Smugglers Cove is one of the most famous beaches in Greece—and for good reason. Located on the island of Zakynthos, this beach is known for its stunning views and crystal-clear blue waters, and of course, the shipwreck located in the bay.
As a result, another name for Smugglers Cove is Shipwreck beach!
I was lucky enough to experience the beauty of Smugglers Cove when I visited Greece with my friends. We took a boat tour around the island, which allowed us to see a variety of different sights. Of all our stops, Smugglers Cove was my favorite.
The beach had an almost magical feel, and it was so peaceful to take in the stunning views while feeling the gentle breeze off the ocean. Visiting Smugglers Cove should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting Zakynthos—it’s an unforgettable experience that you won’t forget!
Seriously, the only other place in Europe I can think of that has waters like this is Malta.
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About Smugglers Cove / Shipwreck Bay
Smugglers Cove in Greece is a stunning beach with crystal clear blue waters tucked between high, towering cliffs. The beauty of this beach is enhanced by the abandoned shipwreck that lies right in the middle of the beach.
This makes it one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, as many come to capture its unique landscape.
It is located on the northwest coast of Zakynthos, one of the Ionian islands of Greece. The island is small, yet busy – and the main area of the island is packed with bars, restaurants and beach clubs.
In addition to its English names, Smugglers Cove and Shipwreck Bay, the local (and actual) name of the beach is Navagio Beach.
Fun fact: Navagio beach has been named one of the top 10 beaches in the world!
Why is there a shipwreck there?
On the beautiful white beach in between steep cliffs rests the remnants of a large abandoned ship. Its Captain gave up on trying to save it during a dark and heavy storm (they told us during our tour).
The details of the story aren’t as interesting as you’d imagine, as the ship was left there in 1980 by cigarette smugglers, not in the 1700s by pirates as you (and I) probably wish..
The ship is the MV Panagioitis, originally built in 1937. The video below includes several closeups of the beach and wreck.
How to get to Smugglers Cove in Greece
Reaching Smugglers Cove can be tricky, as there are no roads leading directly to this isolated haven. The best way to get there is by boat. Lots of companies provide boat tours for visitors who want to experience its beauty up close, or you can simply hire your own private vessel and explore at your leisure.
During our trip to Greece we signed up to join Apollo’s trip to Smugglers/Shipwreck Cove. It included several stops for swimming, which I loved.
Below is a selection of tours that take you to the beach. From small-group tours to pirate ship sailings – you’ll find something for everyone here.
Is Navagio beach closed?
In the last years, there have been several landslides from the cliffs above the beach, making it dangerous to visit. After a large landslide in 2022, officials closed Shipwreck beach until late 2023.
If they will open in 2024 is unsure. Make sure to check the latest information here. If you are already in Zakynthos, you should (of course) ask locals.
It is still possible to visit the beach by boat, but you cannot get off the boat and walk on the beach like before. Personally, I think this is fine, as I didn’t find it necessary to walk on the beach itself.
The beauty of it can be seen from the water, and even the shipwreck was not that exciting up close (in my opinion). So, even if the beach opens, I’d recommend joining a boat tour that just stops for a photo op, before moving on to other parts of the island.
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