The first day is arrival day. Pick up your car at the airport (according to the instructions you will receive before the trip) and transfer to the accommodation, where you will find the beach and the sea that you were most looking forward to. Enjoy your first day of lazing around. 

Upon arrival at Zakynthos Airport, you can head to the capital city of the same name, which is a short 10-minute drive away, and conveniently stock up on supplies for the following days. You can easily combine shopping here with a walk around the harbor and a pleasant promenade, where the atmosphere of the city blends with the sea view. You can also visit the two main squares - Solomos Square and St. Mark's Square (Platia Agiou Markou), which reflect the historical character of the city. However, if you prefer a quieter start to your vacation, you can go straight to your accommodation and enjoy your first swim in the sea. Keep in mind that smaller shops tend to be more expensive than supermarkets, which you can find in the city and along the way to your accommodation. 

Just a few steps from the accommodation is a small sandy beach with a gentle entry into the water, suitable for calm swimming and snorkeling. If you are traveling at the beginning of the season, you can experience almost empty beaches and undisturbed swimming all day long. A great advantage is the possibility to return to the accommodation at any time - to rest, eat or hide from the midday sun. Along the coastal promenade you will find small stalls and souvenir shops that complete the relaxed holiday atmosphere. There is also a range of quick refreshments - gyros, fresh fruit or refreshing drinks, which you can enjoy while walking around the sea.

In the afternoon, head to the iconic Cameo Island, a photogenic 'party island' connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge. Here, you can enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters, relax on sunbeds, and take in romantic sunset views (it's charming even in the dark). Additionally, boats depart from the local harbor for trips to see turtles or to the nearby island of Marathonisi. Check it out, because tomorrow you'll be setting sail from here.

You can reach Agios Sostis Harbour by walking along the shore or going around by road, you can also arrive by car. It is close to Cameo Island, which you visited yesterday. We paid for a 3-hour boat trip with a glass bottom so we could watch the turtles in nature. We saw a turtle swimming next to the boat. I definitely recommend the cruise because some places cannot be visited from the shore.

• Choose a cruise according to your interest here.

We sailed to the southern tip of the island, near the Keri sea caves to Cape Marathia (the exact location cannot be found on the map, according to GPS coordinates it is the Laganas area). We could swim in the amazingly blue water, the color of which is due to the depth of the sea... but maybe it's better not to know how deep it was below us 😉. The coast is dominated by a rocky "cave window", a magical and very photogenic place.

You will arrive at the small island of Marathonísi, which you can see from Agios Sóstis beach where you are staying, and which resembles a turtle in shape. It falls within the protected area of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. Every year, Caretta caretta sea turtles come here to lay their eggs, which is why it is nicknamed "Turtle Island". You can take a walk (you must not enter the marked areas with nests) and take a bath. There are a lot of tourists here.

You will find two small beaches, one sandy suitable for swimming and the other pebbly with crystal clear blue water and caves. Due to nature protection, the movement of visitors is limited in some periods and it is not allowed to stay on the beach after sunset so as not to disturb the turtle nesting sites.

You can also view the party island from the sea from the boat on the way back to the marina.

Arrive in the morning when there aren't many tourists and park for free in the Gerakas parking lot. Then you can walk 3 minutes to the beach. The beach is open and there is nowhere to hide, I recommend taking an umbrella. The beach is long and sandy with a gradual entry, ideal for small children. There are marked turtle nests that you must avoid. It is a nature reserve, the beach closes in the evening. Beautiful place, wonderful swimming.

The journey to Dafni Beach is a small adventure in itself. You will encounter narrow, unpaved roads full of dust, potholes, and sharp turns, so drive slowly and carefully. However, you will be rewarded with a place with a unique atmosphere that evokes the free hippie spirit of the 70s, at least that's how I felt there. Dafni Beach feels calm, a bit wild, and very authentic. The beach is pebbly and rocky, so water shoes are definitely a good idea. But once you enter the sea, you'll understand why people come here. The water is incredibly clear and shimmers with all shades of turquoise and blue; if you snorkel, it would be worth it here.

A great advantage is the pleasant shade of the trees, which makes it comfortable to spend even a hot summer day here. You can rent sunbeds on site and enjoy something good to eat and drink at the local tavern. Dafni is not a luxurious beach in the polished style of resorts; its charm lies in its naturalness, relaxed atmosphere, and the feeling that time has stopped for a moment.

A beautiful restaurant with amazing views. A local girl, Katerina, recommended this place to us. I recommend stopping here in the morning for coffee and dessert. Be sure to try the traditional Zakynthos dessert Frygania - a refreshing sweetness made of layered rusks soaked in citrus syrup, delicate vanilla cream and fluffy whipped cream. It is a typical dessert of the island, ideal with coffee during a hot summer day. You can park anywhere by the road.

