Gerakas Beach Zakynthos
A protected natural haven on Zakynthos, Gerakas Beach boasts golden sands, clear shallow waters, and dramatic clay cliffs, famous for loggerhead turtl...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Gerakas Beach Zakynthos
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A protected natural haven on Zakynthos, Gerakas Beach boasts golden sands, clear shallow waters, and dramatic clay cliffs, famous for loggerhead turtle nesting.
"Gerakas Beach is a beautiful, natural spot perfect for families and nature lovers, offering warm waters and a chance to see turtle nests."
Respect Turtle Nesting Areas
Stay within designated swimming zones to protect turtle nests. The beach closes at sunset. :woman_detective:
Pack Essentials
Bring your own snacks and water as amenities are scarce directly on the beach. :shopping_bags:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Sites
Designated protected areas
Witness nature's marvel as you see protected areas marked for loggerhead turtle nests.

Crystal-Clear Shallow Waters
Main swimming area
Enjoy the warm, calm, and shallow waters, perfect for families and relaxed swimming.

Dramatic Clay Cliffs
Beach perimeter
Admire the unique geological formations of clay cliffs that frame this picturesque bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Turtle Nesting Season Awareness
Beach Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect Turtle Nesting Areas
Stay within designated swimming zones to protect turtle nests. The beach closes at sunset.
:woman_detective:Pack Essentials
Bring your own snacks and water as amenities are scarce directly on the beach.
:shopping_bags:Consider Sunbeds
Sunbeds can be pricey (around 40 EUR/day). Bring a towel for a more budget-friendly option.
:moneywithwings:Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial views, but be mindful of any park regulations regarding drone usage.
:camerawithflash:Tips
from all over the internet
Respect Turtle Nesting Areas
Stay within designated swimming zones to protect turtle nests. The beach closes at sunset.
:woman_detective:Pack Essentials
Bring your own snacks and water as amenities are scarce directly on the beach.
:shopping_bags:Consider Sunbeds
Sunbeds can be pricey (around 40 EUR/day). Bring a towel for a more budget-friendly option.
:moneywithwings:Drone Photography
Capture stunning aerial views, but be mindful of any park regulations regarding drone usage.
:camerawithflash:Visit the Turtle Center
Learn about loggerhead turtles at the nearby free museum for valuable insights.
:books:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gerakas Beach is praised for its beautiful sandy shores, warm, shallow, and clear waters, making it ideal for families. Its status as a protected turtle nesting site adds a unique conservation appeal. However, some visitors find the sunbed prices high and note the limited amenities directly on the beach.
"Nice beach where turtles lays their nests.
Part of the beach (Fortunately) is still reserved for the turtles, but it's still big.
Nice sand and crystalline water, highly suggested
Just outside there is a big parking spot and a free to visit small turtle museum to spread awareness (must visit)"
Alberto De Agostini
"Very scenic beach, nice if you want to be in touch with nature. No amenities on the beach, you need to walk around 500 back to the road to find anything. The prices for sunbeds are high (40 E/day)."
V Z
"The beach is very beautiful, it has sun loungers and a place to sit on a towel, the beach is also delimited with an area for turtles. The beach closes at 7:30 p.m."
Cristina Dinca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gerakas Beach is located on the southeastern tip of Zakynthos. It's accessible by car or scooter, with a large free parking area available nearby.
Many visitors also reach it as part of island tours.Public bus services to Gerakas Beach are limited. Renting a car or scooter is the most convenient way to reach the beach independently.
Renting a car or scooter offers the most flexibility for exploring Zakynthos, including reaching Gerakas Beach and other attractions.
Yes, Gerakas Beach is well-signposted on the southeastern coast of Zakynthos. Follow signs for 'Gerakas' from the main roads.
Some hotels and tour operators may offer shuttle services or organize excursions that include Gerakas Beach. It's best to check with your accommodation or local tour providers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access Gerakas Beach itself. However, certain areas are protected for turtle nesting and may have restricted access.
Gerakas Beach typically opens around 7 AM and closes at sunset (around 8 PM) to protect the nesting turtles.
