Arguably one of the serene and picturesque seashores on earth, Navagio, or Shipwreck Seashore, as it’s popularly referred to as, is among the most lovely locations I’ve ever been to.
Positioned on the northwest coast of the Greek island Zakynthos, this hidden seaside sits inside a cove surrounded by towering white limestone cliffs and overlooking turquoise-blue ocean waters. It’s right here, on the sandy seaside, the place you can find the rusted stays of an previous shipwreck.
It’s merely a magical place and a spot the place you’ll be able to simply take Insta-worthy footage with each snap! It’s simply the most effective factor to do on Zakynthos, nonetheless, getting right here isn’t like attending to another seaside in Greece, there are guidelines and laws that I wasn’t even conscious of earlier than we spent every week in Zakynthos.
There are some things chances are you’ll wish to learn about visiting the well-known Shipwreck Seashore, earlier than making the trek to this a part of the island! Let’s dig in!
The Historical past of Navagio Seashore
The identify “Shipwreck Seashore” or “Smugglers Cove,” because the seaside is commonly referred to as, comes from the shipwreck that lies completely in the midst of the white sand seaside.
In accordance with legend, the ship, Panagiotis, was a smuggling vessel utilized by the Italian Mafia. Whereas on a cigarette smuggling run from Turkey, the ship was noticed by the Greek Navy, and in the course of the chase, it ran shallow floor, and the crew deserted her to flee the navy on October 2nd, 1980. Over time it naturally made its everlasting resting place within the cove, now referred to as Navagio Seashore, which suggests “Shipwreck” in Greek.
Though it’s a nice story, many skeptics say that the boat was planted on the seaside to advertise tourism, however to us, that appears much more far-fetched! Different tales exist, however I assume you’ll have to speak to some locals to try to get the total fact!
Is Navagio Seashore Open in 2024?
There was once two predominant methods to see the seaside – by water or from the white limestone clifftops above.
Nonetheless, after a big rockfall that occurred just a few years in the past, which injured just a few vacationers, along with frequent landslides, the federal government has determined to shut entry to Navagio Seashore. Sure, from Summer time 2023 onward, nobody is permitted on the well-known Shipwreck Seashore as one other rockfall or landslide may occur at any occasion. Locals instructed us that though this closure is marketed as “non permanent,” it’s doubtless that entry to Navagio Seashore shall be everlasting.
Though the precise seaside is now closed, it’s nonetheless attainable to take pleasure in a ship tour and see Shipwreck Seashore from the ocean, although no swimming on this space is allowed. Past that, it’s all the time nonetheless attainable to see the seaside from above, which is the most effective vantage level anyway. Higher but, now you gained’t have any tiny ant individuals in your photographs!
Getting To The “Official” Cliff High Viewpoint
To get to the Shipwreck Seashore Viewpoint your self, you’ll wish to drive to this free car parking zone. There’s not rather a lot on this a part of the island, and the roads are very windy and achieve numerous elevation. You may drive a 4×4 (quad) up this highway, however make sure that it’s a strong one that may make it up the hills. Indicators alongside the route point out the way in which to Navagio and the close by Anafonitria Monastery, which is alongside the way in which.
Upon arriving on the parking space, you can find an official viewing platform that lies proper under the place you park. The secure and safe platform juts out from the cliff, with sufficient room for 2-3 individuals at one time. Whereas the views are wonderful from right here, you don’t get a full view of the seaside. Additionally, you will doubtless discover a large crowd of individuals all lining as much as take photographs, which takes away from the expertise. After we arrived, on a mid week September day there was a protracted line with about 20-30 individuals ready for his or her flip to take a photograph.
To get a greater view and really Insta-worthy pics you’ll have to take a brief hike…
The Finest Place to View Navagio Seashore
As an alternative of ready your flip on the official viewpoint, there’s one other viewpoint close by. Take a proper on the official viewpoint, and the place you can find a fenced space with an open gate and loads of warning indicators to not go additional. That’s as a result of there are not any fences, and it’s not a maintained path. Falling close to the cliff could be a sure demise, so that you assume all threat going this manner.
Earlier than setting off on the path I might additionally advise having a pair of mountain climbing sneakers or no less than closed toed sneakers on as the trail is tough in locations and not likely maintained. I made the error of carrying flip flops and needed to watch each step, there’s loads of sharp rocks that may minimize your toes.
After a brief 5-10 minute stroll on principally jagged rocks, you’ll come throughout spot after spot with clear views of the seaside under! Although you’ll must get a bit near the cliff to get a very good view, however don’t get too shut!
