Xigia Beach (Xygia) is located in a small bay on the northeast coast of Zakynthos, not far from the small pebble beach of Makris Gialos. The beaches in this area of the island tend to be smaller and pebbly.

The surface of Xigia beach is made up of small, light pebbles, which are washed by a beautifully clear sea, but which feels a little cooler than in other parts of Zakynthos. This is due both to the surrounding high cliffs, which cast a shadow on the beach and the sea surface, and also to the depth of the sea, as the seabed here sinks very quickly. The cooler water current can also be observed in specific places, where sulphur springs spring from the cliffs, for which the beach is also known as 'Sulphur Beach' (Xigia Sulphur Beach).

Hydrogen sulphide is characterised by its smell, which can be slightly smelled from the water (sometimes more, sometimes less) and also causes the specific milky colour of the sea. However, the most discussed are the healing effects of the sulphur springs, for which the place is nicknamed "the natural spa of Zakynthos". The sulphur springs (enriched not only with sulphur but also with minerals, for example) are said to have a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system of swimmers in particular, and women in particular stress the rejuvenating effect of sulphur (said to counteract cellulite). According to the locals, it is enough to be in the water for about 20 minutes.

For good swimmers and fans of snorkelling or diving, we recommend swimming out past the small rocky outcrop on the left side of the beach, behind which there are beautiful sea caves. You can swim into the caves and observe the beautiful underwater scenery, and you can also rest on the large boulders. The caves also have a higher concentration of sulphur springs.

There are a few sunbeds and umbrellas on the Xigia beach, and there is a small taverna (or rather a bar) up the hill, whose staff have come up with an "improvement" - so that beachgoers don't have to keep running up to the taverna, there is a small cable car for refreshments between the taverna and the beach.

The beach can be reached either by boat or by car. There is a small car park up by the taverna and if it is already full, you can also use the private (paid) car park above the beach. There are stairs leading down to the beach from the tavern.

In addition to this Xigia beach (described above), there are two other small beaches in this area, also called Xigia, which lie to the south, behind a large rocky outcrop. At these two beaches, the milky colour of the sea and the typical smell are not so obvious, but several sulphur springs are also found here, which is why they are also referred to as part of the 'Xigia sulphur beach'.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Close beaches: Alykes (Alikes) Beach, Makris Gialos Beach

Most favourite beaches of Zakynthos: Agios Nikolaos Beach (Vassilikos), Banana Beach, Gerakas Beach, Laganas Beach, Limnionas Beach (Porto Limnionas), Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Porto Zoro Beach, Tsilivi Beach

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Zakynthos.