Keri Lighthouse and Sunset Viewpoints

At the far southwestern corner of Zakynthos, the road runs out of villages and climbs through pine and scrub to the Keri peninsula, where a white lighthouse stands on the clifftop above a long line of sea stacks and caves. The viewpoint looks west over the open Ionian, and in the hour before sunset the whole coast turns gold: the cliffs, the lighthouse, the rock pinnacles of Mizithres below and the sea beyond. It is the island's best sunset on land, and unlike the boat trips it is free, flexible and easy to fit around dinner. Small cafes and tavernas in the nearby village of Keri and at the viewpoint turn the evening into an occasion, and the place fills quietly at sunset with a mix of couples, families and photographers. The peninsula has another, quieter claim to fame. Close to the village sits Keri Lake, a small marshy hollow where natural pitch, a kind of tar, has seeped up for thousands of years. Ancient writers, including Herodotus, described the pitch springs of Zakynthos, and visitors can still see the tar bubbling up in the water.

Treat the peninsula as a half-day or evening trip rather than a quick stop. The drive from the main resorts takes around half an hour to an hour depending on where you start, the last stretch narrows to a single winding lane, and parking at the lighthouse viewpoint is limited in the sunset hour.

Arrive at least an hour before sunset to find a space, walk the headland and take photographs while the light is still warm. Bring a jacket, because the exposed cliff top is windy and cools quickly after dark, and a torch or phone light for the walk back to the car.

The surrounding coast gives extra things to do. Below the lighthouse, tracks lead to small viewpoints over the cliff caves, and boats at sea can be seen cruising toward the sea stacks, which makes the land viewpoint a pleasing counterpoint to a day on the water. Keri village itself has a small square, a church and a few tavernas serving grilled fish, rabbit and local wine, and it feels far removed from the busy resort strip a few kilometres away. A late lunch or an early dinner here fits neatly around the sunset.

The paid product below is a sunset trip that visits Keri Lake and the Mizithres viewpoint, with transport included, which suits visitors who would rather not drive the final narrow road at dusk. Guides usually explain the pitch springs, the geology of the cliffs and the history of the peninsula, which adds depth to what is otherwise a visual treat. It is a sensible choice in July and August, when the viewpoint road is crowded.

Stay safe on the headland. Cliff edges are unfenced in places, the ground is loose and the wind can gust, so keep children close, wear shoes with grip and keep back from the edge when taking photographs. Respect the landscape by taking your rubbish with you, and avoid walking on the fragile vegetation. The lighthouse itself is an operational navigation aid and is not generally open to visitors, so enjoy it from the outside.