Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
Zakynthos, Zakynthos
With white sand and marble cliffs, Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) makes a striking setting. Set on sun-soaked Zakynthos island off the coast of Greece, the cove off of Navagio Beach is a popular boat tour destination, though access to the beach itself is closed due to the risk of landslides. The centerpiece is a long-abandoned freighter—the remains of a smuggler’s shipwreck—that still languishes on the sands, and the turquoise waters are ideal for a dip.
The basics
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 for a chance to swim in the crystal clear water. 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.
Things to know before you go
There are no visitor facilities at the beach, so be sure to bring your own chairs, umbrellas, towels, water, and picnic supplies.
Many Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) tours by boat are wheelchair accessible. However, it's best to check with tour operators in advance.
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) closes to the public when it’s deemed a safety risk. For example, as of 2024 it’s been closed due to a high risk of landslides.
How to get there
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. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes to reach Navagio.
When to get there
Summer is the high season at Navagio Beach. 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. However, boat departures are less frequent in winter.
The famous “Shipwreck Beach”
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. It’s slowly sinking into the sands and provides a unique photo opportunity for beach visitors.
Ways to explore
Admire Navagio Beach’s shipwreck and nearby sea caves from the water on a private or small-group boat tour from the island’s main harbors in Zakynthos or Agios Nikolaos. Choose a half-day excursion to combine your time on water with sightseeing on land, or a full-day cruise around the entire island with stops to explore the coastal sea caves, swim in the crystal-clear water, and enjoy a barbecue lunch on board. Alternatively, join a driving tour of the island that includes a stop at the sky-high Navagio Beach Viewpoint for vistas of the shipwreck, beach, and cove from above.
Accessibility
Not all boat tours that stop at Navagio Beach are accessible; confirm in advance.
Age limits
Choose a family-friendly boat tour to Navagio Beach that includes plenty of stops to swim.
What to pack
Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, camera
What to wear
Sunscreen, hat, comfortable clothes
Not allowed
Navagio Beach is currently closed to visitors due to rock falls.
Amenities
Most boat tours have restrooms, beverages, and snacks on board.
Address
Navagio Beach cannot be approached by land, so the only way to get close is by water. You can also spot the beach from the Navagio Beach Viewpoint set on a clifftop high above the coast, which is reachable by rental car or scooter, or on an island driving tour.
Driving
From Zankinthos, take the island’s main road north toward Volimes, then west toward the coast. Follow signs for the Navagio Beach Viewpoint, where there’s a small unpaved parking area.
Public transportation
There’s no public transportation to the Navagio Beach Viewpoint, but many private island driving tours or group bus tours stop here to take in the beach from above.
Best times to visit
Most boat tours set off in the morning, when Navagio Beach gets most of its sun. The beach starts to be in the shade by early afternoon.
Best days to visit
Book a boat tour or island tour on a weekday to find more availability, as they tend to fill up on weekends.
Best months to visit
The summer months are best for boat tours of Navagio Beach, while the milder spring and fall temperatures make visiting by land more pleasant.
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