Navagio beach is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in Greece. It is also ranked in the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. The location of the stranded ship seems almost too idyllic to not have been premeditated. Yet, there is an astonishing story behind the shipwreck of Navagio beach.
On the North-West Coast of the island of Zakynthos there is a cove with crystal clear, vibrant blue waters and a bright white pebble beach. On top of the beach, there are the metal remains of a humongous ship.
The Story of the Shipwreck
In october 1980, the MV Panayiotis washed up on Navagio Beach, previously known as Agios Giorgos. There are many theories and speculations as to why the ship chose to seek shelter in this cove. Most of the theories claim that the MV Panayiotis was a smugglers ship. According to some, the ship was smuggling cigarettes, wine, and even humans when authorities apprehended it and cornered it until it circled aground in the cove. Others, who believe the ship was smuggling contraband, claim the ship lost power and washed ashore in the bay.
The captain of the ship, Kefalonia-born Captain Charalambos Kompothekras–Kotsoros, explained the true account of what happened that night. On September 6, 1980, the ship sailed from Argostoli, Kefalonia, to Durrës, Albania. When the shipment was ready and set sail for return on October 2, 1980, the ship washed up on the beach of Agios Giorgos near Volimes due to bad weather and mechanical failure.
After the court cleared him of all accusations, he was instructed by authorities to remove the vessel on his own. When he went to see how he could perform the maneuver, which deemed incredibly difficult due to the location of the cove, he was so taken with the beauty of the rusting carcass that he decided to leave it alone.
Must See Location
Seeing the Shipwreck while visiting Zakynthos is an absolute must. You can either visit the Shipwreck from up close by sailing towards the beach with a boat, or you can visit the viewpoint and admire the Shipwreck from many meters above. We personally love to visit the shipwreck in the spring or autumn because the beach is often near empty. Seeing the Shipwreck rest upon the beach all by its self is a sight you will never forget.
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