Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach is sometimes referred to as “Smugglers Cove” and is situated on the coast of Zakynthos, one of Greece’s Ionian Islands. Sometime in 1981 the Greek authorities were tipped that a freightliner in the waters around Zakynthos Island was smuggling contraband, including cigarettes, wine and women, and a chase began. Stormy weather and bad visibility resulted in the ship running aground right on Navagio Beach. The ship was abandoned and still rests buried in white sandy dunes of the beach that now bears the nickname “Shipwreck”.
Navagio is located on the north-west shore of Zakynthos (Zante), in an area defined by its sheer limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and clear blue water. These features attract thousands of tourists to the island each year, but the strip of Shipwreck beach can only be accessed by boat. Regular tours to the beach are available.
Navagio is also a famous BASE jumping location. A British BASE jumper was killed at the site in 2012.
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