Take an old, rusty steamship and place it on a powder-white beach with turquoise-blue waters—and there you have the perfect setting. To capture it, countless vacationers wait nearly three hours in the blazing summer sun for the perfect photo of the Zakynthos shipwreck.
The famous Navagio Beach with its shipwreck has long ceased to be an insider tip. On the contrary, this beach on Zakynthos is what really put Greece on the map as a vacation destination. In recent years, the beach—known as Smugglers’ Cove—has been voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches on multiple occasions.
Nevertheless, mass tourism, with all its negative side effects, is causing this enchanting setting to crumble. If you’d like to enjoy this postcard-perfect scene while it’s still relatively undisturbed, we’ve put together 6 essential tips for a trip to the shipwreck of Zakynthos.
#1 Getting to Navagio Beach
The famous Navagio Beach, with its rusty ship, is located in the northwest of the island of Zakynthos and can only be reached by sea.
Due to the risk of landslides, entering the shipwreck beach and swimming in Navagio Bay is now prohibited.
The two nearest towns in the northwest are Anafonitria and Volimes (both 4 km away), both of which also offer accommodations (see point #5). With a rental car, you can reach both the “Navagio View Point” as well as the coastal towns of Porto Vromi and Agios Nikolaos, and Cape Skinari, from which the shortest boat tours to Shipwreck Beach depart.
If you don’t have your own vehicle or simply prefer to be guided, you can join a guided tour to Zakynthos’ Smugglers’ Cove. For more information, visit our partner GetYourGuide*:
Currently, there is no reliable and, above all, regular public bus service to the Shipwreck Viewpoint. During the summer months, there is only one bus daily from Zakynthos Town to Volimes. From there, it’s still about 4 km to the viewpoint. Taxis are virtually nonexistent in this area.
Is renting a car worth it for Navagio Bay?
The most flexible way to travel to both the Shipwreck Viewpoint and the ferry docks for a boat tour is by car. While the roads leading north are quite narrow, they are all paved throughout and in good condition. You can book a rental car through our partner Discover Cars*:
Distances to the Shipwreck Viewpoint:
› Alikanas – Navagio: 20 km (30 min)
› Drosia – Navagio: 26 km (45 min)
› Zante Town – Navagio: 34 km (50 min)
› Tsilivi/Planos – Navagio: 33 km (50 min)
› Laganas – Navagio: 33 km (52 min)
› Argassi – Navagio: 37 km (1 hr)
#2 Zakynthos Shipwreck Viewpoint
From a viewpoint above the bay, you can admire the beach and the shipwreck from a bird’s-eye view. The Navagio Viewpoint is located directly on the cliffs and is easily accessible by rental car or guided bus tour via a paved road.
On site, there is an unpaved parking lot (be careful when entering!), a food truck, a souvenir stand, and basic restrooms. A flight of stairs leads you to the actual viewing balcony, a small fenced-in platform from which you can see Shipwreck Beach.
Since 2025, there has been another viewpoint, Viewpoint Navagio 2, which you can reach from the first viewpoint in just a few minutes via a paved path. The view of the bay is fantastic from here as well. For safety reasons, the entire area has been fenced off, as the steep cliffs here drop hundreds of feet. Anyone who ignores the barriers is risking their life. Memorial plaques commemorate past accidents.
Best time to visit the Navagio Viewpoint
Navagio Bay is one of the most popular attractions in Greece. During the summer months, waiting times at the Navagio View Point are not uncommon. Due to the small balcony, long lines form especially around noon, and you may have to wait 1–2 hours in the blazing sun for a quick snapshot from above.
We recommend visiting before 9 a.m., especially during peak season, even if the sun isn’t shining on the bay yet. Alternatively, try visiting in the evening after 6 p.m. It’s quieter during the off-season; in early October, we didn’t have to wait in line at all around 10:30 a.m.
#2 Boat Tours to Shipwreck Beach
On Zakynthos, boat tours to Shipwreck Beach are offered from numerous coastal towns. These popular Shipwreck day trips also depart from Zakynthos Town and even from Laganas in the south. However, most of the journey is covered by bus, as the distances to the shipwreck are too far.
The best starting points for a boat tour to Navagio Beach are Agios Nikolaos in the east (approx. 40-min transfer), Cape Skinari in the north (approx. 20 min), and Porto Vromi in the west (approx. 20 min).
Through the GetYourGuide* portal, you can book guided excursions to Navagio Beach from nearly all tourist locations on Zakynthos. Prices vary depending on the departure point and season. Here you can find out more about the excursions and reserve your spot directly if needed:
➲ View excursions to the shipwreck*
The tours typically include hotel pickup (depending on location) and round-trip bus transfers to the departure ports in Zakynthos Town, Agios Nikolaos, or Porto Vromi. Meals may be included depending on the tour. The tour stops at a tavern that partners with the tour operator.
