The town of Keri Zakynthos is a charming little place set up high on the cliffs overlooking the Ionian Sea. There are a few restaurants and accommodation options here, some beaches nearby, and plenty of fun things to do in Keri Zakynthos.
There are actually two towns of Keri in Zakynthos, one of them is a beach town on the southeast coast of the island known as Keri Beach, while the other one, the one I’ll mostly be focusing on in this guide to Keri, is on the Cliffs of Keri overlooking the southwest part of the island.
I spent 10 days traveling around Zakynthos and Keri was one of my favorite spots. I didn’t expect to spend more than a few hours in town, but I found a nice hotel and some really nice places to eat, which I’ll describe later in this Keri Zakynthos travel guide.
A Travel Guide to Keri Zakynthos in Greece
If you’re searching for things to do in Zakynthos Island in Greece, you’ll likely find that the village of Keri Zakynthos and the Keri Cliffs are on pretty much every travel itinerary, and for good reason.
In this travel guide to Keri Zakynthos, I’m going to break down all of the things to do, places to eat, where to stay and more to make sure that you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re stopping by as part of a road trip or tour around the island, or if you’re planning to stay in Keri Zakynthos for a few nights, we’ve got you covered.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Travelling Greece
About Keri Zakynthos
The town of Keri Zakynthos (Greek: Κερί) is a Greek community on the southern edge of Zakynthos island in Greece (one of the best places to visit in Greece). The town is situated on steep cliffs that look out over the Ionian Sea. As of a census done in 2011, the population of this tiny town was just 469, with 788 souls counted for the entire community, which also includes the nearby towns of Limni Kerious, Marathias, and Apelati.
The village of Keri Zakynthos was struck massively by the 1953 Ionian earthquake which measured a 6.8 and caused widespread damage throughout the area, including mainly the islands of Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Between 400-800 people were killed by the earthquake and many older buildings were damaged or destroyed during the tremors.
Today obviously the town and the island as a whole has completely recovered from the disaster and is now a popular tourist destination. While not a lot of people actually choose to stay in Keri and instead opt for some of the other places to stay in Zakynthos (like the more equipped Laganas Beach area and Insilivi), the town is still a popular stop-off on road trip and tour itineraries around the island.
Where Is Keri Zakynthos?
The town of Keri is located on the island of Zakynthos. Zakynthos is a small, popular tourist island in the Ionian Sea of western Greece. It’s around 20 kilometres west of the westernmost part of the Greek mainland, and about 249 kilometres west of the city of Athens, Greece.
Keri Zakynthos is a town that’s located on the southernmost point of the island known as Cape Marathia. Keri Zakynthos is 6 kilometres south of the town of Lithakia and about 15 kilometres southwest (about 26 minutes by car) from the capital of Zante Town.
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Things to Do in Keri Zakynthos
There are actually many things to do in Keri Zakynthos even though it’s a small little town. The town itself has enough going on to keep a visitor busy for a few days and it makes for a decent base for exploring the rest of the island.
The Keri Lighthouse
Keri Lighthouse is the most famous landmark in the city. It’s a 30-meter high lighthouse about 1 kilometre (15-minute walk) from town. There’s a rich history surrounding this lighthouse and it has fantastic views of the Ionian Sea. More about the Keri Lighthouse later in this post.
The Cliffs of Keri
Rising a staggering 300 meters (984 feet) from the Ionian Sea are the breathtaking cliffs of Keri Zakynthos. You can easily walk to the viewing area of the cliffs from the town of Keri, or you can drive here as there is a parking lot close to the edge. Like Navagio Beach, be careful when walking around these cliffs because there have been some deaths in the past when people get too close to the edge.
The Keri Caves
The Keri Caves are one of my favorite places to visit in Keri. They’re located right on the water on the southernmost tip of Zakynthos Island. You can swim in them and they’re great for snorkeling too. They’re only accessible from the water, so you’ll have to rent a kayak or take a tour to get there. There’s no doubt that they’re one of the best attractions in Keri.
Virgin Keriotissa Church
This church is the best place to come for views over the town of Keri Zakynthos. Most of what you see nowadays is the result of renovations in the year 1745. The church was again renovated in 1953 after being heavily damaged by the earthquake. At the church, you’ll find a gold-plated baroque-style temple that was added in 1750 by Ioannis Gropas and Nikolaos Logothetis.
