The beach was originally called Agios Georgios, but today, thanks to the story of the shipwreck, it is most often called Navagio Beach (read "Navajo") and is also known as Shipwreck Beach or Smuggler's Cove. And how did the ship get here? Some claim that the Greek government itself brought it here to increase tourist interest in the island. However, a much more exciting story is told by locals: in 1980, a ship called the Panagiotis sailed through the area, pursued by the Greek navy because the ship's crew was suspected of smuggling alcohol and cigarettes into Zakynthos. However, during a storm, the captain lost control of the ship and it was wrecked on the now famous beach. It was an extraordinary day for the locals too - by the time officials reached the wreck, they had retrieved a supply of alcohol and cigarettes from the sea! The Greek word "Navagio" means "shipwreck".

Navagio Bay is located on the north-west coast of Zakynthos and its beach is only accessible from the sea. Regular cruises to the shipwreck are organised from Porto Vromi harbour (on the west of the island, rather smaller boats and barges), from Agios Nikolaos harbour (on the north-east of the island) or from Cape Skinari (northern tip). If you want to enjoy the place more in peace and take some romantic photos, head here first thing in the morning with the first rays of the sun or later in the afternoon. For these times, however, you'll need to arrange either a private cruise or rent a boat directly. Navagio Beach is the main tourist attraction of the island, and the tourist interest is accordingly.

Beautiful pictures are taken of the beach from above the cliffs. However, you cannot climb up from the beach because the surrounding limestone cliffs are very steep. But there is a way up and the breathtaking view from the top is really worth it! The best option is to rent a car or scooter to get up to the parking lot, from where it's just a short walk to the so-called viewing platform. Just follow the "Navagio" signs along the way. If you don't drive, it's a bit more complicated. Although this is a very popular spot on Zante, there is no public bus service. You can take a bus to the nearby village of Anafonitria and then walk up (about 5 km). The third option is to use the services of a taxi, which is a bit more expensive, but in a group you can do that too. And of course there are optional excursions, which take the worry out of transport. On the other hand, you'll probably have very limited time as these trips involve multiple stops around the island. So our advice is to take your time and really enjoy the view from the cliffs above! And one final recommendation - the viewing platform tends to be crowded with tourists, but if you take the narrow path around the cliffs, you'll get many nice views of Navagio beach, too, maybe even nicer.

Organized cruises to Navagio Beach often include a trip to the blue caves or a stop at the "sulfur" beach of Xygia.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Tips for trips on Zakynthos: Zakynthos Capital City, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), Blue Caves, Aristeon Press and Museum, Olympia, Callinico Winery, Water park Zante Water Village (Sarakinado), Shipwreck (Navagio Beach)

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Zakynthos.