Greece’s Most Famous Shipwreck Closes for Summer

Mother Nature is never one to be ignored. From volcano eruptions to destructive storms, 2023 has seen its fair share of natural disasters affecting our carefully planned vacations. Greece is no exception as one of its most popular attractions for family travelers closes for summer due to local seismic activity.

The iconic Navagio Beach on the island of Zakynthos is known for its stunning shipwreck, one of the most-photographed locations in Greece. The beached remains of a ship that ran aground in a storm in 1980 rests majestically on white sand, framed beautifully by sheer cliffs in the background and turquoise waters in the foreground. Despite its popularity, the site has been closed to tourists since September 2022 when a 5.4-magnitude earthquake caused a portion of the sheer cliffs surrounding the shipwreck to fall. After a March safety check from the Anti-Seismic Planning and Protection Organization, experts agree the beach remains a danger and will remain closed throughout the summer.

A similar closure occurred in 2018 when an earthquake caused a landslide that injured seven, forcing a closure that lasted until April of the following year. While locals and fans of the island are undoubtedly upset about the closure, the government takes the safety of tourists seriously.

If your summer vacation plans include a trip to Zakynthos, don’t let this closure get you down. While the island is famous for its iconic shipwreck, there is still plenty to do and see on Zakynthos to make your vacation a memorable one. The beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and enjoying a variety of water sports. The island is also home to beautiful churches, fascinating museums and an incredible food scene reflecting both Greek and Italian influences.

One of the best ways to see the island is via a boat tour taking you to spots like the Blue Caves. Located on the island’s northwestern coast, this series of caves is noted for iridescent blue waters. The tours also take you around the island, where you can sail past the shipwreck from a safe distance.