Hotels near Blue Caves at Cape Skinari

At the northernmost tip of the island, the Blue Caves are a string of natural sea grottos hollowed out of the limestone cliffs around Cape Skinari. The water inside glows an electric blue when sunlight refracts through the entrances, and the caves are one of the signature stops on every northern boat tour. The most photographed grotto, the Kianoun Cave, has a low arched entrance that small boats can pass directly under.

Larger excursion boats from Zakynthos Town anchor outside while passengers swim in via swim-stops; smaller speedboats out of Agios Nikolaos port (the small harbour at the north tip, not Zakynthos Town) actually enter the caves. Most operators combine the Blue Caves with Navagio Beach in a half-day loop. The caves photograph best at mid-morning when the sun angle drives the brightest blue glow - tours leaving around 10:30 hit them just right.

Pro Tip: Skip the giant tour boats from Zakynthos Town in favour of a small speedboat from Agios Nikolaos at the north tip - they actually enter the caves rather than just sail past. A 90-minute speedboat trip combining the Blue Caves with Navagio runs about 25-30 EUR per person.