Zakynthos Shipwreck: 6 important facts about Navagio Beach

Take an old rusty steamer and place it on a powdery white beach with a turquoise-blue sea – and the dream scenery is ready. On the other hand, many holidaymakers wait almost three hours in the blazing sun in midsummer for the perfect photo of the Zakynthos Shipwreck.

The famous Navagio Beach with the shipwreck has long since ceased to be an insider tip. On the contrary, the beach on Zakynthos made Greece really popular as a holiday destination. In recent years, the beach of the so-called Smuggler’s Bay has been voted one of the most beautiful in the world several times.

Nevertheless, mass tourism with all its negative side effects is causing the magical scenery to crumble. If you want to enjoy this postcard motif halfway undisturbed, then we give you 6 important tips for an excursion to the Shipwreck of Zakynthos to the hand.

#1 Getting to Navagio Beach

📍 Google Maps Location

The famous beach of Navagio with its rusty cutter is located in the northwest of the island of Zakynthos and can only be reached by sea.

In the meantime, entering the shipwreck beach and swimming in Navagio Bay is prohibited due to the risk of landslides.

The two nearest towns to the northwest are Anafonitria and Volimes (both 4 km away), both of which also offer accommodation (see point #5). With a rental car you can reach the viewpoint “Navagio View Point”, as well as the coastal towns of Porto Vromi and Agios Nikolaos as well as Cape Skinari, of which the shortest boat tours to Shipwreck Beach start.

If you don’t have your own vehicle or just want to be shown around, you can take a guided tour to the Smuggler’s Bay of Zakynthos connect. Further information is available from our partner GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the guided tours*

At present, there is no reliable and, above all, regular connection with the public transport system. So you can’t reach the Shipwreck Viewpoint by bus. In the summer months, there is only one bus a day from Zakynthos Town to Volimes. From here it is about 4 km to the viewpoint. Taxis are almost non-existent in this area.

Is it worth renting a car for Navagio Bay?

The most flexible way is to travel to both the Shipwreck Viewpoint and the ferry piers for a boat tour with your own vehicle. The roads to the north are quite narrow, but all paved throughout and in good condition. You can book a cheap rental car with our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ Book your rental car here*

Distances to the Shipwreck Viewpoint:

› Alikanas – Navagio: 20 km (30 min)

› Drosia – Navagio: 26 km (45 min)

› Zante city – Navagio: 34 km (50 min)

› Tsilivi/Planos – Navagio: 33 km (50 min)

› Laganas – Navagio: 33 km (52 min)

› Argassi – Navagio: 37 km (1 h)

#2 Zakynthos Shipwreck Viewpoint

From a vantage point above the bay, you can admire the beach and the shipwreck from a bird’s eye view. The Navagio View Point is located directly on the cliffs and can be easily reached by rental car or with a guided bus tour on an asphalt road.

On site there is an unpaved parking lot (be careful with the entrance!), a canteen cart, a souvenir stand and basic toilets. Steps take you to the actual viewing balcony, a small fenced platform from which you can see Shipwreck Beach.

Since 2025, there has been another viewpoint Navagio 2, which you can reach in a few minutes from the first viewpoint via a concrete path. The view of the bay is also fantastic from here. For safety reasons, the entire area has been fenced off, as the steep cliffs here drop down several meters. Anyone who ignores the barriers is risking their life. Memorial plaques commemorate past accidents.

Best time to visit Navagio View Point

Navagio Bay is one of the most popular Sights in Greece. In the summer months very long waiting times at the Navagio viewpoint are not uncommon. Due to the small balcony, long queues form, especially around lunchtime, and you wait 1-2 hours in the blazing sun for a short snapshot from above.

We recommend that you visit before 9 a.m., especially in the high season, even if the bay is not yet radiated by the sun. Alternatively, you can switch to the evening hours from 6 p.m. onwards. In the low season it is quieter, at the beginning of October we didn’t have to queue 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. Also from Zakynthos town and even from Laganas in the south, you can join a Shipwreck Beach day trip. However, a large part of the route 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).

Via the GetYourGuide* portal you can find guided tours excursions to Navagio Beach from almost all tourist places in Zakynthos. Prices vary depending on the departure point and season. Here you can find out about the excursions and reserve your place directly if necessary:

➲ To the excursions to the shipwreck*

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. We head for a tavern working with the tour operator.

