Posted on October 21, 2024
Greek government officials announced on Thursday that restoration works to save the iconic Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos island -once voted as the best beach in the world- will begin in 2025.
The famous beach and the rusted wreckage lying in the middle of it since 1980 have suffered serious damage from landslides and weather corrosion in recent years and was closed to the public since September 2022, after a 5.4-magnitude earthquake caused large rocks from the surrounding cliffs to fall into the bay.
This was the second time since 2018 that Shipwreck Beach was shut down for safety reasons.
Nonetheless, the Greek State and the local administration had either thus far failed to assume responsibility for its maintenance.
In July, experts warned that the beach, which used to attract over 1.5 million tourists per year, was in risk of disappearing if restoration works were not carried out immediately.
Shipwreck Beach to be managed by local administration
Restoration works at Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach were announced on Thursday during a visit by the Deputy Minister to the prime minister Thanassis Kontogiorgis.
The project is among several to be funded by a 370 million euros investment for critical infrastructure on the island.
According to Kontogiorgis, the Shipwreck restoration project has been assumed by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund, which is already moving ahead with the necessary licensing so that the works can begin in early 2025.
After the completion of the restoration, the management of the beach will be assigned by the government to the Municipality of Zakynthos.
The majority of revenues from the tourist development of the iconic location will be returned to the municipality, while a smaller part will be paid to the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA) and the National Economy and Finance Ministry.
Other projects to be funded on the island include the construction of a floating dock at the port, the provision of aids to the local farmers’ cooperatives, various works at cultural heritage sites, and improvements on hospital, waste and sewage infrastructure.
“Best beach in the world” in need of immediate interventions
Navagio, or Shipwreck Beach, has been among the most popular beaches of Greece and the second most-photographed site in the country for many years.
In 2018 it was voted “Best in the World” by travel site FlightNetwork, scoring eight out of ten for its remoteness, sand and water quality. It still often appears on travel writers’ and bloggers’ Top Ten lists for the Best Beaches in the world.
Located in a secluded cove with turquoise blue waters and surrounded by towering white cliffs, Navagio offers a unique landscape, starring the remains of a historic shipwreck.
Zakynthos’ famous Navagio beach.
The wreck of the ship Panagiotis has been on the beach since October 1980, when the vessel ran aground. It was after that incident that the beach gradually dropped its previous name of Agios Georgios Beach and became internationally known as Shipwreck Beach.
Presently, the ship is half-buried in the sand with its hull severely damaged and several other pieces washed up by the sea.
According to recent statements by Deputy Governor of Ionian Islands Konstantinos Kapodistrias, “The boat, which is beginning to be damaged by weather and climate change, should be fixed. The other problem is the sand which is starting to dwindle due to the big swell, and thirdly there needs to be vantage points on the top of the cliff.”
