{"id":17657,"date":"2023-04-18T10:54:27","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T10:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dailytravelpill.com\/?p=17657"},"modified":"2023-04-18T10:54:36","modified_gmt":"2023-04-18T10:54:36","slug":"porto-limnionas-beach-zakynthos-greece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailytravelpill.com\/porto-limnionas-beach-zakynthos-greece\/","title":{"rendered":"Porto Limnionas, Zakynthos | Things to do, What to expect & More!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Despite all of nature\u2019s efforts to hide this gorgeous and secluded cove among steep cliffs, miles off the beaten path, Porto Limnionas Zakynthos has become one of the island\u2019s main go-to spots, and for good reason too. It is absolutely beautiful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Porto Limnionas is not renowned for its modern facilities, luxury holiday resorts, and loud parties. It’s a place to escape from the tourist masses, and let yourself be surrounded by nothing but the beauty of nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I loved this place so much that during my one week in Zakynthos I visited it twice. It’s the perfect place to relax or explore the underwater world! Snorkeling here is a dream!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. What to expect at Porto Limnionas Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to its name, do not expect a beach in the true sense of the word, at Limnionas Beach, Zakynthos! Here you’ll find a small cove tucked in beneath towering cliffs with crystal-clear water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes this tiny hidden gem in Zakynthos so inviting, is the brilliant clarity of the water. The sea here is as clear as bottled water, making it one of the best places for snorkelling in Zakynthos. The jagged cliff faces on both sides hold several small submerged caves and one humungous one, for snorkelers to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Despite having no sand, visitors flock to this cute little rocky bay during the summer months to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax on the rocks soaking up the sun and appreciating the stunning scenery provided by nature. Unlike other developed parts of the island, this place has been left untouched and is exactly as it was hundreds of years ago. Apart from the tavern perched up on the rocks, there is nothing artificial here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The water is accessible from the pebbly beach or you can glide in straight off the rocks, or make a grand entry by throwing yourself off the jumping platform a few metres above the water. It\u2019s advisable to get here early in the morning during high season to pick a flat rock and lay down your towel. Although not every tourist in Zakynthos comes here, after 10 am it still becomes a little crowded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As there is absolutely no sand anywhere, a good pair of shoes for walking on the rocks is necessary. There is also no shade here apart from the umbrellas near the taverna, and the sun is lethal during the summer months, especially in the middle of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beach chairs and umbrellas can be hired from the taverna on the rocks. They also have toilets and change rooms, but unfortunately, no outdoor showers to rinse off after a swim in the sea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The rugged and rocky terrain and lack of modern infrastructure of Porto Limnionas does not make for an ideal spot for families with small children, but rather appeal to adults who prefer tranquillity, quietness and the raw beauty of nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Where is Porto Limnionas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sandwiched in between gigantic cliffs plunging into the soothing blue waters of the Ionian Sea, the tiny inlet of Porto Limnionas, lies roughly in the centre of the west coast of Zakynthos. It\u2019s situated less than 30 kms from the island\u2019s capital and only about seven kms from the rural village of Agios Leon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Things to do at Porto Limnionas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People who come here, come for one purpose only\u2026to admire the natural beauty of this remote coastline and to simply unwind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you were to ask any local where to snorkel in Zakynthos, most would instantly say Porto Limnionas without hesitation. It’s the ideal diving spot for complete novices with safe shallow water and fascinating rocky ledges and caves to explore alongside the cove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experienced divers can venture further out to the deeper reefs and the rocky shoreline. Please bring your own snorkelling gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There is also a diving centre here<\/a><\/strong> for certified scuba divers, or anyone who wants to be introduced to the magical underwater world of Porto Limnionas. After a quick and simple crash course, novices are able to enjoy a dive in complete safety and under the strict supervision of a PADI instructor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the more experienced divers, there is a rich marine life on the reefs close by with some awesome drop offs. If you\u2019re lucky, you may even spot a turtle or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I simply enjoyed snorkeling near the cliffs and inside the cave. I saw some colorful fish and a few beautiful corals. I didn’t have the courage to venture in deeper water, where the marine life starts to really blossom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have lunch at the tavern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just below the parking lot, is the Limnionas Tavern, Zakynthos, offering delicious, authentic Mediterranean food and panoramic views of the cove, the white cliffs and the open sea. They could not have picked a more stunning location!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The menu caters for all palates and appetites, and, unlike many other touristy <\/em>joints, <\/em>is reasonably priced. I recommend trying the seafood platter for two. Some other delicious dishes are whole fried fish, freshly caught calamari, and a range of delicious prawn dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stifado<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

