A note on the stunning view spot of Navagio Beach on Zakynthos, a place I want to visit someday ✍🏻
[How to Get There]
- If you're comfortable driving, your only option is a rental car, allowing for greater freedom of movement. An international driver's license is required (starting at around 70€ per day? The island seems fairly laid-back and easy to drive on).
- If you want to visit the beach, a tour (around 50€ will get you around efficiently, but you won't have much flexibility in your schedule, and some tours may include places you don't need to go to).
- If you don't mind the time and effort, take a taxi (as cheap as 100€ round trip from Zakynthos Town. The length of time the driver will wait on site is up to negotiation).
- I tried to order a ride using Uber or the Bolt app, but there wasn't a single car on the road. If you want to call a taxi, it might be best to ask the hotel front desk for one. Alternatively, if you took a taxi from the airport to town, get their business card and book by phone or online.
- There are no direct buses. There are buses to the nearby town (Anafonitria), but they only run 2-3 times a week. There are probably none during the off-season. Just to be safe, check at the bus terminal (KTEL Zakythos). Either way, you'll need to take a taxi to get to the Navagio Beach viewpoint.
- Some brave souls have apparently walked or rented bikes, but it's a tough ride for the average person lol (over 30km one way from Zakynthos Town, with lots of mountainous terrain).
[Time]
- It's about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Zakynthos Town to Navagio Beach. Allow 2 hours round trip.
- It's about a 10-15-minute walk from the parking lot to the famous viewpoint. Allow about 30 minutes round trip.
- If you want to take your time and take lots of photos, I recommend allocating at least 1.5 to 2 hours total.
- If you want to see the deep blue ocean, go in the afternoon. It's clear and beautiful after noon, depending on the season.
- I went at 3 PM. It was also beautiful at that time.
- It can get crowded with tour groups around noon. There are also quite a few people who know the best time to see it around 3 PM.
- I went in April, and there were few tours, so I didn't get the impression that there were many individual visitors. When we arrived at 3 p.m., the spectacular view was almost all ours. The temperature was around 23°C, there was little wind, and it was quite warm during the day. I personally think the conditions were perfect.
[What to Bring]
- The direct sunlight is quite harsh, so it's a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses. Also, wear sunscreen.
- I'd heard there were no shops near the observation deck, but there was a small shop selling juice, fruit, and snacks. Just in case, bring a drink to stay hydrated (there were a few small restaurants and souvenir shops along the way).
- The footing is quite rough. Avoid sandals or heels. It's seriously dangerous. Sneakers are recommended.
[Caution]
- You'll be walking along a winding mountain path, so if you're prone to motion sickness, take motion sickness medication.
- The beach has been closed since last year due to falling rocks and landslides. I'm not sure if it's still closed, but there was a boat, but no one was getting off, so it might still be closed. Thanks to that, the view from the viewpoint was amazing. Because there were no people, the water wasn't murky and sparkled a crystal clear blue.
- The parking lot is quite small. I imagine it gets crowded during peak season.
- There probably aren't any restrooms. You might have to find a nearby shop to rent one. At worst, the grass was so clear you could use an open-air toilet...lol
- There's a fenced observation deck (quite small) just behind the parking lot. Walking to the right of it, you'll find the familiar view spot, but I've heard it's now off-limits. I was told by a local that I could go, but there were obvious signs of the barricade being broken at the entrance. lol Group tours often go there, but maybe it's closed depending on the season?
- There have been accidents where people have fallen off in the past. It's a cliff, so be careful not to get too caught up in taking photos.
[Other]
- The further you go, the better your view of Navagio Beach. It depends on your preference, but taking photos about 10 meters in front of the Greek flag is a good balance. If possible, it's a good idea to stand on a rock and take the photo from a little higher up. Don't stand too close to the edge of a cliff.