Active Holidays on Zakynthos
Zakynthos has a reputation as a beach-and-bars island, and it’s not entirely wrong — but it obscures what the island actually is: a place of dramatic gorges, limestone cliffs, clear waters perfect for underwater exploration, and a network of trails through olive groves and hillsides that reward the effort. For an active couple without children, Zakynthos in September offers something genuinely rare: world-class snorkelling, proper hiking, sea kayaking along some of the best coastline in the Ionian, and empty tavernas waiting at the end of the day.
This guide covers all of it.
Hiking
Agalas Gorge ⭐ Best Hike on the Island
Distance: 6 km return
Elevation: 180 m descent/ascent
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours
Trailhead: Agalas village, southwestern Zakynthos
The Agalas Gorge cuts through the limestone hills of the island’s southwest and is, by some margin, the most spectacular walking on Zakynthos. The trail descends through wild Mediterranean scrub — rockrose, mastic, wild thyme — into a ravine where the walls narrow to a few metres and the light arrives in columns from above.
The gorge floor follows a seasonal stream bed (dry in summer, important to note — flash flooding is only a risk in winter) lined with oleander and fig trees. The trail is clear in its upper sections and requires some scrambling over rocks lower down, nothing technical but worth having proper shoes for. Return the same way or arrange a pickup at the lower exit near Keri.
Start early: In September, aim for 8:00 AM. The gorge provides shade but the approach from Agalas is exposed. The light in the upper gorge is best before 10 AM.
After: Drive the 3km to the hidden taverna Marathia for lunch. Call ahead.
Askos Wildlife Park Trails
Distance: 4–8 km (multiple loops)
Elevation: 80 m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 1.5–3 hours
Trailhead: Askos Stone Park entrance, northern Zakynthos
The Askos Stone Park occupies a large area of natural woodland in the north of the island and contains a network of marked trails through ancient olive groves and limestone outcrops. The park is better known as a wildlife sanctuary (peacocks, deer, reptiles) but the trails themselves are genuinely pleasant — shaded, quiet, and through some of the most unspoilt terrain on the island.
The longer loop (8 km) circles the full perimeter of the park and gives views north toward the Blue Caves coastline. Trails are well-marked. The park opens at 9:00 AM; arrive early for wildlife sightings.
Tip: Combine with a boat trip to the Blue Caves at Agios Nikolaos on the same day — hike in the morning, boat trip at noon.
Keri Lighthouse Trail
Distance: 5 km return
Elevation: 120 m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 2–2.5 hours
Trailhead: Keri village
The trail from Keri village to the lighthouse at the island’s southwestern tip follows the cliff edge through low scrub with increasingly dramatic views over the Ionian. The lighthouse itself is not open to visitors but the surrounding clifftop — 200-metre drops directly to the sea below — is one of the best viewpoints on the island. On a clear September day, Kefalonia is visible to the north.
The path is straightforward and well-worn. The clifftop section requires care (unfenced drops) but is not dangerous if you stay on the main path. Sunset from the lighthouse area is exceptional — arrive 90 minutes before sunset if you want the best of it.
After: Keri village has a small taverna (open evenings in season) for the walk back.
Skopos Hill
Distance: 4 km return
Elevation: 492 m summit
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2–3 hours
Trailhead: Argassi, near the church
Skopos is the hill that dominates the southeastern end of the island, and the trail from Argassi to the summit is the best accessible summit hike on Zakynthos. The path climbs through pine forest and open scrubland to a small church at the top (Agios Nikolaos, built in the 17th century) with a 360° view that takes in the entire island, the Peloponnese, and on clear days Cephalonia and Ithaca.
Start by 7:00 AM in summer; September allows 8:00 AM starts. The summit is completely exposed — bring water and sun protection. The descent on the eastern side leads to the coast at Gerakas if you want to finish at the beach.
Best Snorkelling Spots
Porto Limnionas ⭐ Best Overall
Type: Rocky coves, underwater caves
Depth: 0–8 m
Access: Steps from the parking area
Porto Limnionas is a narrow rocky inlet on the west coast, accessible by car and a short scramble. The water clarity here is among the best on the island — the cove is sheltered from prevailing winds and the rocky bottom creates a complex underwater environment: channels, small caves, sea grass patches, and fish in volume. Parrotfish, damselfish, sea bream, and occasional larger species. The underwater caves at the back of the inlet require only confident snorkelling, no diving.
Entry is via fixed metal rungs into the water — not suitable for those who struggle with rocky entries but manageable for anyone confident in the water. The cove fills up from 11:00 AM; arrive before 10:00 for the best conditions.
Don’t miss: Swim around the left headland (15 minutes, open water) to a second smaller inlet with completely different marine life.
Porto Zoro
Type: Sandy bay with rocky margins
Depth: 0–5 m
Access: Easy, sandy beach entry
Porto Zoro on the Vassilikos peninsula is the most beginner-accessible snorkel spot on the island. The main beach is sandy and shallow, but the rocky margins on both sides of the bay conceal remarkable marine life — octopus are commonly spotted here, along with large sea bass in the late afternoon. The water visibility is excellent. No equipment hire available; bring your own.
