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 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.
- OUR NEWS07/05/2026
ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Tours presented in a Japanese Seminar for Sustainable Tourism
ur Sea Turtle Tours recently featured as a highlight in the Sustainable Tourism International Talk Sessions, organized by the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies.
- OUR NEWS04/05/2026
Kids Turtle Festival 2026 "In Deep Water"
The ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre opens its doors on World Turtle Day, June 13, and invites young and old to this year’s Kids Turtle Festival 2026 “In Deep Water”.
- OUR NEWS30/04/2026
Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is an organized activity that allows participants to get to know the natural environment of the sea turtle nesting site up close. Book your place now!
- OUR NEWS18/04/2026
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
Helen Jane was not just another dead sea turtle found on the Greek coastline. For ARCHELON researchers, she was a living beacon of information
- OUR NEWS17/04/2026
Is it Really 1 in 1,000? New Science Challenges the Iconic Sea Turtle Statistic
For decades, one quote has defined the struggle of sea turtle conservation: 1 in 1,000. This statistical information suggests that for every thousand hatchlings that enter the sea, only one will survive the long journey to adulthood.