15 Instagrammable Spots in Zante That Aren't Shipwreck Beach: Local Photography Guide

Introduction: Beyond Navagio Beach

Zante (also known as Zakynthos) is a Greek island paradise that has become synonymous with its iconic Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach). While this stunning cove with its famous shipwreck deserves its reputation, the island offers countless other photogenic locations that remain relatively undiscovered by the Instagram crowd.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you beyond the typical tourist shots to explore 15 spectacular photo opportunities across Zante that will elevate your social media feed and give you authentic experiences away from the crowds. Whether you're a professional photographer or simply looking to capture memorable vacation moments, these spots offer the perfect backdrop for your Zante adventures in 2025.

Northern Zante: Dramatic Coastlines and Viewpoints

1. Blue Caves at Sunset (Skinari Cape)

Best Time to Visit: 1-2 hours before sunset

GPS Coordinates: 37.9383° N, 20.7111°

Photography Tip: Rent a small boat rather than joining large tours

The Blue Caves are typically photographed during morning hours when the water glows an ethereal blue, but visiting at sunset offers a completely different and arguably more magical experience. The golden hour light bathes the white limestone formations in warm hues, creating a stunning contrast with the deepening blue water.

For the best photos, arrange a private boat tour (approximately €50-70) that can position you at the perfect angle as the sun begins to set. The reflections of orange and pink skies on the cave water create a dreamlike scene that few tourists ever capture.

2. Mikro Nisi Viewpoint

Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7-9 AM)

GPS Coordinates: 37.9112° N, 20.7110°

Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full panorama

Just a 15-minute hike from the main road near Volimes village sits this unmarked viewpoint that offers a spectacular panorama of Zante's northern coastline. Unlike the crowded Shipwreck Beach viewpoint, you'll likely have this spot entirely to yourself.

The small island (Mikro Nisi) just offshore creates a perfect focal point for your composition, with the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters stretching into the distance. Morning light casts long shadows across the rugged landscape, adding depth to your images.

3. Porto Limnionas from Above

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon (4-6 PM)

GPS Coordinates: 37.7436° N, 20.6296°

Photography Tip: Climb the small path above the taverna for the best vantage point

Porto Limnionas is a stunning inlet with crystal-clear emerald waters, but few visitors discover the hidden pathway that leads to an elevated viewpoint. From this perch above the popular taverna, you can capture the entire scene: the narrow sea canyon, diving platforms, and the gradation of blues as the water deepens.

The late afternoon light illuminates the cliff faces beautifully while putting the water in partial shadow, creating that dramatic light-dark contrast that performs exceptionally well on Instagram.

Eastern Zante: Secluded Beaches and Hidden Gems

4. Xigia Beach Sulfur Pools

Best Time to Visit: Early morning before 9 AM

GPS Coordinates: 37.8413° N, 20.6717°

Photography Tip: Capture the milky blue water contrast against the white cliffs

Xigia Beach is famous for its natural sulfur springs that create a milky, turquoise appearance where the springs meet the crystal-clear sea. This natural phenomenon creates a stunning color gradient that looks almost otherworldly in photographs.

Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture the morning light hitting the distinctive white cliff faces. For added interest, position yourself halfway up the stairs leading down to the beach for a shot that includes both the unique water coloration and the dramatic coastline.

5. Makris Gialos Beach Rock Formation

Best Time to Visit: Golden hour (last hour before sunset)

GPS Coordinates: 37.7825° N, 20.9001°

Photography Tip: Include a human subject on the rock for scale and interest

While Makris Gialos is a popular beach, few visitors venture to its northern end where a striking natural rock formation extends into the sea. This arch-like structure creates a perfect frame for sunset shots, with the golden light filtering through the opening.

Walking through the shallow water to reach this spot creates opportunities for reflection shots, and the texture of the weathered rock adds fascinating detail to close-up images. Position a friend on top of the formation for a silhouette shot that conveys the scale and majesty of this natural feature.

6. Alykes Salt Flats

Best Time to Visit: Sunset

GPS Coordinates: 37.8358° N, 20.7760°

Photography Tip: Use the reflective water for mirror-like images

The salt flats near Alykes offer a completely different landscape from the beaches and cliffs typically associated with Zante. During certain seasons (April-May and September-October), shallow water covers parts of the flats, creating perfect mirror-like surfaces for reflection photography.

