Sea Turtle Beach Walk in Crete: A unique eco-tourism experience
Every summer, the coasts of Crete host one of the most iconic visitors of the Mediterranean: the loggerhead sea turtle, which returns to nest and continue its life cycle. ARCHELON, with experience in sea turtle conservation in Greece since 1983, continues its work on the nesting beaches of Chania, Rethymno and the Messara Bay. This year, we are inviting residents and visitors to participate in the Sea Turtle Beach Walk, a turtle-friendly environmental experience for young and old.

An experience close to nature and its protection
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. During the walk, visitors have the opportunity to:
- observe sea turtle tracks and nests,
- learn about the life cycle and biology of the Loggerhead,
- understand the threats facing the species,
- learn about the conservation activities implemented by ARCHELON.

The guided tours are conducted by trained volunteers and researchers of the organization, offering an authentic and educational experience in contact with the coastal ecosystem of Crete. The activity takes place on the beaches in the mornings and afternoons (08:00 and 19:00), lasts 45’, is ideal for families with children (4+ years old) and is offered in Greek and English. Participation includes online booking and a donation, which directly supports ARCHELON’s conservation work on the nesting beaches.
- Rethymno: guided tours from May 6
- Chania: guided tours from May 15
- Kalamaki (Messaras Bay): guided tours from June 10

Book Now!
Participation includes online booking and a donation (€50 for 2 adults and 4 children), which directly supports ARCHELON's protection work on nesting beaches. Reservation required HERE
For more information, group visits or promotional material for the activity, please contact:
- Crete Project Manager, Danae Tsaparli, 6937352379, crete@archelon.gr
- Sustainable Tourism Officer, Agni Syrogiannouli, 6936913493, parethymno@archelon.gr
Kids Turtle Festival 2026 "In Deep Water"
How a sea turtle illuminated the unknown paths of the Aegean
RECENT NEWS
- 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.
- OUR NEWS08/07/2026
Protecting loggerhead sea turtles contributes to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. As part of marine food webs, they contribute to the balance and functioning of coastal and marine habitats.
- OUR NEWS05/07/2026
Is the Zakynthos National Marine Park Truly Protected?
Two cases of environmental law violations in Zakynthos that went unpunished.
- OUR NEWS29/06/2026
New Sea Turtle Protection Project in Corfu
ARCHELON partners with the Ionian Environment Foundation and the Mar-Bella Collection Hotel Group to Protect the Nesting Beaches of Corfu
- OUR NEWS26/06/2026
ARCHELON & TUI Turtle Aid Greece: 3 successful years in Crete
With the completion of the “TUI Turtle Aid Greece” project, ARCHELON presents impressive results in nest protection, the hotel employees training and raising awareness among 66,000 tourists.
- OUR NEWS24/06/2026
Effective turtle conservation begins with safeguarding the nesting beaches
Field surveys were carried out over two consecutive nesting seasons (2024–2025), assessing 167 nesting beaches across Greece, covering 270 km of coastline.
- 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.”


