Ecotourism in Peloponnese and Crete: Explore a Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach
ARCHELON offers a unique ecological experience for the lucky and aware travelers who will find themselves this summer on important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches that the Association protects.
If you have planned your holidays this summer in Chania or Rethymno in Crete or in the areas of Ilia, Messinia and Lakonia in the Peloponnese, then you will be close to some of the most important nesting beaches of the Loggerhead sea turtle! Every night, female Loggerhead turtles emerge from the sea and leave their precious eggs in the nests they create hidden in the warm sand. A few weeks later, the hatchlings break the shell of the eggs, emerge from the sand and begin their journey to the sea, which will be their home for the rest of their lives. ARCHELON has been monitoring these beaches for 40 years, recording and protecting the nests and hatchlings. Explore these unique coastal ecosystems up close and learn all about sea turtles!
The informative walk on the beaches is part of ARCHELON's environmental awareness program and aims to integrate environmental interpretation as a conservation tool. Its goal is to inform the public about nesting beaches, sand dunes and the right interactions between humans and sea turtles. During the walk:
- You will gain knowledge about the Loggerhead sea turtle, its species and its habitat.
- You will learn about the threats sea turtles face and the importance of their protection.
- You will be informed about ARCHELON's efforts to protect the Loggerhead sea turtles and their habitats.
- You will receive useful information on how you can contribute to the protection of sea turtles.
The activity is available by reservation for groups of 1-8 people (children under 4 years old are free) and includes a symbolic adoption of a hatchling (€30). The walk takes place on a specific route and time, lasts 30'-45' minutes and takes place on the beaches:
Book your place here
Help Hatchlings Reach the Sea: Keep Nesting Beaches Dark for Sea Turtles!
Sea Turtles Surprise us: if you see tracks on the beach, help ARCHELON's research!
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS10/07/2026
Raising awareness for the sea turtles in Corfu
To mark the launch of the project, ARCHELON carried out a series of outreach activities across Corfu, bringing local communities and visitors closer to sea turtle conservation.
- OUR NEWS08/07/2026
Protecting loggerhead sea turtles contributes to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. As part of marine food webs, they contribute to the balance and functioning of coastal and marine habitats.
- OUR NEWS05/07/2026
Is the Zakynthos National Marine Park Truly Protected?
Two cases of environmental law violations in Zakynthos that went unpunished.
- OUR NEWS29/06/2026
New Sea Turtle Protection Project in Corfu
ARCHELON partners with the Ionian Environment Foundation and the Mar-Bella Collection Hotel Group to Protect the Nesting Beaches of Corfu
- OUR NEWS26/06/2026
ARCHELON & TUI Turtle Aid Greece: 3 successful years in Crete
With the completion of the “TUI Turtle Aid Greece” project, ARCHELON presents impressive results in nest protection, the hotel employees training and raising awareness among 66,000 tourists.
- OUR NEWS22/06/2026
ARCHELON expresses its sorrow at the loss of Mona Khalil
- OUR NEWS19/06/2026
The world of marine megafauna: New Photo Exhibition at Agiannakis Environmental Station
The Exhibition is part of the LIFE MareNatura Project and is open to the public every Saturday 18:00 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
New data reveals that sea turtles follow much more complex migration strategies
World Sea Turtle Day is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, but also to remember why we continue to research and protect these ancient ocean travellers.
- OUR NEWS16/06/2026
Coordinated action in Greece, Cyprus and Italy to protect sea turtles against the climate crisis
Today, June 16, the world celebrates World Sea Turtle Day. In the Mediterranean, this celebration comes at a critical turning point.
- OUR NEWS15/06/2026
Turtle Festival: Diving into Deep Waters at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre!
On the occasion of World Sea Turtle Day (June 16), last Saturday the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opened its doors to the public for this year’s Turtle Festival, themed “Into Deep Waters.”
- OUR NEWS09/06/2026
Celebrating World Environment Day with Sea Turtles in Rethymno
Last Friday, ARCHELON's team in Rethymno took part in a special awareness-raising event, co-organized by the Municipality and the 2nd Experimental Primary School of Rethymno.
- OUR NEWS02/06/2026
Clean beaches, safe turtles: Our guide to responsible action
See some simple but crucial rules that must be followed for clean nesting beaches!
- OUR NEWS29/05/2026
Eight Hotels in northern Crete Receive “Turtle-Friendly” Certification from the TUI Care Foundation.
The eight hotel establishments in Northern Crete are among the first businesses worldwide to receive the new “Turtle-Friendly” certification from the TUI Care Foundation, developed in collaboration with ARCHELON. This distinction recognizes their commitment to protecting the nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle and highlights the importance of cooperation between the tourism sector and nature conservation initiatives.
- OUR NEWS25/05/2026
Greek beaches stand out with 624 "Blue Flags"
On May 14th we met at Paleo Faliro for the official announcement of the 2026 awards of the International Blue Flag Program, organized by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.
- OUR NEWS18/05/2026
The nesting season has started in Greece: The first sea turtle nests for 2026 are spotted!
The first nests of the loggerhead sea turtle for 2026 have been found in Kyparissia Bay and in Zakynthos.