Navagio Bay

The Navagio Bay, also known as the Shipwreck beach, is the most famous in Greece and certainly one of the most particular in the world. It is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Zakynthos and is certainly the most visited and photographed on the island.

Its name, Navagio means shipwreck, it is in fact because of the shipwreck of a ship, stranded in the bay in 1980 that the beach was held back and for this reason it is still visible. It will leave you even more perplexed to know that before the shipwreck there was no beach and the bay was called Agios Georgiou Sta Gremna (San Giorgio delle Rocce) in honor of the small monastery that still dominates the beach today.

The high and white cliffs surrounding the bay of Navagio and its white sand mixed with pebbles contrast with the pale blue sea, which becomes more intense just after the shore, creating a picturesque scene to say the least. The great reddish wreckage of the merchant ship semi-submerged in sand completes what appears to be an author's painting.

The history of the Navagio Bay

The Panagiotis motor ship sailed from the coasts of Turkey on the night of October 1, 1980, it was a merchant ship carrying a load of contraband cigarettes, destined for the black market. Due to bad weather conditions the crew decided to stop in the bay, hoping to get protection and shelter from the storm. Unfortunately the following morning (or fortunately!) The ship had run aground in a shallow seabed, where it is still located today. The inhabitants of the surrounding villages remember that in the days following the shipwreck the sea returned many sticks and packets of cigarettes from the hold of the wreck.

In a short time the backwash, accumulating sandy material and pebbles has created this beautiful beach which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. It looks like a legendary tale, shrouded in mystery .. but it is the true story of the Navagio bay!

How to get to Navagio Bay?

The bay can only be reached by sea, since the high rocky walls make it impossible to access by land. You can reach the bay of Navagio with a rental boat, or by booking one of the many day trips that leave from the main ports of the island of Zakynthos and cost around € 40 per person, including lunch on board.

Alternatively, you can use one of the many taxi-boats that leave from Porto Vromi and in about twenty minutes you will be on the enchanting bay of Navagio. The excursion includes a one-hour stop on the bay and a second stop near the caves. The cost is € 15 per person and if you wish to stay on the beach longer you can ask the captain to return with the next boat, the Greeks are always very kind and helpful. The taxi-boats carry around thirty passengers and in high season they depart every twenty minutes from Porto Vromi. It is not necessary to book in advance, you can buy the ticket directly at the port. In this regard, we advise you to call before reaching Porto Vromi to ask for confirmation that the weather conditions allow you to reach the bay of Navagio.

Here are the contacts of the local tour operator:
www.shipwreck-zakynthos.com
+30 2695 100435

We remind you that this is a very popular tourist destination, so we advise you to arrive in Porto Vromi early in the morning and take the first taxi-boat available, so you can enjoy the beautiful Navagio bay in peace and relaxation!

If you want to admire the bay of Navagio dell'Alto you can reach a panoramic terrace which is located halfway between the villages of Volimes and Anafonitria. A well-paved road will lead you to a parking lot. From here you will have to go down a few steps to reach the terrace that seems suspended in space.

Once you arrive you will understand why the bay of Navagio is so famous: the view from above is spectacular, like a postcard! The shades of the sea, which becomes intense blue in some places, are due to the presence of sulphurous caves, which surround the bay. And if you love pure adrenaline ... give yourself to bungee jumping ... falling into the arms of Navagio Bay is a unique experience!

You cannot come to Zakynthos without having seen the bay of Navagio, whether from the sea or from above, you will take home wonderful and unique photos!