Is Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) Open in 2026?

Short answer: Navagio Beach — also called Shipwreck Beach — is closed to landing in 2026. You cannot step onto the sand. But the cove and the famous shipwreck are still open to visit by boat from the water, and the clifftop viewpoint above it is open too. This is the most common question travellers ask about Zakynthos, so here is exactly what’s true right now.

Why can’t you land on Navagio Beach?

Access to the sand has been prohibited since 2022 after rockslides from the surrounding limestone cliffs. Greek authorities closed the beach to visitors on safety grounds, and the restriction remains in place. Boats are also asked to keep a safe distance from the cliff base. This is why every honest operator now offers a view from the water rather than a landing.

How to see Shipwreck Beach in 2026

• By boat, from the water. This is how you get close to the wreck and the turquoise cove. Boat tours slow down in the bay so you can photograph the shipwreck against the white cliffs and swim nearby. Our Shipwreck & Blue Caves boat tour (3 hours) and the longer Shipwreck, Blue Caves & Xigia tour (4 hours) both do exactly this, with swim stops along the north coast.
• From the clifftop viewpoint. High above the cove there is a viewing platform with the classic postcard angle looking straight down onto the wreck. It’s reachable by car or on our Jeep Safari, which stops there as part of a full island day.

Best time of day to visit

Go early. The bay gets busy with boats from mid-morning, and the light for photos is best before the crowds arrive. Speedboat tours that leave early reach the cove ahead of the large day-cruise boats, so you get calmer water and cleaner photos.

What to bring

Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a hat — there is no shade on the water. Bring a waterproof phone case or a dry bag if you want photos from the swim stop. Water and snacks are welcome on board.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk on Shipwreck Beach in 2026?

No. Landing on the sand is prohibited for safety reasons. You can view and photograph it from a boat in the cove or from the clifftop viewpoint.

Can boats still enter the cove?

Yes. Boats enter the bay and slow down so you can see the wreck and swim in the surrounding water, while keeping a safe distance from the cliffs.

Is the clifftop viewpoint open?

Yes, the viewpoint above the beach is open and free to visit.

Which tour is best for seeing the shipwreck?

Any north-coast boat tour reaches it. For the shipwreck plus the Blue Caves, our 3-hour tour is the most popular; the 4-hour tour adds the Xigia sulphur springs.

Ready to see it for yourself? Browse all our Zakynthos boat tours.