Navagio, Smuggler’s cove, Zante

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VISIT THE BLUE CAVES AND SHIPWRECK BEACH ON A ZANTE BOAT TRIP

If you’ve seen any photos of Zakynthos, chances you’ll have seen the one of Shipwreck cove or Navagio, taken from the cliffs above. This crescent of sand, with a half-buried, rusty wreck and high cliffs on either side, is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.

To reach Navagio, which is on the north-west coast of the island, you’ll typically take one of the many trips from St Nicholas port or from Makris Gialos, a small beach that is just before St Nicholas port. We started our boat trip in Zante at Makris Gialos on a smallish boat which took up to 20 people, had a shaded awning and a powerful motor.

The boat made good headway on relatively calm waters at first and we passed the sea caves, known locally as the ‘Blue Caves’ that the sea has cut into the limestone cliffs. We didn’t stop but powered on around the northern tip of the island, at which point the sea started to become decidedly rough. Around 40 minutes after leaving the beach we were all feeling a bit seasick and were relieved when the Shipwreck beach came into sight.

Navagio or Shipwreck beach on Zante, Greece

The metal hull of the ship on the sand is supposed to be a cigarette smuggler’s boat that went aground in the 1980’s, or perhaps that’s just a nice story to tell the tourists. In any case it adds some interest to a beautiful beach which is larger than it appears from above and can only be reached by sea, due to the sheer limestone cliffs.

On the day we visited the swell was high and although the captain skilfully moved the boat as close as he could, it wasn’t possible to get it right up on the beach. If we wanted to get ashore, we’d have to jump in and swim through the surf which is what we did, although I was knocked over by the force of the waves and ended up with sand in my bikini and water up my nose. We spent around 20 minutes on the beach and I took the opportunity to walk around the ship which was broken in half, making a shady area inside, with a hull that had rusted away into lacy holes.

Shipwreck cove, Navagio on Zante

VISIT THE BLUE CAVES AND SHIPWRECK BEACH ON A ZAKYNTHOS BOAT TRIP

We swam back to the boat and powered back the way we had come, with the captain showing no mercy to those of us feeling sick as he opened the throttle and the boat banged up and down on the waves. Things improved once we rounded the headland and entered sheltered waters again, returning to explore the sea caves. The captain nosed the boats into a few of the caves where the water below us was startlingly deep cobalt blue and turquoise. We anchored for a while and had a chance to swim and snorkel around the boat before returning to Makris Gialos.

Boat trip to the Blue Caves on Zante, Greece

This boat trip in Zakynthos takes around 2-3 hours and you need to check whether the sea is rough or calm as this will affect your experience. Bear in mind that even if it is calm at your resort, it may still be windy with rough seas in the north of the island. Also consider the size of the boat, as a larger boat may be more stable but a smaller boat will be able to get you closer into the beach. For those that don’t want to brave the choppy seas to the shipwreck beach, you can still do a very pleasant boat trip in a glass bottom boat to the sea caves, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, which will also make a shorter trip. Our boat trip cost around €20 per person and you may be able to negotiate a discount for larger groups.

Boat trip to the Blue Caves on Zante, Greece

ZANTE TURTLE BOAT TRIPS IN LAGANAS BAY

If you want more gentle boat trip for your holiday in Greece, I’d suggest that you head for the southern end of the island, for one of the Zakynthos boat trips that take you through Laganas Bay and around to the Keri caves. This end of the island is famed for the beautiful golden sandy beaches and the Loggerhead or Caretta Caretta turtles that nest on them. These Zante turtle boat trips are typically sold as an opportunity to see the loggerheads swimming in Laganas Bay, but you should be aware that their numbers are dwindling so you need to go with a reputable boat owner who will respect the laws of the National Marine Park and not harass the turtles.

Porto Roma, Zante

We’ve taken these Laganas boat trips twice on different styles of boats which gave a slightly different experience although we went to the same locations on both trips. The first occasion was a half-day trip on a catamaran which had a cabin and plenty of space on deck at the back and front of the boat to spread out. We left from the small beach at Porto Roma which meant that the first hour was spent travelling along the coast with views of the limestone cliffs, until we rounded the point and crossed Laganas Bay to swim in the Keri caves. On the second occasion we went on a much smaller, glass bottomed boat from Agios Sostis close to Laganas which meant that we had a shorter trip of around 2 hours, which was still plenty of time.

