How good does 2016 promise to be for sea turtles in Crete?
Turtles that visit the island of Crete this year once again, appeared almost with a daytime accuracy.
The beginning of the summer was followed by 2 more nests in Crete. This time in the nesting beach of Kommos, in the Bay of Messara, which was enthusiastically announced on Wednesday 1 June by the voluntary group of ARCHELON. The 2nd one on Thursday 2 June, in the Maleme nesting beach in the Gulf of Chania, by the corresponding voluntary group.
That fact is very encouraging for both groups which face daily challenges on the beaches of Crete, because as it has been highlighted several times, Crete is among the most deprived places in Greece concerning the nesting.
However, Crete constantly feeds us with hopes for a better future for this rare and very unique species which exists millions of years here in the world and continues visiting the beloved island.
Apart from hopes, this fact creates beautiful pictures and memories as well, for everyone who cares for, loves, protects and hopes for the survival of this species on the planet. Sea turtles are the physical proof that the beaches of Crete deserve our attention. They deserve to continue to be of high quality and attract people who really know how rare they are to continue to visit.
All of the three voluntary groups of ARCHELON, at least 37 so far young people from all over the world, express their joy to have this unique opportunity of discovering a nest of a sea turtle before completing their stay on the island.
The wish of all these people who visited Crete for the turtles with great courage, is one: Save the turtles of Crete.
And this is what they intend to do for the next four months until the middle of October.
ARCHELON reminds everyone who run their businesses on nesting beaches one more time not to forget to apply the below simple but vital measures:
The measures need to be applied by all companies operating on the beach from now until mid-October. Not only to protect the habitats of the sea turtles but also for the protection of perhaps the most important natural resource of the island of Crete. Of course, there is none other than, the beaches of a unique beauty.
Information: Nikolopoulou Athanasia, Crete Program Coordinator, tel: 6937352379
translation: Efi Tricha
A letter to the volunteers
Caretta caretta nesting in the Laconic Gulf has begun
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS12/09/2025
Τhe first green sea turtle nest has hatched in Naxos island!
The emergence of a nest on Naxos is a sign that the geographical range of this threatened species in the Mediterranean may be expanding.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2025
School Tours at ARCHELON: Reserve Your Spot from September 11
The magical world of sea turtles and the people who are taking care of them is waiting, offering you a unique experience and valuable knowledge.
- OUR NEWS05/09/2025
The first report of 2025 delivered from Romanos Beach, Messinia
From mid-May to early September 2025, the project recorded about 80 nests along the 2.7 km stretch of Romanos beach.
- OUR NEWS29/08/2025
Turtle Run in Chania: Lace up your running shoes and get ready!
September 7th, Chania: Join the event and support the protection of one of the most iconic marine species in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS27/08/2025
Citizens Help us Map Sea Turtle Sporadic Nesting in the Ionian Sea
This study is particularly important as it highlights the power of citizen science. Public eyes on beaches, outreach through online platforms and new reporting tools are expanding our understanding of turtle nesting beyond the beaches we monitor.
- OUR NEWS20/08/2025
A nesting turtle brings hope amidst a night of fire
After a 12-hour period filled with fear and uncertainty, the family witnessed a miracle of nature. “It brought us peace and reminded us of what is important”.
- OUR NEWS14/08/2025
ARCHELON’s Life-Saving Chain with the Support of the Green Fund
Thanks to persistence, medication, daily care, and a great deal of patience, “Snowball” gradually moved from a critical state to full recovery.
- OUR NEWS31/07/2025
ATTENTION! Please do not feed sea turtles – They are not pets- Protect them from human induced impacts
ARCHELON informs that the phenomenon of feeding sea turtles by people in coastal areas, ports and tourist spots has been observed in recent years. Despite good intentions, this practice causes serious problems – for turtles and for people alike.
- OUR NEWS25/07/2025
New Info Station in Kyparissia Opens for LIFE MareNatura Project
Located at the beachfront of the town, the Info Station operates daily 18:30 - 21:00.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in Crete
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Rethymno, Chania, and the Messara Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS21/07/2025
Public Excavations of Sea Turtle Nests in the Peloponnese
The excavations are open for both kids and adults and take place on the nesting beaches of Kyparissia Bay, Romanos, Koroni and Lakonikos Bay during the months of August and September.
- OUR NEWS16/07/2025
Earlier than ever before was the start of the 2025 Hatching Season of Loggerheads in Greece – The first hatchlings have reached the sea!
We are excited to announce the beginning of the 2025 sea turtle hatching season, with the earliest hatching event ever recorded since monitoring began in 1984.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2025
Important presentations at the 16th International Congress on the Zoogeography and Ecology of Greece and Adjacent Regions (ICZEGAR)
ARCHELON actively contributed to the Congress with three oral presentations, highlighting key aspects of its scientific and conservation work for sea turtles.
- OUR NEWS09/07/2025
Inspections in Zakynthos and Kyparissia by representatives of the Bern Convention
The experts were in Greece to monitor the implementation of the Recommendations adopted by the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention to our country regarding the protection of the Loggerhead sea turtle and the ongoing threats faced by the species in its largest breeding habitats in the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS02/07/2025
Citizen Science: Recording of Sporadic Nesting of Sea turtles across the Aegean
For over four decades, many people have been reporting turtle sightings and tracks across the Greek coastline. Thanks to them, we have confirmed 577 unique nesting events outside our regularly monitored areas