Zakynthos, the gem of the Ionian Islands archipelago, holds many secrets. One of the island’s best-kept treasures is a shipwreck that visitors are urged to see before it vanishes forever from the pristine cove.
Shipwreck Bay, also known as Navagio Beach, is located in the northwestern part of the Greek island of Zakynthos. Originally called Agios Georgios, it gained its current name due to the remnants of a ship buried in the sand, which ran aground on the Greek coast in the late 20th century. This spot is one of those iconic places that make tourists choose the Greek islands without hesitation for their dream vacations. However, the shipwreck isn’t the only thing that makes this place so extraordinary…
How Did the Shipwreck End Up on a Greek Island?
To understand how the shipwreck came to rest on this Greek beach, we need to travel back in time to 1980. Relatively few details are known about this story, but perhaps that’s what makes it all the more intriguing for visitors. The wrecked ship is the Panagiotis, which was allegedly carrying around 2,000 boxes of cigarettes, possibly destined for Italy. The cargo was said to be worth approximately 30 million drachmas, Greece’s currency at the time.
The ship ran aground and, due to bad weather conditions, was apparently unable to escape the bay. After receiving reports of smuggling, Greek authorities intervened, sending the navy in pursuit. The ship was discovered by the coast guard on October 5, 1980. The entire crew fled, abandoning the ship on the shore, where it has remained ever since.
Navagio Beach
While the skeletal remains of the Panagiotis certainly add a mysterious allure to the site, the famous Shipwreck Bay (Navagio Beach) deserves attention for more than just the rusted hull. The beach is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, rising up to 200 meters, whose white faces beautifully contrast with the stunning blue waters below. Though Greece has long been known for its crystal-clear seas, which attract tourists year after year, the water at Navagio Beach is truly breathtaking. The sand here, much like the limestone cliffs, is also a bright white, not the golden grains often associated with sunny beaches. Instead, you’ll find fine, delicate white sand, creating a magical setting that’s often complemented by the sight of luxurious yachts and sailboats on the horizon.
How to Reach Shipwreck Bay?
Navagio Beach is only accessible by sea, which perhaps adds to the enchanting appeal of the place. There are a few ways to get there: you can rent a boat or sailboat, book a speedboat tour, or join a larger ship’s excursion. Various types of boat trips can be reserved through platforms like GetYourGuide.
These half- and full-day trips are often combined with visits to the Blue Caves and stops at other beaches and viewpoints, allowing you to comfortably explore a larger portion of the coastline. Since Shipwreck Bay is the most popular attraction on Zakynthos, such cruises depart from practically every port on the island, especially during the tourist season.
Shipwreck Bay from the Viewpoint
However, you’ll be most impressed by Shipwreck Bay not from the beach itself but from the cliffside viewpoint. The observation platform is easily accessible by car, and the stunning view of Zakynthos’ most beautiful beach is sure to bring a smile to your face. The small viewpoint is often crowded with tourists on bus tours, making long, uninterrupted views difficult and the photography process somewhat stressful.
Next to the platform, there’s a path along the cliff that can offer relief from the hustle and bustle. From the edge of the promontory, you can enjoy an even more breathtaking view of the beach and calmly take pictures worthy of a travel magazine cover. But be careful! The official viewing platform is the only safe spot in the area, designed for visitors. Neither the path leading to the tip of the cliff nor the cliff itself are secured in any way. Walking along this route is at your own risk, and it’s essential to always stay at a safe distance from the cliff’s edge.
GOOD TO KNOW: The safety of the cliffs surrounding Shipwreck Bay is constantly monitored by local authorities. As a result, the path along the cliff may sometimes be closed due to unstable ground and the high risk of landslides.
The Current Situation at Shipwreck Bay
The year 2018 marked a turning point for the future of Shipwreck Bay. A series of earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter scale struck Zakynthos, causing large sections of the cliff to collapse. As a result, seven people on Navagio Beach were injured. For safety reasons, the beach was closed to both locals and tourists. It was briefly reopened in 2019, but by 2023, the ban on sunbathing and visiting the beach was reinstated. Following the recommendations of the president of the National Organization for Earthquake Planning and Protection, a decree was published in the Official Government Gazette that not only prohibits access to the beach but also bans any boats from anchoring along this shoreline. This means that currently, the beach can only be viewed from a boat at a significant distance from the shore or from the viewpoint.
A Ship Losing to the Elements
Falling rocks aren’t the only threat to the popularity of this location. It remains uncertain how much longer tourists will be able to admire the atmospheric shipwreck on Navagio Beach. In 2021, a storm submerged a large part of the ship under the water. Unfortunately, after this event, no action was taken to preserve the wreck. By January 2024, another storm broke the Panagiotis in half, with more of its remains sinking into the sand, further placing the future of this iconic tourist destination in doubt.
Practical information
- It is worth booking tickets for Shipwreck Beach tours in advance. There are many tours available with experienced guides who will show you the most interesting spots, answer questions, and share fascinating facts about the areas being visited.
- Buy a guided tour on GetYourGuide