At sunset, these water pools reflect the colorful sky, doubling the visual impact. The geometric patterns of the salt collection beds add striking compositional elements to your photos, especially when shot from a slightly elevated position.

Southern Zante: Authentic Villages and Cultural Experiences

7. Bochali Village Windmill at Blue Hour

Best Time to Visit: 20-30 minutes after sunset

GPS Coordinates: 37.7911° N, 20.8969°

Photography Tip: Use a tripod for low-light conditions

Perched above Zante Town, the historic windmill in Bochali Village offers not only a picturesque subject but also a spectacular backdrop of the harbour and town lights below. During blue hour—that magical period just after sunset when the sky takes on deep blue tones—the scene transforms into something truly special.

The contrast between the warm lights of the town and the deep blue sky creates a mood-filled image that stands out from typical daylight tourist photos. From this vantage point, you can also capture the illuminated St. Denis Church alongside the windmill, framed by the Ionian Sea in the background.

8. Keri Lighthouse Lavender Field

Best Time to Visit: June-July, 1-2 hours before sunset

GPS Coordinates: 37.6509° N, 20.8308°

Photography Tip: Use a shallow depth of field (wide aperture) to create dreamy lavender foregrounds

The Keri Lighthouse is a popular sunset spot, but most visitors miss the small lavender field located just 200 meters before reaching the lighthouse. During early summer, these fragrant purple blooms create a stunning foreground for photos that include both the traditional white lighthouse and the vast Ionian Sea beyond.

Position yourself low among the lavender, using a wide aperture to create a dreamy, blurred purple foreground with the lighthouse sharply focused in the background. The golden hour light brings out the rich color of the lavender while softly illuminating the white lighthouse structure.

9. Kambi Village Stone Walls

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon

GPS Coordinates: 37.6712° N, 20.8101°

Photography Tip: Focus on texture and patterns in the traditional stonework

The remote village of Kambi offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Zakynthian architecture, with its distinctive honey-coloured stone buildings and walls. Unlike the more touristy villages, Kambi retains its original character, with ancient olive presses and centuries-old homes.

The late afternoon light accentuates the texture and warm colors of the stone walls, creating opportunities for atmospheric photos that convey a sense of history and place. The narrow village streets, framed by these beautiful stone structures, create natural leading lines for compelling compositions.

Western Zante: Dramatic Sunsets and Natural Wonders

10. Porto Vromi's Hidden Sea Cave

Best Time to Visit: 11 AM - 1 PM (when light penetrates the cave)

GPS Coordinates: 37.8056° N, 20.6229°

Photography Tip: Adjust exposure for the dark cave interior while keeping the bright entrance in frame

Porto Vromi is known as a departure point for Shipwreck Beach boats, but few tourists explore the hidden sea cave on the northern side of this beautiful bay. This cave creates a perfect natural frame, with its dark interior surrounding the bright opening that reveals the turquoise waters outside.

Visit during midday when sunlight reflects off the water and illuminates the cave interior with a magical blue glow. Shooting from inside the cave outward creates a dramatic contrast between the dark cave and the bright seascape beyond.

11. Korakonissi Rock Bridge at Sunset

Best Time to Visit: 30-45 minutes before sunset

GPS Coordinates: 37.6765° N, 20.8043°

Photography Tip: Use a polarizing filter to enhance the water colours

This natural rock bridge near Keri creates a perfect archway for sunset photos. As the sun begins to set, it aligns beautifully with the opening, creating dramatic silhouettes and light rays that pierce through the arch.

The surrounding rock formations take on a golden glow during this time, contrasting beautifully with the deep blue water below. For the most dramatic effect, position yourself on the eastern side of the formation, shooting westward through the arch toward the setting sun.

12. Marathia Cape Cliffside Path

Best Time to Visit: Golden hour

GPS Coordinates: 37.6470° N, 20.8461°

Photography Tip: Use a telephoto lens to compress the winding path against the sea backdrop

The little-known coastal path at Marathia Cape offers one of Zante's most dramatic landscapes, with its zigzagging trail hugging the steep cliffs above the sea. Unlike the more famous viewpoints, this location allows you to include human elements in a vast natural landscape, creating a powerful sense of scale.

The path's serpentine curves create strong compositional lines that lead the viewer's eye through the frame, while the endless blue of the Ionian Sea provides a perfect backdrop. Position your subject at one of the path's bends for a photo that conveys both adventure and the island's natural grandeur.

