Ambula Beach — For Those Who Like a Little Height

There are beaches for sunbathing and beaches for swimming and then there are beaches for hurling yourself off a cliff into turquoise water. Ambula is firmly in the third category. This small, wild pebble cove on Zakynthos’ southwest coast has built a quiet reputation among local young people and adventurous visitors for its natural cliff jumping formations — platforms carved by erosion into perfect launch points at various heights.

What Awaits You

A compact cove of grey-white pebbles, maybe 60 metres of shoreline, enclosed by dramatic limestone cliffs on three sides. No sunbeds, no facilities, no amenities of any kind. The approach is rough; the atmosphere is pure. The water is spectacularly clear and deep enough directly under the cliff faces to jump safely (4+ metres deep under the primary platforms).

At the northern end of the cove, natural erosion has created a series of flat limestone platforms at different heights: roughly 3 metres, 6 metres, and 9 metres. The lower platforms are accessible even to those with modest confidence. The higher ones are for the committed.

Cliff Jumping — What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to jump:

• Check water depth below each platform before jumping — look for other people already in the water or inspect from a low vantage point first
• Never jump when conditions are rough — swell reflects off the cliffs and can move you laterally
• The 9-metre platform requires confidence; entry position matters at that height
• No diving headfirst — feet-first only, legs together
• Having someone watch from the shore is smart

The natural platforms have been used for jumping for decades. There’s no formal management or safety infrastructure — personal judgement is the only protection.

Getting There

From the area of Keri village, take the coastal track south and west. The beach involves a descent of around 15-20 minutes from the nearest parking area. The track is unmarked and rough — local knowledge is valuable. Several websites and hiking forums have route descriptions with GPS waypoints.

Beyond the Jumps

Even without jumping, Ambula is worth visiting for the swimming. The water is clear and the cove is sheltered enough to be calm when the nearby open coast is rough. Bring snorkel gear — the underwater cliff faces are dramatic.

Best Time to Visit

June through September. Morning visits are best — the light falls into the cove from the east in the morning and creates the best conditions for seeing into the water. By afternoon the cliffs cast shade over the cove. Bring everything you need, including first aid supplies — the nearest town is a serious walk away.