Dafni Beach
A Protected Natural Beach in the Zakynthos Marine Park
Located on the southeast coast of Zakynthos, Dafni Beach is part of the island’s Marine Park — a quiet, undeveloped coastline where endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles come to nest. This is not a commercial beach. It’s a protected area shaped by nature, conservation rules, and the rhythm of the sea.
What Makes Dafni Beach So Special?
Dafni Beach is one of Zakynthos’ protected turtle nesting beaches, part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos — the first marine park in Greece.
It’s located in the Vasilikos area, on the island’s southeast coast, and is home to the endangered Caretta-Caretta sea turtle.
From May to August, turtles return to nest in the sand — and everything at Dafni follows simple conservation rules to protect them.
Things stay calm and respectful: no big hotels, no crowds, no loud music.
Sunbeds, boats, and local services are all offered in balance with nature, ensuring hatchlings can safely reach the sea.
Things To-Do in Dafni Beach
Beach Bar
Dafni Beach offers a calm and natural setting, with sunbeds available and a beachfront bar serving refreshments, coffee, and cocktails throughout the day.
All services operate in alignment with Marine Park guidelines, maintaining a quiet and respectful atmosphere for both visitors and wildlife.
Seaside Restaurant
Guests can enjoy lunch at a small seaside restaurant, located just steps from the water.
The menu focuses on simple, fresh dishes prepared daily — served without unnecessary noise or distractions, and always in harmony with the natural surroundings.
Boat Experience
Small boats are available for rent, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the nearby coastline and observe the marine environment from the water.
All boat activities follow eco-conscious practices and operate with full respect for the protected status of the area.
Sea Turtle Nesting at Dafni Beach
Caretta-Caretta
The Caretta-Caretta is an endangered sea turtle species found across the Mediterranean — and Dafni Beach is one of its most important nesting sites in Greece.
Every year, from May to August, female turtles return to this coastline to lay their eggs in the sand. Weeks later, the hatchlings begin their journey to the sea — a process that depends on darkness, silence, and minimal disruption.
To protect this natural cycle, the area is part of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, where all activity follows strict environmental guidelines.
Visitors can still enjoy Dafni’s natural beauty — but with care. Protecting the Caretta-Caretta turtle means preserving one of the last wild pieces of Zakynthos for generations to come.