Gerakas Beach might not be on many lists of the perfect seashores in Greece, however when contemplating the perfect seashores in Zakynthos, you’ll be able to’t miss out on this one. If you happen to’re planning on visiting Zakynthos you then actually don’t need to miss out on this lengthy, gorgeous stretch of golden sand on the southern tip of the island.
It might not get the identical press as probably the most photographed seaside in Greece, Navagio, however the quieter, southern cousin of Shipwreck Cove remains to be value a go to.
See Additionally: The Final Guide To Greece Travel
About Gerakas Beach
Pulling into the car parking zone you’d be forgiven for not understanding what all of the fuss was about. However as you begin to stroll down the lengthy switchback wood ramps in the direction of Garakas Beach, you’ll rapidly understand why it is a common hang-out for these in search of some solar and sand in Zakynthos.
That is a part of the protected Nationwide Marine Park of Zakynthos as a result of it’s a well-liked nesting and breeding floor for the well-known Loggerhead Turtles that frequent these shores.
There’s additionally some medicinal mud clay right here that was as soon as loved by all vacationers who visited, however sadly, the mud has since deteriorated, making the ridge unstable so it’s now truly closed off to guests.
The place is Gerakas Beach?
Gerakas Beach is on the southeastern level of Zakynthos Island in the Ionian Sea of Western Greece. The seaside is located on a protracted peninsula that juts out from the south a part of the island.
The seaside faces to the west, so it could be a great place to calm down and watch the sundown over the island of Zakynthos, nevertheless, the seaside closes at 8:00 pm as a result of as a part of the Nationwide Marine Park, it needs to be clear in the night when the loggerhead turtles come up on the sand to put their eggs.
Seeing Loggerheads in Zakynthos is certainly among the finest issues to do in Greece and Gerakas Beach is likely one of the finest locations to search out them. You have got a fairly good likelihood of coming head to head with considered one of these monumental creatures whereas swimming in the water right here.
How To Get There
📍Gerakas Beach – Zakynthos 291 00, Greece
Gerakas Beach is a couple of 10-minute stroll south of the closest city of Vasilikos. There are 4-6 public buses that run on daily basis between Vasilikos and Zante City relying on the season.
One of the best ways to get to Vasilikos and Gerakas Beach is to hire your personal automobile. We rented a automobile for our whole 10 days keep in Zakynthos and we couldn’t advocate it sufficient. It’s low-cost (round €15 / day) and the roads are straightforward to get round.
I like to recommend downloading the Google Maps app (iOS and Android) in your cellphone after which downloading the map of Zakynthos to make use of offline. Then merely click on the placement hyperlink above and save the placement in your map. Then you’ll be able to simply get driving instructions there at any time, even if you’re offline.
If you happen to don’t really feel snug driving and don’t need to take public transport, there are additionally some excursions that may take you across the whole island of Zakynthos together with a cease at Gerakas Beach. Test GetYourGuide for excursions on Zakynthos.
Greatest Time To Go to
The seaside itself is definitely solely open between 7 am and eight pm on daily basis as a result of it’s a part of the Marine Nationwide Park in Zakynthos. However to profit from your journey to Gerakas Beach, it’s possible you’ll need to come on the optimum time.
The Greatest Time of Day To Go to Gerakas Beach
The most effective time of day to go to Gerakas Beach in Zakynthos is round mid-day when the solar is straight overhead and it illuminates the attractive Ionian Sea and golden sand of the seaside.
If you wish to keep away from the crowds, nevertheless, it’s really useful to come back in the early morning (7 am – 11 am) or the late afternoon (three pm to eight pm) when many of the crowds have thinned out.
The Greatest Time Of 12 months to Go to Gerakas Beach
The most effective time to go to Zakynthos is similar as the perfect time to go to Greece. If you need the perfect possibilities of good climate, you’ll be able to come to Zakynthos anytime between March and early November.
Absolutely the peak season is July and August and through this time Gerakas Beach will be fairly busy, however even in the excessive season, the seaside is quieter than many others on the island like Navagio Beach and Laganas Beach.
We favor to go to Zakynthos in the shoulder season, both between March and Could or September and early-November when the ocean remains to be comparatively heat, the climate is often first rate and there are a lot fewer crowds.
The Kind of Sand on Gerakas Beach
The sand at Gerakas Beach is definitely fairly gentle and there aren’t very many rocks in the water to stub your toes on. The incline going out into the ocean can be fairly gradual, making this a fantastic seaside for households.
You received’t get into any deep water till you’re about 100 meters offshore right here, so that you’ll see loads of folks taking part in water sports activities and lounging round, even removed from the sand.
The color of the sand is golden and when the solar hits it from overhead it illuminates the stunningly clear Ionian water, making for that typical good blue hue that you simply’d count on from Greece, with a tinge of turquoise.
Swimming With Turtles on Gerakas Beach
Gerakas Beach is a part of the Nationwide Marine Park of Zakynthos which implies that it’s a well-liked nesting and looking habitat for the attractive Loggerhead Turtles of Zakynthos.
This is likely one of the finest locations to swim with Loggerhead Turtles in Zakynthos, so be sure you convey your snorkel and masks when visiting Gerakas Beach.
