Tsilivi Beach — Zakynthos’ Family Resort Classic

Tsilivi divides opinion neatly along experience lines. Families with young children rate it among the best beaches in Greece. Solo travellers looking for untouched nature rate it differently. Both are right. Tsilivi is exactly what it claims to be: a well-organised, well-serviced, Blue Flag sandy beach in a resort town that knows exactly what beach holidaymakers want.

What Awaits You

A long, gently curving stretch of fine golden-blonde sand on the northeast coast, about 5 kilometres from Zakynthos Town. The water is shallow and warm — ideal for children — and the beach is clean and well-maintained. Blue Flag status is earned annually, and the organisation shows: good water quality, facilities, and lifeguard presence in season.

Sunbed and umbrella rentals line most of the beach. Watersports operators offer the full package: jet skis, banana boats, paragliding, paddleboarding, and pedal boats. Behind the beach, the resort town of Tsilivi has restaurants, bars, mini-markets, and tourist shops in generous supply. You will not lack for anything here.

Getting There

From Zakynthos Town, take the northern coastal road for about 8 kilometres. Well-signposted and easy to follow. Buses run from Zakynthos Town in summer. Parking is available in several free lots near the beach. Journey time: around 15 minutes by car.

For Families

Tsilivi is arguably the island’s best beach for families with small children. The entry is gentle and gradual — no sudden drops, no rocks. The water is warm from June onwards. The resort has everything: restaurants with kids’ menus, playgrounds, doctors nearby. The organised beach means you can plant yourself with a toddler and not have to worry about logistics.

For Non-Resort Seekers

The beach is genuinely nice — the sand is real, the water is clean, the views across the bay to the mainland hills are pleasant. If the rows of sunbeds aren’t your scene, walk 10 minutes north past the resort zone to where the beach continues without infrastructure. You’ll find the same sand and water with a fraction of the people.

Watersports

Tsilivi has the most complete watersports offering on the island. Jet ski hire, parasailing, tube rides, wakeboarding, kayak rental, and stand-up paddleboard hire are all available. Prices are higher than the island average, but the equipment is generally well-maintained and operators are licensed.

Best Time to Visit

May and June for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season — the beach is busy, prices rise, and booking accommodation in advance is essential. September offers warm sea water (the sea reaches peak temperature in August-September), fewer people, and better prices. October is pleasant for walking the beach but many businesses start closing.