Roxa Beach — The Hidden Cove You Reach by Sea

Some beaches can only be understood by boat. Roxa — sometimes called Porto Roxa — is one of those places that rewards those who approach from the water, rounding a headland to find a narrow cove sliced into the limestone cliffs, its water glowing green-blue in the afternoon sun, with no road, no path, and no crowd in sight.

What Awaits You

A narrow inlet cut into the western coast’s limestone cliffs, with a small beach of pale pebbles at the back and sheer rock walls rising on either side. The cove is sheltered from the prevailing northwest wind, which means even when the open coast is choppy, Roxa can be calm and swimmable. The water is phenomenally clear — depths visible at 10-12 metres, the white limestone bottom reflecting light upward.

The cliffs that form the cove rise to 15-20 metres and have vertical faces that attract climbers and cliff jumpers. Several natural platforms exist at various heights — around 5 metres for the accessible jump, higher for the committed. The swimming area directly below the jumping zones should be approached carefully.

Because there’s no road access, the beach naturally self-regulates its visitor numbers. Even in peak August, you’re unlikely to share Roxa with more than a dozen people.

Getting There — By Sea

The only practical approach is by boat. Options:

• Rent a dinghy: Small motorised inflatables are available for hire from Keri Lake (Porto Keri) — a 20-minute trip along the coast
• Boat tour: Day trips from Laganas, Zakynthos Town, and Keri often include Roxa as a stop
• Kayak: Experienced sea kayakers can reach Roxa from Keri, but the open coast between requires calm conditions

Check sea conditions before heading out — the western coast can change quickly.

The Approach by Water

Coming from the south, you round a headland and the cove reveals itself suddenly: a narrow slice of turquoise in the cliff face, the pebble beach visible at the end. The entrance is narrow enough that the cove is invisible from any angle until you’re almost inside. This is partly why it remains so unknown.

Snorkelling and Diving

The underwater walls of the cove are spectacular — limestone faces dropping vertically, encrusted with sea fans and sponges, patrolled by larger fish species that find shelter in the cliff faces. Snorkellers can explore the walls in the shallower sections; divers from the Limni Keriou dive centre sometimes bring groups here.

Best Time to Visit

June through September, on settled calm days. Check the Beaufort scale before departing by boat — even a force 3-4 on the open water makes the cove approach uncomfortable in a small dinghy.