Blue Caves of Zakynthos

The northeastern tip of Zakynthos is a wall of white limestone cliffs undercut by the sea into a series of arches, tunnels and shallow caverns. In the right conditions, morning light entering from below reflects off the pale rock and floor, and the water inside the arches turns an intense blue that colours the walls and anything in the water, which is the reason boats come. Small craft from Agios Nikolaos and from the jetty at Cape Skinari nose into the caves, and passengers can swim in some of them. The trips usually continue around to Navagio, the wreck beach beneath its cliff, though landing there has been restricted in recent years after rockfalls. A lighthouse stands at the cape above.

What you actually see

• The blue arches - light reflecting off pale rock into the water.
• The swimming stops - small caves where boats let passengers into the water.
• The white cliffs - the undercut limestone of the northern cape.
• The Skinari lighthouse - the tower marking the island's northern tip.

When to go

Morning, when the light angle produces the strongest colour, and May to September, when boats run. Wind from the north cancels trips, as the caves face open water.

Honest expectations

The effect depends entirely on light and sea conditions; on a dull or choppy day the caves are unremarkable. Boats are small and can be crowded, and the sea gets rough quickly. Access to Navagio beach itself is often restricted for safety.

Nearby

Navagio viewpoint is along the coast; Volimes village and its weaving shops lie inland.