Kids Beach Competition 2023: Turtles made of natural materials that stole our hearts!
In the middle of the summer, on the warmest nights of the year and on certain beaches in Greece, the baby loggerhead sea turtles come out of their eggs and emerge from the sand. They move quickly towards the sea, like wind-up toys, avoiding the hungry beaks of birds and the trampling of people. And in the sea begins the great journey of their lives!
This year ARCHELON asked the children for help so that from their own mouths the tourists on the beaches will be warned that the baby turtles will soon come out. We suggested that everyone create their own sea turtle with natural materials from a nearby beach.

By the end of September our e-mail was filled with photos of the children's turtle creations made of pebbles, sand, water, rocks, sticks, leaves and shells, as our 3-13 year-old friends responded to our call.

We collected all their turtle art and posted it in an online exhibition, where everyone could visit and vote for their favorite exhibits, leaving a heart. In the end, 7-year-old Angeliki's sand turtle stole 694 hearts and became the winner! And this is how this year's ARCHELON Christmas card will be.

The winner turtle was followed by (6-year-old) Aelia's turtle with the green flippers and (7-year-old) George's petrified turtle enjoying the sunset, that both gained more than 300 hearts. A little behind them, (6-year-old) Danai's leafy turtle and (8-year-old) Fotis's minimal hatchling that stole more than 200 hearts!
Some of our little friends decided to use recyclable materials they found on their beaches or colorful materials they found at home. They may not have been part of this year's competition concept, but they stole many hearts and gave us ideas for next year!
Many thanks to all participants and their parents or teachers who helped with this effort.
You can see the exhibition here .
The establishment of the “Amvrakikos Alliance”
The Field Leaders of 2023 and their role
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS25/09/2026
Together for Crete’s nesting beaches: "Turtle-Friendly Hotel" award ceremonies in Chania and Rethymno
ARCHELON hosted the award ceremonies for the new Turtle-Friendly Hotel certification, as part of the TUI Turtle Aid Greece program in Crete.
- OUR NEWS23/09/2026
We bade farewell to Omiros, the blind sea turtle that traveled from Greece to Cornwall
In September 2026 Omiros, a male Loggerhead sea turtle with a remarkable story, passed away. He had spent the last 16 years of his life at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall, having traveled there from Greece.
- OUR NEWS10/09/2026
Sea turtles kept in a restaurant tank in Chania: True love for nature begins with respect.
We all feel a sense of excitement when we encounter a wild animal up close. It is only natural to want to connect with nature, observe it and understand it better.
- OUR NEWS09/09/2026
Schools are back at ARCHELON! A new year full of learning and action
The new school year is beginning, and with it, the voices, questions, and excitement of thousands of students return to ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS06/09/2026
Sea Turtle Hatchlings Captivated All Ages in Corfu
- OUR NEWS01/09/2026
Taking time off work to volunteer for the sea turtles in Greece: Amy’s month with ARCHELON in southern Peloponnese
When Amy Carey was 10 years old, she came face to face with a sea turtle while on holiday in Greece. Decades later, at 47, she decided it was time to turn that childhood memory into reality.
- OUR NEWS13/08/2026
Hatchlings need help in September and October: Special volunteer offer for 2 weeks!
In order to protect the nests and the last hatchlings of this year, we need the help of more volunteers!
- OUR NEWS10/08/2026
One beach party canceled, 66 nests saved in Chania!
A significant victory for the protection of sea turtles in Chania, thanks to the direct cooperation of ARCHELON and NECCA.
- OUR NEWS07/08/2026
Sea turtles of the Saronic Gulf: Why feeding them is not an act of love
The Municipality of Saronikos and ARCHELON are campaigning for the safe and proper coexistence of bathers and wildlife.
- OUR NEWS05/08/2026
Greek fishermen release rare Leatherback Turtle in the North Aegean!
In mid-July, we received a video of an impressive sea turtle that had been caught in the nets of a fishing boat.
- OUR NEWS30/07/2026
Join our Sea Turtle Nest Excavations in Peloponnese and Crete
ARCHELON invites you to a unique experience of environmental education and scientific observation!
- OUR NEWS20/07/2026
43 Years of Tagging Sea Turtles in Greece Reveal Their Journeys in the Mediterranean
A new scientific publication highlights the important marine areas turtles use in the Mediterranean, through ARCHELON’s tagging program in Zakynthos, Kyparissia Bay and Rethymno.
- OUR NEWS17/07/2026
The first hatchlings of 2026 in Zakynthos!
The first nest hatched on Dafni beach in Laganas Bay in Zakynthos. Our team discovered the tiny tracks in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14th.
- OUR NEWS15/07/2026
A rare giant of the Greek seas: What our new study reveals about the Leatherback turtle
A new scientific publication brings together for the first time all available records of the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in Greek waters.
- 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.


