Cactus Hotel
Laganas - Laganas
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Marathonissi, known universally as ‘Turtle Island’, is one of the most precious jewels of the Zakynthos National Marine Park and one of the most fascinating destinations in the entire Greek archipelago. This small , private and uninhabited island, located in the bay of Laganas a few nautical miles off the southern coast of Zakynthos, was chosen by the sea turtle Caretta Caretta as one of their main nesting sites in the Mediterranean.
According to ancient Greek mythology, the islet was created directly by the gods to house these magnificent sea creatures, and its shape when viewed from above actually resembles that of a giant tortoise. Inhabited until the years of World War II, today Marathonissi has completely returned to nature, becoming an internationally protected heritage site where marine life can thrive undisturbed.
The island offers postcard-perfect scenery with its crystal-clear waters that fade from turquoise green near the shore to electric blue offshore, creating an atmosphere more reminiscent of the Caribbean than the Mediterranean. Rich Mediterranean vegetation covers the island, while two beautiful beaches – one of fine white sand and one of white pebbles – offer completely different scenarios to visitors.
Access to Marathonissi is only permitted from dusk to dawn and is strictly regulated by the WWF to protect the turtles’ habitat during the crucial nesting and hatching phases, which occur between May and October.
The island of Marathonissi boasts two completely different main beaches, each with unique characteristics that make it special. Both are accessible only by sea and offer unforgettable experiences to the lucky visitors who manage to reach them.
The main beach at Marathonissi is a magnificent tongue of fine white sand that slopes gently down to the sea, creating shallow waters perfect for swimming and observing marine life. This is the beach of choice for Caretta Caretta turtles to lay their eggs, which is why the area is demarcated by a rope marking the limit of access allowed to visitors.
The crystal-clear waters that bathe this beach display extraordinary colour nuances: from emerald green near the shoreline to deep turquoise to electric blue in the deeper waters. Visitors can stay on the beach within 3 metres from the shoreline and observe from a safe distance the turtle nests protected by characteristic wooden structures installed by volunteers.
During the months of August and September, the lucky ones can witness the miracle of the hatching of the eggs and see the baby turtles instinctively heading out to sea to begin their life cycle.
The second, lesser-known but equally spectacular beach of Marathonissi is characterised by white pebbles and pebbles and is situated in a sheltered bay bordered by natural cliffs. This beach is a paradise for lovers of snorkelling and marine exploration.
From the cliffs surrounding this beach, it is possible to access spectacular sea caves, either on foot or by swimming. The huge main cave can be reached from the beach via a footpath of about ten metres, where an underground lake opens up with turquoise waters illuminated by sunlight filtering through rocky openings.
The semi-submerged caves that dot this area are rich in starfish, limestone concretions and a diverse marine fauna. In the hottest hours of summer, these caves offer shelter to the last Mediterranean monk seals, making the experience even more extraordinary for lucky visitors.
Marathonissi offers a unique natural experience, where every activity is designed to respect the island’s fragile ecosystem. The total absence of modern facilities and any form of light or noise pollution creates a primordial environment where nature reigns supreme.
Turtle watching is the main and most exciting activity. During the nesting season, it is possible to see these magnificent marine animals swimming placidly in the waters surrounding the island. WWF volunteers are always present to provide information on how to behave and to ensure that interaction with the fauna takes place with the utmost respect.
Snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Marathonissi reveals an underwater world rich in life. The rocky seabed is home to an extraordinary variety of Mediterranean fish, while the posidonia meadows create a perfect marine ecosystem for turtle feeding. It is important to remember that boat anchoring is prohibited less than 5 metres from the shore to preserve these delicate habitats.
Exploring the caves is an unforgettable adventure for the brave. Some caves are only accessible by sea in small boats, while others can be reached on foot from the pebble beach. Carrying an underwater torch is essential to fully appreciate the play of light that is created in the underground environments.
Marathonissi is part of Zone B of the Zakynthos Marine Park, which entails the observance of strict rules from 1 May to 31 October. It is absolutely forbidden to stay on the island after sunset, use parasols or sunshade structures, light fires or leave rubbish. The volume of boats must be kept to a minimum and sailing speed may not exceed 6 nautical miles in the protected area.
Marathonissi is completely uninhabited and does not offer any type of accommodation, restaurant or tourist service. The island retains its primordial and wild character, with the only building being a small church where a traditional festival in honour of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on 15 August.
To visit Marathonissi, it is necessary to stay on the mainland Zakynthos and organise day trips. The most strategic locations to reach the island are Laganas, Agios Sostis, Porto Koukla and Limni Keri, all located on the southern coast of Zakynthos at distances between 5 and 15 minutes by boat.
Marathonissi can only be reached by sea with different transport options to suit different budgets and needs. Sailing to the island offers in itself an unforgettable experience through the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Laganas.
Taxi boats are the most flexible and popular solution for reaching Marathonissi. These small boats with a maximum capacity of 10 persons act as real sea taxis, connecting the southern coast of Zakynthos with the island in about 15 minutes. The cost ranges from 10 to 12 euro per person, with the possibility of adding 5 euro for 15 minutes of ‘turtle spotting’ – turtle watching.
As there are no set times, it is important to agree with the captain on the return time and carefully assess your tolerance for the sun, considering that there are no shaded areas on the island and parasols are strictly prohibited by Marine Park regulations.
Group excursions to the Marine Park are an excellent option for those who want a guided and informative experience. The cost is around 25 euro per person for 3-hour tours that include a stop at Marathonissi, turtle watching and a visit to the Keri Caves.
It is essential to check that the excursion chosen actually includes a stop on the main beach of Marathonissi: only boats of up to 50 places can dock on the white sandy beach, while larger boats only stop near the pebble beach.
Hiring a private boat offers maximum freedom of exploration and the possibility of stopping at both beaches on the island. No licence is required for boats up to 40 hp, and the charterers provide all the necessary explanations for safety and navigation in the Marine Park.
Chartering with an experienced skipper is the ideal option for those wishing to discover secret places and hidden caves inaccessible to tourist boats
Marathonissi is located in the Gulf of Laganas, in the southern part of Zakynthos, a few nautical miles from the coast of Keri and the beach of Limni Keri.
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