Greece is determined to save the famous Shipwreck of Zante, the Navagio of Zakynthos, with a series of measures to protect not only the legendary hulk as well as the millions of visitors.
According to media reports, the beach is to be extended by 30 meters with 45,000 cubic meters of gravel and remove the shipwreck away from the sea.
Shipwreck beach remains closed until October31, 2026
The Shipwreck beach in Zakynthos is to be extended by 30 meters towards the sea, in an effort by the Authorities to protect the legendary ship’s hull from erosion, as noted on Monday, July 13, 2026. The intervention was announced while the famous beach remains closed to visitors due to the risk of landslides until October 31, 2026, that is for the entire summer 2026 season.
Greek Authorities have banned access to boats and swimmers until October 31, citing safety reasons. The decision was made after surveys by the Anti-Seismic Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), which described the area as prone to extensive landslides.
Nowadays, the shipwreck lays about 25 meters from the sea. By pouring 45,000 cubic meters of gravel, the ship’s hull will be further removed away from the water, in order to prevent corrosion that has seriously damaged its metal hull over the years.
Once the expansion is complete, restoration work will begin on the ship itself. Authorities hope that this will protect the hull that gave the beach the nickname “Zante Shipwreck” from further damage. The ship ran aground in October 1980 and since then the spot has become one of the most photographed coastal landscapes in the world.
When will the beach reopen?
Visitors to the island can currently admire the beach only from above. Those who attempt to descend to the shore will face penalties.
In fact, the Greek authorities review safety conditions twice a year to make informed decisions about whether to allow access.
The history of closures is not new. The Zakynthos Shipwreck was closed in 2018, when a landslide injured seven people. In 2022, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake forced its temporary closure again, and access was limited since 2024.
The new intervention attempts to reconcile two needs: to keep visitors away as long as there is danger and at the same time to save the landmark that makes Zakynthos famous all over the world.
According to local media imerazante.gr, “for many years, the discussion around the Shipwreck concerned the requests of the local community, proposals, studies and several delays Residents and organizations were asking for a substantial solution, so that this emblematic point could be protected and continue to be a point of reference for future generations.
The new development shows that an important step is being taken in this direction. The tender process for a project with a budget of almost 3.9 million euros creates the conditions for the case to move from the planning stage to the implementation phase.
Of course, the journey does not end here. The approval of the competition is an important beginning, but the big question is the continuation. The local community wants to see the project start, to see the interventions being carried out and to feel that after many years of waiting, there is now real change!”
