Gerakas Beach Restaurant — At the End of the Road
Gerakas is at the very southeastern tip of the Vassilikos peninsula — the last beach before the road ends. It takes 20 minutes of winding road from the Vassilikos village through pine forest to get there, and many visitors to Zakynthos never make the drive. That’s their loss.
The beach is exceptional: wide, clean, horseshoe-shaped, with warm shallow water extending far from the shoreline. It’s managed under the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Protection Society’s guidelines, which means strict rules about access times and behaviour on the sand. The restrictions are in place because the turtles need them. Follow them.
The Restaurant
A simple wooden and stone structure at the back of the beach, shaded by mature trees. Sun loungers and parasols available for rent on the non-protected parts of the beach. The kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.
Greek salad — tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, olive oil, oregano. Made daily with local produce. The version here is standard but made with good ingredients.
Grilled fish sandwich — a fresh fillet (sea bream or sea bass depending on the day) grilled and served in a crusty roll with lettuce, tomato, and lemon aioli. It’s the best option on the menu and the right thing to eat at a beach that’s this close to working fishing boats at Vassilikos harbour.
Pasta salad — cold pasta with vegetables, olive oil, and herbs. Light and functional for beach conditions.
Homemade cake — varies daily. Often a lemon or walnut cake. Have a slice with a coffee in the morning.
The Turtles
Between June and August, Gerakas is one of the most important nesting sites for Caretta caretta in the Mediterranean. The nesting happens at night; the hatchlings emerge 45–60 days later and head for the sea. If you’re at the beach in August, you may see hatchling tracks in the sand in the morning — evidence of a successful hatching the night before. Do not disturb or pick up hatchlings if you encounter them. Watch and leave.
