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:

• Rethymno, Crete
• Chania, Crete
• Mavrovouni, Lakonia (Lakonikos Gulf)
• Zakga-Memi, Messinia (Koroni)

Book your place here