About
Navagio, on the Greek island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands, is a beach best known for its striking setting. Powdery white sand meets turquoise water, and towering limestone cliffs rise on every side, giving the cove the feel of a hidden amphitheatre.
The beach is reached only by boat, which shapes the whole visit. There is no road down to the sand, so arriving by sea is part of the experience. Plan for the crossing and for the return, and allow time to take in the view from the water before you step ashore.
What to expect
- The shipwreck: a rusted wreck lies on the sand, and it is the image most visitors come to see.
- The water: the sea is clear and bright, well suited to a swim or simply to looking down through it.
- The cliffs: the limestone walls are the backdrop to the whole cove, and they are most dramatic when seen from the boat.
Visiting Zakynthos
Navagio is one of the island's best-known sights, so it works well as a day out. Zakynthos offers other coastline and villages to explore, and the boat trip to the cove itself is a reason to spend time on the water. Because the beach is so exposed to the sea and so popular, visitors may want to check boat options and conditions before setting out, and to dress for sun, since there is little shade on the sand.
If you enjoy scenery with a strong sense of place, and don't mind arriving by boat, Navagio is a memorable stop on a trip to the Ionian.
