Marathonissi Island Zakynthos

Marathonissi island can be found in Laganas bay in the southern part of Zakynthos facing the coast of Keri, not far from Limni Keri beach.

Private, uninhabited, part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and recognized as a National Heritage, it is a protected place as the Caretta-Caretta turtle species has chosen this incredible place to lay its eggs and continue its reproduction today threatened with extinction . It is possible to visit it until sunset, after which it is forbidden as volunteers take care of the specimens every day to guarantee them a natural and peaceful life without disturbances from visitors.

Known by the name of "Turtles Island", precisely due to the presence of animals, according to Greek mythology, it was a gift from the Gods to the friendly reptiles with the particularity of the shape that recalls that of a turtle when viewed from 'high.

There is nothing on a virgin island and in this regard, if you plan to spend the whole day there, equip yourself with everything you need both for drinking, for eating and for sheltering from the sun (attention, umbrellas are prohibited) as it will seem to be a bit like Robinson Crusoe only unspoiled nature, a sea of crazy colors with transparent waters and nothing more. Until the Second World War, it was inhabited but after that period it returned deserted and without any type of home.

Marathonissi rich in vegetation and still intact, is famous for its white beach and includes two small islets called Pontikonisia. The only building present is a small church where on the 15th of August a large party is organized in honor of the Virgin Mary.

It is not only home to the friendly Caretta-Carretta turtles, but also the last specimens of Mediterranean monk seals find refuge there in summer, sheltering from the sun in the caves of the coast. Precisely to preserve the animals, in Marathonissi it is forbidden to anchor boats less than five meters from the shore in order to give the species the opportunity to continue their life cycle and live in their natural state.

On Marathonissi island you will find two splendid beaches, one of white sand that slopes gently towards the sea taking on crazy chromatic shades that go from green to blue near the coast to become electric blue offshore giving it a Caribbean beach atmosphere, and it is this is where turtles come to lay their eggs. The other is made of white pebbles and is perfect for snorkeling in the beautiful caves that offer a seabed rich in fauna, starfish and more, maybe if you are lucky enough to meet some monk seals who love sheltering from the sun inside the caves. One of these ravines can be reached on foot from the beach via a passage.

Excellent opportunity while visiting Marathonissi island, also combine the Keri Caves which are very close just after Capo Marathia and maybe enjoy a stop in one of the many idyllic beaches of this part of the coast.

I think you understand that the only way is from the sea. By speedboat it takes about ten minutes and you can depart from Laganas, Agios Sostis, Porto Koukla or Limni Keri.

There are three possibilities, either to rely on a tourist agency and take a guided excursion, rent a boat privately or with a taxi boat. For the excursion there are two types of boats, the one that carries up to 50 seats and usually involves the circumnavigation of the island with a short stop at the caves and then move to the main beach and finally to the caves of Keri (cost from 15 to 20 € per person), or with a larger hull that stops only at the second beach.

With the private boat you will surely be more free to move and stop as long as you want and here too you can choose whether to be the captain or to rely on a skipper. Prices vary according to your preference and generally include petrol and insurance. We are talking about € 70 for 3 hours plus € 5 per person if you will be the captain and € 180 for a total of 8 people including the skipper.

Taxi boats, on the other hand, are just like a road transport service. Agree with the captain about the return time and keep in mind that the cost is about € 12 per person. Some taxi drivers with a little extra offer the wonderful experience of watching turtles for the duration of a quarter of an hour. With this solution, consider that in Marathonissi there are no shaded areas on the beach and it is forbidden to bring parasols so you should carefully consider how long and at what times of the day you would like to visit it.

Last possibility, but only for the most trained and sporty, is to reach Marathonissi by canoe, perhaps encountering some curious turtles along the way.

An obligatory stop among the things to see in Zakynthos, ideal for lovers of pristine places, the crystal clear and clear sea and for those who want to relax in a still intact and natural context.