trip to navagio beach

How To Visit The Navagio Beach Shipwreck In Zakynthos

Navagio Beach is a beautiful secluded beach on Zakynthos island in Greece , with a photogenic shipwreck that’s surrounded by turquoise water and dramatic, winding cliffs.

You’ve no doubt seen this ‘shipwreck beach’ before, because it’s probably one of the most famous travel pictures in the world! Word has gone out, and the beach is now crowded with tourists wanting to see the rusty old shipwreck up close.

The best pictures of Navagio shipwreck are actually taken from the steep cliffs above, rather than on the beach itself, but it’s also fun to get in a boat and go see the beach at eye level, if you’re willing to brave the crowds.

This travel guide will explain how to get to the best Navagio viewpoint for photos, how to visit the beach by boat and see it up close, which tour packages to use in Zakynthos , and everything else you need to know before you go!

Best Navagio Tour Packages

Before we dive into more detail about Greece’s famous shipwreck beach, let’s talk about tour packages.

The coastline of Zakynthos is full of sea caves, beaches, and other wonderful sights that can only be seen with a boat tour.

We recommend GetYourGuide for boat tours in Zakynthos! They have high rated tours for all of the best sights like Navagio Beach, Blue Caves, Turtle Island, and more. These tours usually include free hotel pickup and drop-off from most of the popular areas in Zakynthos.

We’ve used this company for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Navagio Shipwreck Beach Tour

Where Is Navagio Beach?

Navagio Beach is located on the northwest corner of Zakynthos island in Greece .

Zakynthos island is easy to reach from Athens, and there are daily flights and ferries for reasonable prices. The distance is only about 240 kilometers (150 miles) as the plane flies.

If you’re looking for more information about how to get to Zakynthos island, you can find that in my complete travel guide for Zakynthos Greece .

Shipwreck Beach Greece viewpoint

How To Visit Navagio Viewpoint

If you’re mainly wanting to see the iconic postcard view and take photos of it, you can do that from the Navagio viewpoint, on the cliffs high above the beach. This is where all the great pictures of Navagio are taken, rather than on the beach itself.

You can drive to the Navagio viewpoint yourself with a car or ATV, or book a day tour package that includes transport to the viewpoint along with several other sights in Zakynthos.

It’s a tame 45 minute drive to the viewpoint from the main town in Zakynthos, and the paved road is mostly in good condition, although it turns into rough gravel at the very end when you reach the parking lot.

If you’re driving, you can plug this GPS location into your map to take you directly to the Navagio viewpoint.

Shipwreck beach from above

The Greek shipwreck beach

Unfortunately there are very long lines to take pictures at the Navagio viewpoint, so you may have to wait in line for up to an hour during the summer months.

That’s largely because since 2022, only one small platform on the cliffs is open due to the authorities being worried about rockslides at the cliff. Lines are shorter in the morning, but you’ll still have to wait.

The new viewing platform is surrounded by metal railings. You can barely see the shipwreck, and you need a wide angle camera lens to take any decent pictures of the scenery because the platform is so close to it. With a normal lens, forget about it.

Overall, it’s a silly setup and I hope they come up with a better safety solution soon. It’s very frustrating to have such a beautiful view blocked by tall fences on almost all sides.

The sun and heat makes it even worse! Bring a hat and maybe an umbrella. You’ll want cold drinks too. There are canteen trucks in the parking area selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, but the prices are inflated, as you’d expect.

Be prepared to wait at the viewpoint. This was only half of the line!

This wide angle picture was taken from the main viewing platform at Navagio

However, there is some good news! You can still get the iconic photos at Navagio if you’re patient and know where to go.

If you visit the Navagio viewpoint in the late afternoon, the security guards eventually leave and you can take pictures all along the cliff, without people or fences blocking the view. Just be very careful and don’t go too close to the edge. Your safety is in your own hands here.

After the security guards leave, you can walk through the fence and along the cliff to the end, until you reach a Greek flag about 400 meters from the main parking area. It’s almost like a short hike, because the ground is very rocky and uneven, and there’s no shade at all from the hot sun.

This whole cliff at Navagio used to be open to the public, but it was closed after a couple of tourists fell to their deaths over the years (allegedly taking selfies near the edge), and at least one of the families tried to bring a lawsuit.

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.

The water is incredibly blue. The pictures on this page are not photoshopped! Believe it or not, I didn’t add any saturation at all. In fact, I had to remove a bit of color from the water on some of the pictures because it almost looked fake!

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, and that’s explained later in more detail.

However, the viewpoint is still one of the best sights in Zakynthos, so you should definitely add it to your itinerary!

Book Now: Navagio Beach & Viewpoint / Private Tour

Drone pic of shipwreck beach from above

How To Visit Navagio Beach

Even though the best pictures of Navagio shipwreck are actually taken from the steep cliffs above, it’s also fun to get in a boat and go see the beach at eye level, if you’re willing to brave the crowds.

Boat tours to Navagio Beach generally depart from the nearby harbor at Porto Vromi. You can show up there and try to arrange a boat rental on the spot, but it’s generally better to book a tour package online .

Navagio tours usually give you about 1 hour at the beach, which is plenty of time to disembark, see the shipwreck, and take pictures of it from all angles. Even though Navagio looks like a white sand beach in pictures, it’s actually covered with small white pebbles.

Up close view of the Navagio shipwreck

The shipwrecked boat, called MV Panagiotis , is starting to rust away now after sitting in the elements here for more than 40 years. The graffiti left on it by visitors has also given it some extra personality.

Shipwreck Beach gets very crowded and chaotic during the daytime, when it’s bombarded with tourists and tour boats. During the summer, the only time you can avoid the crowds at Navagio Beach is by arriving before 8 AM or after 6 PM.

Nevertheless, it’s still a very nice beach and the rusty shipwreck is fun to see up close!

Book Now: Navagio Beach & Blue Caves / Private Tour

The back side of MV Panagiotis

History Of The Navagio Shipwreck

‘Navagio’ Beach gets its name from the Greek word for shipwreck.

The story dates back to October 2, 1980, when the coaster MV Panagiotis was bound for Italy with a smuggled cargo of cigarettes from Turkey worth more than $200,000 USD.

The plan was to sell the contraband cigarettes in Italy, but at some point in the journey, the Greek captain demanded a bigger share of the profits, which led to a dispute and two of the Italian crew members being taken hostage at gunpoint.

If you’re interested, you can read the complete story in Greek here . It’s a fascinating story, and most of the details weren’t fully known to the public until very recently.

Navagio is one of my favorite travel pictures anywhere in the world!

Long story short, before the captain could pull off his plan, the boat had engine trouble and ran into a bad storm while passing through Greek waters, causing it to be shipwrecked on the beach in Zakynthos. What a perfect place to land, right?

Most of the boat’s valuable cargo was spoiled or looted after the shipwreck, and the skeleton of the boat has been sitting on Navagio Beach ever since then, slowly being broken down by time and the elements.

Over the years, Navagio Beach became well known for its natural beauty and the interesting story behind it. It’s also been featured in movies, such as the 2016 Korean drama ‘Descendants of the Sun.’

Today, the shipwreck at Navagio Beach is probably one of the most famous travel photographs in the world, and it almost singlehandedly made Zakynthos island one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece!

The Zakynthos shipwreck

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.  

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.

Unfortunately, they had to close Navagio Beach (not the viewpoint) for the summer of 2023 because the authorities were worried about the risk of landslides. Hopefully in 2024 the beach will stay open with some reasonable safety rules.

Navagio Bay

Can You Fly A Drone At Navagio?

Yes, it’s possible to fly a drone at Navagio, although it’s a good idea to ask before you fly.

We asked the security guards if we could fly at the viewpoint, and they said it was okay. You’re also allowed to fly at the beach, but that’s not a smart place to do it since it’s so crowded.

The locals in Greece aren’t strict about drones. EU regulations on drones aren’t really enforced here, and there are lots of quiet places to fly without disturbing anyone.

The entire west coast of Zakynthos island is lined with steep limestone cliffs, so you can get some amazing drone photos!

Top down view of the shipwreck bay

Drone view of Navagio point

Is Navagio Worth It?

Yes, in my opinion Navagio is totally worth it!

I will admit it was a bit annoying at first queueing for photos at the Navagio viewpoint, and I hope they come up with a better solution, but in the meantime it’s still possible to get the iconic pictures without queues if you go late in the afternoon.

The beach, on the other hand, was a bit of a mixed bag for me because of the crazy crowds. The sheer number of people at Navagio Beach was shocking and made it very hard to take pictures or enjoy where you are. I brought my parents, who are seniors, and they were pretty overwhelmed. My dad even joked that it felt like ‘D-Day’ with all the boats and chaos.

Still, it’s neat to see the shipwreck up close, and we got to visit a bunch of other amazing places on our Zakynthos boat tour, so the excursion didn’t feel like a waste at all.

Sunset at Navagio viewpoint

More Things To See Near Navagio

There are lots of other great things to see near the Navagio Beach and viewpoint.

One of the best things to see near the viewpoint is the Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon. This is a small 16th century monastery just a 5 minute drive from the viewpoint.

There’s a walking path behind it that takes you to a cross with wonderful views of the Ionian Sea, and it’s also a great sunset spot.

Sunset at the cross behind the monastery

When you visit Navagio Beach by boat, don’t forget to visit some of the sea caves in the area!

One of these, called the Hidden Treasure Cave, is especially nice, with a high ceiling at the top that pours in sunlight and makes the whole cave amazingly beautiful and photogenic. It’s located near the shipwreck beach, and you can only get there by boat.

The cave is only big enough for one small boat to fit inside it at a time, and only private boat tours go to this spot. Shared tours skip it.

For more ideas of things to see in Zakynthos island, check out my complete Zakynthos travel guide !

Hidden Treasure Cave is another nice spot to see near the shipwreck beach

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 (personally, I’m not about to use a junky knockoff bag from a street vendor to protect my expensive camera gear).

It’s best to buy vetted products online!

• Waterproof Bag: Essential for keeping your electronics safe on the boats. I brought a 30 liter bag and was able to fit my drone, tablet, camera, phone, and a bunch of other stuff inside. Everything was kept dry, even when I took the bag swimming a few times!
• Waterproof Phone Pouch: Same as above, but these are for your phone only. Great if you don’t have other electronics and just need something small to protect your phone.
• 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

Contessina Suites

Alykanas Beach Hotel

Zante Calinica Hotel

Vanessa Hotel

More Zakynthos Greece Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Navagio Beach Greece. This shipwreck bay was one of our favorite sights in Zakynthos island.

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Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope I get a chance to take a vacation at Navagio Beach because I have heard a lot about how wonderful the place is.

It’s an amazing place!

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Sarah Adventuring | Travel Blog

travel blog and travel photography

The Ultimate Guide to Navagio Beach: Everything You Need to Know

Navagio Beach… Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, you will have seen a picture, or hundreds of pictures of this place in your lifetime. Often used as tourist images, in brochures, by travel agents, computer screen savers, stock images… The image of Navagio Beach is used to inspire and entice those into the tropical holiday escape of their dreams.

Located in the Ionian Sea, on the Italy side of Greece, Navagio Beach can be found on the North-West of the island of Zakynthos. Both Zakynthos and Navagio Beach are known by other names – Zante and Shipwreck Beach respectively and these names are used interchangeably by companies, day-to-day conversation and online.

Despite Navagio Beach’s intense popularity all around the world, getting to this beach can actually be difficult, time consuming, expensive and take a lot of research. Navagio Beach and Zakynthos aren’t common spots on a regular tour across Europe but despite this I was determined to visit it this year come hell or high water. In order to do so, I spent a lot of time working out the most efficient, cost-effective way – but to save you the hassle of going through everything I went through (including but not limited to using Google Maps to check the terrain of the island to see if bicycle hire could be used as possible transport to the beach, FYI it can’t) I’ve written a guide of not only how to get to Navagio Beach but everything you need to know about Navagio Beach.

History: How Navagio Beach got its name.

Navagio Beach is instantly recognisable (in addition to its pristine cliff face and blue water) by the shipwreck lying perfectly down the middle of the beach. This ship was called Panagiotis and as legend has it was a smugglers ship working on behalf of the Italian Mafia. The ship was smuggling cigarettes from Turkey, when it was spotted and subsequently chased by the Greek Navy off the shores of Zakynthos. Unfortunately for the ship, during the pursuit Panagiotis ran shallow ground, the sailors were forced to abandon her and she ‘naturally’ ended up in the centre of Navagio.

