‘Must-visit’ European attraction on one of world’s best beaches at risk of being destroyed
A TOP European tourist attraction in Greece is at risk of being washed away.
Navagio Beach in Zante (also known as Zakynthos) is synonymous with the site of a famous shipwreck, which has been a popular tourist attraction for years.
The MV Panagiotis ran aground in 1980, and it has since become a well-known spot for taking holiday snaps.
According to Schengen Visa Info, the future of the shipwreck is under threat.
After a recent bout of bad weather and strong waves, parts of the ship have reportedly been washed away.
Posts on social media have shown the deterioration of the boat in recent years.
Both residents and tourism operators (who rely on income from the boat) have urged local authorities to protect the shipwreck, with some even volunteering to manage and pay for the conservation themselves.
Zakynthos Mayor Giorgos Stasinopoulos told state broadcaster ERT: “It’s time for the municipality to manage this particular spot. The ship is disappearing; it’s the last chance to save what’s left.”
Both Stasinopoulos and MP Dionysis Aktypis are calling on Greece‘s Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Economy and Finance to take action.
The local authority plans to take over the management of the shipwreck and restore the damage.
Mayor Stasinopoulos has also proposed the installation of a controlled entry system – although these proposals have yet to be approved.
Navagio Beach was closed last summer because of safety concerns, including the risk of landslides.
While holidaymakers couldn’t step foot on the beach, they were still able to take a photo next to the shipwreck because boats were still able to enter the bay.
Boats were able to take tourists into a designated area in the bay for 20-minute intervals from 8am to 3.30pm.
Despite the restrictions, holidaymakers have still praised the beach on TripAdvisor, with many describing it as a “must-visit”.
One person wrote: “When you’re in Zakynthos, make sure you don’t pass up the opportunity to visit this stunning beach!”
Another person added: “Amazingly beautiful sight. Sad, that you are not allowed to go on the actual beach anymore.”
Last year, Navagio Beach was named one of the best beaches in the world by the travel website World’s Best Beaches.
Later this year, holidaymakers traveling to Greece during the high season (from March to October) will face an additional tax on overnight stays.
Just like the previous tax, the rate will vary depending on the type of accommodation tourists have booked, and it will range from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night.
The new tax will be added to the country’s existing accommodation tax, with charges rising as a result.
Meanwhile, this Greek island is still “unspoiled” and only known by locals.
Or we’ve found a little-known Greek island that is just like Santorini but without the crowds.