Zakynthos, or Zante to use the Italian name, is a beautiful sandy island in Greece, and has hastily been gaining popularity for its sun-splashed climate and legions of ivory white beaches (writes Anna Zuchowski-Morrison). However, the little-known village of Gerakas is a beautiful hideaway trailing off from the popular tourist towns of Zante.

It is set on the south-eastern edge of Zakynthos island, near the Vasilikos peninsula and is brimming with natural beauty. The region remains free from bars, clubs and hotels and features immaculate scenery with rocky sandstone cliffs, golden beaches and vast colourful countryside. The lack of tourism operations gives the village a particularly secluded feeling.

Gerakas beach is widely acknowledged by many as the best beach on the island and even among the best in Europe, attracting visitors during the hot summer periods, although it never seems too crowded. It is the first protected Marine Park in the whole of the Mediterranean, as it is one of the last nesting sites of the beloved and endangered loggerhead Sea Turtle, Carreta-Carreta. Campaigning by various marine protection organisations has seen to it that the area remains undeveloped and unspoilt so not to disturb the turtle’s summer nesting sites. 

The rural charm and tranquillity of the island and the warm, shallow waters of the beach made it a perfect destination for a week’s trip with our friends and their young baby. Water sports on the beach are banned due to the turtle nests occupying the beach, ensuring it is a calm and peaceful retreat, and our little holiday maker splashed around happily in the coves of the Gerakas beach. The crescent of golden sand is encircled by rugged sandstone cliffs, blocking much of the wind and offering lovely views across the bay of Laganas.

Marine protection organisations take their job very seriously and wardens survey the beach, making sure nobody sunbathes near the turtle’s nests or stay there after dusk. The mysterious Caretta-Caretta turtles truly own the beach, and it was a welcome pleasure to be allowed admission onto their territory for the week.

The sleepy region is adorned with white clay cliffs and sandstone coves, and the scenery surrounding the Gerakas beach is teeming with olive groves and wild flower beds. It is a great place to go walking, hiking or mountain biking and is also a good place to set off on excursions round the island. The stunning cove Navagio - although on the other side of the island - is a definite must-see: the white sandy cove holds a sunken shipwreck and is a lovely place to stop for a spot of lunch or to sunbathe. The excursion we went on also included a barbeque lunch and dolphin spotting. It was a long trip but well worth it to really experience the untouched, remote beauty of Zakynthos island. Our yacht stopped just metres from Navagio cove and we were encouraged to dive into the crystal clear waters and swim to the white sands.

The Earth, sea and sky information centre is located on Gerakas beach, and is the only wildlife information centre in Zakynthos. Visitors can learn more about the rich history and culture of the Greek island, as well as learn about the endangered turtle’s nesting habits, and join in the fight to keep the land free from tourism developments. There is also a chance to get up close and personal with the turtles through volunteer placements.

Gerakas village is dotted with whitewashed stone villas for holidaymakers to rent, many with cool freshwater pools to relax in under the warm Greek sun. We rented a large villa for around €350 for the week, which was five minutes away from the beach, and enjoyed cooking our own food as well as strolling to the nearby taverns and sampling their delicacies. The taverns are small but substantial, and serve delicious authentic Greek fare - grilled lamb with fresh herbs and marinated vegetables was a favourite among our group, and of course the lashings of tzatziki and local olives served with warm bread also went down a treat with our group. Provisions can be bought from the nearby mini market, which is not too far away and has ample parking spaces.

We were impressed with the unspoilt seclusion of Gerakas, we had wanted somewhere quiet and suitable for babies as well as somewhere full of natural charm and enchantment, and Gerakas didn’t disappoint us by any stretch of the imagination. It is a perfect getaway where sandy coves, tranquillity and the glowing Greek sun beckon.

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