While this story does add excitement to the location, any sceptic would be quick to point out how perfectly the ship fits into the beach and now a popular belief is that the shipwreck was planted there instead to promote tourism. Either way it certainly doesn’t detract from the area, making it one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Getting to Zakynthos: By Air or By Sea?

There are two main ways to get to Zakynthos. Either flying (as the island is equipped with its own airport ) or by ferry (which often is by bus then ferry).

Getting to Zakynthos by Air

Despite not being on the usual tourist route in Europe, Zakynthos is a popular summer holiday party island for the Brits and as such there are quite a few direct flights into Zakynthos Airport from other countries in Europe and this would be the most straightforward way to get to the island. British Airways , Ryan Air , and Thomson Airways all offer cheap fares to Zakynthos.

If you are already in Greece you can book a direct flight from Athens via Aegean Air or other Greek Airlines.

As mentioned above, Zakynthos is located on the Italy side of Greece, alongside other islands like Kefalonia and Corfu . However, the popular islands such as Santorini and Ios are located on the other side of the Greek mainland (the Turkey side of Greece). Currently there are no direct flights from these islands to Zakynthos, meaning if air travel is your preferred method of transport and you plan on visiting these other islands you will need to be making a transfer in Athens before continuing on.

I would strongly recommend checking Airline Ratings before booking any flight anywhere in the world as quite often a cheap fare can make people overlook safety.

Getting to Zakynthos by Sea

I travelled to Zakynthos from Athens and the process was quite straight forward, albeit a fairly long day of travel. While Athens is a direct port for the other popular Greek islands like Santorini, to get to Zakynthos you must leave from Port Killini , which isn’t near Athens. However, don’t worry, the Greek ferry transport is honestly the most efficient transport system I have seen (it really does put Australia and UK transport systems to shame) and your journey will run smoothly.

For this journey you need to book a bus ticket AND a ferry ticket (despite the actual ferry journey being inside the time frame of the bus journey). This is super simple by booking through the KTEL Bus Company website . Here you can find the schedule, prices and direct booking. When I went in high season August 2017 the buses were just under 30 euro each way and the ferry was just under 10 euro each way. Prices are subject to fluctuate with the season and popularity.

I booked ahead; however, when I got to the bus station, and the ferry port, people were booking as they got there. I wouldn’t necessarily rely on this though as our bus was full. The KTEL bus station is also located on the outskirts of the centre, meaning it is unlikely to be in walking distance from your accommodation and, in August 2017, I found the public transport was annoyingly quite difficult to connect to the bus station despite it being a very busy hub! A taxi to the station from Monastiraki (the centre of Athens /where most hostels are located) to the bus station cost about 5 euros but expect to be stung with 10 euros for the identical journey on return as due to being picked up from a bus station the taxis seem to have agreed (from my experience) on a set price to anywhere from there.

The bus journey was about 4 and a half hours and the ferry journey is a quick hour trip where you are able to walk around the deck, relax and buy refreshments and food, as you have to disembark the bus while transferring by ferry. When you dock in Zante you hop back on the bus and the bus drops you in Zakynthos Town about 5 minutes away from the harbour. 

Accommodation in Zakynthos

First things first, when I visited in August 2017, I found Zakynthos was not designed for budget travellers, backpackers or solo travellers. There are no hostels on the island (the first person to open up one would make a lot of money just saying…), only hotels and unfortunately for those travelling on budget they are at hotel prices. If you are going solo this may be a pain on your wallet, but had I had one or two friends with me when I went it would have worked out the equivalent of a typical hostel dorm bed in Greece each. It is one of the downsides of solo travelling when the area isn’t really set up for solo travellers.

I stayed in Zakynthos Town , right at the port where the boat comes in. I did this mostly for the convenience of getting on and off the ferry and because a lot of boat tours ( see below about how to get to the actual Navagio Beach) leave from this area but I’m not necessarily sure I would recommend it. Laganas Beach on the south east of the island is where almost everyone stays and I think I would have enjoyed my time in Zakynthos, outside of visiting Navagio Beach, a lot more had I stayed there.

If you are going to Zakynthos in the high season (July and August) I would strongly recommend booking accommodation earlier rather than later as things will sell out.

Getting to Navagio Beach Lookout

Zakynthos is surprisingly a very large island. At 405.6km squared it is 5 times the size of Santorini and the third largest Ionian Island. As Navagio Beach is located on the north west of the island don’t assume you will be able to just walk there. However you do have a few options, but TLDR I’ll let you know the best option now is to look at hiring a car.

Getting to Navagio Beach: Public transport

Again, like I mentioned above, this island not being designed well for budget travellers and the public transport when I visited were quite poor. The public buses that do run tend to be between Zakynthos Town and Laganas Beach and some other beaches only.

Getting to Navagio Beach: Bicycle

When I was doing my research I found there were a fair few bicycle hire places in various locations in Zakynthos that made me think bicycle hire would be the money saving solution to the problem. Luckily, however, my accommodation told me ahead of time that bike riding to Navagio Beach lookout wouldn’t work out in my favour as there is a lot of mountain terrain, and it would be hours there and hours back. Unless you’re in training for the Tour de France, forgo the bike.

Getting to Navagio Beach: Tours

You will see on the island and online that there are numerous tours of the Zakynthos, that include stopping at Navagio Beach lookout. After reading online I found multiple sites that said the tours only stop at Navagio Beach lookout for 5-10 minutes, despite it being (what I would consider) the highlight of the tour and there are a lot of filler activities on the way. I saw this myself when I was at the Navagio Beach lookout with tour buses coming and going in fairly quick intervals. More so, as you will see in the photo below, there is an “official” lookout over Navagio Beach but it’s not exactly in a prime spot and just take a look at how many people (from tours) are lining up to get their quick 3 second snap surrounded by a million other tourists. As I’ve written below there are many other prime locations to view the beach than the sub-par lookout.

Getting to Navagio Beach: Taxi

Looking at all options I also stumbled across taxis and found the price estimate online was close to 100 euros. If you’re going with friends this could be an option as you could split the costs, but the price is equivalent to car hire where you can spend the day doing a lot more in addition to the lookout.

Getting to Navagio Beach: Quad Bike

As across all of the Greek islands there are numerous quad bikes for hire in Zante. If you choose this method make sure you check your travel insurance, take adequate care on the road and factor in additional driving time.

Getting to Navagio Beach: Car Hire

Car hire looked like the best option for efficiency and cost. Remembering that most accommodations are on the opposite side of the island from Navagio Beach Lookout the journey there will take about an hour. A few things to remember when hiring a car overseas:

• Always check your insurance ! Don’t assume you are covered because some insurers can be tricky or require you get an international licence before you drive overseas.
• Look into an international drivers licence just in case – some car hire companies will only accept international drivers licences and some don’t really care as long as you have a licence in your own country.
• Booking a car while in Zakynthos may mean you will get a much cheaper price than anything you find online (I got half price booking on the island vs. what I would have paid online) but you may also miss out on obtaining car hire because it’s high season and everyone wants a car. I had initially booked car hire online but the company cancelled on me (through telling my accommodation not even me) when I arrived at the island. I had a stressful afternoon running from car hire place to car hire place until I found one that wasn’t sold out. However, again, stick to your guns about price. We agreed on a price, I came back 5 hours later to pick up the car, my car wasn’t available but a bigger car was…, which they tried to tell me I needed to pay more for as it was an upgrade. I told them we had already agreed on the original price and they agreed with me (rather reluctantly).
• Zakynthos roads are full of tourist drivers and from my experience they are not all very good (they could be like me – I had never driven on the right hand side of the road before). Be cautious.

The Navagio Beach lookout is actually very easy to find. You can use the maps function on your phone to get to the lookout. I was reliant on wi-fi without any data on my phone and 15 minutes into setting off I accidentally closed my maps and therefore lost the route. It was still very easy to find the lookout and having no map wasn’t a hindrance. If you roughly study the map before you hop in to drive you’ll know the basic area you need to head to. There are limited roads on the island outside the towns so head in the right direction and you’ll find it quite easily.

Driving to Navagio Beach also means you’ll also come across the Instagram-famous juice stall as well as numerous goats!

Best Time to Visit Navagio Beach

I found the ideal time to be at the Lookout was midday. The famous white walls that surround the beach cast shadows over the water when the sun is not at centre point in the sky. The water is definitely a more pristine blue at midday. The middle of the day does mean that more people will be there, but if you venture further than the “official” lookout you will have ample space to yourself.

Best Place to View Navagio Beach

A car park indicates your arrival at the lookout. Walk in the same direction as everyone else, or towards the drink and food stalls. You will come to the “official” lookout mentioned above and get your first real glimpse of Navagio Beach. However, the better views are definitely further along. Just continue walking along the same way, away from the car park/buses/food stalls and you’ll be walking along the cliffside where you’ll find photo opportunity after photo opportunity.

You will get fairly close to the edge as the path that has been created goes close so be careful. Please use your common sense and don’t put yourself in a position where you can fall. It may seem unlikely, but unfortunately a few tourists have died here this way.

How long to spend at Navagio Beach Lookout?

I spent a good 2 hours at the lookout area, which was much longer than anyone else that was there. However, this was in part due to coming just before midday and wanting to wait until the shadows had cleared the water below and also due to wanting to explore quite a lot. I headed back to the food stall/car park/main lookout area after exploring down the side and headed down a new path that would lead to views directly over the beach rather than the ocean.

One really great thing about the Navagio Beach Lookout is that it costs nothing to view. Unlike Croatia that charges entry fees to view waterfalls, this place, even with the odd food stall and buses, is still a highly un-commercialised beauty.

Getting to Navagio Beach – the Actual Beach

Navagio Beach is locked in by the ocean and there is no way to scale down the cliff face. While I do believe it is possible to hire a helicopter , the most efficient (and normal) transport there is by boat. As you can see in the photos the beach is immensely popular and very busy. However, it was well worth the visit over and I do recommend.

Don’t expect to spend the day at Navagio Beach as due to its popularity boats were only allowed to drop people at the beach for one hour, in order to avoid congestion.

Booking a boat tour after you have arrived on the island, rather than online beforehand, is likely to save you a lot of money. Most of the boat companies do not have online presences so the ones that do are charging at a premium. Just walk down the street and you’ll find a deal (boat companies are everywhere)

I chose an afternoon visit to the beach on the belief that it would be less crowded, and while it probably was it was still busy but it’s just something that comes with the territory of this beach. There was still room to spread out, relax and enjoy the beauty.

Most boat cruises to Navagio Beach offer a stop at Blue Caves on the way to or from the beach and this I definitely recommend. The Blue Caves are very pretty and most boats allow a swimming stop here, which was an added bonus! Some companies say their boats are small enough to enter the caves so if you find one that says this I would recommend going with them – mine unfortunately was too large so it just showed us the caves from the outside and allowed us a swim spot a little bit away. Jumping off the boat into the clear dark blue water near the Blue Caves is a very happy memory of mine, so would definitely recommend anyone wanting to do the same.

I would also recommend sitting on the edge of the boat – the left heading to the beach, the right leaving the beach – as you will get an awesome view of the Zakynthos coastline, cliff faces and many beautiful smaller beaches and coves along the way.

Other Things to do in Zakynthos / Zante

Zante is known as party central island (especially to the Brits) and Laganas Beach is the area to stay to be right in the thick of it. Parties range from clubs to boats and everything in between and often visitors to Zante are there purely to drink, relax and party rather than sight-see.

Kefalonia Island

Kefalonia Island is right next door to Zakynthos and you can actually see it, especially when heading by boat to Navagio Beach. It’s the island that contains the famous Melissani Cave .

To get here you can take your rental car over by the island ferry (though always check you are allowed to take the rental car off the island) or there are day tours. If you are interested in a day tour make sure you do pre-book one as the tour companies to Kefalonia Island are surprisingly limited and only run on certain days. Unfortunately I was naïve here, waited until I got to the island and found everywhere was sold out. Suppose it’s just another reason to go back!

Zakynthos Coastline

If you have a car make sure you use it to the full capacity and take in the gorgeous Zante coastline. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some picturesque sunrises and sunsets

Food in Zakynthos

I loved the ones made by Pita Pita Grill Room in Zakynthos Harbour. They had me going back the entire time I was there.

Frozen Greek Yoghurt

It’s heaven on earth. Forget any fro-yo you’ve had back home, frozen Greek yoghurt is the making of dreams and there is plenty of it in Greece and Zakynthos.

