Laganas Bay is a popular holiday destination on Zakynthos, home to the most popular tourist resorts of Laganas, Kalamaki and Agios Sostis, as well as the three small islands of Pelouzo, Marathonisi and Cameo (Agios Sostis).

Marathonisi Island (Turtle Island)

Marathonisi is a small, uninhabited island located between the peninsulas of Vassilikos and Keri, within sight of the mainland of Zakynthos. It can be seen especially from the beaches of Agios Sostis and Laganas, from which it is about 3 km away. Marathonisi also includes two smaller islands, which are collectively called Pontikonisia.

Marathonisi is famous as a place to see the rare giant hawksbill turtles, which come here from spring to late summer, mate in the sea and then come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand. The island falls under the protection of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, which aims to protect the natural heritage of the island and the endangered species of animals that live here. In addition to the Caretta Caretta turtles, the endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is also a protected species.

Marathonisi Island is often called 'Turtle Island', both because of the Caretta Caretta turtles that come to the island, but also because of its shape, which is really like a turtle. The island is covered with dense vegetation of pine forests and olive groves, and the Zakynthos National Marine Park is trying to protect it from any human interference.

There are two main beaches on the island of Marathonisi. The larger Marathonisi beach is covered with fine golden sand and it is this stretch of coastline that sea turtles use to make their nests. This beach falls under the protection of the Zakynthos National Marine Park and certain rules apply. For example, tourists should stay only at the edge of the beach within about 3-5 m from the sea and not disturb its surface, and tourists are not allowed to explore the island on their own. The second beach is smaller, pebbly and has two small coves close to it.

The island is mostly rocky and, in addition to the beautiful beaches and turtles, visitors will be delighted by the beautiful caves, which are often passed by sightseeing cruises. Smaller boats can also go inside the caves and snorkelling near them is very popular with tourists, as is sunbathing on the beach and swimming in the beautiful, clear sea. Sightseeing boats and taxi boats sail daily to Marathonisi from nearby beaches, and you can also rent a boat from one of the local rental companies.

Marathonisi is a completely natural island, without any tourist equipment. For this reason, visitors are advised to bring plenty of liquids and food, as well as headgear, as the beach offers no natural shade and umbrellas are not allowed to be stuck in the sand. Of course, visitors should be respectful of the local nature and not leave any litter.

Caretta Caretta turtle (giant caretta)

Caretta Caretta turtles are an endangered species and the beaches of Zakynthos are their last refuge. The turtles migrate across the Mediterranean to return to Laganas Bay in spring to nest. Between May and September they come to the beaches of the bay, mate in the water and wait for the night when the females come ashore and lay their eggs in the sand. They dig a deep hole in the sand and lay an average of 120 eggs. However, the females are very sensitive to noise or light and, if disturbed, return to the sea without laying eggs. During the season, about 1 300 nests appear on the beaches along Laganas Bay.

After 60 days, the eggs hatch into small turtles, burrow through the sand to the surface of the beach and head back out to sea. This happens again at night, as the turtles orient themselves by the reflection of the stars and moon on the water's surface. They can easily be confused by the lighting from the resorts and head in the wrong direction. Adults can reach up to 1 metre in size and weigh up to 150 kg.

Although Caretta caretta turtles are highly endangered animals, their conservation has unfortunately for a long time taken a back seat to the business interests of local residents, who benefit mainly from tourism development. Under pressure from environmental groups, the Greek government established the Zakynthos National Marine Park (ZNMP) in 1999 to protect endangered marine species (in addition to the giant hawksbill turtle, the national park also includes the critically endangered Mediterranean harbour seal).

However, the National Park has been underfunded for a long time and no major steps have been taken. However, the situation is at least being monitored, turtle nests are visibly marked, rules have been established for movement around the national park and on protected beaches, and rangers are on the beaches during the turtle hatching season. For example, beaches where turtles nest must not be accessed between sunset and sunrise, no digging in the sand or sticking umbrellas in the sand, no use of vehicles of any kind, and no use of any lighting at night. For this reason, airport operations are also restricted to daytime hours (no flying at night). Consideration of tourists is very important.

If you are lucky enough to see a small turtle, do not pick it up and carry it into the water. She needs to make this journey on her own and memorize it so she can return here as an adult and nest successfully.

Monachus monachus Monachus (Mediterranean seal)

Every year, the Mediterranean or monk seal heads to the Greek island of Zakynthos, and more specifically to the small island of Marathonisi, to breed and rest. Despite their size, these seals are considered a highly endangered marine species on a global scale. In addition to the areas of the Aegean Sea around Greece and the Greek islands, small and isolated populations of Monachus monachus seals have also been recorded off the archipelago off Madeira, Portugal, and off the Cabo Blanco peninsula on the Atlantic coast of Africa.

As adults, these seals grow to an average length of 2.4 m and males weigh an average of 320 kg (females average 300 kg). They have a white stripe of fur on their belly, which differs in shape and colour between the sexes.

In earlier times, Mediterranean fur seals commonly gathered on beaches, where they even gave birth to their pups. However, most likely due to the increase in human population, industry and tourism, seals began to retreat from their original habitat and now only congregate in caves along the seashore.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Tips for trips on Zakynthos: Zakynthos Capital City, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), Blue Caves, Aristeon Press and Museum, Olympia, Callinico Winery, Water park Zante Water Village (Sarakinado), Shipwreck (Navagio Beach)

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