Island in Greece with a sunken ship. Navagio Bay is one of the most amazing places on Earth. Excursion to Navagio Beach
All about Navagio beach and an abandoned smuggler ship washed ashore. How to get to Navagio beach and how to climb to the observation deck.
Navagio is one of the most popular beaches in Greece, visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Looking through the photos of Navagio Bay, you yourself will surely remember that you have seen its image more than once. But vacationers are attracted not so much by the convenience of the beach and the fantastic landscape, but also by its history. What is so interesting happened on the island of Zakynthos?
Navagio beach on the map of Greece
Ferries and boats from Agios Nikolaos (Kos) run to the picturesque bay.
Navagio - a story about smugglers
The history of Navagio Beach has several dozen international crimes. More than once, against its background, the pursuit of criminals on the high seas unfolded. And in the mid-80s, near the coast, a ship of smugglers completely wrecked, trying to deliver a cargo of cigarettes to.
Having received information about the smugglers, the Greek authorities activated the coast police to catch them. The police miraculously managed to instantly get on the trail of the ship, shooting began. As a result, the crew was forced to leave the ship and flee in boats. The smugglers' ship sank, and a few years later it washed ashore on Navagio Beach during a storm. The wrecked ship still stands on the beach.
This attracts tourists, the watercraft rusted through and through against the backdrop of a paradise landscape looks too epic. They do not miss the opportunity to take a selfie for memory, and even better - to leave the initials.
Smuggler's ship - top view
This is how beach holidays and crime are combined!
You can go on an excursion on a small boat
Welcome to Navagio Beach!
Excursion to Navagio Beach
Even if there were no abandoned ship and blockbuster history, Navagio Beach would still be worth adding to the must see list. It is washed by the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, and limestone cliffs are located around, some of which reach 200 meters in height. This is truly a piece of paradise, but getting to it is not as easy as it might seem. Navagio Beach can only be accessed by pleasure boat. This is one of the most popular excursions in Zakynthos, so there should be no problems. The pleasure will cost about 15-25 euros, depending on the point of departure.
Should I take a tour of Navagio? Definitely yes! Smuggler's Beach, as the locals call it, is worth the time and money spent.
"Navagio" in translation means "shipwreck" - this is a beach located on the island of Zakynthos in an isolated sandy bay, which cannot be approached from the land side. It is one of the most famous beaches in Greece and is often photographed. 
Now the beach has another name "Shipwreck Coast" due to the fact that the Panagiotis ship, once used by smugglers, lies on the beach. This ship gave the beach another name - Smuggler's Cove. 
The small beautiful bay of Navagio is located in the north-west of the island of Zakynthos, next to the village of Anafotiria, on the other side of the capital. You can get here only by sea - from the side of the island, its peace is guarded by rocks, through which only climbers can cross http://www.alpdar.ru/ using climbing equipment. 
The nature of the beach is simply wonderful and tourists who love eco-tourism come to admire it. A small sandy area is fenced on one side by limestone rocks, and on the other side it is washed by the purest turquoise water. 
Initially, Navagio Beach was called the coast of St. George. The beach was sparsely visited. But around 1981, the Greek authorities started a war with smugglers who were doing their business in this region. 
During one of the chases for bandits, the captain of the ship and the sailors abandoned the ship, and it was thrown aground by the will of the waves and wind, thus creating an interesting attraction for ecotourists and vacationers. Thousands of tourists have since visited the beach and the old ship.
The Ionian Islands are an incredibly atmospheric, magical place with a mild climate, picturesque cliffs, clear, azure sea and comfortable beaches for the whole family. In the midst of all this riot of nature, one can single out the unique pearl of the Ionian Sea - the island of Zakynthos. The beaches of Zakynthos are a tasty tourist destination.
It is enough to go down the ladder of the plane to feel the intoxicating aroma of pine needles, to see exotic plants. Breathe in this aroma deeply and exhale the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Head to the beach, as the sea coast of Zakynthos is its main attraction.
1. Navagio
The beach is notable for its privacy and incredibly beautiful landscapes, which are often depicted on postcards and posters. You can get to this bay on Zakynthos only by water, as it is surrounded on all sides by high, impregnable rocks. The optimal route is by water, from the port of Volimes. Directly on the beach, you can take part in a sightseeing tour with an examination of the caves.
When going to relax on Navagio Beach, consider a few important points.
