The northernmost point of Zakynthos is located on the beautiful Cape Skinari, with its dramatic cliffs, limestone caves and magnificent lighthouse and windmill. Cape Skinari is definitely not to be missed when touring the island by car.

In clear weather, from Cape Skinari you can see the island of Kefalonia, 15 km away.

Caves and white cliffs

The coastline around Cape Skinari harbours numerous caves called Blue Caves, most of which can only be reached by boat from Agios Nikolaos harbour, but there is a footpath with a staircase leading from the windmill right down to the water, so you can reach the caves on foot at this one spot.

There are also breathtaking views of the typically white cliffs of Zakynthos and far-reaching views of the sea from the northernmost point of the island. The highest cliffs here reach heights of around 50 metres above sea level.

Skinari cliffs

Skinari windmill and lighthouse

The main landmarks of Skinari are the traditional Greek windmill with its restaurant and staircase to the Blue Grottoes, as well as the small romantic lighthouse guarding the strait between the islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia.

The lighthouse stands at the highest point 67 metres high in the wider area, the structure itself is 9.5 metres high and dates back to 1897. Although the inside of the lighthouse cannot be visited (it is still functional), it offers the best views of the surrounding area.

Skinari Lighthouse

Accommodation in the lighthouse

If you're looking for really stylish and traditional Greek accommodation, then you definitely need to stop here for the night. There's a guesthouse right in the windswept lighthouse. Potamitis Windmills & Apartment with beautiful rooms.

How to get to the Cape?

Skinari, like the entire northern half of Zakynthos, is not accessible except by rental car. There is no public transport. The windmill and the lighthouse can be reached directly by car via an asphalt road that branches off from the main island ring road at a signposted turnoff in the tiny village of Korithi.

The distance to Zakynthos town is 32 km (see route map).