Remember to be wary of

Pick-pocketers.

Especially children. Children have been known to steal belongings so keep a close eye on your stuff. These children are acting for their parents as they are much more trustworthy and therefore can be a lot sneakier. Don’t get angry with them as they are still children and following what their parents want, just be cautious.

This is probably just down to my experience but the week before I was due to arrive Zakynthos was on fire. Due to its dry climate fires are common but the services are well equipped for them. On my last night another fire started on the hill just near where I was staying that alarmed me greatly. I went to the police to ask what was happening, and (through the aid of Google Translate), they said evacuation was unnecessary as the fire services were already there with helicopters to put the blaze out. I would hardly consider fire to be a legitimate daily threat to your trip, but given it was in my experience, I thought there was no harm in adding it here.

Also do remember that Zakynthos, like almost all of Greece, is only really ‘open’ between April to October and like the rest of Greece will shut down in winter for tourism hibernation.

Despite the additional expenses involved in coming to this island standing at Navagio Beach was the highlight of my trip and my year. I also spent a lot less money than I originally had thought I would be shelling out due to pre-planning and keeping a more watchful eye on my spending when I arrived on the island.

I really hope this guide spares you a LOT of time and hassle in trying to find all this information across other pages, blogs and trip advisor question and answer forums! Navagio Beach will always be etched in my memory as one of the most surreal and beautiful days of my life.

Follow my photo diaries from my day at Navagio Beach as well as my other adventures in Greece .

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Navagio Beach in Zakynthos – how to get there and what to see

This is the beach that features on practically every postcard of Zante. On the Greek island of Zakynthos it’s known as Navagio beach, but to tourists as Shipwreck beach or Smuggler’s cove.

You’ve probably seen it in glossy coffee table books featuring beautiful shots of Greece. It regularly gets a mention on those lists of “ best beaches in the world “.

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Greece’s most photogenic beach

Navagio is certainly one of the most photogenic beaches in Greece. The rusty old wreck is stranded on the crescent of pale sand, framed by the steep limestone cliffs and the turquoise sea. This makes it a winning photographic combination.

You can get that postcard shot yourself, from a metal platform that juts out from the cliff above the beach. Here you’ll also find a taverna, ice cream van and stalls selling local honey and souvenirs.

A couple of years ago I stood on the metal platform and took the postcard shot you see above. On this summer’s visit to Zante I thought it was about time that I paid Navagio beach a personal visit.

Discover the Windmill Bay Hotel in Zakynthos – a 4-star seaside hotel in Greece

Accessible only by boat

The only way that you can set foot on Navagio beach is by boat. Most of the boat trips around the north end of Zakynthos will take you there.

You can take one of the full day “round the island” trips that go from Zante town. These tend to be larger boats and a whole day in the sun and on the waves could be too much of a good thing.

We decided instead to drive further north to where the smaller boats go on frequent trips from either St Nicholas port or Makris Gialos. This small beach is just before the St Nicholas port on the north-east tip of Zakynthos.

There’s a little kiosk beside the road at Makris Gialos. From there we booked for a 2-3 hour trip on a speedboat that would take around 20 people.

The lady at the kiosk warned us that the sea around the Shipwreck beach was quite rough today. So, the boat might not be able to take us right up to the beach. “You don’t get seasick?” she asked and we all shook our heads, looking out at the gently lapping waves on the beach. We wondered how there could possibly be a problem.

You may also enjoy: 20 of the best beaches in Zakynthos – Greece

A choppy boat ride

The boat powered away from the jetty and soon as we were clear of land. The captain was a wiry Greek with an all over tan and a cigarette glued in his hand. He opened the throttle and the nose of the speedboat rose into the air.

At first the speed and spray felt thrilling and the girls clambered onto the front of the boat to sun themselves in their bikinis. However, the boat rounded the northernmost point of the island and entered unprotected waters. Here the sea became more choppy and the speedboat was banging up and down onto the waves.

The girls scrambled for the safety of their seats behind the captain. We all clung on, wishing that he would slow down a little. After around 40 minutes Shipwreck bay came into sight. We were all feeling distinctly queasy and wished that we could get off the boat.

Now we were close to the Shipwreck beach and the captain skillfully manoeuvred the speedboat as close to shore as he could. Now we could make the short swim to shore for a closer look.

Despite the swell, we all managed to swim ashore, although a large wave knocked me off my feet and tumbled me round like a washing machine. It sent seawater up my nose and dropped me spluttering into the shallows with a bikini full of gravel.

The shipwreck’s lore

Because we couldn’t bring our towels or picnic from the boat, we just walked around to look at the rusty hull of the ship. The girls lay at the water’s edge being washed by the surf. The boat was supposedly smuggling cigarettes when it went aground in the 1980s. That could just be a story the Greeks tell to give it a dramatic twist for the tourists.

The hull was broken open with a shady place to sit in the sand beneath. The metal had corroded away to make a lacework of holes in the side through which I could look back to our group on the sand.

I didn’t dare attempt to bring my iPhone through the surf to take any photos. My niece gave hers to the captain who put it in a plastic bag and swam one-armed with it above his head. He judged the swell just right and scrambled ashore.

I borrowed Sophia’s phone to take these pictures of the shipwreck from the beach. After around 30 minutes we all swam back to the boat which was pitching back and forth in the swell.

It was a bit grim speeding back around the northern point of the island, as we all felt seasick. The captain showed no mercy with the speed of the boat, intent on getting back as quickly as possible. The seas tend to get rougher as the day goes on.

The Blue Caves

Once we were around the point the sea calmed and the captain slowed down. We neared the second part of our boat trip, a visit to the sea caves known as the Blue Caves.

We had swum in similar sea caves on last year’s boat trip from Agios Sostis around Laganas Bay. Here we had spotted some loggerhead or Caretta Caretta turtles that nest on the southern beaches of Zante.

The captain nosed the boat into a couple of the sea caves to show us the intense sparkling blue colour of the water in the caves that gives them their name. We anchored for a while to give everyone a chance to swim and snorkel.

While exploring locations like this be sure to check out the beach shoes I recommend in this beach trip packing list

After around 30 minutes at the caves, we started back to the beach and this time the ride was much more leisurely and pleasant. By the time we docked we had all but forgotten the sea-sickness we felt before.

I highly recommend a boat trip to Shipwreck Beach if you want to see a unique side of Zante. I’d also recommend that you heed the warnings of the locals if they tell you that the sea is too rough. It may be deceptively calm on one side of the island but much rougher on the other side if the wind is high.

Tips if you’d like to take this boat trip

We took the boat trip from Makris Gialos, where there is a kiosk by the road above the beach and a small shop and taverna.

Other options are to take a similar boat trip from St Nicholas Port, on the north-east coast of Zakynthos where a number of different boats do the same 2-3 hour trip. Or, book a full day ‘Round the Island’ trip from Zante town or from other resorts on the island.

Some boat trips will also take you just to the Blue Caves which is a shorter 1.5 hour trip and may be better if you don’t like rough seas.

Our 2.5-3 hour boat trip cost €20 per person although you may be able to negotiate a discount if you have a group of 6 or more.

Additional considerations

You should take a look at the boat to ensure that it has full shade and consider the size of the boat. For this trip a boat that takes 15-20 people is best as it will be small enough to get into the Blue Caves and to get close to Shipwreck Beach. A larger boat may be more stable but you may not be able to get close to the beach.

The Blue Caves are on the north-east side of the island where the sea is much calmer, while Shipwreck beach is on the north-west side where the sea is rough. Take local advice on the best day to go when the sea is not too rough and if you are prone to seasickness, you may want to consider medication or not go to the Shipwreck Beach but just do the trip to the Blue Caves.

If you are based at the southern end of Zakynthos as we were at Argassi, you may want to try a turtle spotting boat trip instead that will take you through Laganas Bay to spot for turtles , followed by swimming around the sea caves at Keri.

Visitor info for Zante

Jet2.com runs weekly flights to Zante from Manchester and Leeds Bradford and flights from many other local UK airports to your favourite holiday destinations. 

Need a guide book for Zakynthos? We recommend the Marco Polo Guide to Zakynthos and Kefalonia

More tales from Zante

Jetting off to Zante with Jet2.com Sunshine, beaches and freddoccinos – my week on Zante in Instagram photos Is this the best beach in the world? – Navagio on Zante

Thanks to Jet2.com for providing* flights for Heather’s trip to Zakynthos, Greece.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Johan Miles

Monday 2nd of December 2013

@Olivia I think greek islands are offering plenty of beautiful sights. Santorini is a Great island with a wonderful sunset but in my personal opinion Zakynthos is way more beautiful.

Thursday 10th of October 2013

Heather, thanks for the beautiful pictures of Navagio! I'm glad I discovered your blog as I'm planning a trip to Greece (Santorini!) next summer, and now I think I have to add this to the itinerary. Thank you for the inspiration. Can't wait to visit Shipwrecked Beach!

Heather Cowper

@Olivia It's certainly a beautiful and unusual beach to visit

Wednesday 9th of October 2013

Greece looks breathtaking!I am planning on visiting Greece very soon. My travel agent has been trying to book me tickets with Lufthansa. I travel only with Lufthansa because they are extremely luxurious and worth every penny i spend on my traveling. Hopefully, i should be getting my tickets to Greece soon.

Friday 2nd of August 2013

I visited Zakynthos in 2009.It is such a beautiful island!!!I definitely want to visit it again. We went to Navagio beach, it was absolutely stunning!!!The water was so cold and so clear!!!But it was pretty windy, like the day you visited it.The sand was white and the cliffs around made you feel like a cast away...it was amazing!!We fortunately had rent a car , during our stay there. Hiring a car enabled us to visit many truly beautiful spots and get away from the touristy places.

Wednesday 31st of July 2013

There is a reason that this beach keeps showing up in photographs. It's beautiful. The boat trip sounds amazing.

Visiting Shipwreck Beach ( Navagio Beach ) in Zakynthos 2024

by: Dionisis Vitsos

August 2024

Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Cove, is a must-visit destination in Zakynthos, Greece. It's not only considered one of the best beaches in Zakynthos , but also in Greece and one of the most picturesque stretches of sand in the world.

Featuring crystal-clear, impossibly blue Ionian water and blindingly white pebbly sand. The eerie-looking shipwreck in the center of the sand is one of the most photographed places in Greece, and it's no surprise that it was once the featured image on Trip Advisor's home page for a long time.

Whether you choose to take a boat trip or peer down on it from the towering cliffs above, a visit to Navagio Beach will likely take your breath away. With its stunning scenery and intriguing history, it's no wonder that Navagio Beach is one of the most popular attractions in Zakynthos.

Navagio Beach was also included in our Local Guide list of the best beaches in Zakynthos.

And, as your humble local Zakynthian Guide , we will take a thorough look at Navagio Beach in Zakynthos

DONT FORGET: If you are looking for the best place to stay, we already have the perfect spot for you. Our family-made hotel. from 1991, is right next to Kalamaki Beach, Us! Dennys Inn Hote ,

Table of Contents

 👉 Looking for the Best Things To Do? Check out our Local guide for the Best Things To Do in Zakynthos

Where is Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove)

If you're planning a trip to Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, Greece, there are two ways to get there. You can fly directly from Athens to Zakynthos, or take a ferry from Kyllini to Zakynthos . The ferry operates daily and costs around €15 per person each way, depending on the season. 

Make sure to plan your travel accordingly, as the journey to Navagio Beach can be a bit of an adventure, but it's worth it once you see the crystal-clear waters and the iconic shipwreck in the center of the beach.

Best Time of Day To See Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove)

If you want to visit Navagio Beach in Zakynthos by boat, it's recommended to visit by boat either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to beat the crowds.

However, if you're visiting during the shoulder season, it's better to go a little later so that the sun can illuminate the sand for your photos.

The best time to visit Shipwreck Cove at the viewing platform on the cliffs above either is during the golden hour when the sun sets, and you see the beautiful view as shown above.

Keep in mind that the peak season can be very busy, so plan accordingly.

How To Get To Shipwreck Beach

When on Zante Island, there are plenty of options for experiencing Navagio Beach Zakynthos. The majority of visitors choose to book a tour, which can be reserved from any tour agency on the island or through reputable booking sites, keep in mind that asking for tour details at your hotel reception is usually the best way to go since most of the hotels in Zakynthos work with agencies and get special prices , that will take you to the most popular and photographed places on the beach.