Being afraid of sheer cliff drops I needed to sit down, and made certain to remain no less than a meter away from the cliff, however there have been loads of individuals with no worry in any respect, stepping solely inches away from the sheer cliff.
Make no mistake {that a} slip right here may imply demise, and a fall off the large cliff drop would most definitely imply demise. Please thoughts your step round this space.
If you would like the perfect picture, you’ll have to move out to the very finish of the peninsula right here, the place there’s a Greek flag waving. Be extraordinarily cautious whereas strolling and taking your photographs right here because it will get narrower and windier the additional you go. Once more, one flawed step too near the sting would result in a certain demise.
Staying Protected Through the Cliff Hike
You will need to take measures to make sure security throughout your cliff hike. The trail is rugged and there have been just a few tragic vacationer deaths right here up to now few years.
The rock is crumbly across the edges, so it’s best to maintain your distance and by no means enterprise too near the cliff’s edge. It could actually additionally get fairly windy up right here so be sure you have secure footing to not lose steadiness.
Can You Get to the Precise Shipwreck Seashore?
There is no such thing as a technique to get to Shipwreck Seashore on foot. The seaside itself is locked in by the ocean and surrounded by sheer cliffs, making it unimaginable to get to.
Thus, the one technique to get near the seaside is by boat. As talked about, vacationers can not swim to the seaside or truly step foot on the seaside, attributable to security issues. Nonetheless, you can find loads of boat corporations providing to take you to into the cove and near the seaside for an reasonably priced worth. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to solely spend half-hour or much less right here as it is a well-liked vacationer spot and these ships have laws to abide by.
How Lengthy Ought to You Spend at Navaigo Seashore?
Most individuals normally spend solely 5 to 10 minutes looking out. Nonetheless, in the event you plan on mountain climbing the cliff stroll it’s best to ideally spend about an hour or in order the views from up listed here are unimaginable. It’s additionally about 10 minute hike (a technique) to the top of the peninsula from the automobile park.
It’s also possible to discover extra as in the event you head again right down to the parking space you can find one other path main down alongside the facet of the cliff which can result in extra spots that supply totally different angles of the seaside and surrounding sea.
When is the Finest Time to Go to?
Arguably, among the finest instances to go to Navagio Seashore, and Greece typically, is from April to October. It’s only from April to October that the island is actually open to vacationers, as very similar to the remainder of the Greek Islands, tourism on the island shuts down throughout winter.
One of the best time of day to go to Shipwreck Seashore is round noon. I discovered this to be the most effective time as it’s cooler, and the daylight hitting the realm right now causes the water to by some means look even bluer. The limestone cliffs additionally start to forged shadows on the water, and I received my greatest footage throughout this time!
In case you’re in search of an ideal sundown spot on Zakynthos, you’ll be able to’t go flawed with hanging out on the viewpoints ready for the solar to fulfill the horizon right here!
Visiting The Blue Caves
In case you do plan on having fun with a ship cruise to see the Shipwreck Seashore up shut, I might recommend discovering one which additionally stops on the Blue Caves to or from the seaside. Among the smaller boats can go contained in the caves in addition to enable guests to swim round their darkish blue waters.
The place & What to Eat Close by?
On the Navagio Seashore parking space, you can find just a few low-cost meals stalls providing quintessential Greek meals together with scrumptious gyros. Nonetheless, I might suggest consuming earlier than or after your go to to Navagio Seashore, as you’ll discover a lot better meals away from the car parking zone (clearly). The one dangerous information is there usually are not numerous nice eating places close to the seaside – belief me – we searched!
Whereas the island itself has loads of eating places, cafes, and eateries the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in genuine Greek delicacies in scenic ocean-facing eating areas, they don’t seem to be close to Shipwreck Seashore. In case you have your individual automobile we extremely suggest driving the 25 minutes to Madrakia Seashore and seize lunch at Madrakia Taverna.
Different Issues to do in Zakynthos Close by
Plannign our journey to Zakynthos, we clearly had Navagio Seashore on our itinerary, however I used to be amazed at how a lot there’s to do on this huge and picturesque island. In case you come right here for seven days as I did I might recommend carving out time to hit the highlights of the island. Among the greatest issues to do on Zakynthos embody:
Xigia Sulfur Seashore: In case you’re in search of a pure repair to alleviate some rigidity, absorbing the waters right here might assist. The water is claimed to be a pure remedy for aches and pains with wealthy qualities within the water.
Porto Limnionas Seashore: One of the crucial well-liked locations on Zakynthos, right here you’ll be able to spend the day dipping out and in of shimmering blue waters while absorbing the solar reflecting off attractive inexperienced rocks surrounding the cove.
