The story of the Zakynthos’ Shipwreck beach

How Did The World's Most Famous Shipwreck Come To Be?

The iconic "Shipwreck beach," also known as "Navagio" in Greek, is situated on the lovely island of Zakynthos and is unquestionably worth visiting while vacationing in Greece. The beach became famous after a naval accident during which the shipwreck of the merchant ship named “Panagiotis” was chased by the Greek authorities, as it had been suspected of smuggling alcohol and cigarettes into Zakynthos. The ship itself after crashing formed the beach and made the sand built up around it, creating that way this unreal blue shade of water.

The beach is spectacular and of course it’s best viewed from above. For those who want to admire the beach with the wreck from above, it is recommended to reach the monastery of Saint George, that is considered to be the best viewing point of the iconic shipwreck. The beach is only accessible by boat from the island's capital, Zakynthos, and is surrounded by massive steep cliffs that give it a secluded, inaccessible air. There are boats and organized cruises leaving from Zakynthos every day and pretty often, so you should have no trouble finding them. I definitely recommend this boat tour because the boat has an incredible glass floor that allows you to see the sea below while sailing!

Recommendations

Tourists intending to enjoy the sun should bring everything they need because there are no facilities in this remote bay. An umbrella and sunblock are strongly advised. To avoid crowds, visit Navagio Beach either early in the morning or later in the afternoon (about 3pm).

You may also easily travel from Zakynthos to Marathonisi, often known as Turtle Island (due to its turtle-shaped shape), which makes it an excellent snorkeling destination. This excursion, which you can book here, picks you up and drops you off, as well as includes the boat ride.

What are you waiting for? Plan a visit to Zakynthos and get astonished by its natural beauty and its bluegreen waters! Visit the Navagio beach and enjoy the view from the top!