Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

Marathonisi is the tiny islet at the heart of Laganas Bay whose sheltered coves serve as the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting beach in the Mediterranean. Snorkellers and divers regularly encounter Caretta caretta resting on posidonia seagrass beds or cruising the shallows in extraordinary numbers, alongside octopus, sea bream and torpedo rays. The site sits within a National Marine Park with strict access rules that protect turtle feeding and nesting, making every encounter feel rare and unhurried.