You’re probably familiar with the above photo, famous for the shipwreck that has been on Navagio Beach since 1980. Only accessible by boat, the beach becomes very crowded with numerous boats stopping throughout the day bringing hundreds of tourists.

But there’s more to the Ionian island of  Zakynthos, also known as Zante, than Navagio Beach and its famous shipwreck that can only be accessed by boat.

Other attractions on this Greek island are also best (or only) experienced by boat, including the exploring the Blue Caves or Keri Caves, Porto Limnionas (a secluded beach that is also accessible by a paved road), and other coves and secluded beaches ideal for swimming, snorkelling or diving to see turtles and other marine life in the clear azure blue waters surrounding the island.

But stay a while and expolore the interior of the island by car, bike, hiking or walking, and you’ll find amazing lush green landscapes and stunning coastal cliff views at every turn, and of course an abundance of Greek history, culture, and architecture.

Ancient castle and monastic ruins, Greek churches, traditional windmills, modern Greek buildings and museums, vineyards, quaint villages and a variety of more urban attractions in the vibrant capital city, also named Zakynthos (and known as Chora) can only be experienced by stepping off the boat and immersing yourself on the island for a few days.

But if it’s swimming and water sports you love, there are also more accessible beaches such as Agios Nikolaos, Alykanas and Tsilivi.

Scroll though the photos to see what I mean.

All photos via Pixabay.