Keri beach is located in a bay in the southwest of the island. The place has a peaceful Greek atmosphere, small taverns right by the sea and beautiful views of the green hills and the surrounding islands of Marathonisi and Cameo. You can rent sunbeds on the beach or lie on a blanket. You can eat here. I really liked this beach. Enjoy swimming.

Later in the afternoon, head to the Mizithres viewpoint. The journey from Keri Beach is quite challenging in places. You will drive through the narrow streets of the traditional village of Keri, where you need to drive slowly and carefully. The road will take you to the very end, and then you have to continue on foot.

The short path to the viewpoint leads uphill and can be a bit of a test of fitness, especially in the summer heat. But every step is worth it. Once you reach the top, one of the most beautiful views of Zakynthos opens up before you. The white rock formations of Mizithres rising from the incredibly turquoise sea, dramatic cliffs, and the endless horizon of the Ionian Sea. 

I recommend arriving early in the morning. The viewpoint is free and should be open 24 hours. The area may sometimes be closed due to landslides (some parts are fenced off) or during high fire risk. We arrived before 11 a.m., but we had to wait in line for an hour to get to the viewpoint – take a peek, take a picture, and then they rush you away. Unfortunately, the path above Navagio beach was closed due to landslides, so we didn't have much luck. Therefore, leave earlier or save this part for sunset. The most beautiful atmosphere is usually about an hour or two before sunset, when the sea turns a deep blue color and the crowds of tourists thin out. 

Filippoi Beach is one of the lesser-known and quieter beaches on the west coast of Zakynthos. You won't find any beach bars or busy tourist centers here, quite the opposite. The place retains a wild and natural character, which makes it seem almost like a small hidden paradise. The beach is mostly rocky to pebbly, in places with larger stones, so water shoes are very practical. But the sea here is beautifully clean, clear and has intense turquoise shades typical of the west coast of the island. Thanks to the rocky surroundings, the water is ideal for snorkeling. Enjoy swimming or just admire the beauty of the surroundings.

The road here is less comfortable and ends here, so you have to turn back on a narrow road, but it's doable. You will appreciate Filippoi Beach if you are looking for peace, natural atmosphere, beautiful swimming without crowds, an authentic piece of Zakynthos.

Take plenty of water with you, or something small to eat. 

There is a wonderful view from this restaurant. You can have a meal here or just a snack (check the opening hours).

Porto Vromi Beach is one of the most picturesque bays on the west coast of Zakynthos and feels completely different from the classic beaches in the south of the island. The narrow, deep bay enclosed by white cliffs, incredibly turquoise water, and dramatic nature create an almost cinematic atmosphere. The journey here is part of the experience. The road leads through a mountainous landscape, the last section descends steeply down to the sea and is quite narrow, so you need to drive carefully. Porto Vromi even has two parts, one from the village of Anafonitria and the other from Maries. You can't drive between them, even though they are only a short distance apart as the crow flies.

• Porto Vromi is also one of the most popular places for boat trips. If you would like to see Navagio Beach from the sea, you can take this cruise, for example.

The beach itself is smaller, pebble and rocky, and rather natural without much tourist infrastructure. But the water is all the more beautiful - calm, deep and exceptionally clear, ideal for swimming or snorkeling. Thanks to the sheltered bay, the sea is often calm even on days when other beaches are rough. You will also find a simple tavern or snack bar where you can sit with a view of the bay. Porto Vromi is not a place for all-day comfortable beach service. Its charm lies in the wild nature, the color of the sea and the feeling that you have discovered a hidden corner of Zakynthos.

A small view bistro in the center of the island with views of the green hills and valleys of Zakynthos, if you want to refresh yourself and see the island from a different perspective.

Enjoy a relaxing time in the sea.

Olive groves are all over the island. Not far from the accommodation is a museum of olive oil production. You can walk or drive here. If you fancy a slightly different experience. Olive oil from Zakynthos is excellent. So why not bring back a souvenir for yourself and your loved ones. Oil can be bought anywhere along the way or mostly in the accommodation.

A quick last swim in the sea near the accommodation. Then pack all your belongings and head to the airport or the capital city.

Wander through the city streets, stop by a cafe, and enjoy your last moments on the island, see day one for more details.

Return the car to the rental company and check in for your flight with enough time to spare. Don't forget to check your documents, luggage, and last-minute details to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Have a safe trip home, and may your memories of Zakynthos stay with you long after your return.