Zakynthos with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide

Zakynthos is one of the genuinely great family destinations in Greece. The southern coast has a long stretch of calm, shallow, sandy beaches — the kind where three-year-olds can wade out twenty metres and still be ankle-deep. The island is compact enough to drive end-to-end in an hour. The food is simple and abundant. And the sea turtles — the reason most nature-loving families come here — are real, wild, and extraordinary.

This guide covers everything from the best beaches for small children to age-appropriate activities, hospital locations, and what to pack for a July trip.

Best Beaches for Families

Gerakas Beach ⭐ Best Overall

For ages: All ages, including babies
Water: Flat, glassy, zero waves — a natural lagoon effect
Surface: Fine dark sand, no pebbles

Gerakas sits at the southeastern tip of the island inside the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. The beach curves in a wide arc and is protected from swell by the headland. The water stays knee-deep for an extraordinary distance — ideal for toddlers who want to “swim” independently. It’s also an active loggerhead turtle nesting beach, which means you might spot turtle tracks in the morning sand during summer.

Practical: The beach has a taverna at the top of the access road (good for lunch), no sun lounger rentals (bring your own shade), and protected status means no speedboats or jet skis. Arrive by 9 AM in peak season to find parking. The road down is steep and unpaved for the last 500 metres — manageable in a normal car but slow.

Kalamaki Beach

For ages: All ages
Water: Calm, very shallow, clear
Surface: Fine sand, some sea grass in the shallows

Kalamaki is the most convenient family beach on the island — it’s flat, easily accessible, and has everything within walking distance: restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, and accommodation. The beach itself is wide and long with gentle waves. The southwestern end near the turtle sanctuary markers is quieter; the village end has more activity. Sun loungers are available (€5-8 for two plus umbrella).

Practical: The turtle nesting rules apply here too — certain areas are roped off after nesting is detected. This is normal and doesn’t significantly limit the beach.

Laganas Beach

For ages: All ages, but best suited for children 5+
Water: Calm, shallow, clear
Surface: Fine sand, well-maintained

Laganas is the longest beach on the island and the most built-up. For families, it has practical advantages: lots of restaurants catering to children, supermarkets, toy shops, and the easiest beach access on Zakynthos. The water is calm and shallow. The main drawback is the nightlife strip immediately behind the beach — not an issue during the day, but the village isn’t exactly serene after 10 PM. For families who want convenience over tranquillity, it works well.

Tsilivi Beach

For ages: All ages
Water: Calm, shallow, clear
Surface: Fine golden sand

Tsilivi, north of Zakynthos Town, is the other main family resort and arguably the better choice for families who want a full-service beach without the Laganas nightlife energy. The beach is well-organised, the water is very calm, and there are multiple restaurants and cafes right on the seafront. Banana boats, pedal boats, and low-key water sports are available for older children.

Age-by-Age Activity Guide

Ages 0–5: Shallow Water, Sand, and Simple Pleasures

At this age, Zakynthos is about the beach, full stop. Gerakas and Kalamaki are ideal. The National Marine Park’s turtle rules actually work in your favour — no motorboats means no noise and no danger to small children in the water.

Good activities: Beach time, early morning walk to spot turtle tracks (Gerakas, June–September), boat trip on the Laganas lagoon (calm water, short duration), village ice cream in Zakynthos Town.

Ages 6–9: First Adventures

Children this age are old enough for the glass-bottom boat trips that depart from Agios Sostis and Laganas harbour. These 45-60 minute trips through the turtle sanctuary area regularly spot loggerhead turtles feeding and resting — seeing a one-metre turtle glide beneath the boat floor is a memory that lasts years. The boats are stable and the sea is usually flat in the bay of Laganas.

Good activities: Glass-bottom boat (6+), snorkelling in calm conditions at Porto Zoro or Dafni, Gerakas beach walk with ranger talk (seasonal), Zakynthos Town horse-drawn carriage, Askos Stone Park (reptile and bird sanctuary, excellent for curious kids).

Ages 10–13: Getting Into It

From ten upwards, children can handle longer excursions and more varied terrain. The Blue Caves on the north coast are accessible by boat from Agios Nikolaos port — the trip involves a small swim into the caves, which children this age handle easily and love enormously. The cave formations reflect brilliant turquoise light in the morning; go early.

