One of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea with emerald waters and lush nature is Zakynthos Island. Located on the west coast of Greece and being the third largest island in the Eptanisa complex, the "Flower of the East", as the Venetians used to call it, boasts amazing, white, sandy beaches and unique natural beauty. It is also the prime nesting area for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles.
Favored with mid Mediterranean climate, the island is the ideal destination for summer holidays and attracts the nature and sea enthusiasts, as it provides a wide variety of outdoor and water sport activities. One of the most high adrenaline activities taking place on the island is BASE jumping and is set in Navagio Beach or else Shipwreck Beach, one of the most amazing beaches in Europe.
Navagio beach is an exposed, isolated cove, located on the north west shore of Zakynthos island and took its name from a smuggler shipwreck that was washed on shore in 1981, due to an engine malfunction and bad weather conditions. The small beach has amazing, white, soft sand and crystal clear waters and is defined by huge vertical limestone cliffs.
In this extraordinary scenery that attracts thousands of visitors every summer, BASE jumpers have found their own paradise. The jump off point is situated on the edge of a high cliff that overlooks the bay at 656 ft/200 m height and can be approached by car. Once you jump, you have about 2 to 5 seconds before you deploy your parachute and land safely on the sandy beach. The views and the excitement of the fall will definitely take your breath away, while free falling in this exotic spot.
Over the last few years, Navagio beach has become a meeting point for the sport fans and hosts the Summer BASE Jump Boogie event, where the best athletes of the world make more than 300 jumps in five days. The best season to visit the spot is from May to late September, but before you do, check out the weather and wind conditions in the area. Keep in mind that the island is not organized in regards of gear shops or rescue personnel, so it is best to go prepared and take climbing ropes with you. The beach is remote and can only be approached by boat from Agios Ioannis harbor for those who want to swim and bathe under the hot sun. However, that should’t be a problem for BASE jumpers, as they can just land on the beach from the sky!