Shipwreck Beach is accessible by both small boats and large ships. Anyone wishing to travel to the Zakynthos shipwreck by motorboat should be aware that landslides and, consequently, tidal waves can occur in the bay from time to time.
Boat tour from Cape Skinari
We took the trip to Shipwreck Beach in combination with the Blue Caves (see point #6) with the provider Potamitis Boat Trips from Cape Skinari. Tours depart daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every 15 minutes (late April through late October), and prices are approximately €25 per person.
The tours are conducted either on the large boat named Dionysios (approx. 30 people) or on smaller glass-bottom boats. It takes about 20–25 minutes to reach Shipwreck Beach. Boats are no longer allowed to anchor at the beach due to the risk of falling rocks and landslides, and access to Shipwreck Beach is prohibited.
We can wholeheartedly recommend the tour with Potamitis. There was plenty of seating on the boats and no loud music. Since this is strictly a transfer service, there were no additional explanations provided on board. The entire tour, including the Blue Caves, takes about 3 hours. More info: Potamitisbros
💡 Shipwreck Beach Weather: The bay’s stunning shades of blue are best appreciated under clear skies, moderate winds, and bright sunshine. If clouds are building or strong winds are blowing from the north, we recommend postponing the trip to another day.
#3 Interesting Facts About the Zakynthos Shipwreck
Shipwreck Beach, Navagio Beach, or Smugglers’ Cove—the most photographed beach in Greece has many names today. Before the ship washed ashore, the impressive bay was called Agios Georgios, as it is located directly below the monastery of the same name (see point #6).
There is a lifeguard on duty at Shipwreck Beach during the summer months. Unfortunately, the beach is not child-friendly, as the water gets deep quite quickly and accidents while swimming can occur due to the constant docking of boats. Currently, the entire beach section is closed due to a landslide.
Swimming tips for Navagio Beach:
› Beach chairs: none available, no trees, shade only from rocks
› Restrooms: none available
› Food: Bring your own (please do not leave trash on the beach)
› Family-friendly: relatively steep descent on the west side, slightly flatter and sandier on the east side
› Activities: Just swimming, lounging on the beach, and taking photos of the shipwreck
Shipwreck Beach is literally swamped by crowds in the summer; virtually every Zakynthos vacationer wants to visit this popular beach. Not only is the beach itself in high demand, but the viewpoint above it is also literally overrun in the summer. In recent years, the hype surrounding the Zakynthos shipwreck has reached a new level.
→ In this post, we’ll reveal our top 15 best swimming spots on the island: Zakynthos Beaches
The quest for the perfect selfie has already cost four vacationers their lives. They fell from the limestone cliffs, which are up to 200 meters high. Following the most recent fatality, the government in Athens intervened. Several security personnel now guard the cliffs around the Navagio Beach Viewpoint during the season. A flag marks the accident site at the former viewpoint.
Why is the shipwreck stranded in Navagio Bay?
Since the shipwreck, tourism on Zakynthos has really taken off, and there is no end in sight. More and more vacationers are choosing the island as a vacation destination, which unfortunately also has a negative impact on the Zakynthos turtles. Some locals even believe that the Ministry of Tourism at the time intentionally ran the ship aground in 1980.
Many myths surround the old cutter; some stories were invented to attract even more tourists. The fact is that the ship named MV Panagiotis (built in 1937) ran aground on October 2, 1980, at 4:30 a.m. On board were nine crew members, two Italians and seven Greeks. All survived the accident.
For years, the official story went like this: The MV Panagiotis was supposed to sail from Kefalonia (Port of Agrostoli) to Albania (Port of Durres). On its final voyage, it encountered stormy weather, and poor visibility hindered navigation. Due to an engine malfunction, the ship became unable to maneuver and ended up on the Caribbean-like Navagio Beach.
The Greek smuggling ship
The captain then alerted the authorities. However, a few hours later, two boats carrying locals arrived and looted the ship. Twenty-nine Zakynthians were later even charged with theft. The most well-known story, however, was that the MV Panagiotis had been operating as a smuggling vessel for years.
In September 1980, it set sail from Turkey to Italy. On board were cigarettes worth $200,000, intended for the Italian mafia. The Greek coast guard was already on the ship’s trail. In rough seas, it ran aground in Navagio Bay. Numerous cigarettes floated around in the sea.
The crew fled to avoid punishment. The captain turned himself in to the authorities at the time but was never convicted. The contraband was distributed among the people; reportedly, not a single pack of cigarettes was sold on Zakynthos for years afterward. Court documents, photos, and eyewitnesses confirmed this scenario in 2020.