There are two ways to witness the stunning views of Navagio Beach; one is to take a boat (as the beach is solely accessible by sea), and the other is to marvel at the beauty of the beach from the incredible 200-meter-high cliffs that surround the secluded co

Cliff Top Viewpoints

To capture the perfect postcard photo of Navagio Beach, head to the top of the 200-meter limestone cliffs near Elatia at the northwest corner of Zakynthos Island. There's a viewing platform here that offers breathtaking views of Shipwreck Cove.

If you're looking to get to Navagio Beach, keep in mind that it's located on the opposite side of the island from Zakynthos town. Your best options are to rent a car or find a tour company that provides van transportation. Hiring a taxi from the capital is also possible, but it can be quite expensive, around 100Є!

The drive from Zakynthos town to Navagio Beach takes approximately 45 minutes, and parking is free once you arrive. Renting a car is highly recommended, as it offers a scenic and easy drive. You can rent a car for as little as 20Є per day in Zakynthos, depending on the season you are visiting, and it can be booked through trusted travel sites like Expedia.

🥥  Click Here For Directions To The Exact Location 🥥

The Cliff Walk

If you're looking to get the best photos of Navagio Beach Zakynthos , there's a little hike involved.

To the right of the viewing platform, you'll find a fenced-off area with a single entrance and plenty of warning signs. Follow the rough path away from the parking lot and tourist shops.

Keep in mind that the path is not well-maintained , and may not be safe for older individuals or young children. It's a long walk over jagged rocks, in the hot sun, with no benches or shade nearby.

The ideal time to take photos of the beach is around noon, when the sun is directly overhead and the cliffs aren't casting a shadow.

Sunset is also a great time to visit. If you're planning to hike to the best photo spot, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

The limestone cliffs near Elatia are a great place for photos and offer breathtaking views of Shipwreck Cove in Zakynthos.

Visiting The Beach By Boat

The best way to set foot on the stunning and secluded Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) in Zakynthos is by booking a boat tour from one of the multiple tour companies that offer affordable trips to this popular tourist attraction. 

Some boats leave from the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos, while others start directly in Zakynthos Town. During the boat trip, you'll also have the opportunity to visit other beautiful places along the Zakynthos coast, such as the Blue Caves and Xygia Sulfur Beach.

Keep in mind that Navagio Beach is the most famous beach in Greece, so it can get quite crowded. Tourists are shuttled in and out of the beach throughout the day, and you won't have too much time to spend on the beach (approximately 20 minutes). 

To enjoy the beach with fewer people or for a longer duration, it's best to take the earliest tour or rent a private boat.

You can rent boats starting from around €80 + gas in Alykes. If you decide to rent a boat, make sure that you have experience driving a boat and be mindful of the weather conditions. 

If there are any signs of bad weather, it's best to turn back right away. Additionally, if you arrive at a popular time and there are no other boats there, it's likely that a storm is on the way, so head to a sheltered cove instead. 

Remember, asking for tour details at your hotel reception is usually the best way to go since most of the hotels in Zakynthos work with agencies and get special prices.  Don't miss out on a swim in the azure waters and touch your feet to the sand on Navagio Beach in Zakynthos!

Renting a boat is a fantastic way to explore the island and discover many hidden coves.

USEFUL TIP: When planning your visit to Navagio Beach in Zante, it's important to note that boat trips may be canceled or delayed due to strong waves or inclement weather.

History Of The Shipwreck

Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Cove, gets its name from the MV Panagiotis , a 157-foot shipping vessel that ran aground on October 2nd, 1980.

The ship was reportedly smuggling cigarettes from Turkey for the Italian mafia when it was chased by the Greek Navy in bad weather.

The crew abandoned the boat in Navagio Cove in an attempt to escape. The rusting hulk of the ship has been slowly falling apart ever since, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the beach.

That's why the beach is sometimes referred to as “Smuggler’s Cove” . If you visit the beach, don't miss the chance to see the iconic shipwreck and take some amazing photos.

This story of the abandoned shipwreck on Navagio Beach is like right out of some kind of pirate tale!

Safe On The Cliffs

In recent years, there have been tragic incidents of tourist deaths caused by falls from the 200-meter-tall limestone cliffs above Navagio Beach. Unfortunately, like all popular tourist destinations, some people will always test the limits of safety or make reckless choices.

While there is a memorial bench at the end of the trail, it's important to note that it is not a memorial for someone who died from falling off the cliffs. It was built by the family of Dennis Arvanitakis , an Australian of Greek descent who passed away in Spain, in his memory because it was his favorite location.

The cliffs around Zakynthos can be hazardous if visitors get too close to the edge. Natural erosion and geology can cause sections of rock to crumble into the ocean below . Additionally, sudden gusts of wind or people losing their balance can also lead to accidents.

If you plan to hike to the best viewpoint, it's crucial to stay a safe distance from the cliff's edge. This will allow you to enjoy the stunning views and take plenty of incredible photos without putting yourself in danger.

The Blue Caves

Most day trips and tours to Navagio Beach Zakynthos, one of the top attractions in Zakynthos, Greece, also include a stop at the beautiful Blue Caves . These geological formations are natural archways that have been carved out of the cliffs by years of erosion.

The Blue Caves in Zante, are most famous for the striking color of the water inside of them, which is where they get their name. You can take a dip in the clear blue water and explore the caves.

Some boat trips are on small enough boats that you can actually drive the boat right into the caves themselves, which would make for an interesting and exciting experience and yet another reason to book trips on smaller boats. Don't miss this must-see attraction when you visit Navagio Beach in Zakynthos!

Restaurants On Navagio Beach

If you're planning a trip to Navagio Beach Zakynthos, it's important to note that there are no restaurants or bars located on the beach itself. That's why most people visit as part of a tour, which typically includes lunch and drinks.

When booking a day trip to Shipwreck Cove Zante, be sure to confirm with the tour operator that food and drinks will be provided, since there are no restaurants at the beach. This can help ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Where To Stay Near Navagio Beach Zante

If you're looking for the best places to stay in Zakynthos and explore Navagio Beach in Zante, there is really one best option here.

Kalamaki Zante, one the most popular family/couple areas in Zakynthos, is only 7 minutes away from Zante Town, the capital, and 5 minutes away from the airport! In Kalamaki you will find the remarkable family hotel Dennys Inn Hotel , being 5 minutes from Kalamaki Beach in Zante, next to Laganas, serving guests since 1991! and close to the golden beaches, which are part of the southern part of Zakynthos island, it is really the best option!

When planning your Zakynthos trip, make sure to rent a car to easily visit Shipwreck Cove in Zante and other nearby attractions.

With a car, you can explore everything the island has to offer, from its stunning beaches to its charming villages. There are many things to do in Zakynthos , so having a car will allow you to make the most of your vacation.

Local Tips For Shipwreck Cove

Discovering Navagio Beach in Zakynthos is an experience to cherish, but choosing the right tour and mode of transportation is essential to maximize your visit. 

With two options available, by land or by sea, it's important to know the basics. Here are some essential tips to help you plan your visit to Navagio Beach in Zante and optimize your time in Zakynthos.

If you're planning a trip to Navagio Beach, make sure to use Google Maps to find your way and stay safe by following these tips. Download the Google Maps app on your Android or Apple device and download the map of Zakynthos for offline use. Click here to view and save the location of the viewing platform and get directions using the app.

Be cautious when visiting Navagio Beach as there have been tragic incidents of tourists falling from the 200-meter-high cliffs above the beach. To stay safe, make sure to stay behind the gated area and keep a safe distance from the edge. Not everything is well-signed in the area, so be extra careful. By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Navagio Beach without putting yourself in danger."

Choose a Small Boat Tour: Your best option, and follow-up question to all the promotional banners you will see everywhere, is "How many people does the boat fit?". Believe me you need a small boat in order to enjoy the ride, the waves, the sun, and the journey towards Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, one of the best beaches in the World!

Early In The Morning:  Wondering when to visit the famous Navagio Beach? Early in the morning is your answer. Beat the crowds and select tours that start the earliest at 07:00. Yes, 07:00.

Bring Supplies: When planning your trip to Navagio Beach Zante, it's important to remember that most tour companies do not provide sunscreen, hats, or enough water for your visit. It's crucial to pack all the necessary supplies for a day at the beach, including sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

NO Facilities: It's essential to remember that there are no restrooms or other facilities on Navagio Beach in Zante. Suppose you're planning a boat tour to Navagio Beach which doesn't have a toilet. In that case, it's advisable to take care of any bathroom necessities before boarding the boat and embarking on the journey to the beach to enjoy its beauty. This preparation will ensure a comfortable experience during your visit to Navagio Beach in Zakynthos.

The Water Gets Deep Quick: If you’re traveling with children, be aware that the water gets deep quite quickly.

You Only Have 1 Hour: Navagio Beach is a must-visit destination in Zakynthos, and most boat tours allow only about an hour to enjoy the stunning scenery. It's recommended to take advantage of the short time provided by taking some photos, going for a swim, sunbathing, and making the most out of your experience on this famous Shipwreck Beach in Zante.

Bring Shoes or Flip Flops.

Enjoy Navagio Beach in Zakynthos (Shipwreck Cove)!

Navagio Beach in Zante, also known as Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Zakynthos, Greece. With crystal clear blue waters and white sandy shores, it's no wonder that Navagio Beach is consistently one of the most searched for and popular locations in the area.

If you're planning a visit to Navagio Beach, it's important to make the most of your trip. Whether you choose to approach the beach by boat or admire it from the stunning cliffs above, be sure to take advantage of every moment. Of course, taking lots of photos with your camera or smartphone is a must, but don't forget to take some time to put the device down and fully appreciate the breathtaking view.

One common mistake that many people make is relying too heavily on their devices to capture the beauty of Navagio Beach. While photos are a great way to remember your trip, make sure to also enjoy the scenery with your own eyes. So, make sure to soak it all in and be careful as you explore this incredible destination. By following these tips, you can be sure to have an unforgettable experience at Navagio Beach in Zakynthos.

Bonus Video: Base Jumping Shipwreck Beach!

Read more about the best beaches in zakynthos.

Looking for the  Top 10 beaches in Zakynthos?

Experience some of the most gorgeous coastal scenery in the world. This idyllic location in the Ionian Sea boasts a diverse range of stunning beaches, from sandy white shores and rugged coves to secluded bays.

If you’re seeking to plan a trip or witness some of the most magnificent beach views on earth, we have you covered.

With a comprehensive  guide to the best beaches in Zakynthos , you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure. From exploring the  top 10 must-visit beaches in Zakynthos  to discovering hidden gems, your experience will be unforgettable.

So whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, take a swim in crystal clear waters, or go on a beach-hopping adventure, Zakynthos is a beach lover’s paradise that you won’t want to miss! Join us in exploring the top beaches in Zakynthos, one of the Ionian’s hidden gems.

Click the link below to find out where are the  Top 10 Beaches in Zakynthos!

Read More From Our Local Zakynthian Guides

I hope that you found my guide on visiting Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos Greece to be both enjoyable and useful.

If you're still feeling the urge to explore and discover new places, I have a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I would like to recommend for you to read next:

• Best Things To Do In Zakynthos
• Best Beaches in Zakynthos
• Best Snorkeling Spots In Zakynthos

Written By Denny Vitsos

Denny is a member of the Dennys Inn Hotel family located in Kalamaki, Zante. After completing his studies in Tourism and Business Management at the University of West Attica, he created this website, along with its blog and numerous other activities. His aim is to foster a connection between his guests and the Greek family spirit that his family takes great pride in. The hotel has been in operation since 1991, and Denny is one of the newest members of the team. At the hotel, you will experience a traditional Greek family business, with multiple Vitsos family members on board, who give their utmost dedication to ensure the satisfaction of their returning guests.

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WONDERING WHERE TO STAY?

Whether you're curious about dates, offers, or even about the island, we're here to answer any questions.

3 thoughts on “Visiting Shipwreck Beach ( Navagio Beach ) in Zakynthos - 2024”

I saw your blog awhile back and saved it to my bookmarks. Only recently have I got a chance to reading it and have to say great work.

Navagio Beach in Zakynthos is an absolute must-visit destination with its stunning shipwreck and crystal-clear waters - a true paradise!

Hi James, Thank you for the comment! Let me know if there is anything else you would like to read about Zakynthos or tried looking up!

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How to get to Shipwreck Beach: Navagio Beach, Greece

This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy

The iconic image of a rusted shipwreck washed up on the white sands of the turquoise Navagio Beach drew us to the island of Zakynthos in search of the so-called Shipwreck Beach. Navagio is one of the most beautiful and photographed beaches in the world and visitors flock to both its shores and the cliffs above for breathtaking views.