The Biggest Greek Flag in the World
That’s right, Keri is home to the largest Greek flag in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. You can see the enormous flag blowing in the wind from pretty much anywhere in town. The flag was originally erected by a nearby restaurant to try to get attention to the tiny village of Keri and it worked.
Watch the Sunset
One of the best things to do in Greece is to get a glass of wine and watch the sunset. The cliffs of Keri are probably the best place to watch the sunset in all of Zakynthos and there are plenty of taverns around the lighthouse and around town where you can buy drinks and watch the sun hit the Ionian. If you don’t want to pay for restaurant priced drinks, consider heading to a safe place on the cliff with your own bottle of wine and a couple of glasses.
About the Keri Lighthouse
One of the most popular things to see in Keri is only 1 km from the village. The lighthouse of Keri offers a great view to the eternal blue of the Ionian sea, on top of a 300-m high cliff. This lighthouse has guided ships for more than a century. The view from there is really breathtaking! The rocky landscape and the steep cliff match perfectly with one of the most spectacular sunset views.
The lighthouse is 9 meters (30 feet) tall and was built in 1925. This is one of the most photographed Keri attractions and it’s a great spot to go for a stroll or just take some photos of the Ionian.
About the Keri Zakynthos Cliffs
If you’re coming to Keri Cliffs in Zakynthos, then I recommend coming for sunset. This is a spectacular lookout point and because it points west, you can see the sun dip into the Ionian Sea from here at the end of the day.
The cliffs themselves are 300 meters (984 feet) high and in the sea, you’ll see two large cliffs jaggedly pointing out of the sea below you. There is a viewing and photo platform at a nearby tavern, but you have to buy food or drink to make use of the platform.
Beaches Near Keri Zakynthos
Because the coast near Keri is guarded by enormous 300 meter high cliffs, you have no beach access from Keri Zakynthos town. If you want to go to a beach then you’ll have to hop in your car and drive to one of the nearby beaches.
Zakynthos actually has some of the best beaches in Greece and while the most famous one is Navagio Beach in the north of the island, there are some lovely ones down south near Keri as well.
Here are a few of the best beaches in Zakynthos that are on the southern coast and therefore not too far to drive to.
Keri Beach (Limni Keriou)
📍Keri Beach, Limni Keriou 290 92, Greece
Although on the opposite side (east) of the island, this narrow stretch of sand and pebbles is one of the closest beaches to Keri Zakynthos town. It’s a decent place for families as the water is relatively shallow and calm here. There are some facilities on the beach including a shower and a change room.
Laganas Beach
📍Laganas Beach, Laganas 291 00, Greece
About a 19-minute drive from the town of Keri and you’ll arrive on one of the best beaches in Zakynthos, Laganas Beach. This is one of the most popular areas on the island and while it’s a little bit too built up, there still is some charm here. When you hit the sand, walk left for about 10 minutes to get away from the crowds. The sand here is fine and golden and perfect for walking on.
Turtle Island Beach (Marathonisi Island)
📍Turtle Island, Zakynthos Greece
The best way to go to Turtle Island Beach is by doing a day trip to see the beach and the Loggerhead Turtles who nest here. Most tours will hang out on the sand for a few hours and give you an opportunity to swim and enjoy the water, as well as the beautiful sea turtles that swim and nest here. Check out our post about how to ethically spot turtles in Zakynthos.
Agios Sostis Beach
📍Ag. Sostis Beach, Αγ. Σώστης, Greece
This is a beautiful, quiet and sandy beach that is much less crowded than Laganas Beach and about 2 minutes closer to the town of Keri Zakynthos. The beach is safe for swimming and it’s a good spot for snorkelling (some people have seen turtles here).
Best Restaurants in Keri Zakynthos
There are plenty of restaurants in Keri Zakynthos and, perhaps not surprisingly, many of them have spectacular views over the Cliffs of Keri and out to the Ionian Sea. Here are a few top-rated places in Keri Zakynthos.
Keri Lighthouse Restaurant
📍Φάρος κεριού, Κεριον 290 92, Greece
Located right next to the lighthouse, Keri Lighthouse Restaurant is 1 kilometre away from the center of town and is one of the most popular places to eat in Keri thanks to its amazing view and tasty Greek food. While this is probably the single best place to go for sunset on Zakynthos Island, the staff here can be a bit rude. It’s too bad because this is an otherwise fantastic restaurant.
Taverna Argonaftes
Taverna Argonaftes is another great place in Keri with outdoor seating and beautiful views over the cliffs. They serve up great cocktails and the staff is friendly and welcoming. The only negative thing that one might say about Taverna Argonaftes is that most of the food on the menu is deep-fried.
