Rethymnoʼs most ancient visitors have appeared for yet another year
Earlier than in previous years, the Caretta caretta sea turtles appeared on the beaches of Rethymno to lay their eggs. The first nest of 2018 was located by the experienced ARCHELON volunteers in Adelianos Kampos on May 20th, while on the same day, tracks of a laying attempt were recorded within the city of Rethymno and in the Skaleta area.
Sea turtles swim in the seas of our planet for over 200 million years; they are contemporary to the dinosaurs that have since been extinct. These ancient animals, that live in the sea but breathe air from the atmosphere, only come out on the beach to lay their eggs in the sand. There, they need to find clean and quite beaches and adequate area to make their nests in the sand.
Each year that turtles return to the beaches of Rethymno is a year of hope that the level of development of our society allows for nature to function. The Rethymno Municipality and responsible services have taken action for yet another year to keep this hope alive.
This is a list of guidelines for all, visitors and businessmen, to follow at nesting beaches:
You can reach out to ARCHELON volunteers daily at the Information Stations at Rethymno Enetiko Limani and on the nesting beaches from Delfini to Skaleta in the Rethymno bay, from 05:00am.
Information:
Odysseas Paxinos, Crete Program Coordinator, ARCHELON, tel: 6937352379, email: archelon.crete@archelon.com
fb: ARCHELON Crete, ARCHELON, the official page
( translation: Danai Kyriaki)
Protection of the Kyparassia Gulf in theory and in practice
Speed races of 280 motorcycles on the protected beach and sand dunes of the southern Kyparissia Gulf, in the areas of Giannitsochori Ileias and Elaia Messinias
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
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When we analyzed the turtles’ codes, we realized that this was a turtle that had been tagged for the first time in the area 32 years ago! Specifically, turtle P4849 was tagged on July 7, 1993 and today is the turtle with the longest documented reproductive lifespan in Kyparissia Bay!
- OUR NEWS18/02/2026
"The Mediterranean We Protect" ARCHELON Presented the 2025 Results and the New LIFE MareNatura Exhibition
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- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
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- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
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- OUR NEWS02/01/2026
Against All Odds: A Story of Marine Resilience from Amvrakikos Gulf
One turtle has been surviving for at least six years without a lower jaw!
- OUR NEWS29/12/2025
“Meetings with Remarkable Animals” A Heartwarming Reward for Our Efforts
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- OUR NEWS17/12/2025
ARCHELON’s Research: Expanding the Map of Mediterranean Green Turtles
In recent years, some green turtle nests have been recorded in Greece, indicating that the geographical spread of this species’ nesting areas in the Mediterranean is beginning to expand.
- OUR NEWS12/12/2025
The Power Behind Sea Turtle Conservation: Our 2025 Field Leaders
With deep gratitude, we honor all the Field Leaders who contributed to the success of the 2025 Field Projects.
- OUR NEWS10/12/2025
Unprecedented appearance of Leatherback Turtle on a Mediterranean beach
A new scientific record brings to light an extremely rare event for the marine life of the Mediterranean: the first confirmed appearance of an adult Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) attempting to nest in the Mediterranean basin.
- OUR NEWS08/12/2025
Applications Now Open for 2026 ARCHELON Field Leaders Posts!
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- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
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- OUR NEWS01/12/2025
Laganas Bay, Zakynthos: Successful Loggerhead Reproduction, Ongoing Habitat Problems
On the beaches of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, around 2,155 turtle nests successfully hatched thanks to active protection measures, but human pressures on coastal and marine habitats continue.
- OUR NEWS26/11/2025
A Second Chance: Two Loggerhead Sea Turtles Return to the Sea Thanks to Dedicated Rescues
This summer, two adult loggerhead sea turtles, ‘Aktaia’ and ‘Herbert’, arrived at ARCHELON’s Sea Turtle Rescue Centre needing urgent help after sustaining severe head injuries.
- OUR NEWS11/11/2025
Volunteering Projects 2026: Sea Turtles Need You, the Planet Needs Us!
ARCHELON welcomes volunteers from all over the world and of all ages (over 18) and no prior experience is required! If you speak English, are at least 18 years old, and are in good physical condition, you can do this!
- OUR NEWS10/11/2025
Outstanding Recognition for ARCHELON at the Effective Dialogue Conference 2025
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, ARCHELON received an honorary distinction for its substantial contribution to effective dialogue on sustainability, social responsibility, and the environment