This is the closest and cheapest boat launch to Navagio Beach — but the small cove itself is worth staying for after everyone else leaves on their tours.
Porto Vromi — The Quiet Gateway That’s Better Than Its Famous Neighbour
Most people treat Porto Vromi as a bus stop — somewhere you wait for your boat to Navagio before rushing off. That’s their loss. This tiny cove on Zakynthos’s wild western coast is one of the island’s most underappreciated spots, with water clarity that rivals the famous shipwreck beach and a fraction of the people.
What Awaits You
A small, protected cove nestled between steep green hillsides that plunge into impossibly blue water. There are two parking areas: an upper one and a lower one right at the water’s edge. The lower cove is where the magic happens — crystal-clear turquoise water over a pebble seabed, sheltered from winds, and usually blissfully quiet once the morning boats have departed.
The water here is extraordinary. Because the cove is deep and protected, it stays calm and clear even when other beaches are choppy. You can see your toes standing in chest-deep water. Swimming off the small concrete platforms feels like floating in a giant aquarium.
Getting There
The drive is part of the adventure. From Zakynthos Town, head northwest through Anafonitria village — about 45 minutes of mountain roads that are winding but well-maintained. The last descent to the cove is steep and narrow; take it slowly, especially if you’re in a rental car with questionable brakes.
There are two access points: the more popular lower car park (right at the water) and the upper parking area (with a taverna and steps down). Both are worth visiting.
Insider Tips
After everyone leaves on their Navagio boats at 10 AM, you basically have the cove to yourself. Bring snorkeling gear — the underwater rock formations along the cliff walls are stunning and see almost no traffic.
The taverna at the upper car park serves simple but excellent grilled fish and salads with a view that’ll make your fork stop mid-air. It’s the kind of place where the menu is whatever they caught that morning.
If you’re booking a Navagio boat tour, Porto Vromi is hands-down the best departure point: shortest journey (30 min), cheapest prices (€25-35), smallest boats, and you get to enjoy this cove before or after.
Best Time to Visit
Sweet spot: June or September. The cove is at its most magical when it’s quiet. Time of day: Late morning (after boats leave) through late afternoon. Avoid: Midday in August if you want solitude. But honestly, even at its busiest, Porto Vromi never gets truly crowded.
Tourist vs Local Perspective
Tourists see Porto Vromi as the place where you catch a boat. Locals see it as one of the best swimming spots on the island — the water quality is consistently superb, the taverna is genuinely good, and the whole western coast vibe is a world away from the resort beaches in the south. Some of the best Sunday family outings on Zakynthos end up here.
