Zakynthos island shipwreck on the beach and other attractions

What to do and see in Zakynthos and how much it costs

• Shipwreck Beach, Viewpoint, Blue Caves Day Tour; Experience the iconic Shipwreck Beach, Blue Caves, and stunning views on this full-day trip around the island of Zakynthos. 
• Zakynthos Premium 4×4 Island Experience; Explore Zakynthos on a 4×4 tour, discovering panoramic views, ancient olive trees, & hidden gems.
• Small boat trip to Keri, Mizithres & Marathonisi; Embark on a 3-hr boat trip from Agios Sostis. Explore Keri Caves, swim in the Ionian Sea, spot Caretta-Caretta turtles, and enjoy local lunch.

• Book a hotel at a good price and enjoy the beauty of Zakynthos.
• Rent a car; The rented car will help you realize travel plans faster and more efficiently.

Shipwreck Bay in Zakynthos and Navajo Beach

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, the bay surrounded by rocks with a beautiful beach, where a rusty shipwreck lies, was the reason I had been planning a trip to Zakynthos for years. I assume that, besides me, a significant number of tourists flew to the island precisely because of this wreck.

The image of an old ship rusting on the white sand, like a beached whale, has become a symbol not only of Zakynthos but also appears in brochures advertising holidays throughout Greece.

Of course, the wreck itself, although well-known, is not the only attraction of the bay named after it. The surrounding white cliffs beautifully contrast with the sapphire colour of the sea. And that small, intimate beach with light sand, literally like something out of a fairy tale. No wonder many consider it the most charming beach in the world.

Personally, however, I believe that the beach in the Shipwreck Bay pales in comparison to that of Balos Bay in Crete, primarily due to accessibility. You can only reach the Shipwreck Bay by sea, which greatly limits possibilities, especially since I am a fan of hiking.

The story of the wreck from Navagio beach in Zakynthos

The story of the wreck lying on the beach is quite mundane, although the island authorities have been building an atmosphere of mystery and uncertainty around it for many years. Local legends tell of pirates whose ship crashed on the coastal rocks as the desperate crew fled from the police after the heist of the century. Others claim it was a ship of drug smugglers, carrying gold, and recently, I heard it was transporting terrorists from Africa and prostitutes for the Italian mafia.

However, the truth is that the wreck is an old coaster named MV Panagiotis, which ran aground near the island in the 1980s. It is an old vessel, built back in the 1930s, so the owner decided to abandon the boat, and the authorities of Zakynthos towed it to the nearby beach, where it was to become a symbol.

Access to the beach in the Shipwreck Bay is only possible from the sea, using the services of local carriers or by booking an organized tour, often combined with visiting other parts of the island. Until recently, you could also admire the bay from an observation deck.

Unfortunately, recently, the island authorities along with the Zakynthos Planning and Seismic Protection Organization (OASP) recommended closing Navagio Beach and imposing a ban on bathing nearby. Specialists believe that the pace of cliff erosion and the large number of tourists are increasing the risk.

What’s worse, the observation deck overlooking the beach with the wreck has also been closed. This was due to the cliffs collapsing and weathering of the rocks below the deck. As you’ll see in the photos, we managed to climb to the edge of the cliff, and it was really worth it. The good news is that there are alternative viewpoints around the wreck bay, such as Torra Veveciana or Kambi. Although they are lower than the closed one, the view from them is equally spectacular.

Blue Caves in Zakynthos

Another attraction in Zakynthos, apart from the famous Shipwreck Bay, is the Blue Caves. It is a network of caves and passages carved by waves into the soft, white limestone cliffs on the northwest coast of the island, between the town of Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari.

The bright rocks of this part of the coast look magnificent from the sea, especially early in the morning or in the late afternoon in the golden rays of the setting sun. In my opinion, a boat trip to the Blue Caves in Zakynthos is a must-do activity.

How to get to the Blue Grottoes in Zakynthos and other information

To get to the Blue Caves in Zakynthos, you need to use the services of local boat operators. Most boats depart from the port in the capital of Zakynthos and from the port in Agios Nikolaos. Here’s a little tip: the caves, passages, and rock arches that are part of the Blue Caves formation can be very narrow and low, so only small boats can enter the interior, which in my opinion adds to the adventure. Larger boats, which can carry dozens of passengers, only approach the caves and anchor nearby.

Furthermore, even if you board a small boat that can take you deep into the cave network, if the weather is bad, your exploration of the Blue Caves interior might not happen. It’s worth asking the boat crew about the expected weather before boarding.

A good idea is to rent a private boat with a captain who will take you to the places of your choice. Of course, this makes sense only if you are visiting Zakynthos with a larger group, as the price of renting a boat can be several hundred euros.

You can also visit the Blue Caves in Zakynthos from the land side, in which case having a car or another means of transportation will be very useful. You need to drive to the Potamitis Windmill restaurant, where the Skinari View Point overlooks the Blue Caves and where stairs lead down to the base of the cliffs and another viewpoint, the Potamitis Dive Spot.

Although the view from the land is magnificent at selected times of the day, it is incomparable to what you will see from the deck of a boat, especially when the crew takes you into the winding and mysterious caves.

The sulphur Xigia beach in Zakynthos is a natural healing spa

The sulphur beach of Xigia is mentioned in the same breath as the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Bay when talking about the attractions of the Greek island of Zakynthos.

