Marathonisi

Marathonisi is the island's idea of an escape. A small, uninhabited islet shaped, it is said, like a turtle, it floats in the sheltered south bay a short boat ride from shore, ringed by clear, calm, shallow water over pale sand. For a traveller who wants a wild, quiet half day away from the resorts, with the chance of a loggerhead gliding past in the bay, few places on Zakynthos feel as much like a private discovery.

Getting there is part of the pleasure. Taxi boats shuttle out from Keri, Agios Sostis and Laganas, the crossing takes only minutes, and many turtle spotting trips pause here as part of a wider loop of the bay and the Keri caves. The reward is a small sandy cove and warm, glassy water that you share with little more than the boats, and in the early hours before the day trips converge it can feel almost your own.

The honest caveat is absolute simplicity. This is a protected islet with no services of any kind, no bar, no toilets, no shade and no umbrellas allowed, so everything you need must come with you and everything you bring must go home again. It suits a careful, respectful half day, not a long lazy beach day with children and gear. Come for a wild boat escape, clear water and the magic of the turtle bay and Marathonisi rewards you. Come for sunbeds and services and you want Kalamaki or Laganas instead.