Southern Zakynthos has a different feel from the busy resort towns of the east coast — the landscape is wilder, the roads quieter, and the sea takes on a deeper, clearer shade of blue. At the heart of this area are two of the island's most rewarding destinations: the traditional village of Keri, perched on the south-western tip roughly 20 km from Zakynthos Town, and the turtle-shaped islet of Marathonisi, floating in the turquoise waters of Laganas Bay.
Keri is one of the quieter, more traditional corners of the island, with a handful of tavernas and small shops rather than bars and clubs. Just offshore, Marathonisi — known to many as Turtle Island — is a small, uninhabited islet and one of the most photographed natural features in Zakynthos.
Keri Village & Beach
Keri village itself is small and unhurried. A short main street leads to a square with a few tavernas and cafés, and the pace of life is noticeably slower than in the island's larger resorts. The village has a handful of shops selling local products, including honey and olive oil from the surrounding groves — a good base for a slow lunch before or after exploring the coastline.
Below the village, a narrow road winds down to the water's edge at Limni Keriou, a small harbour and beach area with a handful of tavernas and boat operators. This is the main departure point for boat trips to Marathonisi and the Keri sea caves.
Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
Marathonisi is a small, uninhabited islet in Laganas Bay, shaped like a turtle when viewed from above — hence its nickname, Turtle Island. It has no permanent structures, no facilities, and no shade, but it offers two distinct beaches: a sandy cove on one side and a pebbly shore with sea caves on the other.
Visiting Marathonisi
Marathonisi can only be reached by boat. Small boats depart from several points along the southern coast during the summer season, including from Limni Keriou near Keri and from Laganas — the crossing is typically just a few minutes across the bay. Some visitors hire a small boat with a skipper, while others join organised boat tours that combine Marathonisi with other stops along the coast.
The coastline around Keri is one of the most dramatic in Zakynthos. White cliffs drop into deep blue water, and there are several viewpoints along the road where you can stop and take in the panorama. The area is also known for its sea caves, which are sometimes visited as part of organised boat tours.
Keri Caves & Coastal Views
The Keri caves are a series of sea caves and rock formations along the base of the cliffs below the village. They are best seen from the water, either by boat or by swimming, and the contrast between the white rock and the deep blue water is striking. Some of the caves are large enough for small boats to enter, depending on sea conditions.
How to Get to Keri & Marathonisi
The easiest and most flexible way to reach Keri is by renting a car. From Zakynthos Town, head south following signs toward Keri or Laganas. The drive takes you through the interior of the island and down toward the southern coast on paved roads. From Laganas, the drive to Keri is even shorter — just a few minutes along the coastal road.
There is a parking area near Limni Keriou harbour, and from there you can walk to the boat departure point for Marathonisi. Allow roughly 30–40 minutes for the drive from Zakynthos Town to Keri, and a little less from Laganas.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Keri and Marathonisi is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is warm and boat services are running. Mornings tend to be calmer, with smoother sea conditions for boat trips. Late afternoon brings beautiful light to the clifftop viewpoint, and the sunset from the Keri viewpoint is one of the best on the island.
What to Bring
- •Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- •Snorkel and mask if you enjoy swimming in the caves
- •A waterproof bag for phones and valuables on boat trips
- •Walking shoes if you plan to explore the clifftop viewpoints
- •Cash for boat tickets and tavernas
Where to Go After Keri
If you are exploring the southern coast, the Mizithres viewpoint is a short drive from Keri and offers one of the most spectacular sunset views on the island. Heading west from Keri takes you toward the village of Agalas and the lesser-visited western coast. Heading east brings you back toward Laganas and the southern beaches.
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