On the best way to the seaside on the finish of the principle highway in Vasilikos, you’ll see the Zakynthos Sea Turtle Rescue & Data Middle. Relying on the season you’ll be able to see child turtles and recovering grownup turtles in the tanks right here.
Amenities On The Beach
As a result of the seaside is a part of the Nationwide Marine Park of Zakynthos, you received’t discover any amenities on the seaside like bogs, change rooms, seaside bars or showers.
It’s additionally value noting that you simply’re not allowed to convey your personal umbrella right here due to the opportunity of damaging a turtle nest. There are safety guards on the seaside who will let you know the place you’ll be able to and can’t sit.
They’ll cost you €Eight for a few chairs with an umbrella for the day. If you happen to don’t need to pay it then you’ll be able to merely lie on the sand with a towel, however simply know that there isn’t a lot pure shade on this seaside and it may be extremely popular in the center of the day.
The place To Keep Close to Gerakas Beach
If you wish to keep close to Gerakas seaside then the obvious place is in Vasilikos, however you probably have a automobile you can too keep at one of many different vacationer cities in the south. Right here’s a listing of a number of the finest locations to remain close to Gerakas Beach.
In Vasilikos (10-minute Stroll From Gerakas Beach)
Vasilikos is a pleasant city to remain in Zakynthos. It gives a variety of lodging together with luxurious accommodations, flats, seaside bungalows and studios and there’s additionally some nice bars and eating places right here.
Lodges in Vasilikos
Villa Lavente (Rooms from €44/nt): Villa Levante is situated in a lush hillside a couple of 15-minute drive North of Gerakas Beach and about 5 minutes outdoors fo the city of Vasilikos. Rooms are air-conditioned and so they even have small flats with kitchens or kitchenettes and personal loos.
Villagio Studios & Flats (Rooms from €65/nt): That is one other beautiful place simply 10 minutes drive north of Gerakas seaside and simply on the outskirts of Vasilikos city. They’ve an incredible 9.7/10 from opinions on Reserving.com, this complicated can be near Casa Playa Beach and simply 800 meters from Agios Nikolaos Beach.
Athena Studios (Rooms from €65/nt): At simply 150 meters from the sand, Athena Studios is likely one of the closest lodging choices to Gerakas Beach. Rooms are brilliant and trendy with native furnishings and light-weight wooden accents. They’ve one and two-bedroom flats out there. All have kitchens, TVs and patios.
Zante City (30-minute Drive From Gerakas Beach)
Zante city is just a little additional away from Gerakas Beach nevertheless it’s a well-liked place to remain in Zakynthos. In case you are wanting up the place to remain in Zakynthos and also you don’t assume that Vasilikos is for you, then it’s possible you’ll need to keep in the capital of Zante City. There are many resort choices in Zante City and it’s linked to the Gerakas Beach space by a public bus that runs 4-6 instances per day.
Click on Right here to see the perfect resort choices in Zante City on Reserving.com
Laganas Beach (34-minute Drive From Gerakas Beach)
Laganas Beach is a youthful a part of Zakynthos and probably the most common locations to remain on the south facet of the island. There is a little more occurring right here than in Zante City and Vasilikos, together with extra eating places, lodging choices and a few first rate nightlife.
Click on Right here to see the perfect resort choices in Laganas Beach on Reserving.com
Greatest Eating places Close to Gerakas Beach
There are many eating places close to Gerakas Beach however none truly on the sand. If you wish to have lunch through the day, or swim on the seaside all day after which have dinner afterwards, then the perfect eating places close to Gerakas Beach are in the city of Vasilikos. Listed below are a number of of the perfect:
Taverna Nikos
📍Vasilikos 291 00, Greece
⭐︎ 4.4/5 (177 Critiques)
Taverna Nikos is likely one of the closest eating places to Gerakas Beach. Set on the highway on the best way to the sand, it is a common place for beachgoers to cease for meals. They’ve actually inexpensive costs in comparison with another close by eating places. On the time of writing it was money solely.
Taverna Galini
📍Zakinthos 291 00, Greece
⭐︎ 4.6/5 (179 Critiques)
This place is about just a little additional again, nearer to the middle of Vasilikos city a couple of 10-minute stroll to the seaside. The costs are good and its set on a little bit of a farm with goats, rabbits and turkeys roaming round, making it nice for households. The meals is inexpensive and there’s a stunning view of the backyard and the animals.
Ristorante Italiano e Pizzeria Da Camillo
📍Vasilikos 291 00, Greece
⭐︎ 4.5/5 (156 Critiques)
One other tremendous common place in Vasilikos, for those who’re uninterested in Greek meals and also you’re in search of some pasta and pizza then that is the place. The costs are good and the service is fast and pleasant. Maintain in thoughts that this place is commonly full round mealtime in excessive season, so it’s possible you’ll need to name to order a desk.
Ought to You Go?
Gerakas Beach is well among the finest seashores in Zakynthos. Just remember to take the time to come back down and test it out. Whether or not you keep in Vasilikos City for a few nights, otherwise you simply cease by the seaside for a swim with some Loggerhead Turtles, it’s positively value your time.
This is likely one of the shallowest and calmest seashores in Zakynthos and it’s very easy to get to, however often not too crowded. Particularly when evaluating it to Navagio or Laganas. If you happen to’re in search of a soothing place to absorb the solar in Zakynthos (and possibly spot a turtle or two), that is the spot.
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