Navagio Shipwreck Beach - Navagio Beach or the Shipwreck, is an isolated sandy cove on Zakynthos island and one of the most popular and most photographed beaches in the whole Greece. Navagio Beach is usually described as the Shipwreck Beach or just "The Shipwreck" due to the fact that it is home to the wreck of a ship called Panagiotis that is believed to be a smugglers ship. The presence of alleged smugglers ship provided Navagio Shipwreck Beach yet another nick name - Smugglers Cove. This little and isolated, yet absolutely gorgeous sandy cove lies on the north-west coast of Zakynthos Island, near the Anafotiria village, opposite of island's capital Zakynthos. The place is defined by its giant limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and crystal clear blue water, which attract countless visitors every year. The beach is accessed by boat only, however you can see it from the top if you stand on the high side of the cliffs that overlook it. How did it end up being The Navagio Shipwreck Beach? - The HistoryThe shipwreck itself is from 1980 so it's not very old however its spectacular location makes it look stunning and its well worth checking out. The beach was at first called Agios Georgios but ended up being Navagio Beach (actual translation: Shipwreck) after the freight liner MV Panagiotis ran aground on October 2nd 1980. The Kefalonian born captain of the ship says that the boat was going back to the port of Durres in Albania from Argostoli when a disastrous mixture of engine failure and awful weather conditions caused the boat running aground in the cove. Because of its hard to reach location he found it difficult to protect the vessel from thieves and contacted the authorities. Some of the cargo and shipping equipment was stolen though. The authorities were then informed once more and they have started an investigation. When the investigation was completed around 30 people from surrounding villages were founded guilty of stealing cargo and equipment which eventually was recuperated. The captain was cleared of all charges and it is stated that he was so overcome by the sight of the wreck that he made a decision to leave it there. There are lots of other theories and rumours as to how the boat ended up being on Agios Georgios Beach which is now known as Navagio Beach. One other story states that the freight liner was used to smuggle goods such as alcohol and tobacco, another states the exact same but in addition to the contraband the ship was used for people trafficking. Authorities were pursuing the boat and followed it into the cove where it ended up being trapped and ran aground. Others state it was bringing in the contraband however it just lost the engine power and got washed ashore. Another theory proposes that the owner of the ship Haris Kompotheklas was certainly carrying contraband products, smuggled from the former Yugoslavia and Albania en route to Italy, he was also bringing 2 Italian smugglers along. Kompotheklas chose to benefit from the circumstances and got two smugglers arrested and detained in order to keep the cargo for himself, however due to horrible and unexpected bad weather conditions he was forced to run MV Panagiotis into the cove. Some of the smuggled items were washed off the boat and carried onto coastland where the villagers took and hid them whilst the captain and his team attempted to restore it. Evidently the authorities became aware of the incident, deported the two Italians back home to Italy, detained the captain and his team and convicted them for smuggling. How to reach Navagio Shipwreck Beach?Now that you know the history and splendors of the beach let's continue to the various methods of how to get to it. As you can see on the map, the majority of towns and resorts are located in the south while Navagio remains in the northwestern part. There are a number of ways to reach there, each varying in prices, time and kind of transport. An essential thing to understand is that the beach is accessible ONLY by sea. Land transport will only take you to towns, ports, and the observing platform on the cliffs above the beach. The locations where a boat to Navagio is provided are Zakynthos Town port, Agios Nikolaos port/beach, Skinari, and Porto Vromi. What you must know about the boat cruises. Middle-sized to large boats sail from Zakynthos Town port only, and these vessels offer more shade and room for the passengers. Smaller sized boats sail from the other 3 ports. If you are beginning your cruise from Zakynthos Town, Agios Nikolaos or Skinari (east side of the island), you must know that the trip to Navagio beach will normally include a stop at the incredible Blue Caves. Bigger boats, sadly, can not go inside the caves, so those who wish to see these natural wonders from the inside must go with smaller sized boats. The length of the cruises can differ, depending upon the location and boat. The cruises from Zakynthos Town can last from 4 to 8 hours depending on the kind of boat. What are the alternatives? Well, that depends on where you have stopped, and in this article, you will discover the best methods to reach Navagio Shipwreck Beach considering your location on the Zakynthos island. 