Central Zante: Rustic Countryside and Mountain Views

13. Olive Grove Light Rays Near Maries

Best Time to Visit: Early morning, particularly in October-November

GPS Coordinates: 37.7922° N, 20.7234°

Photography Tip: Visit on a slightly misty morning for the most dramatic light beams

The ancient olive groves near the mountain village of Maries offer a photographic experience completely different from coastal Zante. On misty mornings, particularly during autumn, sunlight filters through the fog and gnarled olive branches, creating ethereal light beams among the twisted tree trunks.

These atmospheric conditions produce images with a timeless quality, capturing the agricultural heritage that has defined the island for centuries. The dappled light and shadow patterns create a magical woodland scene that provides a perfect contrast to your beach photos.

14. Askos Stone Park Ancient Olive Tree

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon

GPS Coordinates: 37.8863° N, 20.6969°

Photography Tip: Focus on the twisted trunk details and use backlighting for dramatic effect

While Askos Stone Park is a wildlife sanctuary, its most photogenic feature is actually the 2,000-year-old olive tree near the entrance. This ancient giant, with its massively twisted trunk and character-filled contortions, offers endless compositional possibilities.

Visit in late afternoon when the low sun creates dramatic side lighting that accentuates the deep textures and crevices in the ancient bark. Positioning yourself so the sun filters through the silvery leaves creates a beautiful backlit effect that embodies the timeless Mediterranean atmosphere.

15. Vrachionas Mountain Forest Road

Best Time to Visit: Morning, especially after rainfall

GPS Coordinates: 37.8042° N, 20.7112°

Photography Tip: Use fog and mist for atmospheric forest shots

The highest mountain on Zante offers a completely different ecosystem from the coastal regions, with pine forests and dramatic overlooks. The winding forest road that leads toward the summit creates perfect opportunities for atmospheric photography, especially on misty mornings.

After rainfall, the enriched colours of the vegetation pop against the mist-shrouded pines, creating a moody, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. These forest scenes provide a surprising contrast to the typical blue-and-white aesthetic of Greek island photography, making them stand out in any Instagram feed.

Practical Photography Tips for Zante

Best Equipment to Bring

• Wide-angle lens: Essential for capturing the dramatic coastal viewpoints

• Polarising filter: Helps reduce glare and enhance the blues of the sea

• Neutral density filter: Useful for long exposures of water at bright locations

• Lightweight tripod: Necessary for low-light conditions and sunset photography

• Drone (with proper permits): Offers unique perspectives, especially of coastal formations

Local Photography Rules to Know

• Drone regulations: As of 2025, drone flying requires registration and is prohibited near airports, military installations, and over crowded beaches

• Protected areas: Some nature reserves restrict photography for commercial purposes

• Religious sites: Always ask permission before photographing inside churches or during ceremonies

• Privacy considerations: Request permission when photographing local people, especially in villages

Best Time of Year for Photography in Zante

• May and September: Ideal months with perfect light, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures

• Golden Week: The last week of September offers exceptional autumn light conditions with still-warm seas

• Avoid August: Extremely crowded, harsh midday light, and hazy conditions

Conclusion: Creating a Unique Zante Portfolio

Beyond the iconic Shipwreck Beach lies an island filled with diverse photographic opportunities waiting to be discovered. By exploring these 15 alternative locations, you'll not only avoid the crowds but also create a distinctive visual story of Zante that captures its true essence.

From dramatic cliffs and secret caves to ancient olive groves and traditional villages, these spots showcase the island's remarkable diversity. Each location offers something special for your camera, whether you're seeking dramatic landscapes, cultural experiences, or unique natural phenomena.

By timing your visits to maximise the magical Greek light and following our insider photography tips, you'll return home with images that stand apart from typical tourist snapshots. Your Zante photo collection will tell a deeper story of this mag`nificent island—one that goes far beyond the shipwreck on the beach.

Have you discovered other photogenic spots on Zante? Share your photos and tips in the comments below!

Last updated: APRIL 2025 - We regularly update our guides with the latest information, including seasonal changes, accessibility, and new discoveries. If you find any information that needs updating, please let us know!

Disclaimer: Always respect local regulations, private property, and natural environments when photographing these locations. Safety should always be your priority, especially when exploring coastal viewpoints and caves.