A photo from the world-famous Shipwreck of Zakynthos has been making the rounds on the internet in the last few hours as it shows the – often – unseen side of mass tourism and the problems it causes in local communities.
The photo in question was published by the environmentalist Michaael Bakas on his personal Facebook profile, expressing his indignation at those who throw garbage without caring for the environment and its natural beauty.
“Greek summer 2022.. I can’t understand how you can pay to go for a few hours to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and leave your trash there,” he writes, with users in the comments applauding his perspective.
See the photo:
The Shipwreck of Zakynthos is a well-known beach, more commonly known as Navagio beach, on the eastern side of the island near the mountain village of Anafonitria. Crystal clear waters, white sand, impressive steep cliffs and the half-submerged wreck of a ship make up a fantastic setting.
The German traveler EL Salvatos mentions in 1901, about the area of Navagio, that it was a very small beach with black stones. Elders of the area say that until 1920 there was a very small beach there called Spirili.
After 1922, landslides created the first significant beach , which was approximately to the point where the boat is today. The last landslide after the Shipwreck created the current beach.
The shipwreck is chronologically placed in 1983, while the ship that wrecked was carrying smuggled cigarettes. Even today the beach is only accessible from the sea.
From the city of Zakynthos, the neighboring port of Vromi, but also from other parts of the island, boats leave daily for the shipwreck beach.
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