Xigia Sulfur Beach — Nature’s Spa With a Funky Smell

Let’s address the elephant in the room right away: yes, it smells like rotten eggs. That’s the sulfur — and it’s exactly why this tiny beach is special. Xigia sits on a natural underwater sulfur spring that feeds therapeutic minerals directly into the sea. It’s like a free spa treatment, if your spa happened to smell like a science experiment.

What Awaits You

A compact pebble beach tucked into a narrow cove on the northeast coast. The cliff walls on either side create a sheltered little world. The water has a slightly milky quality near the spring source, shifting to crystal clear further out. You’ll notice the sulfur most strongly on the left side where the spring seeps through the rocks — the water there is noticeably warmer.

The beach itself is small — maybe 50 metres of pebbles — and can feel cramped during peak hours. But the swimming is excellent, the snorkeling is surprisingly good (fish don’t seem to mind the sulfur), and the whole experience is unlike anything else on the island.

Locals and repeat visitors come specifically for the therapeutic properties. Sulfur-rich water is traditionally used for skin conditions, joint pain, and respiratory issues. Whether it actually works or it’s just a great excuse for a soak, you’ll emerge feeling remarkably smooth-skinned.

Getting There

From Zakynthos Town, head north for about 25 minutes. The beach is signposted from the main road. There’s a small car park at the top, and steep concrete steps lead down to the beach. The descent is about 5 minutes and manageable for most fitness levels, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Insider Tips

Go in the morning. By afternoon, the small beach fills up and the cove can trap heat like an oven. Morning also means calmer seas and the sulfur scent is less intense in cooler air.

Don’t wear your best swimsuit — sulfur can discolour light fabrics over time. Dark swimwear is your friend here.

The small taverna near the car park serves excellent food and has a terrace with views down to the cove. Worth a stop.

Combine Xigia with Porto Limnionas (30 minutes west) for a perfect day of Zakynthos’s most unique swimming spots.

Best Time to Visit

Season: June-September for swimming. May and October are pleasant but the water is cooler. Time: Morning, 9-12. The cove gets hot and crowded after noon. Avoid: Windy days — the cove is somewhat protected but northern winds can make swimming rough.

Tourist vs Local Perspective

Tourists often arrive, wrinkle their noses at the smell, take a selfie, and leave within 20 minutes. Locals stay for hours, soaking methodically and chatting about whose arthritis improved last summer. If you can get past the initial olfactory assault, you’ll understand why they keep coming back. Give it time — your nose really does adjust, and what’s left is a genuinely unique swimming experience.