Loggerhead turtle in Laganas bay, Zakynthos

Either on the way out or the way back the boat is likely to take you into Laganas bay which is the main place you can see turtles swimming in the water. Beware of any boat owners who guarantee you’ll see the turtles as this makes it more likely that the few that are around will be chased and tracked down just to give you your sighting. There are also strict rules about the contact with the turtles, for instance you’re not allowed to swim close to the turtles or to pull them out of the water and a limited number of boats are allowed near a turtle at any one time.

All this means that you’ll probably be able to see the turtles for around 10 minutes before the boat needs to move away. On our first turtle boat trip, we went with local naturalist Yannis Vardakastanis, who runs the Earth Sea and Sky volunteer and information programme with a centre at Gerakas beach, one of the other turtle nesting sites, but on this occasion we didn’t actually see any turtles. On the second trip we did spot one and there were several boats close to it all homing in to take a look, so I felt a bit sorry for the turtle.

Boat trip to Keri caves, Zakynthos

VISIT TURTLE ISLAND IN LAGANAS BAY AND SWIM IN THE KERI CAVES

The second part of the boat trip takes you to the far side of Laganas bay and under the high limestone cliffs at Keri where there are some sea arches and caves, although not as deep as the Blue Caves on the north-east coast. When the boat anchors, this is a lovely place to jump off into the clear water and swim or snorkel. On the return trip, you are likely to stop at Marathonisi or Turtle island in Zante, a small island in the bay that makes the shape of a turtle and is also one of the nesting beaches for the turtles.

Marathonisi or Turtle island in Laganas bay, Zakythinos

You are not allowed to land on the small sandy beach where the turtles nest, and even if you have your own boat you should not do so. On the opposite side of the island is another small beach and a sea cave where you are allowed to land and this is where you can relax for a while and have a swim. There’s even a boat that comes around selling ice creams and drinks, just like an ice cream van.

If you are interested in taking a Zante turtle spotting boat trip, there are many boats that offer it going either from Laganas resort, from the small marina at Agios Sostis or from the harbour at Keri, and if you’re in one of the holiday resorts you’ll also come across plenty of people selling you this as a day trip with transport to and from the resort. The shorter 2-3 hour trips typically cost €20-25 per person and you can also rent small boats for 6-8 people to take out yourself into the bay, which would be fun if there’s a large group of you and you feel confident handling the boat.

The boat trips in Zante to see the blue caves, turtles or Shipwreck beach are well worth doing and there are plenty more things to see and do on the Greek island of Zakynthos. The boat trips are a lovely way to see the island and was certainly a highlight of our holiday.

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read the original article here

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Zakynthos is a wonderful Greek island in the Ionian Sea, famous for its exquisite beaches (Navagio beach is probably one of the most famous in the world) and also as one of the most important natural shelters for the sea turtle Caretta Caretta. During your stay in Zakynthos you could visit beaches, which would please all tastes. Most of them are easily accessible by car or public transport but some of the most beautiful and unique could be reached only or more easily by boat. This is the reason why there are numerous places along the island to either hire a private boat (which you will drive yourself) or to take a boat tour or excursion. The choices are many and price, duration, distance, visited places vary accordingly (here  is a good place to start in order to collect information)

Our favourite 5 beaches, reached by boat, during our stay in Zakynthos were :

1. Blue Caves (near Porto Vromi) : Blue Caves are one of the most famous attractions in Zakynthos. The caves are visited by thousands of tourists every year and owe their name to the extra blue and clear waters inside them. Objects below the water and people swimming appear to turn blue. The name Blue Caves usually refers to the caves that are located under Skinari Lighthouse near Agios Nikolaos Port, but there is also a second location with the same name between Porto Vromi and Navagio Beach. On the second location apart from the spectacular caves, there are also small beaches (as the one pictured above) which can be reached by smaller boats. They are a paradise of natural beauty and at the same time not very crowded.