It takes a little work to get to Shipwreck Beach –  the beach itself is only accessible by boat and the clifftop viewpoint is almost an hour by road from Zakynthos. Here’s our guide on how to get to Navagio/Shipwreck Beach!

Table of Contents

Navagio Beach the Shipwreck Beach

Zakynthos is an island just off the coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula and Naviago Beach is located on the north-western shores of the island. The tiny cove is a stunning mix of white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters surrounded by towering white cliffs with an intriguing rusty shipwreck dominating its sands.

The wreck, a boat named Panagiotis, was rumoured to have been attempting to smuggle cigarettes and got stranded in the shallow waters of Naviago while being pursued by the Greek Navy. The captain of the ship recently refuted these claims and blames bad weather and mechanical failure for the shipwreck.

Either way, the contrast of the rusted ship against the stunning natural beauty of Navagio has made it a tourist magnet.

Where to stay in Zakynthos

• Hotel Palatino: Perfectly located a few minutes from the restaurants of Zante Hotel Palantino was perfect for our stopover in Zakynthos. We stayed here overnight on the island before catching the ferry back to the mainland the next day –   Check prices now
• Mabely Grand Hotel:  if you are staying a little longer and a resort style hotel with a host of amenities and a relaxing vibe then the Mabely Grand Hotel is a great option – Check prices now  

Click here for Zakynthos hotel prices

How to Get to Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach

There are two options for visiting shipwreck beach.

Many visitors choose to take a boat tour that lands on the beach itself. This is the most popular tour as it includes a visit to both the beach and the viewpoint above the beach. You can reserve your place in advance. The tour picks up at most hotels in Zakynthos so you won’t need to arrange anything else yourself. – check prices now!

Book your trip to Shipwreck beach

How to get to Navagio Beach from Laganas

The above tour includes hotel pickup. If you are staying in Laganas there are also group tours to Navagio Beach from Laganas – check prices here

By Bus or Car

The second option for visiting Navagio Beach is by car or bus. We chose this option as we only wanted to view the beach from the viewpoint of the cliffs above. We also recommend renting a car in Greece , we rented a car and took it to Zakynthos via the ferry.

How to get to Navagio Beach: by Boat

Navagio Beach is surrounded by marble white cliffs meaning the beach and the shipwreck can only be accessed by boat. The shipwreck is dotted with graffiti and visitors flock around it but are requested not to climb on it. Hundreds of visitors descend on the beach every day during peak season and it is often extremely crowded – check prices now!

Where to get the boat to Shipwreck Beach: the closest port is Porto Vromi Maries and boats depart regularly from here during peak season. Other departure points include Agios Nikolaos, Zakynthos and Skinari.

Navagio Beach Viewpoint

As we mentioned above, there are two ways to view the shipwreck at Navagio Beach: either by visiting the beach itself by boat or by travelling by road to the top of the cliffs surrounding the beach. Both are beautiful but the viewpoint above is the best way to view the beautiful setting and it’s from here that most of the iconic Navagio images are captured.

Visiting Naviago Beach tip: It is not possible to walk between the beach and the view point above. Naviago Beach is surrounded by near vertical cliffs meaning the beach is only accessible by boat and the viewpoint by road.

How to get to Shipwreck Beach viewpoint: by road

The clifftop viewpoint above Navagio is almost an hour by road from Zakynthos and can be reached by car, a powerful quad bike and a beach or island tour. The route is marked with signs for Navagio and the nearby Anafonitria Monastery which is en route. The viewpoint, a suspended platform surrounded by railings, is located beside the car park and visitors centre and it is often packed with visitors in search of a selfie and the iconic Naviago shipwreck photo.

How to visit Naviago Beach tip: there have been reports of the road to the beach being closed during the summer months due to the riskof forest fires in the area. If this is the case, a tour is the best option.

Visiting Naviago Beach tip: Be careful!  It’s possible to follow a walking path around the cliff side to capture the beach and the shipwreck from different vantage points but, if you decide to do this,  please be incredibly careful – it’s a sheer drop to the beach below and there have been recent deaths of tourists doing the same.  We were terrified to move even an inch without checking our footing as there are no railings to protect you from falling over the edge.

Tips for Visiting Naviago (Shipwreck) Beach :

• When choosing a boat trip we’d recommend opting for one of the smaller boats from one of the closer ports rather than the huge double decker boats which also make the trip.
• Avoid trips in the middle of the day when the beach tends to get extremely crowded
• The boats usually dock for around one hour so be sure to grab your photos of the beach and shipwreck when you have a chance.
• Bring beach shoes as the beach is quite stony and painful to walk on barefoot.
• Bring supplies such as water and sunscreen as there are no facilities at Navagio
• The water gets deep quite close to the shore so be careful as you venture out.
• The boat trips are weather dependent so don’t leave to the last minute if the weather is volatile when you are in Zakynthos. This will give you time to reschedule if your trip gets cancelled.

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EUROPE , GREECE · November 29, 2017 Last Updated on July 26, 2024

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NAVAGIO BEACH, GREECE

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Navagio Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Greece. Images of Navagio Beach are regularly used in brochures, by travel agents, computer screensavers and stock images.

Photos of this place are widely used to inspire and entice people into taking the tropical holiday escape of their dreams.

In fact, Busabout used a picture of Navagio Beach on the front cover of their brochure and on the side of their tour buses, despite the fact the tour company doesn’t actually go there! It’s that enticing.

NAVAGIO BEACH OVERVIEW

Located in the Ionian Sea, on the Italian side of Greece, Navagio Beach can be found on the North-West  coast of the island of Zakynthos.

Both Zakynthos Island and Navagio Beach are known by other names – Zante and Shipwreck Beach respectively and these names are used interchangeably by companies, in day-to-day conversation and online.

Despite Navagio Beach’s intense popularity all around the world, getting to this beach can actually be difficult, time-consuming, expensive and take a lot of research.

Navagio Beach and Zante aren’t common spots on regular tours across Europe, but despite this, I was determined to visit this year come hell or high water. In order to do so, I spent a lot of time working out the most efficient, cost-effective way, but to save you the hassle of going through everything I went through (including, but not limited to using Google Maps to check the terrain of the island to see if bicycle hire could be used as possible transport to the beach, it can’t.)

I’ve written a guide to Navagio Beach here to get you scaling the ultimate cliff face.

HOW NAVAGIO BEACH GOT ITS NAME

Navagio Beach is instantly recognizable (in addition to its pristine cliff face and blue water) by the shipwreck lying perfectly down the middle of the beach.

This ship is called Panagiotis and legend has it was a smugglers ship working on behalf of the Italian Mafia.

The ship was smuggling cigarettes from Turkey when it was spotted and subsequently chased by the Greek Navy off the shores of Zakynthos.

Unfortunately for the ship, during the pursuit of Panagiotis ran shallow ground, the sailors were forced to abandon her and she naturally ended up in the center of Navagio.

While this story does add excitement to the location, any skeptic would be quick to point out how perfectly the ship fits into the beach and now it’s a common belief that the shipwreck was planted there instead to promote tourism.

Either way, it certainly doesn’t detract from the area.

GETTING TO ZAKYNTHOS – BY AIR OR BY SEA

There are two main ways to get to Zakynthos, either by air or by ferry (which often is by bus then ferry).

Zakynthos is a popular tourist island for the Brits and as such there are quite a few direct flights into Zakynthos Airport from other countries in Europe and this would be the most straightforward way to get to the island.

British Airways , Ryan Air , and Thomson Airways  all offer cheap fares to Zakynthos. If you are already in Greece you can book a direct flight from Athens via Aegean Air  or other Greek Airlines. 

Like I said earlier, Zakynthos is located on the Italy side of Greece, alongside other islands like Kefalonia and Corfu. However, the popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos are located on the other side of the Greek mainland (the Turkey side of Greece).

Currently, there are no direct flights from these islands to Zakynthos, meaning if air travel is your preferred method of transport and you plan on visiting these other islands you will need to be making a transfer in Athens before continuing on.

I would strongly recommend checking Airline Ratings  before booking any flight, especially in smaller planes as quite often a cheap fare can make people overlook safety.

I traveled to Zakynthos from Athens and the process was quite straightforward, albeit a fairly long day of travel.

While Athens is a direct port for the other popular Greek islands like Santorini, to get to Zakynthos you must leave from Kyllini Port which is nowhere near Athens.

However, don’t worry, the Greek ferry transport is honestly the most efficient transport system I have seen (it puts Australia and UK transport systems to shame) and your journey will run smoothly.

For this journey, you need to book a bus ticket AND a ferry ticket (despite the actual ferry journey being inside the time frame of the bus journey).

This is super simple by booking through the KTEL Bus Company website . Here you can find the schedule, prices and direct booking.

When I went in the high season in August 2017 the buses were just under 30 Euro each way and the ferry was just under 10 Euro each way. Prices are subject to fluctuate with the season and popularity.

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RECOMMENDED TIPS FOR NAVAGIO BEACH GREECE

I booked ahead, however, when I got to the bus station and the ferry port, people were booking as they got there. I wouldn’t necessarily rely on this though as our bus was full.

The KTEL bus station is also located on the outskirts of the center, meaning it is unlikely to be in walking distance from your accommodation and the public transport is quite difficult to connect to the bus station despite it being a very busy hub!

A taxi to the station from Monastiraki (the center of Athens where most hostels and hotels are located) to the bus station costs around 5 Euros, but expect to be stung with 10 Euros for the identical journey on return as taxis have set prices from the bus station.

The bus journey was about 4.5 hours and the ferry journey is a quick hour trip where you are able to walk around the deck, relax and buy refreshments and food, as you have to disembark the bus while transferring by ferry.

When you dock in Zante you hop back on the bus and the bus drops you in Zakynthos Town about 5 minutes away from the harbor.

ACCOMMODATION IN ZAKYNTHOS

First things first: Zakynthos is not designed for budget travelers, backpackers or Round-The-Worlders. There are no hostels on the island (the first person to open up one would make a lot of money just saying…), only hotels and unfortunately, especially during summer, they are at hotel prices.

If you are going solo this may be a pain in your wallet but had I had one or two friends with me when I went it would have worked out the equivalent of a typical hostel dorm bed in Greece each.

It is one of the downsides of solo traveling when the area isn’t set up for solo travelers.

I stayed in Zakynthos Town , right at the port where the boat comes in. I did this mostly for the convenience of getting on and off the ferry and because a lot of boat tours (see below about getting to Navagio Beach) leave from this area but I’m not necessarily sure I would recommend it.

Laganas Beach on the South East of the Island is where almost everyone stays and I think I would have enjoyed my time in Zakynthos, outside of visiting Navagio Beach, a lot more had I stayed there.

If you are going to Zakynthos in the high season (July and August) I would strongly recommend booking accommodation earlier rather than later as things will sell out.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

Some well-reviewed luxury accommodation options near Zakynthos include:

• Zante Maris Suites
• Lesante Blu
• Olea All-Suite Hotel
• Castelli Hotel

MID RANGE ACCOMMODATION

Mid-range accommodation options with good reviews include:

• Balcony Hotel
• Keri Village & Spa

GETTING TO NAVAGIO BEACH LOOKOUT

Zakynthos is surprisingly a very large island. At 405.6km squared it is 5 times the size of Santorini and the third largest Ionian Island.

As Navagio Beach is located on the North West of the island don’t assume you will be able to just walk there. However you do have a few options, but I’ll let you know now the best option is to look at hiring a car.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Again, backing up what I said earlier about this island not being designed well for budget travelers, the public transport is actually quite shocking.

The public buses that do run tend to be between Zakynthos Town and Laganas Beach and some other beaches.

There are no public buses that take you to Navagio Beach lookout (the first person to start this would also make a lot of money, again, just saying…).

When I was doing my research I found there were a fair few bicycle hire places in various locations in Zakynthos that made me think bicycle hire would be the money-saving solution to the problem.

Luckily, however, my accommodation told me ahead of time that bike riding to Navagio Beach lookout wouldn’t work out in my favor as there is a lot of mountain terrain, and it would be hours there and hours back. Unless you’re in training for the Tour de France, forgo the bike.

You will see on the island and online that there are numerous tours of the Zakynthos, that include stopping at Navagio Beach lookout.

After reading online I found multiple sites that said the tours only stop at Navagio Beach lookout for 5-10 minutes, despite it being the highlight of the tour and there are a lot of filler activities on the way.