Shipwreck Beach is approached by both small boats and large ships. Anyone who is familiar with the Motorboat to Zakynthos Shipwreck should be aware that landslides can occur again and again in the bay and as a result tidal waves.

Boat tour from Cape Skinari

We did the trip to Shipwreck Beach in combination with the Blue Caves (see point #6) with the provider Potamitis Bboat Trips from Cape Skinari. Tours depart daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every 15 minutes (end of April to end of October) and prices are around €25 per person.

The tours are done either by big boat called Dionysios (about 30 people) or by smaller glassbottom boats realized. In about 20-25 minutes you will get to Shipwreck Beach. In the meantime, anchoring boats on the beach is no longer allowed due to the risk of rockfall and landslides, and entering Shipwreck Beach is prohibited.

We can recommend the tour with Potamitis without hesitation. There was plenty of seating on the boats and no music. Since it is only a transfer service, there were no further explanations on board. The entire tour, including the Blue Caves, takes about 3 hours. More information: Potamitisbros

#3 Interesting facts about the Zakynthos shipwreck

Shipwreck Beach, Navagio Beach or Smuggler’s Bay, which is probably most photographed beach in Greece has many names today. Before the ship washed ashore, the imposing bay was called Agios Georgios, as it is located directly below the monastery of the same name (see point #6).

At Shipwreck Beach itself, there is a lifeguard during the summer months. Unfortunately, the beach is not child-friendly, as it drops deep into the sea quite quickly and accidents can occur while swimming due to the constant mooring of boats. In the meantime, the entire beach section is closed due to landslides.

Swimming tips for Navagio Beach:

› Beach loungers: none available, no trees, only shade from rocks

› Sanitary facilities: none available

› Catering: Self-catering (please do not leave any rubbish on the beach)

› Family-friendly: relatively deep descent in the west, a bit flatter and sandier in the east

› Activities: Just swimming, lying on the beach and taking photos of the shipwreck

Shipwreck Beach literally suffers from the crowds in summer, almost every Zakynthos vacationer wants to visit the popular beach. Not only is the beach coveted, but also the vantage point above it is literally besieged in summer. In recent years, the hype surrounding the Zakynthos shipwreck has reached a new dimension.

The hunt for the perfect selfie has already cost the lives of four holidaymakers. They fell from the limestone cliffs, which are up to 200 m high. The government in Athens intervened in the last death. Several security employees now guard the cliffs around the Navagio Beach Viewpoint. A flag marks the accident site at the former viewpoint.

Why is the shipwreck stranded in Navagio Bay?

Since the shipwreck, tourism in Zakynthos has really picked up speed and there is no end in sight. More and more holidaymakers are choosing the island as a holiday destination, which unfortunately also has a negative impact on the Zakynthos Turtles. Some locals even assume that the then Ministry of Tourism deliberately let the ship run aground in 1980.

Many myths surround the old cutter, stories were partly invented to attract even more tourists. The fact is that the ship named MV Panagiotis (built in 1937) ran aground on 2 October 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 read like this: The MV Panagiotis was supposed to sail from Kefalonia (port of Agrostoli) to Albania (port of Durres). On her last trip she got into stormy weather and poor visibility prevented navigation. Due to a defect in the engine, the ship became unable to maneuver and landed on the Caribbean Navagio Beach.

The Greek Smuggler’s Ship

The captain then alerted the authorities. However, a few hours later, two boats with locals arrived and plundered the ship. 29 Zakynther were later even charged with theft. The most famous story, however, was that the MV Panagiotis had been operating as a smuggler’s boat for years.

So in September 1980 she set sail from Turkey to Italy. On board were cigarettes worth 200,000 dollars, which were intended for the Italian mafia. The Greek coastal police were already on the trail of the ship. In bad seas she ran aground in Navagio Bay. Numerous cigarettes were floating 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 smuggled goods were distributed to the people, so it is said that no cigarette pack was sold on Zakynthos for years. Court documents, photos and contemporary witnesses confirmed this scenario in 2020.

#4 Restaurant recommendations near the Zakynthos Shipwreck

Due to the many international tourists, taverns have adapted their menus and offer overpriced Greek cuisine as well as dishes such as pizza and hamburgers. Beware of tourist traps: with menus without prices, you should be attentive and ask directly for the prices if necessary.