Parking at Gerakas Beach is generally free. There is a large parking area available near the beach entrance.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, but they can be quite expensive, with prices reported around 40 EUR per day.
Bringing your own towel is a more budget-friendly option.Access to the actual turtle nesting areas is restricted to protect the eggs and hatchlings. Designated swimming zones are clearly marked.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Gerakas Beach is most famous for being a crucial nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta Caretta). It's also appreciated for its natural beauty, sandy shores, and calm, shallow waters.
Yes, the water at Gerakas Beach is known for being warm, calm, and shallow, making it ideal for swimming, especially for families with children.
Directly on the beach, amenities are minimal. There's a restaurant located near the parking area, but you'll need to walk about 500 meters back from the shore for services.
While you might be lucky to witness baby turtles hatching and heading to sea during nesting season, it's not guaranteed. The beach is protected to allow them to nest undisturbed.
Gerakas Beach can get crowded, especially during peak season. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid the largest crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is one restaurant located near the parking area of Gerakas Beach. For more dining options, you would need to travel back towards Laganas or other nearby villages.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time on the beach, as options are limited.
The restaurant near Gerakas Beach typically serves Greek cuisine, including seafood and local specialties.
Gerakas Beach is a protected natural area, so there are no beach bars directly on the sand. The single restaurant is located off the beach.
Absolutely! Gerakas Beach is a perfect spot for a picnic, especially given the limited dining options directly on the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Gerakas Beach offers stunning photo opportunities with its sandy shores, clear waters, dramatic clay cliffs, and the chance to spot nesting turtles or hatchlings. Drone shots can capture the bay's beauty.
While drone footage of Gerakas Beach is popular, it's advisable to check current regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas like this.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful lighting for photography. The golden hour before sunset provides a warm, picturesque glow.
You can photograph the beach and its natural surroundings. If you are lucky enough to see turtle hatchlings, maintain a respectful distance and avoid using flash photography that could disturb them.
The clay cliffs offer elevated viewpoints overlooking the bay. Walking along the beach and exploring the edges of the protected areas (where permitted) can also yield great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the free turtle museum near the parking lot. It's an educational and engaging experience for kids to learn about the loggerhead turtles that call Gerakas home. The beach's natural beauty and the potential to spot wildlife add an element of wonder to the family outing.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Conservationists
Visiting the Zante Turtle Center is highly recommended to deepen your understanding of the loggerhead turtles and the conservation efforts in place. The beach itself offers a serene escape with its natural beauty, dramatic clay cliffs, and clear waters, providing a peaceful environment to connect with nature.
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
Drone enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to capture breathtaking aerial views of the bay and its unique geological features. However, always be mindful of and adhere to any regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas. If you're lucky, you might even capture a magical moment of baby turtles making their way to the sea, though always prioritize their safety and well-being.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Gerakas Beach for Loggerhead Turtles
These regulations include limiting access to certain areas of the beach, especially during the nesting season (typically May to October), and closing the beach at sunset. Volunteers and park rangers often monitor the nests, and sometimes assist hatchlings in reaching the sea. Visitors are urged to be mindful and respectful of these protected zones.
Understanding the ecological significance of Gerakas Beach enhances the visitor experience, turning a day at the beach into an opportunity to appreciate and contribute to vital wildlife conservation. A visit to the nearby Zante Turtle Center can provide further education on these fascinating creatures.
Experiencing Gerakas Beach: What to Expect
While the natural setting is a major draw, it's important to note the limited amenities directly on the sand. A single restaurant is situated near the parking area, but for a wider selection of food and drinks, visitors will need to venture further afield. The beach also has designated areas for sunbeds and umbrellas, though these can be quite expensive. Many visitors opt to bring their own towels and picnic supplies to enjoy the scenery without the added cost.
Be aware that parts of the beach are cordoned off to protect turtle nests, and the beach closes at sunset. This ensures the safety of the nesting turtles and allows them undisturbed access to the sea. Some visitors also note that the far end of the beach may be frequented by nudist bathers.
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