Access to Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach Banned This Summer

Navagio beach, Zakynthos.

After ongoing wrangling between island officials, local government and tourism stakeholders, Zakynthos’ most famous beach, Navagio will remain closed for the summer season.

The decision comes after repeated recommendations by the President of the National Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (EPPO), Efthymios Lekkas, who reiterated his arguments concerning the safety of the site, adding that “it would be disastrous if an accident happened”.

Lekkas said successive landslides have been observed which are part of the natural process that makes the beach so special. “We’ve attempted to define zones but they didn’t work because there was no patrolling and new, larger landslides were in progress.”

Navagio beach, Zakynthos.

The joint decision announced this week by the Citizen Protection, Shipping, Tourism and Climate Crisis ministries, was published in the Government Gazette and bans access to the bay of Navagio Beach by sea and land until October 31. Additionally, sailing or anchoring in the cited area by all floating motorized or non-motorized means as well as swimming is prohibited. Violators will be fined, the decision reads.

Lekkas went on to add that efforts were being made to find ways the site could be used by professionals and tourists. “We are in fruitful discussions with Zakynthos residents as well as with MPs, the regional governor and the relevant ministries. I believe that a very good solution will be found for everyone so that there is no financial burden and impact on the residents of Zakynthos and there is also the required safety for tourists,” he said speaking to ERT.

“If any accident happens, it will be disastrous for a very long time for the entire area,” he said.

Navagio beach, Zakynthos.

Meanwhile, local tourism professionals are up in arms over the decision which they say will have a negative impact on the island.

One of the most instagrammed sites in the world, Navagio Beach is a popular travel destination known for its signature shipwreck. Last year, the beach was once again closed off to the public due to safety risk. In 2018, access to the beach was banned after a landslide injured seven people.

“The safety of residents and visitors is a top priority and the decision was reached taking into account new scientific data presented by the EPPO and its president Professor Lekkas and in view of the high traffic in the area during the tourist season,” said Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said recently.