- Excursions before 13-00 are of little interest to tourists, since at this time most of the bay is in the shade, and without that cold water becomes even colder, and the color of the water in the photo is not as beautiful as we would like.
- Always give preference to small excursions - a large number of people will somewhat spoil the impression of the trip.
- When renting a small boat, remember that in this case you will not be able to land on the shore and you will have to swim to Navagio Beach.
- The best time to visit Navagio Bay is from 15:00 to 17:00. At this time, of course, it is very hot here, but the water takes on a magical hue and there are fewer tourists.
The beach is completely wild, there is no infrastructure, take everything you need for a comfortable stay on the best beach of Zakynthos.
2. Porto Limnionas
The beauties of pristine nature are fully revealed here. The place is hidden among the bays of Zakynthos, the coastline is indented, the beach is protected by rocks, and the water has an incredible azure hue.
Despite the fact that the infrastructure here is at the proper level, the beach remains one of the wildest and most secret. You can get here, focusing on the village of Agios Leon, which is located in the western part of the island of Zakynthos. Keep in mind that the road is steep, leads through the mountains and ends with a parking lot, there is a tavern nearby, try delicious fish and wine. From the tavern to the beach is only 30 meters. Reviews about the beach of Porto Limnionas are unanimous - the beauty of the landscape here is breathtaking, it comes to the understanding that nature is the perfect master of creation.
The beach is not suitable for swimming with children, as there is no sand here, tourists are located on large stones.
3. Kalamaki
The beach is located south of the capital of Zakynthos, 8 km from the city. This is the longest beach on the entire island of Zakynthos, it is quite wide and completely sandy. Walking along it, you will find yourself in another place to relax - Laganas beach. Kalamaki is a great option for swimming with children, there is a gentle descent into the water, serious depth begins about 100 meters from the shore.
The beach belongs to the National Marine Park, so there are appropriate measures for nature protection. For visitors, the entrance is open from 7 am to 7 pm. Water activities such as motorcycles and paragliding are available here. Renting sun loungers and umbrellas will cost an average of 7 euros per day of use. After an active holiday, you can eat in the restaurant, in addition, various treats are regularly offered on the beach.
The only distraction is the planes in the sky, as Zakynthos airport is located not far from Kalamaki.
4. Laganas
The length of this beach, which is included in the ranking of the best in Zakynthos, is 5 km, it is considered one of the busiest regardless of the season. People love this beach for fine, soft sand, gentle slope into the water. Turtle excursions are carried out right on the beach, those who wish can ride on a catamaran or a boat with a transparent bottom. If you suddenly decide to swim on your own, it is likely that you will find turtle eggs at the bottom, in appearance they resemble table tennis balls.
As for the shortcomings - a large influx of tourists, annoying sellers who are trying to sell small souvenirs. Not far from the beach there is a protected island of Agios Sostis, which can be reached via a footbridge. Entrance to the island is paid - 4 euros.
5. Gerakas
There are no villages in the immediate vicinity of the beach, the nearest one at a distance of 5 km is the village of Vasilikos. There are hotels here, there are a little more than two dozen of them in different price categories.
Gerakas is a sandy beach completely surrounded by low cliffs. Many call it the best not only in Zakynthos, but throughout Europe. Gerakas is part of the National Marine Park. Entire colonies of turtles have identified this place as the best for laying eggs, so tourists are asked to be careful and not scare the animals. Volunteers are careful that vacationers do not go deep into the water.
This beach is for people who are in love with the sea. Visitors see only a picturesque seascape, lying on comfortable sunbeds under umbrellas.
Silence reigns here, because there is no infrastructure, no cars, all sports are prohibited.
You can get to the place of rest by taxi, the cost is from 5 to 15 euros. The distance to the airport is 23 km. If you get bored with a monotonous vacation, it is better to rent a car in Zakynthos and go on a trip to the village of Vasilikos.
6. Porto Zorro
The beach is located in the southern part of the Vasilikos peninsula. The capital of Zakynthos is 15 km away. This place is hidden by a dense strip of vegetation. An additional flavor of the beach is given by the rocks protruding directly from the sea. Here, tourists prefer to swim in masks and admire the seabed and vegetation. For everyone there are diving courses.
If you want to not only relax, but also improve your health, walk a little along the coast, where you will find therapeutic mud.
