If you’re looking for a serious beach vacation, Zakynthos is definitely the place to be. Off the West coast of Greece and in the Ionian sea, this island is the perfect happy medium for those who are looking for a little bit of action (scuba diving, turtle spotting, cycling, kayaking, base jumping), mixed with some serious sun and sand. With all the beaches and well-travelled tourist spots on the southern and eastern shores, this is where you’ll find Agios Nikolaos, the best beach on the island, or Alikes and Alykanas beaches – a long stretch of sand with plenty of facilities, sunbeds and watersports. For the more adventurous travelers, head off the beaten track to the island’s interior where scenic mountainside villages and breathtaking hidden coves are just waiting to be discovered, or explore the more dramatic west and north coasts with cliffs dropping many hundreds of feet straight into the sea.