Marathonisi Beach is a beautiful smaller beach, covered with fine golden sand and washed by the clear sea. Marathonisi Beach is especially famous for being a nesting ground for the sea turtle Caretta Caretta. Caretta Caretta (giant caretta) turtles are a highly endangered species and are protected. Their home is the Mediterranean Sea, where they migrate throughout the year, but in spring they move to the island of Zakynthos and come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the sand. They use the beaches of Laganas Bay for nesting, including Marathonisi beach.

Marathonisi Beach is located on the small uninhabited island of the same name, also known as 'Turtle Island'. The beach is purely natural, without any tourist services, so it is recommended to bring plenty of liquids and sun protection (head cover, sunscreen, etc.). Marathonisi beach is protected by the Zakynthos National Marine Park, which aims to protect the natural heritage of the island and especially the endangered animal species - in addition to the Caretta Caretta turtles, this includes the endangered Monachus Monachus (Mediterranean seal), which can also be seen at Marathonisi, as it inhabits the local caves.

The Zakynthos National Marine Park sets certain rules for staying on protected beaches, including Marathonisi beach - turtle nests are visibly marked with the so-called "turtle nests". In addition, Marathonisi beach is subject to a stricter regime, where visitors are only allowed to walk on the beach within 3-5 m from the sea and not to enter the island further (bordered by a rope), they are not allowed to stick umbrellas in the sand, and at night it must be quiet and no lights are allowed. During the day, however, you can enjoy beautiful relaxation and sunbathing and, if you're lucky, you may even spot a beautiful giant sea karet in the sea.

The island of Marathonisi can be beautifully seen especially from the beaches of Agios Sostis, Laganas or Keri, which are about 3 km away. Marathonisi and its beaches are reached daily by sightseeing boats and taxi boats from the nearby beaches, or you can rent a boat from one of the local rental companies.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Most favourite beaches of Zakynthos: Agios Nikolaos Beach (Vassilikos), Banana Beach, Gerakas Beach, Laganas Beach, Limnionas Beach (Porto Limnionas), Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Porto Zoro Beach, Tsilivi Beach

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Zakynthos.