Hotels near Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)

Topping every list of things to do in Zakynthos, Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach) is a small turquoise cove walled by 200-metre limestone cliffs on the island's northwest shore. The rusted hull of the freighter MV Panagiotis - run aground in 1980 and now half-buried in white sand - gives the beach its name and makes it one of the most photographed spots in Greece.

The cove is accessible by boat only - tour boats run from Porto Vromi (the nearest harbour, around 30 minutes one way) and from Agios Nikolaos port at the north tip (around an hour). For the famous viewpoint photo, drive instead to the cliff platform near Anafonitria village. Boat tours typically allow 30-40 minutes on the sand. Bring water shoes - the beach is pebbly underwater - and pack out everything you bring in.

Pro Tip: After partial cliff collapses in 2018 and 2022, the official viewpoint platform has been fenced off in places. Use only the marked safe deck and never climb over the railing. The 09:00 boat from Porto Vromi reaches the beach before the cruise crowds arrive at 11:00.