Minister: Reopening Zakynthos’ Navagio Beach a Priority

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni observing Navagio Beach from a special platform.

Reopening one of Greece’s most iconic attractions and one of the most instagrammed sites in the world, the shipwreck on Navagio Beach on Zakynthos is a priority, said Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni during her visit this week to the island.

Kefalogianni visited the site from the platform above before meeting with local officials and tourism stakeholders.

The minister reiterated that it was a top government priority to reopen the site “in conditions of safety and protection”. She went on to add that the local community should have a say in the management of the site and that the ministry supports the cooperation between local and regional government.

“The final decisions however will be made centrally by the government,” she added.

Referring to Navagio Beach which has been closed off to the public for a third consecutive year, Kefalogianni said the ministry was awaiting research and studies before making any decisions.

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni with local stakeholders on Zakynthos.

Kefalogianni visited Zakynthos as part of a wider tour of the Ionian Islands Region. She met with local government and tourism professionals. She pledged the ministry’s support in efforts to promote the island and added that Zakynthos’ wide range of resources and activities will enable it to extend the tourist season offering visitors many options and generating revenues for the local economy.

Navagio beach was closed off last month due to safety risk and again in 2023, 2022 and 2018, after a landslide injured seven people.