# Zakynthos: Navagio, the Blue Caves and Laganas Bay turtles

> 3-day road trip of about 45 km (28 mi) with 3 stops, from Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach to Laganas Bay and the Sea Turtle Marine Park. About 0 h 37 min of driving

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/gr-zakynthos/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 45 km (28 mi) with 3 stops, from Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach to Laganas Bay and the Sea Turtle Marine Park. About 0 h 37 min of driving in total. Three days on Zakynthos, from the cliffs of Navagio and the sea caves of Cape Skinari to the protected turtle nesting waters of Laganas Bay.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 45 km (28 mi) |
| Driving | 0 h 37 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 3 |
| Route | Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach → Laganas Bay and the Sea Turtle Marine Park |
| Countries | Greece |
| Updated | May 13, 2026 |

## Route description

Zakynthos is an island, so you need a ferry or a flight to get there; if you bring a campervan, book the vehicle crossing ahead and check the current timetable, as services are thinner outside summer. Base yourself near the north-west, where the island’s most famous cove, Navagio, lies beneath high limestone cliffs near Volimes.

Navagio, or Shipwreck Beach, holds the wreck of the MV Panagiotis, which ran aground in 1980, and is often called one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Landslides have led to restrictions on swimming and landing, so check the current rules before you go and be prepared for a view from above only.

Head to the northern tip at Cape Skinari for the Blue Caves, sea caves and rock arches in white cliffs, named for their turquoise water. Small boats leave from Agios Nikolaos. One guide says the light is strongest early in the morning and in the late afternoon, so plan around that, and check sea conditions.

Spend the last day on the south coast at Laganas Bay, a wide, shallow bay that is a prime Mediterranean nesting area for loggerhead turtles and a national marine park since 1999. Turtles nest at night from May to August; fishing is banned and speedboats are barred from nesting beaches. Follow the park rules and check local rules before camping.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach** (Volimes, Greece): A cove under high limestone cliffs holding the wreck of the MV Panagiotis, which ran aground in 1980; Wikipedia calls it among the most photographed beaches in the world. Landslides have led to restrictions on swimming and landing, so check the current rules before you go.
2. **Blue Caves and Cape Skinari** (Volimes, Greece): Sea caves and rock arches in the white cliffs of Cape Skinari, Zakynthos's northern tip, named for their turquoise water and reached by small boats from Agios Nikolaos. One guide says the light is strongest early in the morning and in the late afternoon.
3. **Laganas Bay and the Sea Turtle Marine Park** (Laganas, Greece): A wide, shallow bay in south-east Zakynthos that Wikipedia calls the prime Mediterranean nesting area for loggerhead turtles, protected as a national marine park since 1999. Turtles nest at night from May to August; fishing is banned and speedboats are barred from nesting beaches.

## Suggested stages and overnight stops

1. **Day 1: Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach → Blue Caves and Cape Skinari** (13 km, 0 h 11 min) Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Paradice (14 km); Camping Zante (17 km).
2. **Day 2: Blue Caves and Cape Skinari → Laganas Bay and the Sea Turtle Marine Park** (32 km, 0 h 26 min) Overnight nearby, for example: Tartaruga Camping (4 km); Camping Paradice (12 km).

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Practical notes for the road

- **Greece: Motorway tolls.** Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

## FAQs

**How long is Zakynthos: Navagio, the Blue Caves and Laganas Bay turtles?**
3-day road trip of about 45 km (28 mi) with 3 stops, from Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach to Laganas Bay and the Sea Turtle Marine Park. About 0 h 37 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Zakynthos: Navagio, the Blue Caves and Laganas Bay turtles?**
We suggest 3 days: about 0 h 37 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Zakynthos: Navagio, the Blue Caves and Laganas Bay turtles start and end?**
It starts in Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach and ends in Laganas Bay and the Sea Turtle Marine Park.

**Which countries does Zakynthos: Navagio, the Blue Caves and Laganas Bay turtles pass through?**
Greece.

**Where can you camp along Zakynthos: Navagio, the Blue Caves and Laganas Bay turtles?**
OpenStreetMap lists 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Tartaruga Camping, Camping Paradice and Camping Zante.

**When is the best time for Zakynthos: Navagio, the Blue Caves and Laganas Bay turtles?**
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)