The underrated Greek island with a postcard-perfect beach | The world | News

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is the third largest and southernmost Greek island in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of the continent. The island is a tourist destination, especially among British tourists, with an international airport served by charter flights from all over Northern Europe.

The western half of the island is a mountainous plateau, while the southwest coast consists mostly of steep cliffs. The eastern half is a densely populated fertile plain with long sandy beaches and is also home to the town of Zakynthos, also known as Chora.

While temperatures are in the 30sC during the summer months, Zakynthos still has temperatures in the 20sC in September. The average daily high this month is 27.6C, according to NOAA.

In 1953, the island was hit by a massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake that destroyed many of the buildings on the island. All buildings were subsequently reinforced to protect against future tremors.

Since the mid-1980s, Zakynthos has become a hub for tourists between the ages of 18 and 30, leading to Alykanas and Laganas (previously quiet villages) becoming the new home of hotels, nightclubs, bars and restaurants. However, for those who want a quieter scene, it is possible to leave these areas behind for unspoiled nature and golden beaches with clear water.

Covering an area of ​​over 156 square miles, Zakynthos boasts a coastline 76 miles long.

Gerakas Beach is the southernmost beach in Zakynthos and is definitely one of the most beautiful on the island. It consists of a long stretch of sand, ending in a small promontory plunging into the sea, situated 11 miles distant from the main town.

At 3,080 feet long and 65 feet wide, you’re very unlikely to have trouble finding a spot to spend the day on the sandy shore. The central part of the beach has facilities including sunbeds and umbrellas, the rest remaining unorganized. There are no toilets or showers available.

Between May and October, turtle eggs hatch on the beach and the tiny animals make their trek to the sea. The beach is a protected area of ​​the Zakynthos Marine Park, with access prohibited from half an hour before sunset to half an hour after dawn. Nests are also marked and a turtle barrier is installed, according to the Mediterranean Marine Life Center.

Another hugely popular, and probably Zakynthos’ most iconic, is Navagio or shipwreck beach, a cove on the northwest shore isolated by high cliffs and accessible only by boat. However, this beach has been closed to the public due to landslide fears. The recent bad weather is also causing concerns that the ship’s structure is deteriorating and could soon be washed away.