Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is a stunning secluded cove on Zakynthos island in Greece, famous for its picturesque shipwreck surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Often featured in travel photos, this beach has become a popular tourist destination, attracting crowds eager to see the rusted remains of the ship up close.
The best views of the shipwreck are from the steep cliffs above, although visitors can also take boat trips to experience the beach at sea level. The coastline of Zakynthos is rich with sea caves and beautiful sights best explored by boat. For those interested in boat tours, GetYourGuide offers highly-rated options that include visits to Navagio Beach, Blue Caves, Turtle Island, and more, often with free hotel pickup and drop-off.
Where Is Navagio Beach?
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is located on the northwest side of Zakynthos island in Greece. It is easily accessible from Athens, with daily flights and ferries available at reasonable prices, about 240 kilometers (150 miles) away.
How To Visit Navagio Viewpoint
If you want to see the famous view of Navagio Beach and take pictures, the best spot is from the Navagio viewpoint on the cliffs above. Most great photos are taken from here, not from the beach itself.You can reach the viewpoint by driving there in a car or ATV, or you can join a day tour that includes transportation to the viewpoint along with other attractions in Zakynthos.It takes about 45 minutes to drive from the main town to the viewpoint. The road is mostly good, but it gets rough near the parking lot. If you’re driving, you can use this GPS location to find the Navagio viewpoint.
The Greek shipwreck beach
There are often long lines to take pictures at the Navagio viewpoint, especially in the summer, where you might wait up to an hour. Since 2022, only one small platform is open due to concerns about rockslides. Lines are shorter in the morning, but you’ll still need to wait.
The viewing platform has metal railings, making it hard to see the shipwreck clearly. A wide-angle lens is needed for good photos because the platform is very close to the wreck. The heat and sun can make waiting uncomfortable, so bring a hat and an umbrella, along with cold drinks. There are food trucks in the parking area selling snacks and drinks, but prices are higher than usual.
Another view of Navagio Bay
It’s an amazing view of Navagio, and we were joined by dozens of other people relieved to see it without fences. If you walk far enough, you can even see a second beach at the bottom of the bright white cliffs.
Since the viewpoint is located on the west side of Zakynthos, it’s a great place to watch the sunset, and you can use a wide panoramic photo to capture the beach together with the sunset.
Keep in mind, it’s not possible to reach Navagio Beach from the viewpoint. There’s no path to go down to the beach, because the 200 meter cliffs are too steep. The only way to walk on the beach is with a boat tour.
However, the viewpoint is still one of the best sights in Zakynthos, so you should definitely add it to your itinerary!
How To Visit Navagio Beach
While the best photos of Navagio’s iconic shipwreck are taken from the cliffs above, seeing the beach up close from a boat is an exhilarating experience, despite the crowds. Boat tours typically depart from the nearby Porto Vromi harbor, and booking a package online is recommended for convenience.
These tours usually allot around an hour at the beach, ample time to disembark, explore the shipwreck, and capture it from various angles. Despite its picturesque appearance, Navagio is actually covered in small white pebbles rather than sand.
The beach can get overwhelmingly crowded and chaotic during peak daytime hours, especially in summer. To avoid the masses, aim to visit before 8 AM or after 6 PM.Despite the challenges, Navagio remains a stunning destination, and the up-close view of the rusty shipwreck is an unforgettable experience.
Entrance Fees
There’s no entrance fee at either the beach or the viewpoint. Parking is also free.
This attraction is completely free to visit, aside from the cost of hiring a tour or transport to get there.
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Is Navagio Beach Open / Closed?
In general, the Navagio viewpoint and beach are always open when weather permits. You can visit at any hour, day, or month. If you visit in the winter, you may need to book a private tour since there are less boats running in the low season months.
However, Navagio Beach can sometimes be closed temporarily to visitors if there was a recent rockslide at the cliffs. This has happened in the past, but the closures were pretty brief and then everything reopened as normal a short time later.
Can You Fly A Drone At Navagio?
Yes, you can fly a drone at Navagio Beach, but it’s wise to ask first. While it’s permitted to fly on the beach, it’s not the best spot due to the crowds.
In Greece, locals are generally relaxed about drone use, and EU regulations aren’t strictly enforced here. There are many quiet areas to fly without bothering anyone. The west coast of Zakynthos is lined with stunning limestone cliffs, providing fantastic opportunities for amazing drone photos
More Things To See Near Navagio
There are many wonderful sights to explore near Navagio Beach and its viewpoint. One highlight is the Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon, a charming 16th-century monastery just a 5-minute drive from the viewpoint.
Behind the monastery, a walking path leads to a cross with stunning views of the Ionian Sea, making it a fantastic spot for sunsets.When visiting Navagio Beach by boat, don’t miss the nearby sea caves!
The Hidden Treasure Cave is particularly beautiful, featuring a high ceiling that allows sunlight to pour in, creating a stunning and photogenic atmosphere. This cave is located close to the shipwreck beach and can only be accessed by boat. It’s small enough for just one boat at a time, so only private tours visit this special spot.
What To Bring
Here are some packing suggestions for your trip to Zakynthos Greece.
Most of the items below can probably be found on the island in a pinch, but the quality of stuff you buy on the street won’t be guaranteed.
It’s best to buy vetted products online!
Waterproof Bag & Phone Pouch, Essential for keeping your electronics safe on the boats like drone, tablet, camera, phone, and a bunch of other stuff inside.
Snorkeling Gear, Good for exploring the clear waters around Zakynthos, and sometimes you can even see turtles. Snorkels and masks can be borrowed or rented from the boat companies too, but if you plan to do multiple tours it’s better to bring your own gear.
Water Shoes, Save your feet some grief and wear water shoes! The beach at Navagio is covered with pebbles, not sand, so it doesn’t feel good barefoot. Water shoes are helpful for getting in and out of the boat.
Where To Stay In Zakynthos