The beach has a small taverna for lunch. Arrives gently and stays relatively quiet in September.
Xigia Sulphur Spring
Type: Open sea with natural sulphur bubbles
Depth: 0–4 m
Access: Rocky entry via metal steps
Xigia is unlike anywhere else on Zakynthos. Natural sulphur springs emerge from the seabed along the north coast, creating a warm, slightly milky, faintly egg-scented swimming experience that is simultaneously strange and genuinely therapeutic. The water is warm even in early morning. Fish appear completely unbothered by the sulphur and congregate in the spring areas in large numbers — you’ll be swimming among hundreds of them within metres of entry.
The entry is via metal steps onto a rocky platform — the sea here is open to the north and can be choppy; check conditions before committing. Early morning is almost always calm.
After: Continue to the nearby Marathi islet viewpoint for coffee.
Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
Type: Open sea, sandy patches, turtle habitat
Depth: 0–6 m
Access: By boat from Keri harbour (15 minutes)
Marathonisi is a small uninhabited island in the bay of Laganas, inside the National Marine Park — and snorkelling here means snorkelling in the same water where loggerhead turtles feed and rest. Boat trips from Keri include 30–40 minutes in the water around the island. Marine park rules apply strictly: no touching, no approaching turtles closer than 3 metres, no motorised equipment. The snorkelling itself — the clarity, the seagrass meadows, the fish life — is superb regardless of whether you encounter a turtle.
Book the Keri boat trip the day before in September. The trips leave at 9:30 and 12:00; the morning trip has better light.
Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddling
Sea Kayaking
The west coast of Zakynthos is the kayaking route in the Ionian Islands: dramatic limestone cliffs, sea caves accessible only by water, and small beaches that can’t be reached by foot. Several operators run guided kayaking trips from various points:
Blue Caves to Navagio route (northern coast, 10–14 km one way): The most dramatic kayaking on the island. Start from Agios Nikolaos in the north, paddle through the Blue Caves formations (accessible at water level by kayak at low swell), continue west to the bay below Navagio — the only way to reach Shipwreck Beach without the tourist boats. Full day, experienced paddlers.
West coast day trips (6–8 km): Departing from Kampi or Agios Leon on the central west coast, guided trips explore sea stacks, arches, and cliff faces that tower 100+ metres above the water. The water clarity at the base of these cliffs is remarkable. Half-day trips available for intermediate paddlers.
Keri caves (southern coast, 4–6 km): Easy trips from Keri harbour through the coastal caves and arches of the south coast. Good for beginners or those wanting a shorter paddle. The cave formations here are smaller than the north but more intimate — low tunnels, blue light, calm water.
Operators: Most kayak operators are based in Laganas, Tsilivi, or Keri. Book in advance for September as guide availability is limited. Expect €35–65 per person for a half-day guided trip.
Stand-Up Paddling
SUP is available for hire at most main beaches (Laganas, Tsilivi, Kalamaki) and several smaller spots:
Gerakas Bay: The flat, protected water inside the Gerakas bay is ideal for SUP in the mornings before the wind picks up. The surrounding scenery — protected turtle nesting beach with cliffs on both sides — makes this the most beautiful SUP location on the island. Hire available from the beach operator in season.
Porto Limnionas: The calm inlet is perfectly sized for SUP exploration. The narrow channel at the back of the inlet requires paddling skill but is manageable in calm conditions.
Agios Sostis causeway: The sheltered lagoon between Agios Sostis and the mainland is a natural flat-water SUP environment, protected from open sea. Hire from beach operators at the Laganas end.
Mountainbiking
Zakynthos is not a developed mountainbiking destination, but the road and track network in the island’s interior offers genuinely good riding for those willing to explore:
The Volimes Loop (45 km, 900 m elevation): A challenging road-and-track loop through the northern hills, climbing from the coast at Alykes through Agios Nikolaos, across the mountain ridge via Orthonies, down through the villages of the Volimes area, and returning via Katastari. The descent from Orthonies to the coast is spectacular. On a 29er or gravel bike.
The Vassilikos Peninsula (20 km, 200 m elevation): An easier loop covering the southern peninsula through olive groves and past beaches. A mix of tarmac and farm tracks. Good for a half-day ride with multiple swim stops.
Keri to Agalas (25 km, 400 m elevation): A route through the southwestern hills connecting the southern lighthouse cape with the mountain villages. Partly on narrow tarmac, partly on unpaved tracks. Passes near the Agalas Gorge trailhead.
Bike hire: Bicycle hire is available in Zakynthos Town, Laganas, and Tsilivi. Quality varies considerably — ask specifically for a 24-speed mountain bike or hybrid; the single-speed tourist bikes are not useful in the hills. Electric assist bikes are available from one operator in Zakynthos Town.