Sunset Taverna
This is another beautiful place on the other side of town but still with great views for sunset. The prices here are a little bit cheaper than the above two restaurants and they do a great beef stiffado and the pork pancetta. Also don’t miss the zucchini balls for an appetizer.
Best Restaurants Near Keri Beach Zakynthos
The town of Keri on the cliffs of Keri near the lighthouse isn’t on any beach because on the southwestern part of Zakynthos, the entire coastline is rimmed by dramatic cliffs. But one of the closest beaches to the village is Keri Beach, a separate town and area about 15 minutes drive from Keri town.
If you’re heading to Keri Beach area, then here are some of the best restaurants nearby.
Taverna Keri
This place has 4.5 stars out of 490+ reviews on Google and is known for having great pizza, tasty Greek food and of course, spectacular views out over the Ionian. The staff here is friendly and they have some great and affordable seafood options on the menu as well.
Mykonos Bar Keri
📍EO Zakinthou Keriou, Laganas 290 92, Greece
This place is one of the most popular restaurants in Keri Zakynthos and for good reason. They do good cocktails, have decent Greek food, but the best part is the view. Come here for sunset and enjoy a sundowner with an Ionian Vista.
Remezzo Restaurant
Remezzo is another great place to eat in Keri Zakynthos. They have a rotating special that changes each day and some excellent seafood dishes (try the squid or the octopus). The beer here is ice cold and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
Where to Stay Near Cliffs of Keri Zakynthos
Because the village of Keri Zakynthos is so tiny, there aren’t too many places right in the center of town, but there are some spectacular hotels and apartments lining the cliffs with beautiful views all around Keri. Here are some of the top choices for hotels near Keri Town in Zakynthos.
Keri Village & Spa
Cost: From $117/nt
Location: 3.1 Kilometres from Keri
☆ 8.5/10
With incredible reviews on Trip Advisor and Booking.com, this is easily one of the best hotels to stay in near Keri Zakynthos. This adults-only 4-star resort is set on a stunning grass-covered hill overlooking the sea and close to the village of Keri. There’s a huge pool, an outdoor hot tub, two funky bars and a nice restaurant on site. The place has 8.5/10 reviews on Booking.com and prices start at around $117 per night.
Revera Stone Villas
Cost: From $45/nt
Location: 350 meters from Keri
☆ 9.4/10
The Revera Villas complex is set on a lush garden of pine and olive trees just west of the Keri village. There’s a pool, a restaurant and an outdoor bar. Each of the large studios has stone walls (hence the name), wood beam ceilings and traditional Greek living areas. They also have a balcony/patio.
Villa Nina
Cost: From $45/nt
Location: 800 meters from Keri
☆ 9.9/10
This beautiful 254-meter² (2734 feet²) villa is nearly a kilometre outside of town, but it’s worth it for the amazing views and private residence here. The villa has a large private pool, garden, barbecue, WiFi and private parking. It has 6 bedrooms so is perfect for a large event or family.
FAQs About Things to Do in Keri Zakynthos
Still have some questions about what to do in Keri Zakynthos? Check out these FAQs.
Keri is a peaceful small town in the south of Zakynthos (Zante) island in Greece. The most famous Keri attractions are its cliffs and caves, along with a lighthouse, nice beaches, and traditional tavernas.
The best weather is in spring or autumn, since summers can be very hot and winters can be rainy.
Keri is 21 km from Zante airport. It takes about 30 minutes by car.
Public transportation on Zante (Zakynthos) Island is good, making it easy to get to places like Keri. Another good option is to rent a car or motorcycle.
The Greek island of Zakynthos is known for Shipwreck Cove (Navagio Beach), Turtle Island, and other natural attractions like other beaches and cliffs. It’s also known for historical sights like the Venetian Castle.
Now You Know What to Do in Keri Zakynthos
Keri Village is more than just a lighthouse and the cliffs. There are some great places to stay in Keri and good restaurants as well. Even though most people just stop here for an hour or two to snap a photo of the view, there’s enough here to keep a traveller busy for a day or two.
If you want a chilled-out experience in Zakynthos away from the crowds (particularly after sunset when most day-trippers leave the city), then Keri Village might be a good choice for you.
Either way, make sure to visit the town to at least check out the lighthouse and have sunset drinks over the cliffs of Keri.
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