Navagio (shipwreck) beach in the island of Zakynthos, Greece



Sent in an envelope by Nopi
Postmarked Komothni, Greece
Dated 03 March 2009

Zakynthos Island is the southernmost and third largest in terms of size and population of the Ionian islands. It's about 300kilometers west from the Greek capital, Athens. Due to its strategic location, it serves as a jumping point to the bigger cities of Greece such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras. Zakynthos possesses a mild Mediterranean climate and tourists come in droves especially during summer to bask in its beautiful beaches and fantastic diving and surfing sites.

In the north, east and south numerous picturesque beaches can be found, whereas in the west the imposing, rocky landscape has a number of sea caves such as the famous Blue Caves on the north-west of the island.

- http://www.travel-to-zakynthos.com/

Featured in this postcard is a must-visit place and the most photographed in the island is the Navagio (shipwreck) beach where the ship Panagiotis lies half-buried in the white sands.

The ship was allegedly transporting illegal cigarettes , and in 1983, the Greek naval authorities pursued the ship while making its way from Turkey. While the ship was fleeing, it encountered a storm and ran aground in the shallow cove. The crew abandoned the ship to evade capture and there, what was left of Panagiotis, remains up to this day.