Greek Officials Close Navagio Beach Following Landslide [Video]

Greek authorities have to shut down the beach of Navagio on Zakynthos Island after a massive landslide injured at least three people.

Authorities of the ports authorities made the decision to protect the safety of thousands of tourists visiting the famous “Shipwreck Beach” each day during peak tourism season. The famous beach is one of the most photographed seascapes worldwide, and visitors flock to Zakynthos to capture the beauty of the beach and swim in its turquoise waters there. 

Port officials now say the closure will be temporary, only until inspections can be made to the cliffs. Footage posted on social media showed people running in panic as a large section of the cliff toppled to the surface of the beach almost on top of visiting tourists. According to the reports, six people were slightly injured including two children.  The video below reveals the scary moment when the cliff section disintegrated. 

Navagio is one of the best beaches in Greece, and one of the most photographed anywhere. The beach draws its nickname of “Shipwreck Beach” from another disaster when a freighter, the MV Panagiotis,  that ran aground there in 1980. The wreck still remains on the beach, making the site even more photogenic and popular.

The exposed cove at Navagio is sometimes referred to as “Smugglers Cove,” because the MV Panagiotis was supposedly carrying contraband cigarettes, wine, and women.