a hotel with a swimming pool and sea view family rooms on the north side of the island. After you’ve settled in, why not head to the pool to cool off.

Day 2 – Boat trip to shipwreck and the Blue Caves

After a hearty Greek breakfast, head out to explore the so called Smuggler’s Bay! Navagio Bay has become famous for the shipwreck that lies here after it ran aground in 1980. You’ll set sail from the harbour towards the shipwreck which sits on the sand, balanced in mid-air. Quite the sight! Back on board, you’ll continue to the Blue Caves. The different shades of blue are created by the play of light and shadow within the caves. Take a dip in the sea to cool off after a day of sightseeing.

This is a popular excursion so you will not have the shipwreck and beach to yourself. You will also encounter many other boats visiting the caves. If you would prefer a different excursion just let your Travel Specialist know.

The rest of your time here is free to explore Zakynthos on your own. Between May and October, there is a good chance of spotting Loggerhead sea turtles especially in the bay of Laganas, a long sandy stretch in the south. Off the coast here lies Marathonisi, or Turtle Island, where the turtles lay their eggs – a great spot for some snorkelling.

Laganas Bay is popular with families with small children as the long sandy beach slopes gently into the sea. If you are looking for somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of Laganas, you can take the family to Agios Sostis on the south side of the baty. This sandy beach is a bit quieter with cosy with tavernas, restaurants and bars. To protect the turtles, water sports are not allowed here.

Day 3 – Departure Zakynthos

Today it’s time to say goodbye to Zakynthos. From here you can explore the other Ionian Islands. Looking for some inspiration? Take a look at our ready-made family itineraries.