Elatino, Volimes

Panagiotis and his family run a simple café-restaurant in the heart of Kato Volimes directly opposite the school. The friendly hosts serve tasty Greek dishes from gyros to moussaka, as well as changing daily specials at fair prices.

Melissokipos Cafe, Anafonitria

Family-run café next to the Monastery of Anafonitria. In addition to all the tourist shops and fast food taverns, the lovingly decorated restaurant offers a welcome change. You sit comfortably under old olive trees with a view of the monastery fortified tower. Freshly squeezed juices, delicious coffee and sweet snacks are served.

#5 Hotels near the Zakynthos Shipwreck

An overnight stay near Navagio Bay is especially worthwhile in the high season, as you are at the Zakynthos highlight in time. Volimes and Anafonitria are the closest villages to the Shipwreck viewpoint. The area around Cape Skinari near Korithi and Elies is also recommended. Click on the links to Booking.com* and get more info:

Spend the night near the Navagio viewpoint

Casa Tsounis

Simple but well-equipped apartments in Kato Volimes. Fair prices and loving host family. About 10 min by car to Shipwreck Beach Viewpoint.

➲ Book Casa Tsounis*

Tramonto Villa

Fantastic villa for up to 8 people above Volimes. Tasteful furnishings, great pool area and wonderful views of the mountains of the Elation region.

➲ Book Tramonto Villa*

Spend the night near Cape Skinari

Anemomilos Korithi

Restored windmill located on a hill between Korithi and Agios Nikolaos and surrounded by beautiful nature. Warm hosts, loving furnishings, as well as terrace including outdoor kitchen with a magnificent sunset.

➲ Book Anemomilos Korithi*

Akron Luxury Suites

Luxury villa located on Cape Skinari in an absolutely quiet location. Infinity pool with a view of the neighboring island of Kefalonia. Only 5 minutes to the Blue Cave jetty and 7 minutes to the Potamitis tours to Navagio Bay.

➲ Book Akron Luxury Suites*

*Links to Booking.com

#6 What to see around the Zakynthos Shipwreck

Navagio is one of the most remote corners of Zakynthos. If you don’t want to make the long journey just because of the shipwreck, you can make a detour to the popular bathing bays in the northwest (including Porto Vromi). Shopping enthusiasts come to Barbara’s Boutique BLE in Anafonitria at their expense.

Detour to the Monastery of Agios Georgios

A visit to the Agios Georgios Monastery, which is located on the thoroughfare only a few minutes from the Shipwreck Beach Viewpoint, is worthwhile. The monastery, which dates back to 1535, impresses with its typical Venetian architecture. In addition to the main church, the massive fortified tower with pitch noses in the rustic monastery courtyard is impressive.

In the workshop directly in front of the monastery, interested parties can gain an insight into mosaic art. In addition to icons and religious motifs, small murals and even large table tops are made from the mini pebbles. You can look over the shoulder of the friendly monk Thrasius at work.

Boat trip to the Blue Caves near Korithi

There are numerous caves and grottos around Zakynthos coast. In the northeast, from the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos and from Cape Skinari, you can take the so-called Blue Caves visit. The Blue Caves are located below the hamlet of Korithi. The Potamitis family offers tours at two piers (Old Windmill and Cape Skinari).

The cave formations, in which the water sparkles azure blue, sometimes have bizarre names such as Batman Cave. Ideally, you will take the tour with a compact speedboat, so you can also marvel at some caves from the inside. During the trip, a stopover for a bathing stay can be made on request. More information on GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the boat trips along the coast*

A visit to the Goumas winery

For wine lovers, a visit to the Goumas Estate Winery – Art & Wine is recommended after the trip to the shipwreck. In an idyllic location on the mountain road between Maries and Alikes lies the winery of Giannis and Despina. In years of work, the friendly couple has restored the old family property from the 18th century.

The winery can be visited daily between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. by appointment. Tours including tasting of at least five wines start from €10 per person. Only local grape varieties such as Avgoustiatis and Vostilidi are used, which develop strong 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 designs interior walls of Greek churches.

→ More articles and numerous travel tips for Zakynthos can be found here:

• Zakynthos Highlights
• Zakynthos Hotels – Our Top 20
• Zakynthos Turtles

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