1. Take a cruise trip arranged by an agency This is probably the easiest method because the agency will organize a bus which takes you right from your resort to the port in Zakynthos town, where you'll take a cruiser, and bring you back to your holiday accommodation staright after the trip. The bus and boat trip are included in the price, just ensure to bring food and drinks with you, or maybe some additional food money because you can buy it on the cruiser too. You can find tour agencies such as MyTours in every resort, and they are trustworthy. When you organize a trip with them, you'll get full guidance also as when and where to come to a pickup point, so then you just can enjoy the rest of the day. Estimated prices: Depending upon the agency, tour prices can vary from €20-45 plus another €20 per person for food and drinks. 2. Bus to Zakynthos Town and a boat to Navagio Shipwreck Beach If you have stopped in Laganas, Argassi, Alykes, Tsilivi or Kalamaki, there is a KTEL bus which can take you to Zakynthos Town. When you arrive there, you will have to take a 15-minute walk to the port where you can get on a boat trip to Blue Caves and Navagio. It's not difficult to reach the harbor, simply keep going down to the sea, since the KTEL station in Zante town is located uphill. Here's the map of Zante town from KTEL: Estimated expenses: A one-way bus ticket price is €1.80 and prices of cruises from Zakynthos Town are around €30. 3. Take a car, quad or bike to the ports and catch a boat to Navagio Shipwreck Beach This is the most expensive option, and it causes the most inconvenience, however it is ideal for those who loves going on adventures and discovering brand-new places. By doing this you will allow yourself to see some incredible and not-so-famous areas, which you would not have the ability to experience otherwise, and create your exceptional tour of Zakynthos. In our honest opinion, this is the very best choice. Those who have not come to Zakynthos by car do not need to worry since there are car, quad and bike rental services in every resort. The 4 ports where you can get boats to Navagio are located in various areas from the beach, which means that some particular choices will involve more traveling by land and others more traveling by sea. Optimal choice for those who wishes to sail more is to take a boat from Zakynthos Town, and people who wish to drive more should choose the other 3 ports - Agios Nikolaos, Skinari and Porto Vromi. Estimated expenses: If you wish to hire a car, quad or bike the prices and conditions will vary from provider to provider. Particular rental services need a minimum amount of days, normally three. Car hire start from €20 per day. Quads and bikes can be hired for as cheap as €12 per day. Do your research, compare several various providers and you will find the ideal one. Boat trips from Agios Nikolaos, Skinari, and Porto Vromi cost around €15, and from Zakynthos Town about €30. Other expenses involve petrol which goes from €0,57 to €1,47 per litre. The price depends on the kind of fuel and also the petrol station. Tips to make your Navagio Zante trip safer and enjoyable:
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Planning a coast vacation in Maine? Some of the best activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Down East are not found by map or guidebooks. Downeast Maine has been described as "unspoiled," and one of this area's greatest resources is surely its amazing natural beauty. Unfortunately, this lovely part of Maine is also generally unsung; and the usual travel websites, guidebooks, and maps give scant information to those who wish to explore beyond the popular destinations of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Where is Down East Maine? The term has been used in reference to all of the Maine coast, specific parts of the coast, and even the entire state of Maine. Although some disagreements exist about exactly where "Down East" begins and ends, the most common usage (and the usage in this article) refers to the coastline between Ellsworth and Calais, stretching to the easternmost point of land in the United States. Nature lovers come in all shapes and sizes, ages and degrees of fitness. Outdoor activities for a downeast Maine vacation can be adapted to suit many interests. The suggestions here are attractions that are either overlooked or not well known. They also offer outdoor adventures for all energy levels, whether leisurely strolls and quiet birding on a bench by the bay or strenuous hikes and long days of biking. Vacations in MaineThings to do in Maine:
The Rails to Trails Down East Sunrise Trail