2. Porto Stenitis : Porto Stenitis is still one of the most unspoiled places in Zakynthos. It is located south of Porto Vromi and it is quite difficult to be reached from the mainland. From the village Maries you have to follow a difficult 10 km road, where the last 3 km are unpaved and usually in bad condition. If you choose to do the last km on foot, your return will be a hard task. The beach is a quite deep natural fjord with clear turquoise waters, so narrow at some points that a boat just passes through. The fjord ends at a small beach just a few meters wide. This place is unique and you will feel like swimming in a natural pool.

3. Marathonisi : Marathonisi (aka Turtle Island) is a small uninhabited island in the gulf of Laganas, covered with dense vegetation. On the north side of the island there is a wonderful sandy beach about 150 meters long, which is protected as a place of egg-laying by the sea turtles Caretta Caretta and it is watched over all day by guardians of the National Sea Park. However, you can reach the beach by boat and swim in these magnificent crystal clear blue waters. The place is also ideal for snorkeling, with a huge variety of sea creatures and fish. If you are lucky you could come across a sea turtle.

4. Keri Caves : Keri Caves are rock formations and sea caves located on the southern and south-western part of the Keri peninsula near the village of Marathia. They are accessible only from the sea and they are smaller than the Blue Caves on the north side of the island. However the waters here are also clear blue, the landscape is spectacular and there are significantly fewer ships and boats that reach them. At the centre of the location there is a small beach (pictured above) with sand and small pebbles that could be reached only by smaller boats, where you can relax and enjoy the sun and the sea. The place is also perfect for snorkeling, due to the fact, that it is the habitat of many animals like the Monk seal, the Caretta-Caretta turtle and many kinds of fish.

5. Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) : Navagio Beach is certainly the most photographed and famous beach in Greece. This is the beach that made Zakynthos famous and an international tourist destination. The beach was named Agios Georgios, when on 2 October 1980, the freight-liner “Panayiotis” ran aground on this beach due to stormy weather and bad visibility. It has been rumored the ship was smuggling cigarettes and therefore was abandoned. It still rests buried in the beach, which since then bears the nickname Navagio (which means Shipwreck). During the summer season, the beach is reached daily by hundreds of boats (of all sizes), which carry thousands of visitors. But the landscape, the deep blue waters, the light on the white limestone and the ambience of the place, will still manage to amaze you and leave you breathless. Ideally, catch an early boat tour and be one of the first to set foot on the beach. Some days during summer, due to strong winds the beach cannot be reached, therefore ask for information from the local boat companies, the day before you plan your visit.  

Article Source: byfoodandtravel.com

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While most know Zakynthos, Greece for the famous Navagio Beach (also known as ‘Shipwreck Beach’), I was more drawn to the quiet swimming coves and small beaches that dot the coastline. Most beaches here are best seen by boat, unlike other Greek Islands. My biggest recommendation for this beautiful island is to spend at least one day on the water. The beaches only reachable by boat are what make for memorable swims with no one around, with your own private views of limestone cliffs and crystal clear water. So pack a Greek lunch, grab your hat, and let’s dive in!

4-7 DAYS

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BEST TIME TO VISIT – MAY THROUGH OCTOBER, LESS WIND & WARMER WATER LATER IN THE SUMMER

WEATHER – MILD, RAINY WINTERS & WARM, SUNNY SUMMERS

GETTING AROUND – MOTORCYCLE, ATV OR RENTAL CAR

CURRENCY – EUROS, MOST PLACES TAKE CREDIT CARDS

LANGUAGES – GREEK, MOST PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH

NEARBY AIRPORT – ZAKYNTHOS AIRPORT ‘DIONYSIOS SOLOMOS’ (ZTH)

WHAT TO DO IN ZAKYNTHOS

Rent a boat – if there’s only one activity you do on Zakynthos, make it going on a boat. The island shines most for its undiscovered coves and beaches, and off-the-beaten path swimming spots. We hired from Keri Beach to see the south shore and from Agios Nikolaos to explore the north shore (no boat license required). I much preferred the south shore departing from Keri Beach. The limestone cliffs and Keri Caves made for jaw-dropping backdrops. Plus, we spotted turtles and dolphins on the way to Mizithres, and it was less crowded and windy compared to the north side.

