Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)

Experience the history and scenery of Navagio Beach on a guided excursion to the shipwreck and nearby sea caves. Explore Zakynthos by coach and motor boat, and stop to swim in the beach's aquamarine waters, or hop on a full-day sightseeing cruise of the island to see Navagio by land and by sea. Don't miss the lookout point 600 feet (183 meters) above the beach.

• There are no visitor facilities at the beach, so be sure to bring your own chairs, umbrellas, towels, water, and picnic supplies.

• Many boat tours to Navagio Beach are wheelchair accessible, but it's best to check with tour operators in advance.

Navagio Beach is tucked into an isolated cove on the northern coast of Zakynthos (also called Zante) in the Greek Ionian Islands. The beach is only reachable by sea, and boat trips set sail from nearby Porto Vromi Bay or the village of Volimes, taking about 20 minutes to reach Navagio.

Despite the fact that it can only be reached by sea, Navagio Beach gets packed with day-trippers and tourist boats in the summer high season. To escape crowds, try to visit early in the morning or in late afternoon. Visiting out of season means you'll get a rare chance to photograph the beach free of crowds, but boat departures are less frequent in winter.

The famous Navagio Beach is often better known by its nicknames, Shipwreck Beach or Smuggler's Cove. It acquired its notoriety in October 1980, when a freighter—allegedly used by smugglers—that was being chased by the Greek Navy ran aground and was abandoned on the shore. The rusting freighter, dubbed the Panagiotis, still lies at the center of the beach, slowly sinking into the sands and providing a unique photo opportunity for beach visitors.

Yes, Navagio Beach is closed as of 2023. This closure is due to risks from landslides on the cliffs along the perimeter of the beach. Navagio Beach has a precedent for this, with temporary closures in 2022 and 2018. Get up-to-date information before planning a visit to Navagio Beach.

Navagio Beach is closed as of 2023. But when the beach is open, a boat tour that includes a stop at Navagio Beach is a popular option. These tours range in price depending on length and amenities, with options ranging from the very affordable to the more luxurious.

Navagio Beach, also called Shipwreck Beach, is unique because of the shipwreck located on the sand. The beach is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, which provide a beautiful backdrop for the white sand, clear ocean, and the intriguing shipwreck up on the beach. It is a popular place for photographers.

No, you cannot reach Navagio Beach by car. Because tall limestone cliffs surround the beach, a boat is required to reach the beach itself. However, a viewpoint from the clifftops can be reached by car and is also worth visiting to get a different perspective of the beach.

Yes, you can swim here when Navagio Beach is open to the public. Flanked by tall limestone cliffs, this beach can be reached by boat. Local tour providers offer transportation by boat to Navagio Beach, also called Shipwreck Beach, and include time to swim and sunbathe.

When Navagio Beach is open to the public, boat tours typically operate from May through October. The summer months are the busiest time of year at this beach. Visitors looking to avoid the crowds but still enjoy warm temperatures may want to plan a visit during September.