The beach is sandy, the descent is gentle, serious depth begins approximately 50 meters from the shore. On the coastline there are shops selling swimming accessories, cafes. Porto Zoro is a clean, well-maintained Zakynthos beach with warm, clear water. This is the best place for families with children. Sunbeds are paid - rent will cost 7 euros.
7. Banana
The largest beach on the Vasilikos peninsula. The length is 5 km, the distance to the city of Zakynthos is 15 km. Not only the beach itself deserves attention, but also the road to it, which passes through a pine forest.
The coastal strip is clean, wide, the water is clear. You can have a bite to eat in a cozy cafe, from the windows of which a beautiful view of the sea surface and the greenery surrounding it opens. Eyewitnesses who rested on the beach recommend digging an umbrella into the sand more firmly, a strong wind blows them away. Also be prepared for the fact that there are often strong waves at sea. By the way, the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas is paid. For 6 euros you get a pair of sun loungers and an umbrella for use. There are comfortable hammocks not far from the cafe, but one significant drawback is that they are always in the sun.
The beach has a developed infrastructure - comfortable, clean toilets, spacious showers and cabins where you can change clothes. There is a parking lot, a volleyball court, wi-fi.
If you want to have a bite to eat at a local cafe, keep in mind that the portions here are very large, one is quite enough to eat to the full for two adults. The cost of such a dinner will be on average from 15 to 30 euros, depending on the ordered menu.
The fewest people on the beach are in June-July, the peak of attendance is August. If you want to conveniently park your car, come to the beach in the morning.
8. Porto Roma
Another heavenly place on the Vasilikos peninsula. The road to the capital takes 15-20 minutes. The beach got its name in honor of Alexander Roma, who is known for being the speaker of the Greek Parliament, organizing and leading the liberation movement.
The beach cover is mixed - sand, pebbles, there are almost no waves, but the water is quite cool. They offer sun loungers, umbrellas, there are no changing rooms on the beach, and the toilet is only in a cafe. By the way, delicious fish and seafood dishes are served here.
Around the beautiful nature - olive groves, exotic plants, forest. It is nice to walk here, breathe fresh air and appreciate the perfection of nature. In the bay, you can rent a catamaran or a boat and explore the surroundings on your own or dive, as the sea nature is no less picturesque than on the shore.
Porto Roma beach is a secluded place in Zakynthos, ideal for a romantic getaway or family vacation.
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9. Daphne
A picturesque place on the Vasilikos peninsula, just 18 km from the capital of the island of Zakynthos. The beach here is soft, sandy, with an incredible view of the bay right from the shore. Since the depth is shallow, the water here warms up well, which makes the place a favorite for families. Serious depth begins only 100-150 meters from the coast.
Daphne belongs to the Marine Reserve of Greece, whole colonies of turtles live here, the places where animals lay their eggs are fenced off, tourists are not allowed to go there. On the beach, measures for the protection of nature have been taken, travelers will not find noisy entertainment here, even the car park is located at a distance from the beach.
When going to Daphne, take into account the complexity of the route - this is a serious test, because you have to go along the serpentine.
On a clear, sunny day, you will have an incredibly picturesque view.
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10. Tsilivi
The beach is located in the resort, a small village of the same name - Tsilivi, at a distance of 6 km from the city of Zakynthos. For the high level of service, the beautiful, picturesque view of Tsilivi was awarded the Blue Flag of the EU. This status is given to objects that fully comply with European quality standards. Photos of Tsilivi beach on Zakynthos will undoubtedly be the brightest in your album.
The beach is sandy, only in some places there are small pebbles. The width of the sandy strip reaches 40 meters, and around - olive groves and vineyards. The water is perfectly clear, azure, the descent is gentle, serious depth begins approximately at a distance of 100 meters from the shore.
Here you can rent sun loungers, comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas. There is also a whole complex of entertainment on the water - cycling, windsurfing, skiing. There is a diving center right in the village. Here you can rent the necessary diving equipment or use the services of an instructor.
A lively atmosphere reigns on Tsilivi, if you wish, there is a place for a relaxing holiday. The maximum influx of tourists is recorded in the afternoon. Tsilivi beach has many discos, Italian and Chinese restaurants, karaoke clubs. In general, this is the best option for active youth.
There is parking near the beach.
