In this article, I will try to provide you with essential information about Navagio Beach. Keep reading to find out more about how to get to this beach.
The history behind the Shipwreck’s beach
Based on the report of a Greek Editor
The history of the Shipwrecked has always been full of contradictions and mysteries. Halfway down the road, part of the story is always the same.
On September 13, 1980, the merchant ship «Panagiotis», anchored at Kefalonia in the port of Argostoli, was about to set sail for the port of Piraeus in Athens. But at the last moment, the plan changes. The owner and captain had an agreement. The ship was heading to a destination off the coast of Tunisia to collect 1,895 cartons each containing 50 packs of marijuana. During the voyage, the vessel “Panagiotis” passed under the radar of the Italian Coast Guard off Naples. Shortly after, two Italians boarded the ship, pretending to be intermediaries and controllers. They ensured that the cargo reached Italy. Arriving on the Tunisian coast, the ship Panagiotis docks next to the boat «San Giorgio» where it transferred the boxes.
The Greek captain took the two Italians as hostages because the price of the ship was not paid per the agreement with the shipowner. The ship then began to move toward the Greek territorial waters. The engine was already having problems on the return trip. On the evening of 1 October, the vessel “Panagiotis” became unmanageable off Zakynthos. The weather was not good and the wind was strong. Most crew members slept inside the vessel. The winds push the «Panagiotis» towards the rocks of the steep bay of Zakynthos. The radio transmits a final SOS before the batteries ran out. A rocket was fired into the air but in vain.
The unknown beach (history part II)
All the crew, lucky in their misfortune, was now on an unknown beach. They discovered that the load had taken water. They brought 280 cartons of cigarettes ashore, which they covered with the ship’s tarp. However, the weather was still bad, they had to swim to the beach. The nine men decided to go and find help with their rafts. They reached another bay, and then to the port to finally report the event, obviously not being able to do otherwise.
Today, that rusty old wreck, stranded on the crescent of pale sand, framed by steep limestone cliffs and the turquoise sea is famous worldwide.
How to get there?
To explore this unique place, you first have to go to Zakynthos. Here are two options :
- Flights to Zakynthos
Zakynthos International airport receives domestic flights from Athens and Kefalonia all year round. During summer, it also receives flights from numerous locations around Europe. The flight time from Athens to Zakynthos is about 45 minutes. The airport is located about 5 km from Zakynthos Town and other popular locations, like Laganas, Tsilivi, and Kalamaki.
- Ferries to Zakynthos
This option is a better one if you intend to visit other Greek Islands. You can easily reach Zakynthos from the port of Killini on the western side of the Peloponnese, within a one-hour trip. During summer, you can also reach Kefalonia from Zakynthos within one hour and a half. These ferries depart from Pessada port and reach the port of Schinari. The itineraries are carried out about 2 times per day in high season.
Click here to book your ferries.
Note: Navagio Beach is only accessible by boat.
How to access the viewpoint?
A visit to Navagio Beach is a must, but it may not compare to the view over the cliffs. This is why I suggest you do both, seeing the beach on the rocks and the sea is like visiting two places. The panoramic platform has easy access by car. A second option will be bus excursions for people who do not have a means of transport and this was my option. However, there is also an incοnveniance, you will spend very little time there because it will be part of a program designed to show you as much as possible in a day.
Only a part of Nаvagio can be seen from the platform, it is small and protected by a fence, adapted for 2-3 people to look at it at the same time. While you’re taking photos, others wait nervously for their turn, especially if there’s a bus or buses with more than 30 people in line. You’ll also notice a lot of people heading for the top of the cliffs – the area is relatively flat, covered in rocks and grass and easy to walk, but dangerous as there are no fences. From the end of the cliff, you will see the beach exactly as you see it in its best photos.
Again, the rig is the only safe spot to see Navagio. It is extremely unsafe to walk on rocks and is completely at your own risk. As long as you keep a safe distance from the edge, and be careful while taking photos.
On the beach
While the boat was slowly approaching the bay of Navagio beach, my heart started pounding so fast and my eyes were filled with joy while looking at the crystal clear water. Once I set foot on the beach, I felt like I was in a secret and mysterious place where I could only see the horizon right ahead of me. Furthermore, I did not waste any more time and jumped into the water with my snorkeling gears. I recommend you do the same. The water is so clear and you could easily see some fish but be careful the water gets deep at a certain point.
