This Greek Island Is A Vibrant Gem With Stunning Cliffs & Turquoise Waters

It should come as no surprise that Greece became the top European destination for U.S. travelers in 2025 (via Greek Reporter). With its millennia-old history and ancient ruins, temperate year-round climate, vibrant nightlife, celebrated cuisine, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Greece offers something for every type of visitor. Yet even with the abundance of choice across the mainland, its more than 6,000 islands hold a majesty and appeal all their own. While many flock to the mesmerizing Cyclades Archipelago in the Aegean Sea – home to the vacation hotspots Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros, among several others — a lesser-known archipelago, the Ionian Islands, lies just west of mainland Greece and lures travelers with the promise of jagged cliffs, vibrant turquoise waters, and unspoiled natural beauty. 

The islands' crown jewel, Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is stunningly beautiful and surprisingly budget-friendly. An underrated hidden gem, Zakynthos is an island of striking geographic contrasts, with rugged mountains dominating the north and long stretches of soft-sand beaches defining the south. This juxtaposition sets the stage for the island's dramatic shifts — from jutting, jagged rock formations to lush, verdant valleys and rolling plains, seemingly inaccessible caves, natural sulfur springs, and even hidden limestone grottos.

While flying to Zakynthos is not difficult, there are no direct flights from the United States to the alluring island. However, travelers can connect through many major European cities, including Athens. From Athens, hop on a one-hour, non-stop flight, or, if you're up for a slower and more scenic journey, a car-and-ferry combo will take approximately five hours.

Navagio Beach on the northern end of the island is the final resting place of a now-famous shipwreck; the white-pebble cove where it lies is flanked on three sides by dramatic, sheer limestone cliffs and is accessible only by boat. While the beach is closed to the public due to erosion and ongoing safety concerns, visitors can still experience Navagio via boat tours or from designated viewpoints atop the cliffs, perched 650 feet above the cove below. About 30 minutes away by car on land, or accessible via boat near the island's most northwest point, the Blue Caves of Volimes beckon like the alluring melodies of a mythical siren, luring travelers toward their eroded grottos and electric blue depths.

Xigia Beach, near the small, lesser-known village of Katastari, is revered for its milky turquoise waters and reputed healing properties, thanks to the area's natural sulfur springs. The beach is broken into three distinct areas. The northern section is the most accessible, featuring the most springs and basic amenities, including a pulley-assisted taverna serving refreshments. The southern section also offers basic facilities, while the secluded middle portion is reachable only by footpath and rewards adventurous visitors with a quieter, more private experience.

Along Zakynthos' southern edge, the Mizithres rock formations were once completely separated from the island's mainland. However, an earthquake in 2018 reconnected the larger of the two formations to its original home, forming a triangle-shaped beach in the process. Among the most photographed locations on Zakynthos, Mizithres is accessible via private boat and pre-booked excursion, while its full majesty can be appreciated from several clifftop vantage points around the area.

Greece is often celebrated for its welcoming Mediterranean climate. However, temperatures and weather vary quite significantly across the country and throughout the year. Zakynthos itself experiences warm to hot summer temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the 90s (Fahrenheit) with dry, humid days and clear, sunny skies. In winter, average highs hover in the 50s and 60s, accompanied by wet, windy, and overcast conditions.

Because much of Zakynthos' southern shore serves as a dedicated natural reserve, not all of the island's stunning beaches are open for human relaxation and enjoyment. Laganas Bay, among several other beaches in the region, offers safe refuge and nesting grounds for the endangered loggerhead turtles that find sanctuary along the island's serene southern shores. Visitors can still see and experience these majestic creatures by booking a guided boat tour; snorkeling and swimming in permitted waters; or watching hatchings on Kalamaki, Dafni, or Gerakas beaches, where protective wood frames mark designated observation nests. 

May and October, Zakynthos' shoulder seasons, offer the best value for travelers. During these months, visitors can enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds, all while soaking up Greece's warm weather and indulging in its world-class cuisine. For those who don't mind adding a little decadence and opulence to their getaway, book your stay at Zakynthos' adults-only, Maldives-style resort with rooms over the water.