Myzithres: These pure wonders, sculpted by millennia of seismic forces, are situated on the island’s southwestern peninsula, lower than two kilometers from the charming village of Keri and simply 15 kilometers from Zakynthos’ predominant city.
Madrakia Taverna: Have a scrumptious seaside lunch right here earlier than enjoyable on the quiet Madrakia Seashore.
Porto Vromi Seashore: Not removed from Navagio Seashore is that this secluded little seaside with wonderful waters for swimming.
Don’t Skip Kefalonia
I might recommend reserving a day journey by boat to Kefalonia Island to each customer to Zakynthos. Kefalonia is just a 1.5 hour ferry journey from Zakynthos and is considered one of my favourite out of all of the 20+ Greek Islands we have now been to! We spent 7 days on Zakynthos and 9 days on Kefalonia, and I actually want we had spent much less time on Zante and extra time on Kefalonia exploring extra seashores like Mytros Seashore and Melissani Cave.
You may see this huge island in your boat journey to Navagio Seashore and its attract is an excessive amount of to disregard. Kefalonia is the most important of Greece’s Ionian islands and is stunningly lovely with unique seashores, wondrous underground caves, and quaint fishing villages.
Getting To Zakynthos by Air
Zakynthos is a well-liked summer time trip vacation spot, and as such, you’ll be able to catch direct flights to the island from many European international locations. We flew on to Zakynthos from London Heathrow.
Nonetheless, the island is just not nicely related to different Greek Islands, so if you’re visiting the favored Greek islands like Milos and Santorini, you’ll need to first catch a flight to Athens after which fly to Zakynthos as there are not any direct flights from the islands.
Getting To Zakynthos by Sea
In case you plan on attending to the island by sea, you’ll be able to’t try this from Athens, though the historic metropolis is a direct port to most of the different well-liked Greek Islands.
To get to Zakynthos by ferry, you’ll have to first ebook a bus ticket from Athens to Port Killini. The bus journey to Port Killini takes about 4.5 hours, and from there, the one-hour ferry journey will dock you in Zante. From right here, you’re in for an additional quick bus journey to Zakynthos city in the event you don’t have a automobile.
Zakynthos can also be related by way of ferry to different Ionian Islands , like Kefalonia, Lefkada, and Corfu. We extremely suggest touring to different islands within the area when you’ve got the time. We’ve spent over a month touring the Ionians and it’s our absolute favourite island group. (psst – don’t sleep on Ithaca, a tiny Greek island that many individuals skip over!).
Renting A Automobile or Reserving a Tour? What’s Higher?
Be cautious of the truth that Zakynthos is a giant island. It’s the third largest island amongst all of the Ionian islands so attending to the Navagio Seashore from Zakynthos City is a good drive on winding roads, and takes about an hour.
You’ve got two choices at this level: you’ll be able to both ebook a tour that may take you to Navagio Seashore and different sights on the islands, or you’ll be able to lease a automobile and drive to the seaside your self.
I might extremely suggest the latter as whereas the excursions have been going to cease at Navagio Seashore, it’d solely be for a short while, which isn’t sufficient to really take pleasure in this gorgeous vacation spot.
We all the time lease a automobile once we journey Greece, and our time on Zakynthos was no exception. Renting a automobile is the rather more handy and cost-efficient possibility, and in the event you journey within the shoulder season you will get a automobile rental for beneath €30 a day. We suggest evaluating costs on Uncover Automobile.
The Finest Excursions to Navagio Seashore
Shipwreck Seashore, Viewpoint, Blue Caves Day Tour: Cease at Bochali Hill, the previous neighborhood of Zakynthos city, then to the Shipwreck Seashore Viewpoint, head to Porto Vromi, adopted by a 3 hour mini cruise to the Shipwreck Seashore and Blue Caves.
Navagio Shipwreck Seashore & Blue Caves Tour: Head to the Navagio Viewpoint after which board a glass-bottom speedboat. Expertise the fantastic thing about the well-known Navagio Shipwreck seaside and the enchanting Blue Caves from the water.
From Kefalonia: Blue Cave Boat Cruise & Shipwreck Photograph Cease: In case you are in Kefalonia and simply wish to day journey to Zakynthos to see Navagio Seashore, that is the tour for you.
Porto Vromi: Navagio Shipwreck Seashore & Blue Caves by Boat: That is for the swimmers on the market! Discover the island’s most interesting blue caves, together with Sfogio and White Seashore, Porto Steniti, and Poseidon’s Profile, throughout this journey.
The place to Keep on Zakynthos
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