Can I actually get on Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach?
Access to Navagio Beach itself, including swimming and anchoring, is currently restricted due to safety concerns regarding landslides. The beach has been closed to the public through 2024, and this closure may extend. However, you can still view the iconic shipwreck and beach from a designated viewpoint above the cliffs, which is accessible by car. Boat tours may take you near the bay for photos, but landing on the beach is prohibited. Renovation and maintenance work is planned, and there's a proposal for ticketed entry once it reopens, with management by the Municipality of Zakynthos.
What are the beaches like near Volimes?
Volimes is a mountainous village, so it doesn't have beaches directly in the town itself. However, it's relatively close to several famous and beautiful beaches on Zakynthos' northern and western coasts. The closest beaches include the world-renowned Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach (accessible by boat for viewing, beach landing restricted), Porto Vromi, Xigia Sulfur Beach, Makris Gialos, and Agios Nikolaos. These beaches vary from sandy coves to pebble beaches and those with unique features like sulfur springs.
Is Volimes a good base for a beach holiday?
Volimes can be a good base if you prefer a quieter, more traditional Greek village experience and plan to explore various beaches by car or boat. It offers a different atmosphere than the bustling tourist resorts. While not directly on the coast, it provides access to some of Zakynthos' most dramatic and unique beaches, especially on the northern and western sides of the island. However, if your priority is to have a beach right at your doorstep with many amenities, other locations on Zakynthos might be more suitable.
What's special about Xigia Sulfur Beach near Volimes?
Xigia Sulfur Beach is unique because of natural sulfur springs that flow into the sea, giving the water a milky turquoise color and a distinct sulfurous smell. The waters are believed to have therapeutic properties, particularly for skin conditions and arthritis, due to the presence of sulfur and collagen. It's a small, picturesque pebble beach that can get crowded, so visiting early is recommended. There's a canteen/taverna nearby, sometimes with a pulley system to deliver refreshments down to the beach.
What are the accommodation options like if I want to stay near the beaches around Volimes?
While Volimes itself is a traditional village, accommodation options in and around the Volimes area, particularly closer to the coast or in nearby hamlets like Korithi or near Makris Gialos and Xigia, include traditional stone villas, apartments, and some guesthouses or small family-run farm stays. Some newer boutique suites have also been developed in the broader northern region. These often offer a quieter, more authentic experience compared to the larger tourist resorts in the south of Zakynthos. Many visitors rent villas for more privacy and self-catering options.
Are there family-friendly beaches near Volimes?
While some beaches near Volimes, like Makris Gialos, have deep waters quickly, others can be suitable for families. Alykanas Beach, though a bit further (around 11.4km), is known for its clear, shallow waters and is considered family-friendly. Agios Nikolaos Beach (around 5.5km from Volimes center) is a pebble beach with facilities and is sometimes recommended for families. However, many of the dramatic western coast beaches are more rugged. It's always best to check specific conditions and accessibility for each beach if traveling with young children.
How do I get to the beaches from Volimes?
The best way to explore the beaches from Volimes is by renting a car, ATV, or motorbike, as Volimes is a mountainous village and public transport can be limited. This gives you the flexibility to visit various coves and viewpoints. Some beaches, like Navagio, are only accessible by boat tours, which typically depart from nearby ports like Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos, or even Zakynthos Town. Roads can be winding, so cautious driving is advised.
When is the best time to visit the beaches near Volimes for good weather and fewer crowds?
For the best balance of warm weather, warm sea temperatures, and fewer crowds, consider visiting in May, June, late September, or October. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with more crowded beaches. Visiting popular spots like Navagio viewpoint or Xigia Beach very early in the morning (e.g., before 9 or 10 AM) or late in the afternoon is recommended even during peak season to avoid the biggest crowds.
Are there quiet, hidden beaches near Volimes?
Yes, the area around Volimes and the northern/western coast of Zakynthos is known for its rugged coastline, which hides several smaller, more secluded coves and beaches. Filippoi Beach, for example, is a remote rocky bay accessible via a winding road from Volimes, often known more to locals. Kremidi Beach is another small, secluded pebble beach. Exploring by rental boat can also lead you to discover quiet spots that are not easily accessible by land. However, be aware that 'hidden' often means fewer or no facilities.
Can you swim in the sea near Volimes and what is the water like?
Yes, you can swim at the various beaches accessible from Volimes. The water quality is generally excellent, known for being crystal clear and having beautiful turquoise and blue hues, especially along the western and northern coasts. Some beaches, like Xigia, have unique water properties due to sulfur springs. Water temperatures are warmest from June to September. Some beaches are pebbly, while others have sand. Certain spots, like Porto Limnionas (a rocky cove rather than a traditional beach), are popular for swimming and known for colder water due to underwater springs.
Are there boat trips to Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) and Blue Caves from near Volimes?
Yes, boat trips to Navagio Beach (for viewing, as beach access is restricted) and the Blue Caves frequently depart from ports relatively close to Volimes, such as Agios Nikolaos and Porto Vromi. Makris Gialos beach is also a departure point for some Blue Caves tours. These tours are a popular way to see these iconic sights, as Navagio is only accessible by sea, and the Blue Caves are best experienced from the water.
What's the vibe like in Volimes compared to other Zakynthos towns for a beach holiday?
Volimes offers a much quieter, more traditional, and rural Greek village atmosphere compared to bustling tourist resorts like Laganas or Tsilivi. It's known for its local crafts, olive groves, and a slower pace of life. If you're looking for nightlife and extensive tourist facilities directly at your accommodation, Volimes might not be the best fit. However, if you appreciate a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring dramatic coastlines and unique beaches, and enjoy a more authentic local experience, Volimes provides a distinct and charming base.
Are there good spots for snorkeling near Volimes?
Yes, the clear waters and rocky coastlines near Volimes offer some good snorkeling opportunities. Filippoi Beach, a remote spot near Volimes, is mentioned as a favorite for snorkeling due to its crystalline waters, caves, and rock formations. Makris Gialos is another beach known for clear, deep waters and caves accessible from the beach, making it suitable for snorkeling and diving. The Blue Caves, often visited by boat trips departing near Volimes, also offer chances to swim and snorkel in incredibly blue waters.
What should I pack or prepare for a day at the beaches near Volimes?
Many beaches near Volimes, especially the more secluded or natural ones like Navagio (when accessible) or Filippoi, have limited or no facilities. It's wise to pack your own water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and beach umbrella. Water shoes can be useful for pebble beaches or rocky coves. If you plan to visit Xigia Sulfur Beach, be prepared for the sulfur smell. For boat trips, bring seasickness medication if needed, and a waterproof bag for electronics.
Is it better to visit Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) by boat or just see it from the viewpoint near Volimes?
Currently, as direct access to Navagio Beach is prohibited, the viewpoint near Volimes is the primary way to see the shipwreck and the cove. This viewpoint offers stunning panoramic photos. Boat trips will take you into the bay for a closer look from the water and for photos, but you won't be able to land on the sand. Historically, when the beach was open, visiting by boat allowed you to experience the beach itself. Both experiences offer different perspectives; the viewpoint provides the iconic aerial shot, while a boat trip (even without landing) gets you closer to the water level and cliffs. Many people do both if time and conditions permit.