The transformation of 85 miles of railway corridor through some of Down East's most characteristic scenery resulted in a multi-purpose trail that is accessible and functional for nearly everyone. Stretching from Washington Junction in Ellsworth to Ayers Junction in Pembroke, the Downeast Sunrise Trail is well-kept, clearly marked, and easily accessed. Open for less than two years and at the head of the East Coast Greenway, the trail is becoming very popular with both locals and travelers who have discovered this path through the Down East landscape. Whether you want a 20-mile bike ride or a quarter-mile stroll, the path puts you up close to everything that is Down East--rivers and ponds, bogs and blueberry fields, small towns and friendly people. The multi-purpose trail is a boon to walkers, bikers, snowmobilers, ATVers, birdwatchers, photographers, and even travelers who simply need to get out of the car, stretch legs, and breathe fresh air. If you're driving through and need such a break, one easy access point is across from Dunkin Donuts at the Machias causeway, where the trail winds along the river. Quoddy Head and Roque Bluffs: Two Overlooked State Parks
Most travelers Down East will find the red-and-white striped lighthouse at Quoddy Head State Park; the distinctive tower is one of Down East's most recognizable attractions. What many will ignore, though, is the 541 acres of state park land, crisscrossed by easy to moderate trails. Do not miss walking at least a portion of the trails. One trail leads through an unusual arctic bog, one along dramatic cliffs and crashing waves. The forest is fragrant and mystical; the cliffs overlook the powerful surf of the Lubec channel, the boundary between the U.S. and Canada. This state park is a prime area for bird watching, and whales, dolphins, and seals have been sighted in the channel. Even for those who are not walkers or hikers, a short stroll along the cliff-side path is worth the time. Benches are placed at intervals along the trail. Take a book, sit, watch, listen, smell. Enjoy. Take care with small children on the trails; there are few protective rails on the cliff walks. If wet or muddy, the trails can be treacherous for everyone. A safer place for young children to play is at Roque Bluffs State Park. Often missed because of its out-of-the-way location, this is a family-friendly park with a sand beach, picnic area, playground, gorgeous saltwater views, a freshwater pond, hiking trails, a picnic area, and a playground. For those who want to hike, five trails wind through a variety of terrain. The beach here is unusual in several ways; most downeast beaches are rocky and abrupt, but this beautiful crescent of sand slopes gently to the water, an ideal spot for children to play. This beach is as close to "white sand" as you will find in Down East, and in the summer the beach is lined with fragrant banks of Rose Rugosa, the pink and white beach roses. Swimming is permitted in both the chilly saltwater and the warmer pond. The pond is also a fishing and bird watching spot. Despite its beauty and activities, Roque Bluffs State Park is never crowded. There's plenty of open space to enjoy the beauty of this spot. While you're there, drive to the end of Schoppee Point Road to the town marina and take in one of Down East's most spectacular seascapes. An Observatory and a Walking Group: Locals Share With Visitors
Not only is downeast Maine unspoiled, it is uncluttered, and that includes the night sky. If you're accustomed to seeing only glimpses of the heavens beyond streetlights and the glare of cities and traffic, you will be amazed at the brilliance of the stars, the clarity of the Milky Way, and the occasional appearance of the northern lights. If you find yourself gazing at that sky and wondering what else might be in the heavens that you've never seen before, find the Downeast Observatory in Pembroke and take a closer look at the wonders overhead. The observatory is also used by astronomy students at the University of Maine and by the local astronomy club. Occasionally, special events are held that are open to the public. Your visit to the observatory can be scheduled by calling Charlie Sawyer at 207-214-5706. All ages are welcome. The visit is free, but donations will help to maintain America's most easterly observatory. On the ground, discover Down East with a local resident as a guide. Join the Pathfinders for a hike. This walking group meets every Sunday afternoon for a 2-3 hour hike and welcomes visitors. The walking route varies every week, as does the difficulty of the course. Information on each week's walk can be found in the local papers like The Quoddy Tides, or check the Pathfinders' forum board at the website of the Cobscook Community Learning Center. If you want to join the group for a hike, call the person in charge of that walk and ask about the difficulty of the planned route. If you're looking for a vacation filled with natural beauty, clean air, peaceful settings, and outdoor activities, then downeast Maine may be the perfect destination for your next getaway.
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