There is also a wide choice of meat and vegetarian dishes as well as their typical Greek specialities such as stifado<\/em> (a beef or rabbit stew with pickle onions and red wine), fried zucchini balls, and yemista (<\/em>slow-baked, stuffed tomatoes with roast potatoes), just to mention a few. Better not start on their desserts or their delicious cocktails!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The taverna is open for lunches and dinners, but it\u2019s wise to book your table as soon as you arrive. Needless to say, sitting under pine trees, glass in hand and watching the sun set across the sea, will turn any dinner into an unforgettable occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rent a sunbed and relax<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not too keen to lie on your towel on the rocks and looking for a little more comfort, the taverna also rents out sunbeds and umbrellas. They are perfectly situated in front of the restaurant, overlooking the gorgeous inlet and open Ionian Sea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renting two sunbeds costs around \u20ac12, but you need to book them as early in the morning as possible. By 10 am, they\u2019re usually all gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Go for a massage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If panoramic views and delicious food are not enough and you need some extra pampering, the taverna also offers a massage service. Now there\u2019s something you don\u2019t find in many other restaurants! Booking early is an absolute must, especially during peak season.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go on a short hike and take breathtaking photographs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many different vantage points to take in the stunning scenery around Porto Limnionas. By taking a short hike in either direction, photographers will capture the beauty, ambience and mood of this off-the-beaten-track place. The inlet from the cliffs high above, is truly magnificent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A few kilometres south is another hidden gem, worth hiking to that few tourists know about. Porto Roxa is similar to Limnionas, with a smaller but equally charming inlet of crystal clear water, with a few tavernas perched up on the hill, overlooking the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay over for a night or two<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most visitors come to Porto Limnionas for the day, or just pass through on their organised tours around the island. But for those who want to spend more than a day away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded towns, and explore this magical coastline in peace, there are a few lodging establishments around here that allow you to do that.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just above the parking lot, are the Limnionas Cave Villas<\/a><\/strong>, which offer luxury living with all the modern amenities, in the middle of nowhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The White Rock Cave Villa<\/a><\/strong>, a few hundred metres south of Limnionas also offer incredible sea views, allowing you to relax in total isolation. From there you can visit Porto Roxa beach, a few kilometres to the south for more stunning scenery and a choice of two restaurants serving an array of mouth-watering Mediterranean dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lete Sunset Bar<\/a><\/strong>, a little to the north of Limnionas is another gem in the wilderness to enjoy great local cuisine, refreshing cocktails and is also one of the best spots on the island for spectacular sunsets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About eight kms to the north of Porto Limnionas, perched on the edge of the Cliffs of Kambi and next to the view point, is the quaint Michali’s Taverna<\/a><\/strong>, which, along with several other tavernas nearby, offer great Greek cuisine and spectacular views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I had dinner at Michali’s Taverna and this is the place where I watched the most incredible sunset in Greece. Definitely worth it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. When to visit Porto Limnionas\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with most islands in the Mediteranean, the best time to visit them is during the summer months \u2013 from early June to late September. If you want to avoid the tourist masses and the high summer temperatures, avoid going in July and August. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you have to go during this peak season, try to get to Porto Limnionas as early in the morning as possible, to get a good spot on the rocks or rent a sunbed, before the regular crowds pitch up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

June is a good time to go, although the water may still be a little chilly. September is probably a better choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Where to stay in Zakynthos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. There are many accommodation options to choose from, starting with budget guesthouses and ending with luxury hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for a good-value-for-money option, I’ve got you covered!<\/p>\n\n\n\n