Navagio Beach, or Shipwreck Beach, is an exposed cove, sometimes referred to as "Smugglers Cove", on the coast of Zakynthos, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. Navagio Beach was originally known as Agios Georgios. On October 2, 1980, a freightliner, the MV Panagiotis, ran aground in the waters around Zakynthos Island right on Navagio Beach after stormy weather and bad visibility. Many people falsely claim the ship was smuggling contraband cigarettes, wine and women. Although and recently, MV "PANAGIOTIS" Captain Charalambos Kompothekras - Kotsoros released the real story about what happened. The ship was abandoned and still rests buried in white sandy dunes of the beach that now holds the famous nickname Navagio Beach (Shipwreck beach).
Location & Tourism
Navagio is located on the north-west shore of Zakynthos (Zante), in the Municipality of Elation. The area is defined by its sheer limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and clear blue water, which attract thousands of tourists yearly. The strip of beach is accessed only by boat. Regular tours to the beach depart from Porto Vromi to the south, and from Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari to the north-east. Boats also arrive from the harbour of Zakynthos city.
