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Intro
The shipwreck beach (or, Navagio in Greek) is one of the most famous beaches in the world. Maybe not by name neither by its location, but the photograph of the gulf and the beach is definitely famous among people that like travelling, traditional wallpaper users, summer & nature lovers.
The beach is often included in top 10 list of most beautiful beaches in the world, and stably has a position in the best beaches of Europe. Its unique formation, amazing blue sea color, clean waters embraced by white cliffs, topped up by an actual shipwreck make this beach one of a kind.
Located on the beautiful island of Zakynthos in Greece, Navagio Beach attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the Ionian Islands. The beach is not only a symbol of Zakynthos but also one of the most recognizable beaches in Greece. Travelers come from all over the world to see its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffside views.
The shipwreck itself is a rusted cargo boat named Panagiotis, which ran aground in the 1980s and has since become part of the scenery. This adds a sense of mystery and charm to the beach, making it even more photogenic. Combined with the remote location and turquoise sea, it creates a postcard-perfect setting that feels untouched by time.
The beach is not a stand-alone attraction of a small island. Quite the opposite: Zakynthos (also referred to as Zante) is a large islands, offering a variaty of options and beaches, and Navagio is just the best motive of planning your summer vacation in the island.
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Location of the Island and the Beach
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a stunning Greek island located in the Ionian Sea. It lies to the west of mainland Greece and is the third-largest island in the Ionian group. Known for its lush green landscapes, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs, Zakynthos has become a favorite destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The island offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, traditional villages, and vibrant seaside towns.
Zante is part of the Ionian Islands and is situated south of Kefalonia and west of the Peloponnese. The island has a mild Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal year-round destination for beach holidays and outdoor activities. Its capital, Zakynthos Town, is located on the eastern coast and serves as the cultural and commercial hub of the island. With its charming harbor, neoclassical buildings, and Venetian influences, the town reflects the island’s rich history and welcoming atmosphere.
The Navagio Beach, is located on the northwest coast of Zakynthos. It lies hidden in a small cove surrounded by steep white limestone cliffs, making it one of the most dramatic and secluded beaches in all of Greece. This iconic bay is carved into the coastline, and its unique geography has turned it into a natural wonder that draws attention from travelers around the globe.
The beach itself is nestled between towering cliffs that rise vertically from the sea, creating a sheltered and scenic spot. Its remote position and isolated beauty contribute to its charm and make it a standout location on the island. Navagio Beach is not only one of the most photographed places in Zakynthos but also one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Mediterranean region.
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The story behind the shipwreck beach
The ship was spotted on 5 October 1980 by a Maritime Economic Police patrol boat and found to be carrying contraband cigarettes. The value of the approximately 2,000 boxes of cigarettes was estimated at 30 million drachmas (greek currency at the time). The crew claimed that, after the ship had been traveling between Kefalonia and Zakynthos for three days due to bad weather conditions, due to a mechanical failure they ran aground at Cape Schinari. For two days they remained trapped in a cave and then found refuge in the village of Volimes.
Until then, the coast was called Ai Giorgis (saint Georgios), while now it is popularly known simply as "Navagio".
What is also interresting, is that first the residents were worried because of the environmental disaster that they believed would be created by the specific ship with its cargo, and by extension also to the island's tourism. But a short time later it became a pole of attraction for domestic and non-domestic tourists, while it is ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Greece and the world.
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How to get to the Navagio beach
The only way to access Navagio Beach is by sea, as there are no roads or paths leading directly to the beach. Boat tours to Shipwreck Beach are available from several parts of Zakynthos. The closest port is Porto Vromi, which is about 12 km (20 minutes by car) from the village of Anafonitria. From Porto Vromi, boat rides to Navagio Beach take around 20–30 minutes. These are small boats that can get close to the shore and drop you off to enjoy the beach.
You can also take boat tours from Zakynthos Town, Laganas, or Agios Nikolaos. These are longer cruises that usually include stops at other beautiful places like the Blue Caves. A full boat tour from Zakynthos Town to Navagio Beach can take 4–6 hours round trip, including time at the beach. Most tours run from May to October, starting in the morning and returning in the afternoon.
If you want to see Navagio Beach from above, there is a panoramic viewpoint on the cliffs above the beach. This famous photo spot is located near the village of Anafonitria, in the northwestern part of Zakynthos. From Zakynthos Town, it takes about 45–50 minutes by car (around 35 km) to reach the viewpoint. The road is paved and easy to follow, with signs leading the way.
Once you reach the viewing area, there’s a short walk of about 5 minutes from the parking lot to the cliffside platform. The view from the top is breathtaking — you can see the entire cove, the bright blue sea, and the shipwreck far below. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun lights up the water without too much glare. Keep in mind, this is a popular spot, so arriving early helps you avoid crowds and take better photos. A small canteen is also located here for refreshments and snacks.
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Tips and advice for your visit
While the beach is absolutely stunning and you will enjoy it either way, there are some tips that can result into a better experience:
- Remember to take water and at least a hat with you, as there is no shadow at the beach and neither an opportunity to buy something while you are here. Do not underestimate the greek sun, especially during afternoon hours,
- Visit early. As early as possible. Around noon most of the boats full of tourists arrive, resulting into a fully occupied sea and a beach full of people. As the locals about the best timing, they know,
- Do not carry too many things with you. As you will jump on and off from the boat bringing you here in various locations along the journey most probably, you dont want to carry around a big backpack and electronics. You want to be as "light" as possible,
- Aim for a small boat to bring you here. Preferably one that has intermediate stops at the blue caves. Big boats dont fit in the caves, and they pass by them without stopping. Big boats also have a lot of tourists onboard, loud music and the mini-cruise becomes less enjoyable.
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Bonus visit: The blue caves of Zante
On your way by boat to the beach, you will enjoy some amazing scenary, including cliffs, small beaches, grassy terrain and most importantly, caves. In these waters the rare (and unfortunately endagered) animals caretta caretta (sea turtle) and monachus monachus (seal) find home. While the seals are a real rare sighting, it is quite possible you will see a see turtle. They are big and absolutely adorable.
The boat ride is kind of long, and thus it has some intermediate stops. Inform yourself about the alternative stops each provider does, and pick accordingly. Even though, the blue caves are definately the best option out there.
The concept is simple: the boat goes inside the cave with super low speed, and then you jump into the water, swimming inside these amazing caves that are reflecting the clean blue water, creating a magical atmosphere. You enjoy your swim, explore the cave for 15-20 minutes, and hop on the small boat off to the next one.
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Outro
Navagio Beach is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Greece. With its clear blue water, high white cliffs, and the old shipwreck on the sand, it looks like a dream. Many people visit Zakynthos just to see this amazing place, and it is easy to understand why.
Whether you enjoy relaxing on the beach or taking photos from the cliffs above, Navagio offers something special. It’s perfect for summer holidays, beach lovers, and travelers who enjoy nature and beautiful views. The beach is quiet, peaceful, and has a very unique charm that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you are planning a trip to Zakynthos, make sure to add Navagio Beach to your list. It is a must-see destination in Greece and a place you will always remember. From the crystal-clear sea to the stunning views, Navagio is truly one of the best beaches in the world. And I can reassure you about one thing: You will not be needing filters for your photos here.