I saw this for myself when I was at the Navagio Beach lookout with buses coming and going in fairly quick intervals.

More so, as you will see in the photo below, there is an “official” look out over the beach, but it’s not exactly in a prime spot and look at how many people (from tours) are lining up to get their quick 3-second snap surrounded by a million other tourists.

As I’ve written below there are many other prime locations to view the beach than the sub-par lookout.

Looking at all options I also stumbled across taxis and found the price estimate online was close to 100 euros.

If you’re going with friends this could be an option as you could split the costs, but the price is equivalent to car hire where you can spend the day doing a lot more in addition to the lookout.

Car Hire looked like the best option for efficiency and cost. Remembering that most accommodations are on the opposite side of the island from Navagio Beach lookout the journey there will take you a good hour.

A few things I learned about car hire very quickly in my experience:

• Always check your insurance! I assumed that I was covered for rental car insurance given when I purchased travel insurance. However, looking back at my insurance after I saw that had something happened I would have been stung with additional heavy excess fees.  Some travel insurance companies like World Nomads  often include car rental insurance, but it depends on what country and state you are from. Always double-check the specific wording and coverage of your policy!
• Look into an international driver’s license just in case – some car hire companies will only accept international driver licenses and some don’t really care as long as you have a license in your own country. If you are in the USA you can easily get an international driver’s license by visiting your local AAA.
• Booking a car while in Zakynthos means you will get a much cheaper price than anything you find online (I got half price booking on the island vs. what I would have paid online), but you may miss out on obtaining car hire because it’s the high season and everyone wants a car. I had initially booked online with Ionian Rentals but the company canceled (through telling my accommodation not even directly to me) when I arrived at the island so I would NOT recommend them. I had a stressful afternoon running from a car hire place to car hire place until I found one that wasn’t sold out.
• When booking a car in person, be aware they don’t try and change the price on you. We agreed on a price, I came back 5 hours later to pick up the car, my car wasn’t available and a bigger car was, which they tried to tell me I needed to pay more for as it was an upgrade. I told them it wasn’t my mistake that the agreed car wasn’t available and they then agreed to pay the original price somewhat reluctantly.
• Zakynthos roads are FULL of tourist drivers and from my experience, they are not very good (they could be like me, never having driven on the right-hand side of the road before). But I saw countless drivers overtake on blind corners and double lines and loved a good tailgate and horn beep. 

As across all of the Greek islands, there are numerous quad bikes for hire in Zante.

This is almost the same as the car hire advice above, check your insurance, remember to take adequate care and obviously a factor in the additional driving time!

FINDING THE NAVAGIO BEACH LOOKOUT

The Navagio Beach lookout is actually very easy to find. You can use the Maps function on your phone to get to the lookout.

I was reliant on Wi-Fi without any data on my phone and 15 minutes into setting off I accidentally closed my maps and therefore lost the route. It was still VERY easy to find the lookout and having no maps wasn’t a hindrance.

Roughly study the map before you hop in to drive and you’ll know the basic area you need to head to. There are limited roads on the island outside the towns so head in the right direction and you’ll find it relatively easily. 

Driving to Navagio means you’ll also come across the Instagram-famous Juice Stall as well as numerous mountain goats!

THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT NAVAGIO BEACH

I found the ideal time to be at the Navagio Beach Lookout was midday. The famous white walls that surround the beach cast shadows over the water when the sun is not at centre point in the sky. The water is definitely a more pristine blue at midday.

The middle of the day does mean that more people will be there, but if you venture further than the “official” lookout you will have ample space to yourself.

Also do remember that Zakynthos, like almost all of Greece, is only really ‘open’ in the European Summer (May-October really) and like the rest of Greece will shut down in winter for tourism hibernation.

THE BEST VIEWPOINTS OF NAVAGIO BEACH

A car park indicates your arrival at the lookout. Walk in the same direction as everyone else, or towards the drink and food stalls. You will come to the “official” lookout mentioned above and get your first real glimpse of Navagio Beach.

However, better views are definitely further along. Just continue walking along the same way, away from the car park/buses/food stalls and you’ll be walking along the cliff where you’ll find photo opportunity after photo opportunity.

MIND THE CLIFF

You will get fairly close to the edge as the path that has been created goes close so be careful. I would stick to the path you can definitely get every photo you want and soak in the amazing view without straying into dangerous territory.

I would strongly recommend against taking any photos where you lean or ‘dangle’ over the cliff – I’ve seen them on Instagram and after being there myself it actually makes me a little angry because these shots are very dangerous and have resulted in deaths .

The photos all shown in this post are all taken while on the path often with framing that is misleading to how close I was to the cliff.

I can assure you, you can get photos like this without being close to dangling off the edges.

HOW LONG TO STAY NAVAGIO BEACH, GREECE

I spent a good 2 something hours at the lookout area, which was much longer than anyone else that was there.

However, this was in part due to coming just before midday and wanting to wait until the shadows had cleared the water below and also due to wanting to explore quite a lot.

I headed back to the food stall/car park/main lookout area after exploring down the side and headed down a new path that would lead to views directly over the beach rather than the ocean.

This was surprisingly very, very difficult. It wasn’t steep but returning back to the main area I was exhausted.

I ordered a bottle of water and cookies because I needed something to get some energy back into my system as I sat on the ground for a good 20 minutes recovering. If you are interested in a different view of the beach it was good, but be careful, take water and food because I was surprised by how tired it left me.

One really great thing about the Navagio Beach Lookout is that it costs nothing to enter (yet).

Unlike Croatia that due to its recent fame will charge money to view waterfalls, this place, even with the odd food stall and buses, is still a highly un-commercialized beauty.

GETTING TO NAVAGIO BEACH – THE ACTUAL BEACH

Navagio Beach is locked in by the ocean and there is no way to scale down the cliff face. While I do believe it is possible to hire a helicopter, the most efficient (and normal) transport there is by boat.

However, as you can see in the photos the beach is immensely popular and very busy. However, it was well worth the visit over and I do recommend.

Don’t expect to spend the day at Navagio Beach as due to its popularity boats are only allowed to drop people at the beach for one hour, in order to avoid extreme congestion.

BOOKING A BOAT

Booking a boat tour after you have arrived on the island, rather than online beforehand, is likely to save you a lot of money. Most of the boat companies do not have online presences so the ones that do are charging at a premium.

Just walk down the street and you will have more luck finding a deal (boat companies are everywhere) than you will have finding last minute car hire!

I chose an afternoon visit to the beach on the belief that it would be less crowded, and while it probably was it was still busy but it’s just something that comes with the territory of this beach.

There was still room to spread out, relax and enjoy the beauty.

Randomly when researching this beach I kept coming across complaints that the beach was not a beach rather pebbles with absolutely no sand.

So I was quite surprised when I arrived at Navagio and found there definitely was sand.

Not that it made any difference to me but given how often it had sprung up online I was surprised to find the opposite true – perhaps something to do with the tide? I don’t know.

Most boat cruises to Navagio Beach offer a stop at Blue Caves on the way to or from the beach and this I definitely recommend.

The Blue Caves are very pretty and most boats allow a swimming stop here, which was an added bonus!

Some companies say their boats are small enough to enter the caves so if you find one that says this I would recommend going with them – mine, unfortunately, was too large so it just showed us the caves from the outside and allowed us a swimming spot about 70m away.

Jumping off the boat into the clear dark blue water near the Blue Caves is a very happy memory of mine, so would definitely recommend anyone wanting to do the same.

I would also recommend sitting on the edge of the boat – the left heading to the beach, the right leaving the beach – as you will get an awesome view of the Zakynthos coastline, cliff faces, and many beautiful smaller beaches and coves along the way.

OTHER THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLAND

Parties! Zante is known as party island central  (especially to the Brits) and Laganas Beach is the area to stay to be right in the thick of it.

Parties range from clubs  to boats and everything in between and often visitors to Zante are there purely to drink, relax and party rather than site-see.

DAY TRIP TO KEFALONIA ISLAND

Kefalonia Island is right next door to Zakynthos and you can actually see it, especially when heading by boat to Navagio Beach. It’s the island that contains the famous Melissini Cave.

To get here you can take your rental car over by the island ferry (though always check you are allowed to take the rental car off the island) or there are day tours.

If you are interested in a day tour make sure you DO pre-book one as the tour companies here are surprisingly limited and only run on certain days.

Unfortunately, I was naïve here, waited until I got to the island and found everywhere was sold out. I suppose it’s just another reason to go back!

I loved the gyros made by Pita Pita . It was a store I was initially avoiding because it looked like a chain store rather than anything, but I end up having one and they had me going back the entire time I was there.

FROZEN GREEK YOGHURT

It’s heaven on earth. Forget any fro-yo you’ve had back home, frozen Greek yogurt is the making of dreams and there is plenty of it in Greece and Zakynthos!

SAFETY CONCERNS 

Pickpockets .

Children are known to steal belongings so keep a close eye on your stuff. These children are acting for their parents as they are much more trustworthy and therefore can be a lot sneakier.

Don’t get angry with them as they are still children and following what their parents want just to be cautious.

FIRES 

This is probably just down to my experience but the week before I was due to arrive Zakynthos was alight in flames. Due to it’s incredibly dry climate fires are common but the services are well equipped for them.

On my last night another fire started on the hill just near where I was staying that alarmed me greatly. I went to the police to ask what was happening, and through the aid of Google Translate, they said evacuation was unnecessary as the fire services were already there with helicopters to put the blaze out.

I would hardly consider fire to be a legitimate daily threat to your trip, but given it was in my experience, I thought there was no harm in adding it here!

I mentioned it before but be very careful driving. Many of the tourists on the roads are inexperienced and drive dangerously so take it slow.

Also, make sure you are properly insured to avoid any surprises!

Despite the additional expenses involved in coming to this island standing at Navagio Beach were the highlight of my trip and my year.

I also spent a lot less money than I originally had thought I would be shelling out due to pre-planning and keeping a more watchful eye on my spending when I arrived on the island.

I really hope this guide spares you a LOT of time and hassle in trying to find all this information across other pages, blogs and trip advisor question and answer forums!

Navagio Beach will always be etched in my memory as one of the most surreal and beautiful days of my life.

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Navagio Beach. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Vivian says

November 29, 2017 at 6:00 pm

This is paradise!

Vivian | LIVE IN LOVE http://www.viviyunn.com IG | @viviyunn_

We Are Travel Girls says

November 30, 2017 at 4:02 am

Thanks for reading Vivian!

January 22, 2018 at 10:01 am

Hey Vivian,

I work for http://www.thisiszante.com and http://www.projectzante.com – we love your blog! Could you pop us an email on [email protected] please :)

June 20, 2018 at 8:57 pm

You should go to Kefalonia as a trip on its own. It is stunning – and not as touristy as Zakynthos. Though I love Zakynthos, Kefalonia has a greater charm, Myrtos Beach rivals Navagio Beach, trust me!

Thiago says

January 28, 2019 at 3:14 pm

Great post! You help me a lot!

January 28, 2019 at 9:22 pm

Thanks for reading and commenting Thiago! – Vanessa Rivers, Co-Founder – We Are Travel Girls

June 3, 2019 at 8:05 am

What a great post! I googled ‘visit Shipwreck Beach’ and your article came up first. Very helpful information for my upcoming trip to Zakynthos. You have a wonderfully informative blog!

Emily Gola says

August 28, 2019 at 10:43 am

Hello! Is there a nice hotel within walking distance to Shipwreck beach? Would love to stay hear for a longer period of time.

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• [favorite_button] --> Zante Cruise with Swim Stops & Photo stop at Navagio Beach VIEW MORE
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Zante Cruise with Swim Stops & Photo stop at Navagio Beach

Uncover navagio beach also known as shipwreck beach, visit zante from kefalonia island. enjoy this amazing experience in the stunning coastline of zakynthos, starting from the beautiful “blue caves”. cruise inside the caves and see for yourself the changing colors of the fascinating caves enjoy swimming stops in secluded little coves around the island and also a photo stop at the famous navagio beach also known as shipwreck beach lunchtime is spent relaxing in the traditional village of northern zante where you can interact with locals. taste mouthwatering dishes & stroll around the beautiful traditional greek village.

Argostoli Cruise with Lunch & Wine

Discover Kefalonia

• previous post: Private Tour: Fteri Beach Swim Escape
• next post: Ithaca Daily Cruise with swim stops & snacks from Sami Port

Getting There

The best way to reach the beach, getting there.

