Tsilivi
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Tsilivi

Tsilivi

Family-oriented resort on Zakynthos' northeast coast, centred on a long sandy Ionian beach.

Tsilivi is a popular family resort on the northeast coast of Zakynthos, about ten minutes from Zakynthos Town. Despite growing as a holiday destination, it retains plenty of traditional Greek tavernas alongside the newer bars and restaurants.

Tsilivi Beach is the main draw: a long, sandy stretch of the sheltered Ionian coast with calm, clear water ideal for families. The resort is compact and unhurried — most visitors are here for sun and sea rather than sightseeing, but there is enough nearby to fill a week with day trips.

From Tsilivi, the Venetian Castle above Zakynthos Town is 20 minutes by road and one of the best viewpoints on the island. The Blue Caves at Cape Skinari on the northern tip are reached by boat from Agios Nikolaos harbour — typically combined with a stop at Navagio (Shipwreck Beach), one of the most photographed beaches in Greece. The Solomos Museum in Zakynthos Town covers the poet who wrote the Greek national anthem and is worth an hour on a cooler day.

Guide

Eating Out

Tsilivi has a good selection of tavernas alongside the resort restaurants catering to package holidaymakers. The difference in quality and price is significant: the traditional Greek tavernas — those with handwritten menus and a few tables under a vine — serve far better food for less money than the English-menu tourist operations near the beach.

Grilled fish, Greek salad, moussaka, and souvlaki are the staples. Order the grilled octopus if you see it — Zakynthian seafood is excellent. Local wines from the island are worth trying; Robola white wine from Kefalonia (the neighbouring island) is widely available and pairs well with fish. Avoid the meal deals and set menus aimed at package tourists; ordering à la carte from the taverna board produces much better food.

Guide

Things to Do

Tsilivi's main draw is Tsilivi Beach — a long, sandy stretch with calm, clear water that makes it ideal for families and casual swimmers. The beach has sun loungers, water sports, and several bars and cafes directly on the sand. The resort is compact enough to explore on foot.

The surrounding hills offer good walks with views over the Ionian Sea. For excursions, the main island sights — the Venetian Castle above Zakynthos Town, the Blue Caves on the north coast, and the sea turtle nesting beaches at Laganas — are all reachable on day trips from Tsilivi. Boat trips to Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) are the most popular excursion from the island.