Famous Beaches in Zakynthos are Kept Closed Because of Security Reasons

Strong erosion on the slopes has led to the government closing the most famous beaches in Zakynthos.

After an inspection by the Anti-Seismic Planning and Protection Organization of Greece (OASP), regarding seismic activity and landslide phenomenon, the Greek government announced that they will increase the ban on entry into the "Navigo” beach in Zakynthos.

SchengenVisaInfo.com reports that the Greek Ministry of Tourism issued a statement on March 16 indicating that an inspection conducted on March 8 found a high risk of landslides from strong erosion on the slopes surrounding.

Under the coordination of the Presidency of the government, the meeting was held between the Ministry of Climate Crisis, Civil Protection, the Ministry of Island Policy, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek Police, the Coast Guard and the Region of the Ionian Islands to discuss the implementation of the ban for entry to the "Navagio” beach during the 2023 tourist season.

Based on autopsy results, it was agreed that the situation should be reassessed two times a year.

"The safety of residents and travellers is above all, and the decision was taken taking into account the new scientific data of the OASP and the President of Professor E. Lekkas, given the high number of visitors to the area during the tourist season," the Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilias mentioned on the subject.

In 2018, seven people were hurt when a 200-meter high rock fell on this beach. A 34-year-old Czech lady suffered a severe spinal fracture.

A 5.4 magnitude earthquake in September 2022 also caused a huge landslide, which closed the beach. The authorities allowed tourists to visit the Instagram-famous spot, but only by water. Swimming near the ruins or entering the sand was prohibited.

Named after a strong storm that caused Panagiotis' ship to capsize in October 1980, the beach of Navagio is now known as Navagio. The ship was believed to have been used at the time to smuggle alcohol and cigarettes. The ship's captain, along with several crew members, were taken into custody. However, they were later cleared by the court.

The sinking of the ship caused locals to worry that the incident would damage the reputation of the island and beach. It has since become a tourist attraction of great proportions, which is why it appears on every social media platform.

Source: schengenvisainfo.com