7-Day Active Itinerary for September
Day 1 — Monday: Arrival & Orientation
Morning: Arrive, collect hire car, settle in. Zakynthos Town waterfront walk; lunch at the harbour (Il Porto if budget allows, or any of the harbour-front cafes for lighter fare).
Afternoon: Reconnoitre the Vassilikos peninsula — drive to Gerakas, walk the beach (30 minutes), drive to Porto Zoro, swim. First snorkel of the trip.
Evening: Dinner at Prosilio in Argassi for the sunset view. Claim a table on the upper terrace. This is the overview dinner — celebrate the week ahead.
Day 2 — Tuesday: Hiking Day (Agalas Gorge)
7:30 AM: Drive to Agalas (45 minutes from Laganas/Zakynthos Town). Early start essential.
8:00–11:30 AM: Agalas Gorge hike. Pack water, snacks, proper shoes.
12:30 PM: Lunch at Marathia (the hidden wood-fire taverna in Agalas). Call ahead the day before.
Afternoon: Drive to Keri, swim at the small beach below the lighthouse trail, or take a Keri boat trip to Marathonisi for snorkelling.
Evening: Low-key dinner in Keri village or a return to Zakynthos Town.
Day 3 — Wednesday: Kayaking Day (West Coast)
9:00 AM: Meet your kayak guide at the arranged point (Keri or west coast departure, booked in advance).
9:30 AM–1:30 PM: Half- or full-day kayaking. West coast caves and cliffs, or Keri cave system depending on conditions.
Afternoon: Recovery swim at whichever beach is nearest. Porto Limnionas or Keri beach.
Evening: Dinner at Malanos in Zakynthos Town. Order the sofrito and the octopus. Eat slowly.
Day 4 — Thursday: Snorkelling Focus (North Coast)
8:00 AM: Drive north to Xigia sulphur springs. Swim early before the wind.
10:00 AM: Continue to Agios Nikolaos port for the Blue Caves boat trip (departs ~10:30, check locally).
12:30 PM: Lunch at Agios Nikolaos port taverna.
Afternoon: Askos Wildlife Park — walk the short trail loop (2 hours). Wildlife in the afternoon.
Evening: Drive back through Volimes. Stop at Taverna To Kanoni if open. Otherwise dinner back at base.
Day 5 — Friday: Skopos Hill + Porto Zoro
7:00 AM: Skopos Hill hike from Argassi. Summit by 9:30. Descend the eastern trail to Gerakas.
10:30 AM: Beach time at Gerakas — coffee from the beach taverna, swim, rest.
1:00 PM: Drive to Porto Zoro (15 minutes). Snorkelling on the rocky margins. Octopus hunting.
3:00 PM: Late afternoon SUP at Gerakas or Porto Zoro (hire from beach operators).
Evening: Dinner at Arekia in Kalamaki — the local’s choice. Order paidakia and moussaka.
Day 6 — Saturday: Mountainbiking + Marathonisi
8:00 AM: Vassilikos peninsula bike loop — 20 km, mix of road and tracks, multiple swim stops. Finish at Porto Zoro.
11:00 AM: Return bike. Drive to Keri harbour.
12:00 PM: Morning boat trip to Marathonisi for turtle snorkelling (book the day before).
Afternoon: Beach time at Keri or Porto Limnionas.
Evening: Dinner at a Zakynthos Town restaurant — Mesogeios if you have the booking, Dennis Taverna or Malanos otherwise.
Day 7 — Sunday: Keri Lighthouse Trail + Final Swim
8:30 AM: Keri Lighthouse Trail — easy pace, take your time on the clifftop.
11:00 AM: Back to Keri for coffee.
Afternoon: Choose your favourite snorkel spot from the week — Porto Limnionas for most people — for a final swim.
Evening: Sunset at Keri lighthouse viewpoint (drive back up, 10 minutes from the village). Dinner back in Zakynthos Town or your base resort. Order whatever you didn’t get to during the week.
Practical Notes for Active Travellers
September conditions: Sea temperature 26–28°C. Air temperature 26–32°C. Wind picks up in the afternoons (usually from the northwest) — schedule water activities for morning. Hiking comfortable all day.
What to bring:
- Hiking shoes (not sandals — the gorge requires grip)
- Snorkel mask and fins (hire quality is inconsistent; own equipment guaranteed)
- Water shoes for rocky entries
- Sun protection for open-water and summit conditions
- 3L water capacity per person for hiking days
Booking lead time:
- Kayak guided trips: 2–3 days ahead in September
- Marathonisi boat trip: 1–2 days ahead
- Mesogeios dinner: 1 week ahead minimum
Base location: For this itinerary, Zakynthos Town or Argassi is the most central base — roughly equidistant from the northern hiking/kayaking destinations and the southern snorkelling spots. Avoid Laganas if you want early nights before early mornings.
Zakynthos rewards active travellers who look past the beach hotels. The gorge is real, the kayaking is world-class, and the sea is extraordinary. September is the month to do all of it.
Καλή επιτυχία — good luck.