No Swimming or Approach Allowed at Zakynthos’ Navagio Beach

Navagio beach, Zakynthos, Greece.

A government decision officially bans access to one of Greece’s most famous beaches, Navagio on the island of Zakynthos.

The popular beach will remain closed for the summer season and boats will only be able to take tourists to a designate sea area for a total of 20 minutes, according to the port master decision publish in the Government Gazette (FEK).

The decision sets out  the exact distance allowed to ensure safe approach to the world-famous Shipwreck Beach. The aim, authorities said, is to ensure the protection of human life and preserve order and safety during the tourist season.

More specifically, Zakynthos port master decision states that access is prohibited inside a set area which joins the two ends (north and south) of the Navagio bay. Within these limits anchoring of any floating vessel motorized or non-motorized as well as swimming is prohibited.

Additionally, boats will be allowed to enter the safe sea zone from the northern end of Navagio bay outbound towards the southern end daily from 8am to 3.30pm.

Tour boats will be able to remain in the designated safe sea zone for 20 minutes.

Navagio beach, Zakynthos, Greece.

No more than 15 motorized or non-motorized seacraft will be allowed within the predetermined limits at a time.

The decision to shut off access to Shipwreck Beach 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.

Local tourism professionals were up in arms over the decision, which they said 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.