A picture perfect setting awaits you at Navagio Beach, an exposed cove on the coast of Zakynthos. Visitors come from all corners of the world to grab photos of the famous ship wreck, called Panagiotis. The gorgeous blue water is just stunning in contrast to the white cliffs and sand.

Visiting Navagio by boat is a must on Zakynthos but it cannot be compared to the view revealed from edge of the cliffs above. Seeing the beach from the sea and from the cliff top is like seeing two different places and the best is if you can do both.

Once on Zakynthos, there is no chance to miss the offers for boat trip to Navagio, they are everywhere around you. Some of them are full-day cruises which tour around the island and the Shipwreck beach is part of their program. They are good if you want to see the entire island cove and the Blue Caves but if Navagio is your purpose, these trips may disappoint you because: You will have just 15-20 minutes on the beach for taking photos and selfies, and probably there will be more cruise boats with more people, as they tend to come at the same time, plus the private boats, boat taxis and parachute jumpers. The other option is to take part in a trip which tours only around the Blue Caves and Navagio – such are available from the northern villages. The boats are smaller, the trip takes less and allows you to spend more time on Navagio.

By speedboat

Hire a shared speedboat for 8-10 persons or to hire a boat entirely for yourself. They are really fast and take you to Navagio for 15-20 minutes, leave you there and come back to pick you up in 2 hours. If you choose this kind of transportation to Navagio, be aware that there is no pier at the beach. The cruise boats have planks on which you can walk and land on the beach without touching the water. The speedboat will leave you as closest as possible to the beach but in the final part you need to jump off in the knee-deep water and walk a few meters to the shore. It is neither difficult nor it requires swimming and yet it is good to know in case you are not prepared to get wet.

From the platform

The platform is easily reachable by car, your own or rented. Bus trips are also organized but like the full-day boat trips there is one negative – you will spend very little time there because it will be part of a program intended to show you as many places as possible in a day. Moreover, the best view is not from the platform. The platform itself shows just part of Navagio, it is small and protected with fence, suitable for 2-3 persons to be on it at the same time. While you are taking photos from the platform, others are waiting nervously for their turn, especially if there is a bus with 30+ persons on the queue. You will also notice that the some people pass by the platform and head towards the end of the cliff – it is flat, covered with stones and grass and relatively easy walk on but it is dangerous because there is no protection. At the end of the cliff you will see the beach just like you have seen it on its best photos, and you will also notice another small beach next to Navagio which is not visible from the platform. Once again – the platform is the only safe place from which to see Navagio. Walking on the cliff top is dangerous and entirely at your own risk.

The 10 best things to do in Zante

Z ante is renowned for raucous nightlife, but there’s a far more authentic side to the Venetians 'Fiore di Levante' (flower of the Levante) . 

For such a small island, scenery is extremely varied: the southern coastline - home to Laganas’ notorious nightlife strip - also encompasses the pristine beaches of Zakynthos Marine Park, where loggerhead sea turtle come to nest, whilst some of the island’s best-known attractions, including Navagio beach on the cliff-lined northerly coast, can only be reached by boat. 

Birthplace of the man who penned Greece’s national anthem, Zante was also a magnet for literary greats: Byron lay in state here and philhellene Edgar Allan Poe wrote a sonnet to the island’s ‘verdant slopes’.

Last but not least, food is a powerful lure here: sit in a rustic sea view tavern sipping local Verdea white wine with a plate full of traditional kouneli stifado garlic and tomato-soaked rabbit stew and you’ll be hooked.

For further Zante inspiration, see our guides to the isalnds's best  hotels ,  restaurants  and  nightlife . Plan an extended visit with our  ultimate guide to planning a Greek island-hopping holiday.

Take the train

The white trainaki (little train) which trundles out of Zante town to Kalamaki’s café-lined beach – stopping off en route to discover perfume workshops (scents are inspired by Mediterranean landscapes), and ceramic workshops selling Byzantine-style crocks – is an ideal and eco-friendly way to see the island’s sights. Another train leaving from Alykes beach chugs through ancient olive groves to visit the high flung mountain villages of Katastari and Pigadakia, and culminates in a boozy tasting session – local Graigos wine served with spicy lado tyri cheese and other specialties in the tree-shaded tavern Kaki Rahi.

Insider's tip:  Travel sickness sufferers should sit near the front.

Contact: trainaki.com

Discover the wildlife

Zante is a haven for the endangered loggerhead turtle that clamber ashore to lay their eggs on the protected beaches of Zakynthos’ Marine Park. Other critically endangered species that can be found frolicking in this protected zone, which stretches from wild and lonely Cape Marathia to Gerakas’ talc-soft beach, include doe-eyed Mediterranean monk seals. To get up close without disturbing them, take a day trip to Marathonissi – better known as Turtle Island – with eco-friendly experts Nefis Travel.

Insider's tip: Never disturb the turtles, or stay on the beaches after sunset when they could be nesting or hatching out. 

Contact: nefis-travel.com

Hitch a boat ride

Some of the island’s best attractions can only be reached by boat: Skinari is the starting point for half-day excursions to get a glimpse of Navagio, or Shipwreck beach, the dramatically picturesque cliff-framed sandy cove which earns its name from the rusted hulk of the MV Panagiotis, washed up here after an epic storm in the 1980s. Most trips also stop off at the Blue Caves, so-called because their pale limestone walls give the sea a ghostly turquoise hue.

Insider's tip: The Navagio viewpoint near Volimes village is accessible by road, but it’s impossible to access the beach from this high-flung spot.

Contact: potamitisbros.gr

Meet the literatis

Dig deep into the soul of this culture-loving island at the Solomos Museum, which is dedicated to Greece’s national poet, who was born here in 1798. The poet’s primrose-yellow neoclassical home, which was bombed during the Second World War, contains an eclectic and fascinating selection of the writer’s personal artefacts: look out for the desk where Dionysios penned the country’s rousing national anthem in 1823 and the mausoleum on the ground floor which contains the poet’s bones.

Insider's tip: Don’t miss the other rooms dedicated to the life and times of other famous island scholars, including celebrated Greek Revolution poet Andreas Kalvos.

Contact: zakynthos-museumsolomos.gr

Stroll the streets of Zante town

Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1953, then rebuilt in Venetian style, Zante town’s (semi-pedestrian) paved streets are lined with an elegant collection of buildings – low and well proportioned, with porticoes and pastel-painted facades – many of them are home to cafés and craft boutiques. 

Insider's tip : Look out for the Provençal-style façade of Archontiko Roma. One of the few buildings that wasn’t reduced to rubble, this 17th-century mansion which once belonged to President of the Greek Parliament Alexander Roma is now a small museum – family portraits, works of art and period furniture give an intriguing insight into the once lavish lifestyle of the island’s aristocracy, but it is not often open so call before visiting.

Contact: 00 30 26950 28381

Admire the views

A winding road just outside of Zante town leads to Bochali, a pretty pine-scented suburb where the ruined battlements of the island’s battered 15th-century castle offer eagle-eye views over Zante’s red-tiled roofs, glittering harbour and the dense pine forests and sand beaches of distant Vassilikos peninsula. Enter the incense-scented Zoodoxo Pigi church to see richly gilded Byzantine icons, and then hike back down to Bochali village nearby and order a beer and meze snacks in one of the cafés clustered around the square.

Insider's tip:  Phone in advance to check that the church is open.

Contact: 00 30 26950 22293

Price: Free

Roam with local deer

Families will love Askos Stone Park, named for its pond-sized 13th-century stone cisterns, whose tranquil green waters now squawk with ducks. Friendly guides lead walks out along the wooded hiking trails of this small nature park surrounded by dense pine forest: to pluck and sniff the wild thyme and oregano used to flavour countless local dishes, or to (hopefully) encounter Roe deer that run wild here. Children can also pick peaches and apples in the orchard or pet the farm animals which include portly pot-bellied pigs and fluffy chinchilla rabbits. 

Insider's tip:  Buy handcrafted goats cheese and homemade jams from the farm shop.

Contact: 00 30 26950 31650; facebook.com

Visit a winery

Historically, most of the island’s grape production was exported as currants – even so, Zante’s dry, highly alcoholic wine is well worth sampling in one of the island’s half a dozen wineries. The typical local wine is the oak-barrel-aged, intensely flavoured, highly acidic white Verdea, which has been produced here since the 19th century – another must-try is the silky-sweet Lianoroidi white. Sample both at Art and Wine, the Giatras-Gkoumas family’s century-old wine estate in the island’s north east region. Owner Giannis is also a skilled icon painter. 

Insider's tip: Hire a car – most wineries are well off the beaten track.

Contact: artandwine.gr

Learn about the local olive oil

The 2,000-year-old olive tree in the village of Exo Hora is living proof that world class extra virgin olive oil has been produced on Zante for millennia. Aristeon Olive Press is a (rather characterless) modern factory producing some of the island’s best organic oil, but the small well-organised museum inside is packed with olive oil-making paraphernalia – age-pitted stone mills, ancient wooden presses and tall clay pots. An informative guided visit is followed by a tasting session, when crusty local bread is dipped into fruity green oil.

Insider's tip:  Visits are free but remember to tip the guide. 

Contact:  aristeon.gr

Price:  Free

Hike to a high place

From the resort of Kalamaki on Zante’s south east coast, it’s a long, steep hike along thyme-scented, boulder-strewn paths to reach Panagia Skopiotissa (the island’s oldest monastery), but it’s well worth it for the views from this lofty leafy mountaintop whose name – Skopos – means watchtower. The monastery has been abandoned for decades, but the walls of the stocky 15th-century church blaze with 17th-century frescoes – the real gem is the gilded Panagia Skopiotissa icon said to have been brought here from Constantinople in 1341.

Insider's tip: Ask for the keys to the church at Skopos’ small café.

Price:  Free

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10 most beautiful beaches in the world 

Who doesn’t love the turquoise waters and blue skies of the best beaches in the world? Just you, melting your stress away as you feel your toes on the golden sand and skin under the comforting warmth of the summer sun.

If you’re looking for signs to schedule your holiday escape, this is it.

I’ve had my fair share of attractions claiming to be “best,” only to get disappointed. But if we’re talking beaches, I’ve handpicked 10 of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Each of these breathtaking shorelines deserve a place on your travel bucket list.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

1. Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Famous for: Snow white coastlines and crystal clear waters

Whitsunday Island, located nine kilometres off the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia, hides one of the world’s most stunning beaches: Whitehaven Beach.

I can’t think of anything better than strolling down its dazzling white seven-kilometre stretch of sand with a backdrop of idyllic turquoise waters.

Panoramic views of the shoreline colliding with the lush green of the Australian rainforest make you feel like you’re teleported to paradise.

2. Navagio Beach, Greece

Famous for: Historic wreckage and strikingly blue waters

Sometimes referred to as the “Smuggler’s Cove”, Navagio Beach can be found on the shores of the Greek island of Zakynthos.

It’s well-known for the rusted remains of the 43-year-old ship nestled between the chalky limestone cliffs and anchored on its ivory grains. 

But what makes it oh-so-perfect is the magnificent cerulean waters contrasting with the surreal image of the MV Panagiotis.

Walking down its bay is like witnessing a postcard come to life, a real treasure of the Ionian Sea.

3. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles

Famous for: Most photographed beach in the world

Sitting at the heart of La Digue Island, Seychelles, is a breathtaking coast many have only seen in pictures: Anse Source d’Argent.

The Anse Source d’Argent is often praised as the most photographed beach in the world and it’s easy to see why.

Like the stuff of summer dreams, the beach features huge oddly shaped granite boulders, pearlescent sands, jungle palms, and azure waters.

4. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Famous for: Stunning black sand beach and basalt columns

Moving away from most people’s typical idea of a “beach” is Iceland’s Reynisfjara Beach with its mysteriously black aesthetics.

If you’re a Game of Thrones or Star Wars fan like myself, setting foot on its pitch-black sands should be at the top of your bucket list.

Reynisfjara Beach boasts many natural wonders, including towering cliffs and the unique hexagonal basalt columns.

There’s also the Reynisdrangar , the 216-foot rock pillars that inspired eerie folktales from the locals.

Discover more of my favourite black sand beaches in Iceland .

5. Zlatni Rat, Croatia

Famous for: Golden sand bar and deep blue waters

Zlatni Rat Beach, or the “Golden Horn” is a must-visit for anyone looking for the perfect Mediterranean escapade.

