Actions Discussed to Ensure Safety at Zakynthos Shipwreck Site

Navagio beach, Zakynthos. Photo source: @Visit Greece

Visitors will soon be able to have full access to one of Greece’s most famous sites: Navagio Beach on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, after Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias and local authorities discussed standards of operation and actions for its restoration.

Kikilias met with Ionian Islands Regional Governor Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou and local stakeholders to discuss necessary actions that will ensure safe access to the world-famous site and one of the country’s most visited attractions. Other issues on the agenda included restoring and upgrading the site, which will now be possible thanks to provisions and tools of the new development law.

In this direction, the new legislation foresees the creation of a special five-member committee to be responsible for the preservation and safe management of the famous beach – also known as Shipwreck Beach. Kikilias invited committee members to submit their proposals and relevant research or studies.

The protection of Navagio Beach has repeatedly come to the forefront after access to was banned in 2018 following a landslide that injured seven people.

“Zakynthos Shipwreck is the second most photographed destination in Greece. It is our duty, state and local bodies, to ensure safe access to the area to residents and visitors so that Navagio becomes a sustainable tourism product of very high quality,” Kikilias said.

The minister went on to add that the committee will be able to overcome age-old problems and red tape and move forward with the necessary projects and actions using fast-track procedures while ensuring both legality and the protection of the environment.