The walking path between Vasilikos Beach and Porto Zoro (20 minutes along the low cliffs) reveals hidden swimming spots between the two beaches — bring a mask and explore the rock pools.
Vasilikos Beach — The Peninsula’s Long Quiet Shore
The Vassilikos peninsula in southeastern Zakynthos is one of those places that rewards those who make the effort to get beyond the main resort zone. Vasilikos Beach — named for the peninsula village — is a long, gentle sandy strand that sees a fraction of the visitors that nearby Laganas absorbs, with a calm, natural character that makes it feel like a different island entirely.
What Awaits You
A lengthy stretch of pale sand running along the eastern side of the Vassilikos peninsula, backed by low dunes and a fringe of Mediterranean vegetation. The beach isn’t dramatic — no cliffs, no rock formations — but it has a quiet, unassuming beauty that grows on you over the course of a morning. The sand is fine, the water shallow and warm, the entry gradual and safe for children.
The scale feels right: there are sunbeds available on part of the beach, but they don’t dominate. There’s space to spread out without sunbeds and find your own patch of sand. The absence of major resort development behind the beach means you’re not fighting through souvenir shops to reach the water.
The Hotels
The Vassilikos area has developed a small cluster of excellent boutique hotels — family-run, typically 10-30 rooms, set among olive groves with access to the beach on foot. For visitors who want quality accommodation away from the party atmosphere of Laganas or the resort bustle of Tsilivi, this is the answer. Prices are generally better than equivalent quality in the main resorts, and the atmosphere is noticeably more local.
Walking the Peninsula
Vasilikos Beach connects via a pleasant clifftop walk to Porto Zoro to the south (20 minutes) and via a longer coastal path north toward Agios Nikolaos Bay. The terrain between beaches is low scrubland and low cliff, with a series of small rocky coves visible below the path. These miniature coves, accessible by scrambling down, are completely unknown to most visitors and can be entirely private.
Getting There
From Zakynthos Town, head south on the main road toward Argassi, then follow the Vassilikos peninsula road. The village of Vassilikos is around 14 kilometres from town — about 20 minutes. The beach is a short walk from the village centre, clearly visible from the approach road.
Best Time to Visit
May through September. The peninsula is popular with Greeks on weekend trips in spring and early summer — May weekends can see a local crowd on the beach. Weekdays in June are arguably the ideal time: warm enough for swimming, quiet enough to feel you have the place to yourself.
