Shipwreck Beach: Why Is It The Most Photographed?

In the Ionian Sea, located off the coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, in Greece, is the beautiful island of Zakynthos, and in it the famous Shipwreck Beach. Also known as Navagio, the place is located one hour from the port of Zante or Zacinto, the capital of the island, on a coast of coves that has become the most visited site in recent times.

However, how did Shipwreck Beach become one of the most photographed places on Zakynthos? We invite you to know the history.

The beginning of popularity: a crime and a shipwreck

Navagio Beach was a quiet and rarely visited place, a white sand crescent at the bottom of a cove hidden between steep cliffs and with no possible access from land.

The story goes that, in 1982, the Panagiotis ship , loaded with a contraband of alcohol and tobacco, was intercepted and pursued by the maritime patrol. In the middle of a storm and unable to get away from the coast of Zakynthos, the captain decided to run the ship aground near the coast. Over time, the currents and the wind carried him to where he is today.

The huge structure dominates the white beach, bringing the rust color to the landscape and leaving testimony to the power of nature. Its presence is impressive and the reaction of the tourists was one of amazement and curiosity from the beginning. The charm of pirates is seen to stand the test of time!

The effect of the presence of the ship in the place was expanding the extension of the beach, which further favored the accumulation of sand and increased its fame over the years. Thus, the shipwreck cove became an iconic place on the Greek island of Zakynthos, as well as the traditional beaches Tsilivi, Ágios Nikolaos, Alykanas. Argasi, Keri and Vassiliko.

The Naufragio beach from above and below

There are 2 ways to enjoy Navagio, and it depends on the taste of each visitor to do it one way or another. Or even both!

For photography lovers, the views from the top of the cliff are sublime. To get to any of the view points – viewpoints – you can do it on a bus that runs along the road from the capital to the small town of Volimes and from there walk to the panoramic point of your choice. They are all located on top of the cliff and allow you to take beautiful photos from different perspectives.

Instead, if you want to enjoy the sand and the sea, you have to take a boat trip. You can leave from the capital on an itinerary that surrounds the island and that allows you to visit other famous spots, such as the Blue Caves.

Another alternative is to take a boat from the port of Agios Ioannis or from Agios Nikolais , or hire a taxi boat from the port of Porto Vromi Anafonitria, about 12 kilometers from the Naufragio beach.

Recommendations for visiting the “smugglers cove”

The Naufragio beach does not have any tourist or sanitary services, so you should bring your own items: tarps, towels, umbrellas, food and water. Always remember to take with you waste you generate !

In addition, it is advisable to go early in the morning to fully enjoy a day of sand, sun and refreshing dips. Here you can enjoy for long hours feeling that you are on a secret beach, enclosed between the cliffs and the sea.

What else can you do on the Naufragio beach?

Apart from putting your skin in the sun and bathing in the transparent turquoise waters, the depths of the sea have another surprise for you: coral reefs and colorful fish. For those who practice water sports such as diving or snorkeling, the place is the ideal paradise for excellent underwater dives.

Enjoy a full day on this emblematic beach and take the best pictures to eternalize your moments. The contrast of colors will make your images incredible works of art.

The Greeks say that Navagio Beach is the most photographed place in Greece, even more than the Acropolis. Is it true? Well, to find out, plan your trip there and you will see with your own eyes the attraction that this Greek landscape generates: a strange mixture that combines natural beauty with a history of modern pirates.