All the beaches of Zakynthos are unique and picturesque in their own way. Regardless of which place you choose to relax, you are guaranteed a good mood and a lot of impressions. If you are in love with the sea, feel free to go to the beaches of Zakynthos.
How great you can spend time on Zakynthos and what the most beautiful beaches of the island look like, see the video.
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It all started with this little fabulous picture.
I fell in love with this island, Zakynthos island, Greece.
I had a dream to go there.
This is understandable, because 99.9% of people who see these photos will want to see the island of Zakynthos, Navajo Bay with their own eyes.
Zakynthos or Zakynthos is a resort island of Greece, located in the Ionian Sea.
Most of the island has remained intact and is an incredibly beautiful pristine nature.
This is a fabulous paradise.
The water in the region of rocky shores is not only very beautiful shimmering with azure hues, but also has healing properties, it comes from mineral springs.
The island of Zakynthos is called "turtle". The amazing climate and geographical position have made this small piece of land attractive for the life of the giant sea turtles Caretta Caretta.
Turtles are native to the warm waters of the Ionian Sea and have lived here for millions of years. They come ashore during the summer months to lay their eggs.
To observe the marine life, you can take a tour on a yacht with a transparent bottom. Marine life is the pride of the island of Zakynthos, it is carefully protected by ecologists and the state - this is a natural marine park reserve.
Huge popularity in Zakynthos is Navagio Beach with white sand and blue water. Here is another attraction of the beach - a rusty wrecked ship of smugglers.
The name of Navagio Bay is translated from Greek as "shipwreck" and this is not easy. In 1983, the Panagiotis smuggling ship, which illegally transported cigarettes to Italy, was wrecked near the bay. When the intruders were discovered, they quickly boarded the boats and left the ship, sinking it along with the goods. Once, during a big storm, the ship was washed up on the shore of Navajo Bay, where it has remained to this day.
The island of Zakynthos is ecologically beautiful - not a single industrial enterprise has been built on it (and now I remembered Baikal ..).
The flora of Zakynthos is very diverse and includes over 7,000 plant species.
View of the Bay of Navajo from above
Beautiful sunset Navajo bay, Zakynthos, Greece
The island of Zakynthos has the most beautiful beach in the world. Navagio Bay attracts desperate romantics here. On this beach lies the rusting wreck of a smuggler's ship. Here, in 1980, the Panagiotis ship ran aground. The ship "Panagiotis" illegally carried cigarettes to Italy and crashed. When they were discovered, the violators boarded the boats and sank the ship along with the goods. Now there are children playing and pretending to be smugglers. 
We look around with interest and pleasure, admire and take pictures next to the ship. But the ignoramuses leave inscriptions on the rust of the ship. They scratch with what they can, they find chalk, some with chalk, some with a pebble. 
And someone does not forget to bring a can of paint with them. The wonderful beach of Navagio Bay was hidden by nature itself from prying eyes. A beach of small round white pebbles. 
The beach of the bay "Navagio" is surrounded by a snow-white rock, It is made of limestone and overgrown with pines. You can get to the smugglers' bay only on a sightseeing yacht. 
At the top there is an observation deck with a fantastic view. But there is an incredibly steep climb. 
The atmosphere of the beach breathes piracy, which attracts travelers from other parts of the world. Stopping the yacht for an hour and a half allows tourists to plunge into the gentle sea. 
I heard a lot about the sights of the island of Zakynthos. We talked about the Blue Caves. I imagined huge caves with large blue stalactites. To my surprise, these are small caves, or, so to speak, depressions in the rocks. 
These recesses are approached only on yachts. Due to the color of the water, they are called "blue". 
The waters that wash them are blue and very clean. I would say that it is a turquoise shade, not blue. 
For pleasure, tourists sometimes swim near these caves, but this depends on the temperature of the air and water. It was cool, but there were desperate people. 
I didn't risk it. There are sulfur springs near the caves. According to information, it is very useful to swim there. Near the caves in some places of the rocks there are cracks where the wave runs. The rock takes all the water into itself, and then splashes it out. Spray all around. Very funny. 
The blue caves were not created by human hands, these wonderful fascinating creations were created by the waves of the sea. 
High, on the very top of the cliff, a chapel was built, small and very neat. Does anyone go there? The climb is steep. I don't know if it's worth going there just to visit these caves or not. But going to Navagio Bay and exploring these caves along the way is a completely different matter. On the way you can see small, fabulous islands in the sea. 