Good activities: Blue Caves boat trip (10+), kayaking along the west coast (guided), hiking to Agalas gorge (moderate, 2-3 hours), snorkelling at Porto Limnionas (rocky entry but crystal water), Navagio viewpoint (the cliff-edge lookout above Shipwreck Beach — children this age can handle the short but steep path, though the drop is significant and should be supervised).

Ages 14+: Full Island Access

Teenagers can join most adult activities. Scuba diving intro courses are available from Laganas and Tsilivi (minimum age varies by operator, typically 10-12 for Try Dives). Cliff jumping at Cameo Island and Porto Limnionas is popular but requires swimming confidence and parental judgement. Horse riding at Vassilikos and quad biking (minimum 16 with a licence in Greece) are options for older teenagers.

Turtle Watching: What to Tell the Kids

The sea turtles of Zakynthos are the centrepiece of any family visit. Here is what actually works:

Glass-bottom boat (recommended, ages 6+): Departs from Agios Sostis, Laganas, and Keri. The flat-bottomed viewing boats cruise slowly through the turtle feeding grounds. Sightings are not guaranteed but the success rate in July-August is high — turtles surface to breathe every few minutes and can be spotted feeding on sea grass. Duration: 45-60 minutes. Cost: €10-15 per adult, €5-8 per child.

Dafni Beach at dawn (free, ages 8+): Dafni is a protected nesting beach that opens briefly at dawn for organised viewing. ARCHELON (the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece) runs volunteer monitoring — you can join a morning session to watch for females returning to the sea after nesting. Contact ARCHELON’s Zakynthos station. This is free, extraordinary, and deeply educational.

Rules every child must know: Never touch a turtle. Don’t get in the water if a turtle is nearby. No flash photography. Keep voices low. Turtles are wild animals — a calm child will see more than a noisy one.

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Most tavernas on Zakynthos will accommodate children without fuss — Greeks are comfortable with children at the table at any hour. A few stand out for specifically family-friendly conditions:

Kosta’s Grill House (Tsilivi): Large portions, relaxed atmosphere, high chairs available, extensive menu with plain options for fussy eaters. The souvlaki platters are designed for sharing.

Arekia (Kalamaki): A genuine local spot that tolerates the chaos of family dining with good humour. The Greek salad is enormous, the bread comes fast, and the staff are patient.

Dennis Taverna (Laganas): Right on the seafront, tables spread well apart, consistently decent food, and the kind of relaxed service that doesn’t rush families with tired children.

Kanoni Taverna (Volimes): For a lunch excursion during a Navagio day trip — traditional mountain food, village setting, outdoor tables where children can move around.

Practical tip: Greek dinner is late — locals eat at 9 PM. Restaurants open from around 7 PM, and early diners (6:30-7:00 PM) often have the place to themselves. For families with young children, this is ideal. You get attentive service, quieter tables, and you’re out before the kitchen hits full stride.

Transport with Children

Car Hire and Child Seats

Child seat law in Greece: Child seats are legally required for all children under 135 cm or under 12 years. This is the same standard as most EU countries. Greek police do enforce this, particularly on the main roads.

When to book: Reserve your child seat at the time of booking the car, not when you collect it. Rental offices in Zakynthos (especially in summer) frequently run out of infant seats and booster seats at the desk. Book in advance and confirm by email. If you’re arriving with your own ISOFIX seat, verify that the rental car is ISOFIX compatible.

Driving on Zakynthos: Most roads are adequate, though the mountain roads in the north are narrow and winding. The road to Navagio viewpoint is steep but paved. The road to Gerakas is partly unpaved for the last section. An air-conditioned car is essential in July — temperatures regularly hit 35°C.

Buses

The KTEL bus network covers the main tourist areas (Laganas, Tsilivi, Argassi, Zakynthos Town) but schedules are infrequent and stops can be a ten-minute walk from your accommodation. With small children and beach equipment, a rental car is significantly easier.

