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12 Incredible Shots Of Greece's Sought-After Shipwreck Beach

Navagio Beach
Navagio Beach | © Mark Richards/Flickr

On the northwest coast of the beautiful island of Zakynthos lies Shipwreck Beach, also known as Navagio Beach. This magnificent locale surrounded by turquoise waters is undeniably one of the most famous beaches in Greece. Only accessible by boat, the sandy area welcomes visitors all day long during the summer, and when you can’t visit, here is a visual tour of the beautiful destination.

Navagio Beach at sunset

Featured in countless magazines, brochures, and travel ads, the beach, which was previously known to locals as Agios Giorgos, is home to the MV Panagiotis ship, which washed up on the shores in 1980.

Navagio Beach

Although there have been many rumors and theories since the boat appeared on the beach, a recent account from the captain of the ship, Haris Kompotheklas, explains what really happened that night.

Navagio (Shipwreck) beach
Shipwreck at Navagio

Attracting hundreds of tourists each day, the beach is the destination of many boat rides, where visitors are left for an hour or two to relax on the beach, swim, and, of course, take selfies with the ship.

Zakynthos Navagio Beach

Those boat tours often combine a visit to the Blue Caves, another marvelous sight to see while in Zakynthos. The distinctive characteristic of the Blue Caves is that they reflect the incredible color of the waters in them, which creates an eerie atmosphere. The caves are also a paradise for divers.

Sometimes in the off-season, you might be lucky enough to find fishermen willing to drop you off there in the morning and come and pick you up in the afternoon, allowing you to enjoy the beach all to yourself for a while, which is truly priceless. A little warning: as the beach is not organized, make sure to bring along water and snacks as well as an umbrella – there is no shade on the beach.

Navagio Beach from above

For amateur photographers, or if you want to capture a magnificent picture of the beach from above, it is also possible to drive up to the top of the cliff. There, you will find a viewing platform which offers splendid views of the beach. But here is a little secret: you get better photos if you follow the trail around the cliff.

Navagio Shipwreck
Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach

To reach the viewpoint by car, just follow the road signs which read ‘Navagio’ once you pass the village of Anafonitria. At some point, you will get to an intersection with the Monastery of George Kremnon on your left and the Navagio Beach Viewpoint on your right. Once you’re there, prepare to be amazed.

About the author

Polyglot (with a Master Degree in Translation), adventure seeker, professional shower singer and food enthusiast, Ethel enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, usually with a certain amount of eating and drinking involved. Brussels-bred and Athens-bound, she loves traveling around the world, uploading photos on her Instagram feed and daydreaming with a good book in her hands. Want to see the world through her eyes? Find her on Instagram at @heyitsetelle

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