Located on Brac Island, Croatia, the uniquely shaped and golden pebble beach appears reaching into the sapphire-hued waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Surrounded by decades-old pines and smiling local faces, it’s certainly Croatia’s best that I’d definitely revisit.

6. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

Famous for: Bermuda’s blushing sand beach

Bermuda is home to many astounding beachfronts, but most of them would pale in comparison to Horseshoe Bay.

Think of powdery pink sand and captivating blue tides under the warmest sun. Perfect for sunbathers, photographers, and swimmers.

Strolling along its beach, you’ll notice that the sand closest to the water is the rosiest. You have our red foraminifera friends to thank for that!

7. Playa del Amor, Mexico

Famous for: Mexico’s nudist beach

Perched amid Mexico’s tourist hotspot, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Amor, or “Lovers Beach,” is another must-visit waterfront owing to its stunning white sands and expansive vista of the Pacific.

But here’s the fun part: this little hideaway shoreline is also a popular nudist beach!

As the sky turns to a gorgeous lilac and the sun orange, you’ll see hordes of people in their birthday suits, piling toward Lovers Beach.

Stay a little longer, and you can watch the nude crowd erupt into ecstatic applause as the sun dips over the horizon!

8. Matira Beach, French Polynesia

Famous for: Panoramic blue vistas and milky sands

Bora Bora’s Matira Beach is nothing but a real-life slice of paradise. Here, you can enjoy gorgeous multi-hued sunsets while relishing a serving of fresh Mahi Mahi.

Adventure junkies are as welcome as nature lovers here.

Between paddle boarding, water skiing, and wakeboarding, you’ll have more than enough stories to share when you get home.

9. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

Famous for: Water sports hub

The Grand Cayman is a notorious destination for those who love water sports.

But if you’re ever visiting this Mediterranean utopia, you’d be remiss not to enjoy and dip in its award-winning Seven Mile Beach .

Attracting millions of visitors worldwide, the seven-mile stretch of cerulean waters and powder-soft sand is a sight to steal your breath away.

10. Baía do Sancho, Brazil

Famous for: Jaw-dropping scapes and marine life

Located on a humble island in Fernando de Noronha, an hour away from the country’s mainland, anyone who considers themselves a travel junkie must know about this hidden gem.

As one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, Baía do Sancho flaunts bewitching land and seascapes. But what’s really captivating about it is its pristine ocean.

To get here, you must brave the local wildlife, squeeze through tunnels, and survive the scalding temperatures.

Have you visited any of these breathtaking spots? Or any you’d add to my list of the most beautiful beaches in the world? Let me know in the comments below!

You may also like: 

• 10 most luxurious spas in the world
• 10 places to visit before they disappear
• 10 most luxurious hotels in the world

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Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

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This Refreshed Cruise Ship Is the Perfect Choice for a Solo Vacation — With Plenty of Entertainment and a Relaxing Vibe

On an Atlantic Ocean crossing, one traveler discovers the charms of the Norwegian Getaway — and of spending a blissful two weeks at sea.

The Staterooms

Bars and restaurants, where norwegian getaway sails, shore excursions, amenities and entertainment, family-friendly offerings, accessibility.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Earlier this year, life was feeling fast-paced, and I decided a big break was in order. Looking for a way to slow down and reset, I remembered the words of my father, who passed in 2015. He was in the Navy as a young man, and had always told me I should cross an ocean at least once. So, taking that as my inspiration, I booked a solo trip to sail across the Atlantic, aboard the Norwegian Getaway .

The itinerary would take me from New York to Southampton, England, over the course of two weeks in late April and early May. As a one-way trip, the journey is what insiders call a repositioning cruise, when a ship moves from one part of the world to another, usually to follow the seasons. (I planned to fly home once I reached the U.K.)

This would not be one of those old-fashioned, no-stopping crossings, though: After leaving New York, our 3,903-passenger ship visited Canada before traveling five consecutive days in the North Atlantic. On the European leg, we also visited Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France before our final stop in Southampton. I was intrigued by the interesting itinerary, for sure, but also by Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to solo travelers . The line offers solo pricing, cabins built specifically for singles, and grants all independent travelers access to a private lounge meant just for them. Turns out, this solos-only space has the very best cup of complimentary coffee on board.

Another discovery was just how easy it was to keep up with work while at sea, thanks to the Starlink system on Getaway . I splurged on the upgraded Wi-Fi package and found the signal strong and consistent, even during slightly inclement weather. It also worked wonderfully from my inside cabin. This was, I’ll admit, surprising, considering the ship was relatively full: On sea days — and given the relatively chilly spring weather — many guests were indoors a lot and likely to be on their devices.

I savored the long stretches at sea, when I could be as active or as relaxed as I wanted. There were numerous entertainment offerings day and night; a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center; plenty of hot tubs; and an outdoor running track with wonderful views on Deck 16. Every now and then, I ventured out for some fresh air and whale watching, binoculars in hand, on the Waterfront, a quarter-mile promenade on Deck 8 with outdoor bars and cozy seating. Other times, I would duck into one of the specialty dining restaurants, such as Ocean Blue or La Cucina, which don’t operate during mid-day hours but nevertheless offer a quiet place to sit: window tables with beautiful views of the ocean.

Personally, I found sailing for days with no land in sight both relaxing and thrilling. And, thankfully, we only experienced one day with high seas; in our case, it was 15-foot swells. For me, the over-the-counter medicines I packed were completely effective. Phew!

While Getaway isn’t one of the newest Norwegian ships, I found it by-and-large to be comfortable and contemporary. I did miss having a large “observation lounge” like those found on other Norwegian ships, such as the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy . However, other recent updates to this vessel that was first launched in 2014 have improved the experience on board. During one recent cosmetic overhaul, Norwegian made changes to the casino layout on Getaway to better contain the smoking area, which had previously been adjacent to a nearby restaurant, and also spruced up the main dining venue, now called the Manhattan Room.

One thing I did learn the hard way is that I should have started my adventure in Europe and sailed toward the U.S. Going the other way would’ve let me gain rather than lose an hour of sleep most nights. I’ll have to keep that in mind for my next repositioning cruise.

Now, here’s a closer look at the staterooms, amenities, food, and other features on Norwegian Getaway .

Norwegian Getaway

• With 2,014 cabins, Norwegian Getaway has a tremendous variety of amenities on a ship that’s comfortably smaller than some of the biggest now sailing. 
• Efficiently designed staterooms featuring spacious bathrooms with plenty of storage. 
• Getaway is well-suited for solo travelers with studio cabins and the Studio Lounge, an area exclusive to solo cruisers with coffee, light refreshments, and cocktails.
• Tony Award–winning musicals and other entertainment is as excellent as you’d expect on a large ship.
• Starlink Wi-Fi makes it possible to “work from sea” while on longer itineraries.

With 2,014 staterooms, Getaway has a cabin and price point to suit almost any travel style. Guests looking for an elevated experience can choose from 80 suites in the Haven, what Norwegian calls its exclusive “ ship-within-a-ship ” area, complete with a private restaurant, lounge, and pool. (One thing to note: Only 28 suites on Getaway are truly within the Haven, with the remaining 52 elsewhere on the ship — though they do have access to all of the amenities.)

As a solo traveler, I went the other direction, reserving an inside cabin. Unfortunately, by the time I booked my trip, all the cabins on the ship that are specifically for solo travelers were sold out. ( Getaway has 59 studio staterooms and 20 solo balcony cabins for single travelers.) Instead, I was offered solo pricing on a slightly larger interior cabin. Not one to pass up a deal, I reserved despite the fact the room didn’t have a balcony — or even a window. Decorated in warm brown hues with pops of blue, Cabin 12455 was cozy and comfortable, with a fun, midcentury modern carpet. It was smartly appointed and efficiently designed with several storage nooks to keep organized; the bathroom was larger than I expected.

With nearly 20 different dining options on Getaway , I always felt like I had plenty of choices, even on a 14-day trip. Complimentary for all guests are three main dining rooms, as well as the American Diner; Garden Cafe, as the buffet is known; Shanghai’s Noodle Bar; and O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, the ship’s 24-hour eatery offering traditional tavern fare.

I was personally more excited by the eight specialty restaurants, access to which is either à la carte or available with an upgraded dining package. Getaway is one of the few Norwegian ships with Wasabi, a sushi spot, and the Raw Bar, a great place to have a few oysters and some bubbly before a show. There are also Italian, Brazilian, and French restaurants on board. Two standout dishes for me were the poached pear dessert at Le Bistro and the roasted beets with goat cheese and truffle dressing at Ocean Blue.

The ship has about 20 different bars, give or take, considering some, such as Sugarcane Mojito Bar and Syd Norman’s Pour House, have both indoor and outdoor bars and various entertainment venues also mix and serve drinks. If the popular Atrium Bar or Mixx Bar were too busy for my taste, I would venture to the classy Prime Meridian Bar, which always felt like a clandestine spot for a nightcap.

For summer dates in 2024, the ship will cruise the Greek islands out of Athens, with itineraries that also include Turkey, Malta, Spain, and Portugal. The next transatlantic crossing, a 12-day voyage in early October, departs Lisbon for Miami, with visits to Nova Scotia, Canada; the Azores, Portugal; and New York. Then, Getaway returns to Caribbean waters with fall and winter cruises from New Orleans to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras.

In 2025, Getaway will sail Caribbean destinations, with visits to places such as Curaçao, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Grand Cayman. Spring and summer itineraries include various New York to Bermuda trips, and late 2025 voyages take the Getaway to Canada and the Bahamas.

I opted for excursions in Zeebrugge, Belgium and Le Havre, France, both ports that required a bit of travel to get to what I wanted to see. The “Bruges and Belgian Chocolates” excursion included a well-paced stroll through the medieval city center and a visit to the Chocolate Museum. While in France, I enjoyed a full-day tour on the “Monet’s Giverny & Rouen” experience, including a visit to Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. (Next time, I would not go on a busy holiday weekend!). The lovely trip was rounded out by an included lunch at a charming countryside villa, and a stop in Rouen, the capital of Normandy.

Something to keep in mind is that these excursions were all large groups, with an average of 40 people per tour. Generally, the days were well organized and transport ran smoothly. The only major hiccup seemed to be in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland. Rather than be at a dock, the ship was at anchor, which meant that guests had to get ashore by tender. Norwegian allowed passengers to reserve a time slot for tenders — but many of us still had to wait as long as 90 minutes to get ashore.

On a ship of this size, there’s always something to do. Almost everyone on board raved about the Tony Award–winning musical “Million Dollar Quartet,” as well as the imaginative “Broadway Unplugged” show. Elsewhere, Headliners Comedy Club had stand-up acts as well as an upbeat dueling pianos show. Bliss Ultra Lounge was the place to dance into the wee hours; the ship also had a casino and cigar lounge.

For more relaxed vibes, there’s the Mandara Spa, with its treatment rooms and a Thermal Suite, which had heated tile loungers, saunas, a whirlpool, and a salt room. It was incredibly busy on sea days; I heard the overall experience was better on days the ship was in port.

Given the season, there were only a few brave souls in the main pools on my trip, but Getaway does have two, plus a kids-oriented water park and five waterslides. (While I didn’t see anyone enjoying the relaxing “wet lounge” in the adults-only Spice H2O, it was the place to grab a piña colada when the sun was out.) Ten outdoor hot tubs — four located near the main pools, two in Spice H2O, and four more in the exclusive areas of Vibe Beach Club and the Haven — were certainly put to good use. There’s a Ropes Course soaring high above Deck 17, for a bit of adrenaline-pumping adventure; giving it a go is included in the cruise far.

Given that I was traveling for two weeks, and during the school year, I wasn’t surprised that there were few children aboard. But, on other trips, Getaway could be an ideal option for families. The ship has a complimentary Splash Academy youth program, and older kids can make new friends at the Entourage teens’ club. There’s also a kid-specific “aqua park,” and a series of five multistory waterslides. Additional amenities for families including an arcade, a small bowling alley, and a well-equipped sports area complete with an outdoor basketball court which, by popular request on my cruise, was turned into a makeshift pickleball court.

Getaway has approximately 40 accessible rooms in different stateroom categories, including in the Haven, featuring wider doors, roll-in showers, grab bars, and enough space to turn mobility devices. The ship can accommodate most wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and all dining and bar venues are accessible. There are accessible public restrooms, entertainment venues with accommodations, and ADA pool lifts can be found in the main pool and hot tub area, as well as in the Thermal Suite. With the exception of Decks 17 and 18, all have guest elevator access. Gangways for embarking and disembarking are wide enough to accommodate most mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

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