However, before you venture to this extraordinary place, there are a few lesser-known facts you should know.

• The beach is fed by water from sulphur springs, which means that there is a distinct smell of rotten eggs hanging in the air. This can be particularly bothersome, especially during the summer heat when there’s no wind. What’s worse, this smell lingers on the skin for a very long time, and for several days afterward, you’ll unavoidably notice it.
• For many tourists, the issue with Xigia Beach is that, although beautiful, it’s not particularly suitable for sunbathing. This is due to the high rocky wall that effectively blocks the sun’s rays.
• Another problem is that it’s a pebble beach with rather sharp stones, so walking or lying on them is not very pleasant.
• Additionally, the spring water flowing from two sources is icy cold, regardless of the time of day or even the season. If you’re caught in a cold current during a swim, you might experience a shock.
• Furthermore, in the small cove where the beach is located, there are small fish that love to nibble on the dead skin of swimmers. These creatures are not harmful, but not everyone enjoys having their skin nibbled on persistently.

Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, Xigia Beach is beautiful, and you truly must visit it. Moreover, if you have skin or hair issues or suffer from rheumatism, the presence of sulphur in the water will turn from a flaw into an advantage, as it has a positive effect on the human body.

On the other side of the cape lies the White Cave, a slightly less-known attraction in Zakynthos but worth seeing.

Cape Keri in Zakynthos

Cape Keri is the southernmost point of the island of Zakynthos. The characteristic symbol of this place is the Mizithres Rocks, two pyramid-shaped rocks protruding from the turquoise water.

If you enjoy breathtaking views, then the Keri peninsula in northern Zakynthos is the perfect place for you. It’s a coastline full of cliffs, from the tops of which you can observe fantastic sunrises and sunsets. Personally, I can attest to the beauty of the sunset; however, when it comes to watching the sunrise, I’m too much of a late riser 🙂

Some of the most attractive viewpoints on the peninsula include the one at the tavern by the Keri lighthouse and another at the Scenic Viewpoint a few hundred meters further. In the tavern, there’s a walkway extending over the almost 300-meter cliff, and I must admit I shivered standing there and peering into the abyss below me.

On the way to Cape Keri, I recommend stopping in the town of the same name. It’s very charming.

Cameo Island, called the Wedding Island, off the shores of Zakynthos

Cameo Island is a small and uninhabited piece of land located right next to the island of Zakynthos in Kolpos Bay, which is a protected marine area due to the presence of various animal species. One of them is the Coretta turtle, a species of sea turtle threatened with extinction.

Although the island is uninhabited, during the day there is a small café where you can have a coffee and a snack. However, the real attraction of the island is the turtles and the crystal-clear water surrounding it, perfect for diving.

Cameo was once part of the peninsula in the 17th century, but a strong earthquake separated it from the mainland. Today, it is connected to Zakynthos by a wooden bridge, which has become a symbol of Cameo.

Cameo Island is also known as the Wedding Island because almost every weekend weddings take place there. If you are interested, remember that the island can be rented for the wedding ceremony. An altar is set up on the beach, along with white fluttering flags and plenty of flowers, creating a truly romantic atmosphere!

Entry to Cameo Island is chargeable, and just past the wooden bridge, you will find a ticket booth where you will need to purchase a ticket. Depending on the season and the island owner’s discretion, the ticket price may include a drink at the restaurant or a souvenir from the island.

The Greek island of Zakynthos facts and information from its history

The island of Zakynthos appears in ancient Greek writings, including the works of Homer. It was Homer, the famous Greek poet and wandering minstrel, considered the father of epic poetry, who described Zakynthos as an island belonging to the state of Ithaca, ruled by Odysseus, the mythical king and hero of the famous Odyssey.

The fate of Zakynthos was tangled and often dramatic. Inhabited by Greeks, the island changed hands frequently, being conquered, plundered, or handed over to successive rulers. In the Middle Ages, Zakynthos was part of the Byzantine Empire, but due to wars and frequent conflicts, the island came under the rule of the Kingdom of Sicily in the 11th century.

In the 15th century, the island was captured by Turkish forces, and after being plundered, it was handed over to the Republic of Venice. For several centuries, peace prevailed on the island, and its inhabitants devoted themselves to agriculture and the arts, living agreeing to nature and the laid-back Greek lifestyle.

Everything changed in 1797 after the fall of the Republic of Venice. Following a successful campaign by Napoleon Bonaparte and the signing of the Treaty of Campo Formio, Zakynthos came under the control of the French Republic. Soon after, the French were displaced by the Ottoman Empire’s forces, and along with many other Greek islands, it became part of the Septinsular Republic, controlled by the Turks.

In the early 19th century, the island was again conquered by the French, but shortly afterward, they were driven out by the British fleet after the victorious Battle of Zakynthos. The British governed the island until 1864 when the London Agreement was signed, transferring the island to Greece.

During World War II, the island was occupied by the Italians, and then by the German Wehrmacht. The Greeks regained Zakynthos in 1944, and although the war devastated the island, the greatest destruction was not caused by humans but by nature. In 1954, a compelling earthquake destroyed or damaged over 90 percent of all buildings on the island, including a few but very valuable monuments, most of which are now almost completely gone.