💡 Zakynthos Book Recommendation: The Zakynthos travel book from Routh Guides contains many valuable tips and background information and was a faithful companion during our stay: View on Amazon*
#4 Restaurant Recommendations Near the Zakynthos Shipwreck
Due to the large number of international tourists, taverns have adapted their menus and now offer dishes like pizza and hamburgers in addition to overpriced Greek cuisine. Traditional home-style cooking at fair prices is hard to find. Beware of tourist traps: be cautious with menus that don’t list prices and ask for them directly if necessary.
Elatino, Volimes
Panagiotis and his family run a simple café-restaurant in the heart of Kato Volimes, directly across from the school. The friendly hosts serve tasty Greek dishes ranging from gyros to moussaka, as well as daily specials at fair prices.
Melissokipos Cafe, Anafonitria
A family-run café next to the Anafonitria Monastery. Amid all the tourist shops and fast-food taverns, this lovingly decorated spot offers a welcome change of pace. You can sit comfortably under old olive trees with a view of the monastery’s defensive tower. They serve freshly squeezed juices, delicious coffee, and sweet snacks.
#5 Hotels near the Zakynthos Shipwreck
Staying overnight near Navagio Bay is especially worthwhile during the high season, as it allows you to arrive at this Zakynthos highlight in good time. Volimes and Anafonitria are the villages closest to the Shipwreck viewpoint. The area around Cape Skinari near Korithi and Elies is also recommended. Click on the links to Booking.com* for more information:
Staying near the Navagio viewpoint
Casa Tsounis
Simple but well-equipped apartments in Kato Volimes. Fair prices and a welcoming host family. About a 10-minute drive to the Shipwreck Beach Viewpoint.
Tramonto Villa
A dreamy villa for up to 8 people above Volimes. Tasteful decor, a great pool area, and a magnificent view of the mountains of the Elation region.
Stay near Cape Skinari
Anemomilos Korithi
A restored windmill situated on a hill between Korithi and Agios Nikolaos, surrounded by stunning nature. Warm hosts, lovingly decorated interiors, and a terrace with an outdoor kitchen offering spectacular sunsets.
Akron Luxury Suites
A luxury villa located at Cape Skinari in an absolutely quiet setting. Infinity pool with a view of the neighboring island of Kefalonia. Just 5 minutes to the Blue Cave pier or 7 minutes to the Potamitis tours to Navagio Bay.
*Links to Booking.com
✓ Full coverage & unlimited mileage included
✓ Free cancellation until 24h before pickup
✓ Best price guarantee via Discover Cars
#6 Places to see around the Zakynthos Shipwreck
Navagio is one of the most remote spots on Zakynthos. If you don’t want to make the long drive just for the shipwreck, you can also take a detour to the popular swimming coves in the northwest (including Porto Vromi). Shopping enthusiasts will find what they’re looking for at Barbara’s boutique BLE in Anafonitria.
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
Side Trip to the Agios Georgios Monastery
A visit to the Agios Georgios Monastery, located on the main road just a few minutes from the Shipwreck Beach Viewpoint, is well worth your time. Built in 1535, the monastery captivates with its typical Venetian architecture. In addition to the main church, the massive defensive tower with its arrowslits in the rustic monastery courtyard is particularly impressive.
In the workshop right in front of the monastery, visitors can get a glimpse into the art of mosaic-making. In addition to icons and religious motifs, small wall hangings and even large tabletops are crafted from the tiny pebbles. You can practically look right over the shoulder of the friendly monk Thrasius as he works.
Boat trip to the Blue Caves near Korithi
There are numerous caves and grottos along the coast of Zakynthos. In the northeast, you can take excursion boats from the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari to visit the so-called Blue Caves. The Blue Caves are located below the hamlet of Korithi. The Potamitis family offers tours from two different piers (Old Windmill and Cape Skinari).
The cave formations, where the water sparkles azure blue, have some whimsical names, such as Batman Cave. Ideally, you should take the tour on a compact speedboat so you can also marvel at some of the caves from the inside. During the trip, a stop for swimming can be made upon request. More info on GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the boat tours along the coast*
Visiting the Goumas Winery
For wine lovers, a visit to the Goumas Estate Winery – Art & Wine is highly recommended after the shipwreck tour. The winery owned by Giannis and Despina is situated in an idyllic location on the mountain road between Maries and Alikes. Over many years, the friendly couple has restored the old family estate dating back to the 18th century.
The winery can be visited daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. by appointment. Tours, including a tasting of at least five wines, start at €10 per person. Only local grape varieties such as Avgoustiatis and Vostilidi are used, which develop robust aromas due to the microclimate of the mountainous region. Giannis is not only a passionate winemaker but also an icon painter; among other things, he decorates the interior walls of Greek churches.
→ You can find more articles and numerous travel tips for Zakynthos here:
- Zakynthos Highlights
- Zakynthos Hotels – Our Top 20
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