Taxis

Available in Zakynthos Town and at major resorts. Worth using for specific journeys (airport, a special dinner) but not practical for daily beach trips with children. Apps are limited — book by phone or ask your accommodation to call.

Safety and Health

Hospital

General Hospital of Zakynthos
Address: Gaita, Zakynthos Town (on the northern edge of the town)
Emergency: 112 (EU emergency number — works everywhere in Greece)
Hospital direct: +30 26950 59100

The hospital has a 24-hour emergency department. For serious emergencies, it is adequate; for specialist paediatric care, patients may be transferred to the mainland (Patras or Athens). Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for families.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (farmakeío — ΦΑΡΜΑΚΕΙΟ) are found throughout Zakynthos Town and in all major resorts (Laganas, Tsilivi, Kalamaki, Argassi). They’re well-stocked with standard medications, sun cream, insect repellent, oral rehydration sachets, and children’s paracetamol. Greek pharmacists are generally knowledgeable and speak enough English to help. Outside of normal hours, a duty pharmacy rota operates — a sign on any closed pharmacy door will direct you to the nearest open one.

Useful numbers:

• Emergency: 112
• EKAB (Greek Ambulance): 166
• Coast Guard (sea emergencies): 108

Sun and Heat

July in Zakynthos is hot and sunny — UV index 9-11 between 10 AM and 4 PM. For children, SPF 50+ is a minimum. Reapply after swimming. Water shoes protect against sea urchins at rocky entry points. Dehydration comes quickly — children should drink water constantly, not just when they’re thirsty.

Budget Tips for Families

Self-catering saves significantly: Most family accommodations have kitchenettes or full kitchens. Breakfast at home (yogurt, bread, local honey from Volimes, fruit) costs a fraction of a beach café breakfast. Greek supermarkets (Lidl and local stores) are well-stocked and reasonably priced.

Lunch at the beach, dinner in town: Buy lunch supplies from a supermarket or bakery — spanakopita, cheese pies, fruit, water. Save the sit-down meal for dinner when you’re not sweaty and sandy.

Free activities: Turtle track spotting at dawn (Gerakas), ARCHELON beach walks (seasonal), Zakynthos Town waterfront, Byzantine Museum (small entry fee, children free), Agios Dionysios Church.

Discount structure: Children under 5 are typically free on boat trips and at paid attractions. Many operators charge half-price for children 5-12. Always ask — it’s not always posted.

Typical family budget (4 people, 2 adults + 2 children):

• Budget holiday: €80-120/day (self-catering breakfast, beach picnic lunch, one restaurant dinner)
• Mid-range: €150-200/day (breakfast out, restaurant lunch + dinner, one activity)
• The big spend: glass-bottom boat + full restaurant day = €100-130 for a family of 4

July Packing List

Sun protection:

• SPF 50+ sun cream (buy several bottles — you’ll use them)
• After-sun lotion
• UV-protective rashguards for children (beach vendors sell them but bring your own)
• Wide-brim sun hats that stay on

Water:

• Water shoes (essential for rocky beaches and sea urchin protection)
• Child-sized snorkel set (10L+ can use; disposable sets available locally but quality varies)
• Inflatable arm bands / swim vest for non-swimmers
• Waterproof phone pouch

Beach:

• Lightweight beach shade / parasol (some beaches don’t have umbrella hire)
• Microfibre towels (dry fast, pack small)
• Sand-free beach mat

Health:

• Children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen (own supply)
• Oral rehydration sachets
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes in the evenings, especially near olive groves)
• Antihistamine cream for bites and stings
• Plasters, antiseptic wipes

Practical:

• Night light for children (helpful in unfamiliar accommodation)
• First aid basics
• Snacks for the car and travel days

Final Thoughts

Zakynthos rewards families who slow down. The beaches are safe enough for young children to play independently in the shallows. The turtles are real and accessible. The food is honest and abundant. The island is small enough that nothing is ever too far away.

Go early morning to Gerakas to look for turtle tracks. Book the glass-bottom boat as soon as you arrive. Eat dinner late by your standards — 7:30 PM in a half-empty taverna is the best family dining experience on the island. And pack more sun cream than you think you’ll need.

Καλό ταξίδι — good journey.