The beaches of Xigia (sometimes spelled Xygia or Ksigiya) are located on the north-east coast of the island, about 22 km north-west of the capital Zante. The beaches of Xigia lie outside the island's main tourist resorts and are less accessible, so they do not attract large crowds of visitors. Even so, Xigio beaches can be crowded in the main summer season as they are very small. The beaches can be reached either by car or by boat.

Most people talk about Xigia beach, but in reality there are three Xigia beaches, not far from each other. The most famous Xigia beach is the northernmost on the road from the capital Zante, in a small narrow bay behind high rocks, with a few parasols and sunbeds. Further south, on the other side of this large rocky outcrop, is another beach, Xigia, which is purely natural with no beach service. And a few hundred metres further south, beyond the next headland into the sea, is a third beach, Xigia, where these unique sulphur springs are also still present, and visitors can find a few sunbeds and umbrellas.

1) north beach Xigia

When we talk about "Xigia beach", we usually mean this narrow pebble beach of Xigia, hidden behind high cliffs, where the concentration of sulphur springs is the highest. The sulphur springs cause a kind of turbidity in the water and the turquoise colour of the sea here takes on a specific milky hue, even though it is actually beautifully clear. The presence of the springs also reveals the typical sulphurous smell around the beach, but it is usually not very strong.

The surface of the beach is made up of small, light-coloured pebbles, and the seabed here sinks quite quickly. The temperature of the water here tends to be slightly lower than in other parts of the island, as the surrounding high cliffs do not allow the water to warm up to greater depths. On hot summer days, this is a very refreshing bath. We also recommend swimming away from the beach and turning left past a small headland, where there are beautiful sea caves that you can swim into and relax. It is in these caves that the largest number of sulphur vents are found.

The healing effects of the springs are highlighted when bathing in these waters. It is not only sulphur, but as the spring flows through the surrounding rocks, it also binds various minerals. The sulphur and mineral springs have a beneficial effect on the human musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, etc.), but also on the condition of the skin and the skin in general.

Xigia beach is partially organized, equipped with a few sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. There is a small bar up the hill and to avoid customers having to run up and down the stairs, the refreshments they order are served via a small pulley lift directly to the beach.

Xigia Beach can be reached by car, and parking is available either at the small bar at the top of the hill or in the private paid parking lot next to the bar. Access to the beach is not difficult, there is a path leading down to the beach just beside the car park or visitors can use the steps leading down from the bar to the shore.

2) middle beach Xigia

The other two smaller beaches of Xigia are just 700 m south of the first one, behind a large rocky promontory. "Middle Xigia Beach" (sometimes referred to as Xigia Pelagaki Beach on maps) is a beautiful natural beach hidden behind hills and greenery. Due to the poorer access to the beach, it tends to be quiet and empty, not even equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. Occasionally, however, a cruise ship will dock here as part of its cruise.

The concentration of sulphur springs here is not as strong as at the first beach, but the subtle milky colour of the sea water is still noticeable, and in some places swimmers can smell a cooler current and a slight sulphurous odour.

There is a small taverna up above the beach where you can park your car. However, the path down to the beach is not well maintained; those interested must walk along a beaten path through the bush all the way down to the beach. The reward for this, however, is a beautiful small beach with azure clear sea and healing springs with a mixture of sulphur and minerals.

3) south beach Xigia

From the small taverna at the top of the hill, however, besides the beaten path through the bush, there are also steps leading down to the coast - and these will take you to the third, southern beach of Xigia. The southern Xigia beach is semi-organised (similar to the northern Xigia beach), with a few sunbeds and umbrellas. The hallmark of this part of the natural spa of Xigia are the geese walking along the shore between the sunbeds and towels.

The concentration of sulphur springs here is weaker than at the northern beach of Xigia, more comparable to the central beach of Xigia. Visitors are unlikely to even notice the sulphur odour here, rather they will smell a slightly cooler stream of water as they swim where there is a sulphur vent.

The three beaches of Xigia together form the so-called Xigia Natural Baths, which are a popular tourist destination on Zakynthos.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Tips for trips on Zakynthos: Zakynthos Capital City, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), Blue Caves, Aristeon Press and Museum, Olympia, Callinico Winery, Water park Zante Water Village (Sarakinado), Shipwreck (Navagio Beach)

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