Zakynthos: A West Coast Story

This small Greek island is known primarily for its Shipwreck Beach. You've probably heard of it?

It is truly the island’s main attraction, drawing millions of tourists from all over the world with its breathtaking, postcard-perfect views. I’ve already written a separate post about this bay, so feel free to check it out.

However, Zakynthos is far more diverse than it appears on typical postcards. If you’re planning a trip there — and summer is just around the corner — it’s well worth visiting several other remarkable places that are less famous but no less beautiful. This is especially true of the wild western coast.

Today we’ll be talking about the Rock Arch — a natural wonder seemingly made for photography lovers; Porto Roxa — the island’s premier sunset spot; and Porto Limnionas — a beautiful, cozy cove hidden among the rugged curves of the western shoreline. And as a small bonus, one more place for lovers of speleology and mythology.

All of these attractions are located close to one another. Each can be reached by car, and you’ll find spacious parking areas and seaside cafés nearby.

So, let’s begin.

Rock Arch

This attraction is located on the Korakonisi peninsula, whose name translates as “Raven Island.” It owes its existence to the forces of nature: Zakynthos, like all the Ionian Islands, lies in a seismically active zone — and continues to do so today. Long ago, one of many earthquakes shaped this unusual landscape, creating a grand natural window to the sea about twenty meters high.

For photographers, it’s a real treasure: the rock forms a perfect natural frame for dramatic shots. Although the arch faces south and doesn’t offer classic sunset views, you can capture other fascinating scenes — such as the silhouettes of distant ships passing across the horizon.

The sea here is unbelievably clear, shimmering in countless shades of blue. I’ll be honest — my photos don’t fully convey either the scale of the arch or the unique color of the water. I was there back in 2015, and had I known that just a few years later I’d start my own photo blog, I would definitely have tried harder and taken many more shots.

There are no restrictions on visiting the site — you can swim, sunbathe on the rocks, or simply relax and take in the view. Overall, it’s an excellent place to unwind and a true must-see on the island. Highly recommended.

Porto Roxa Beach

If the Rock Arch impresses with its power, Porto Roxa enchants with its almost otherworldly landscapes. The rugged rocky shoreline, carved into whimsical natural pools partially filled with water, creates a surreal atmosphere. But the real highlight here is the sunset.

Porto Roxa is widely considered one of the best places on the island to watch the sun dip into the sea — especially when clouds scatter across the sky, turning the sunset into a spectacular natural show.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to witness the sunset there — that day I focused on photographing the surreal coastal formations instead. Still, I hope to return someday and capture what I missed.

By the way, in modern Greek place names, “porto” doesn’t necessarily mean a commercial harbor — it often refers more generally to a small, sheltered cove.

The sea here is deep and incredibly transparent, glowing in stunning shades of blue right by the shore. It’s one of the best snorkeling spots on Zakynthos, though you should be cautious: entry into the water can be tricky due to sharp rocks, so water shoes aren’t just recommended — they’re essential.

It’s a unique place that won’t appeal to everyone, but for those who love swimming, snorkeling, and dramatic coastal scenery, it’s a fantastic stop.

Porto Limnionas Beach

Completing our top three is the bay of Porto Limnionas. The name may sound mysterious, but it translates quite simply as “Little Lake.” And the comparison is fitting: sheltered by high white cliffs, the bay is so well protected from the wind that it resembles a calm mountain lake — or even a fjord.

The contrast between the white rock formations and the lush greenery surrounding them creates an atmosphere of total tranquility.

Compared to the wilder locations mentioned earlier, there’s slightly more comfort here: small terraces with sun loungers and umbrellas, and even space to moor a private boat.

The water is an extraordinary shade of turquoise and crystal clear — another excellent snorkeling destination. Beneath the surface, the landscape is just as fascinating as above it: steep rock walls, overhanging ledges, and small caves along the opposite shore form a natural labyrinth for curious explorers.

One major advantage is that the bay feels relatively safe for families. It’s compact and easy to oversee, making it simpler to keep an eye on children. There’s even a shallow area tucked deeper into the bay — a small natural “mini-beach” for kids.

But when I discovered that you could jump from some of the cliffs — and that the depth of the water made it safe — I completely fell in love with the place. I’m not one to lie on the beach “like a seal,” and whenever I see an opportunity to leap into the water from a height, I’m gone for at least half an hour. That’s my idea of perfect relaxation — an active kind of vacation I love so much in Greece.

Overall, Porto Limnionas beautifully combines wild natural scenery with a touch of comfort. It’s versatile, cozy, and extremely photogenic. Also highly recommended.

So, is this the end of my story about Zakynthos’ western coast — or have I simply run out of photos that aren’t too embarrassing to share and talk about?

Alright. There’s one more place — a bonus, so to speak.

Damianos cave

A little south of the Rock Arch, near the village of Agalas, lies another fascinating site — Damianos Cave.

According to legend, these lands were once ruled by a man named Damianos, whose life was far from peaceful. In a nearby cave lived a huge dragon called Andronios, who was constantly at odds with the ruler. Damianos ultimately proved stronger: he defeated the monster and, as punishment, forced him to dig twelve wells — one for each month of the year — to irrigate the valley below the village.

Day and night, Damianos kept watch over the cave, supervising the dragon’s labor. But once Andronios completed the twelfth well, he attacked the ruler again — a villain through and through. This time Damianos showed no mercy and killed the dragon.

What remains today is the cave itself, adorned with stalactites, and those very wells in the valley — which, incidentally, are still used by local residents.

As I stood at the cave’s entrance, I couldn’t help imagining that epic battle. Of course, historians claim the wells were actually built by the Venetians in the 11th century, and that the cave itself is merely a classic karst formation, despite its unusual appearance. After all, it’s not easy being a cave in a seismically active zone.

And that’s it — really.
All the best, and thanks for reading!

Zakynthos, Greece.
September, 2015.
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