Stop for local products – a favorite stop was the ‘Fresh Orange Juice Bar’, a tiny stand for orange juice on the cliffside. We also pulled over to buy local honey, olive oil, and sundried tomatoes from farm stands around the island.

Explore little towns – the small towns of Keri and Volimes come to mind first. Keri is en route to Mizithres and worth a stop for lunch and exploring. Volimes shows up in a few recommended guides and is located near Shipwreck beach, but it’s not exactly lively. An earthquake in 1953 has rendered many buildings unusable and collapsed, which makes for interesting photos but a somewhat depressed feel.

Visit Navagio ‘Shipwreck’ Beach – both from the viewpoint above and by boat. Expect crowds here unless you’re willing to plan an early morning (think 8am or before) or late evening visit. As of 2020 the path to more uninterrupted views is closed due to it being a dangerous spot, as a few have fallen over the side. Venturing off on your own isn’t worth it; you’re likely to be yelled at by the local guards, who also track your license plate and will ticket you.

Watch the sunset – a few great spots to catch the sunset are Porto Limnionas, L’ete Sunset Bar, Keri Lighthouse, and Navagio Beach. You will get the best view of the sun over the water from the west side of Zakynthos island.

BEACHES TO VISIT IN ZAKYNTHOS

XIGIA SULFUR BEACH

The natural sulfur at this small beach makes for beautiful photos as the water takes on a milky turquoise hue. Go early, it fills up.
Food options nearby: yes, there’s one a short walk up from the beach and within a short drive away.

NAVAGIO BEACH

Easily the most famous beach on Zakynthos is Navagio. The best viewpoint is from above. As of 2021, there’s now a railed off platform for viewing. It’s crowded throughout the day and due to the sun’s path, you may not see it in full sun until after 11am. By boat your best chance of avoiding people is extra early (think 8am). You’re better off seeking out nearby beaches if you want a spot to yourself.
Food options nearby: no, but there are drinks for sale at the viewpoint.

MIZITHRES BEACH

This stunning beach evolved from a landslide a couple years back that connected it to a large nearby rock. Perhaps one of my favorite spots on the island as it’s so unique. Note it’s only accessible by boat.
Food options nearby: no, but if you only want a view of the beach then head to Keri Lighthouse Restaurant.

KORAKONISSI

Not so much a beach as a swimming hole, this spot is best visited earlier in the day when the water is calm. There are cliff diving spots, but use caution as they are not marked.
Food options nearby: one restaurant next to the beach (closed during our visit).

PORTO LIMNIONAS

A local’s favorite, this beach has it all: crystal clear blue water, places to sun, cliff diving, a lively restaurant with views, and parking. Great to combine when visiting Korakonissi (above).
Food options nearby: Porto Limnionas tavern overlooks this beach.

FILIPPOI BEACH

Towering cliffs surround this turquoise cove, with plenty of rocks to sun on. However, t’s not for the faint of heart! The drive down is steep, with one winding road that barely fits two cars. Best visited by boat if you’re not up for the task.
Food options nearby: no.

ST. NICHOLAS BEACH

A sandy beach at the very southern part of the island with sunbeds. Family-friendly, and there’s an option for water sports nearby.
Food options nearby: yes, there’s a bar on the beach.

NOBELOS BEACH

Not marked as this is the stone beach in front of Nobelos Restaurant. If you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, you can grab a sunbed here and easily spend the afternoon with a drink.
Food options nearby: Nobelos Restaurant.

My top 3 favorite Zakynthos photo spots

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Beaches near Mizithres by boat

Navagio Beach from above

Local restaurants

If you enjoyed this travel guide, I recommend checking out my Milos Travel Guide. Deciding on the best island to visit? I suggest taking a look at my Guide to Choosing the Best Greek Island.

Original post & pictures source : finduslost.com

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