The south-west coast of Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful natural areas of the Greek islands. The wild coastline, full of white limestone cliffs, rocky formations and romantic villages, invites day trips from the resorts.

Along with Navagio Beach, the Keri area is the most popular excursion spot on Zakynthos and should definitely not be missed during your stay.

The cliffs and rock arches

The Keri area attracts tourists for the spectacular views of the Ionian Sea from the white limestone cliffs, up to 150 metres high, which dominate the entire coastline. The rocky shores are jagged and form several rock windows, arches or promontories, the most famous of which is certainly the Mizithres rock.

A footpath runs along the cliffs from the car park, however in places it comes very close to the edge, extreme caution and good footwear are a must!

Keri cliffs

Lighthouse and Cape Keri

The focal point where most hikers head is Cape Keri, which is reached by a tarmac road.

You'll find the iconic Greek flag pole and the photogenic lighthouse building, which now houses an upmarket restaurant. If you want to treat yourself to dinner with the most beautiful sunset view in Zakynthos, be sure to book a table early at the Keri Lighthouse Restaurant.

Even the free-access Cape Keri itself is one of the places from where you can watch the most beautiful sunsets on the island.

The largest Greek flag in the world

In 2006, the family that owns the restaurant in the lighthouse decided to fly the largest Greek flag in the world on their property to attract attention. It flies on a 50-metre high flagpole, the total area of the flag is an incredible 670^{m2 and it}weighs 80 kg. So a motorbike has to help hoist it.

Lighthouse Keri

Flag Keri

Cruises around the reefs and to the Keri caves

To fully experience the monumentality of Keri's cliffs, definitely plan a boat trip with a cruise around Cape Keri. Boat trips are offered by many companies and depart most often from the resorts of Limni Keri (shortest cruise of about an hour), Laganas (about 2.5 hours), but also from Zakynthos (4.5 hours) or Tsilivi (5.5 hours).

All cruises stop at the caves of Keri or the island of Marathonisi. There is usually no need to make a reservation, just come to the local marinas and arrange a cruise. In most cases, it includes stops for snorkelling and small refreshments.

Prices range from 30 eur to 60 eur depending on the length of the cruise.

Keri Cave

How to get there

There is no public transport to the area, so you have two options. If you're heading to Zakynthos with a tour operator, you can take advantage of the optional excursions that Keri never omits from their program. Prices range from 29 eur 55 eur per person depending on the specific program and tour operator.

The other option is to rent a car in Zakynthos and take a day trip, or even a 2-day trip with an overnight stay in the romantic inland village of Keri. For information about car rental companies and operations in Zakynthos, see the chapter Car rental.

Accommodation in Keri

You won't find any accommodation directly around the cliffs, as the Keri area is part of a strictly protected national park. The closest options for smaller apartments and hotels are in the small resort of Limni Keri, about 5 km by road from the cliffs.