Sea Turtles Return to Crete: A Shared Victory for Nature and Sustainable Travel
The loggerhead nesting season has “officially’ begun onnon-profitwell-known Crete, with sea turtle nests occurrence confirmed in all three of ARCHELON’s project areas: Rethymno, Messara, and Chania. These first nests mark the start to a challenging season where the commitment of beach users and hotel owners to protecting the loggerhead sea turtles will be put to the test.
The return of the adult female turtles to lay their eggs on these unique beaches of Crete is a reminder of the island’s ecological importance and the delicate balance between natural preservation and tourism. Through a growing network of volunteers, researchers, local businesses, and international partners, ARCHELON, a well known, non profit environmental NGO, is not only safeguarding the nesting sites but also building awareness about the role each of us plays in preserving them.
One of the main initiatives supporting ARCHELON’s work on the beaches of northern Crete in 2025 is the TUI Turtle Aid Greece project, carried out in collaboration with the TUI Care Foundation. This partnership reflects a coordinated approach to destination management, bringing together conservation teams, hotel staff, local communities, and tourists to help protect the beaches where sea turtles nest. By involving everyone, the project promotes shared responsibility and shows how different groups can successfully work together to care for a destination.
With nests already recorded and protected, the work now continues on the monitoring beaches, informing the public, and helping hatchlings safely reach the sea in the months ahead. Every protected nest is a small triumph, and together, they represent a broader success: a model of tourism that respects and protects the natural world.
Learn more about the TUI Turtle Aid Project: https://archelon.gr/en/what-we-do/projects-and-collaborations
World Environment Day: Keeping Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches Safe from Plastics and Bulldozers
Amvrakikos Project 2025: Special Call for a Field Leader
RECENT NEWS
- OUR NEWS09/03/2026
The Annual General Assembly of the Association
ARCHELON's Members were invited to attend the Annual General Assembly on Saturday, February 28 at the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
Join us for the Online Presentation of 2025 Results!
On Monday, March 23rd, we have the chance to meet again online and share what we accomplished together in the past year.
- OUR NEWS03/03/2026
A Digital Adventure for Your Class with ARCHELON
Through a live connection with the Centre, students learn about the turtles’ rescue stories and discover how everyday human activities can negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- OUR NEWS24/02/2026
32 Years Returning to Nest: A Record Reproductive Lifespan for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in Kyparissia Bay
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
The presentation of our Accounts for 2025 was held with great success on Saturday, February 14th in Glyfada, honoring the people who are on the front lines for the protection of the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS11/02/2026
ARCHELON in the Lakonikos Bay: Nature, Research, Volunteering
The year 2025 was a milestone: a total of 1,253 nests were recorded and protected, while 7 female turtles were equipped with satellite transmitters, sending valuable data about their journeys across the Mediterranean.
- OUR NEWS23/01/2026
A turtle we treated 10 years ago was found in Spain!
“Castello” is a male Loggerhead turtle that was treated at our Rescue Centre in 2015. In 2025 he was found again at a Rescue Centre in Spain!
- 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
Kristi Stassinopoulou shared with us a very personal moment: a sketch and a few pages from her book “Meetings with Remarkable Animals"
- 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!
ARCHELON is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Field Leader positions across all nesting projects (applications open until January 31st).
- OUR NEWS05/12/2025
Saving Sea Turtles Together – A Tribute to Volunteers
On Volunteer Day, we take a moment to celebrate all those who came from near and far, put on the blue T-shirt, and embraced this important responsibility.
- 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.