Grab Your Map

This drive exploring the western coast will give you a FULL half day of fun.

You’ll start your day visiting Korakonissi. From here, it's about a 25-minute drive to lunch, but the drive is scenic, with gorgeous views of the sea.

Porto Roxa will give you a bit of a break. We tend to like this part of the day, often because we want to take a minute and soak it all in. Reset and recharge. Ready for the next leg of this tour.

The drive to Anafonitria is easy, with plenty to see (and stop to see) along the way.

Finally, you’ll make it to Navagio, Shipwreck Cove (above), and take in the stunning view. Plan to leave early, and you’ll be home in the late afternoon.

May we suggest a pre-dinner nap? Isn’t vacation wonderful?

The Western Coast

You'll find a more quiet and rustic landscape on the western side of the island. While looking at the sunset, you won't find a thing between you and the African continent. Limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, hilltop villages, modern villas, gorgeous landscapes.

A few things to know before you go:

Today we wear shoes (sneakers, not flip-flops). Water shoes work well too! But you must bring your beach shoes with you in a backpack. You will eventually need them but some of the terrain insists on secure footing.

Breakfast is up to you today. Or pick up along the way.

Don’t forget to bring:

Goggles, Water, Bathing suit, Towels, Sunscreen, and your Camera

You must absolutely stop at the local shops along the way. They sell amazing things, foods to try and drinks. Even if it’s simply just to walk through.

Where To Start

Always remember to drive carefully. The roads are all paved, and wide enough. We still urge you to take your time. And keep to your side of the road.

Depending on where you are starting from, you might decide to work your way backward up the list. We like to drive the furthest away early and then slowly make our way around and back. We’ll leave that up to you.

The drive in the mountains is mostly wide road. So it’s comfortable for most drivers. Some parts narrow when you veer off the main way. Just pay attention and you’ll be fine.

Itinerary

Korakonissi

This will be your first stop today. Approximately 25km from the main port.

These crystal-clear sea pools are popular for snorkeling. Freshwaters nestled amid rocky cliffs and framed by natural stone arches.

Did you have breakfast before heading out? There is a small snack bar here if you want to pick up a coffee or a small snack before/after exploring this oasis. This is the part of the day where you’ll need proper shoes. There is a narrow path down to the water. Careful steps will get you there in a few minutes. Don’t rush, and follow the roped pathway down carefully.

Bring your goggles or just enjoy swimming around in the fresh water. Explore the rocks (wearing your shoes!).

Getting here early is important for parking.

Porto Roxa

It’s time to stop for lunch and a little break by the water at Fondo Restaurant.

There’s a tasty lunch, a very decent menu, sun chairs for a little break after you eat, and time to enjoy jumping into the sea.  Chair rentals are extra. The platform to jump off might feel daunting, but you just need to muster up the nerve and try. Don’t worry though, you don’t have to jump to enter the water. We love to people watch, while they jump and dive off. It’s so fun, and quite often a great laugh.

Porto Roxa is slightly more developed than its neighbor Porto Limionas. We offer it here as a suggestion because parking is always easier. However, if you feel like Porto Limionas catches your eye, rest assured the tavern is superb. You don’t have a choice anyway, it’s the only one there.  Porto Limionas is equally special. Very busy, since it's smaller, but quite a wonder to explore. Early here for parking is a must. Restaurant patrons get preferred parking, and if you plan to stay for lunch, let them know as soon as you get there. For an idea of what time to come back to be seated.

• Drive Through Agios Leon, Exo Hora and Maries

This is an excellent drive, roughly 20 minutes, with really amazing little shops along the way. Artisanal, homemade products that you can stop to try, taste, browse, and then get on your way. If you’re interested in anything local to these parts, this is where you need to try it. The honey is not comparable to anything you’ve ever tried. Olive oil is as organic as you can find it. Lots of olive tree wood, and handmade products. Soaps, creams, candied nuts and snacks. Spend some time browsing.

Monastery of Anafonitria, in Anafonitria village

The Monastery of Theotokos is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This is where St Dionysius spent his last days as a monk, and where the story is told he forgave the man who murdered his brother. St Dionysius is the patron saint of the island, you’ll find his tomb lying in the golden church bearing his name in the city (interesting to walk through when you’re back in the area).

It’s a nice place to stop and visit. They will provide cover-ups for everyone. The prayer bracelets are very popular here in the church gift shop at the exit.

Navagio

Your final stop! It’s super interesting to see the top of this Shipwreck. There is a (very sturdy) iron balcony perched above to give you a birds-eye view of the Navagio. The colors are sensational. Quite honestly, almost unreal. As you stand above the limestone cliffs, the people and boats all look like little ants below. It’s an impressive scene to take in. Most people all say the same thing… It looks even better in person. We agree.  The beach is currently closed to visitors so you can only swim in the waters.  For this reason, we prefer the aerial view. The small cove can get very choppy with all the tour boats.

Many people also opt to walk along a narrow path to get a picture under a large Greek flag across the way. I urge you to be careful if you choose to do this. There have been accidents. So make sure that photo is worth the risk. We don’t suggest flip flops for that walk.

The little parking lot gets busy but is very accessible. You’ll be able to park along the side of the road as well. The general rule here is that if you can park and not block anyone or restrict access, it’s a parking spot.

There are refreshments for sale, ice cream, fresh honey, sweets, and olive oil. The main seller has a large turtle you can ask to hold. We get a yearly picture with our very large 4-legged friend.

What a day!

You’ve done some mileage. You’ve made sure to thoroughly explore the western coast.

You’ve earned a nap and a glorious island dinner. Dining al fresco is what a Zante holiday is all about.

Enjoy!