Zakynthos Marine Park

The Marine Park of Zakynthos is a real institution to be safeguarded for the good of our entire planet and Greece. It is located in the southern part of the island and includes the stretch of sea from the promontory of Capo Marathia to the spectacular Gerakas beach. Not only the waters are under protection, also the hinterland with the beaches of Limni, Keri, Kalamaki, Laganas, the two small islands of the Strofades, the island of Marathonisi and Pelouso.

The Strofades which include the smallest Arpia island and the largest Stamfani island, are about 27 nautical miles from Zakynthos. Their importance is due to the fact that they are of extraordinary beauty due to the lush vegetation and the direction of one of the main migratory routes. There are no beaches, only rocks and soils considered very fertile so that at the time when more than a hundred monks populated them they were able to produce so many fruits to sustain themselves. From the variegated wild flora with many species of flowers and plants of oranges, lemons, secular cedars in the dense forest and native herbs are inserted in the Marine Park of Zakynthos since about 1200 species of migratory birds that move from Africa to rest and give continuity nest to life. On the islets you can find the hoopoe, the swallow, the cuckoo and many other different birds. To date, only one monk resides in this small paradise (blessed he can safely say) that takes care of the Monastery of the Most Blessed Mother of God, dating back to 1200 and wanted by Princess Irene, daughter of the emperor of Nicaea who was saved thanks to the islands from a shipwreck. The story tells that San Dionisio, the patron saint of Zakynthos, also lived in the abbey and as a testimony you can find precious Byzantine icons and writings dating back to the period.

Returning to the Marine Park, founded in 1999 with the aim of safeguarding the endangered species of the Caretta-Caretta turtle, the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus Monachus, reptiles and amphibians such as iguanas, mammals such as porcupines or wild rabbits is It is important to underline that the ecosystem in this place made up of beaches and dunes of soft and warm sand, rocks that emerge almost by magic from the sea, clean and transparent waters, dense pine forests, and areas where the Mediterranean scrub grows spontaneously, are the ideal characteristics to carry out this important protection project. In addition to the listed animals, at times one can observe a particular specimen of dolphin the Tursiops Truncantus commonly called "bottle-nosed dolphin".

Next to Dafni beach there is also a museum dedicated to the park and the turtles. Did you know that the symbol of Zakynthos is precisely the turtles? To find out more about this fantastic place, go to http://www.nmp-zak.org/en .

The surface of the Marine Park of Zakynthos covers about 90 square meters of sea, 15 of land and 32 of peripheral area for a total of 135 square kilometers, all controlled by rangers who with passion and love for the environment, watch and protect the whole area. The project is a non-profit and it is very important that anyone respects the strict rules in order to preserve this portion of the world as best and long as possible. Inside it is strictly forbidden to practice underwater fishing, to sail with any boat and the boats that enter the territory cannot travel at more than 6 miles per hour as well as dock. Sekania beach is only accessible to researchers with a permit and on the beaches where turtles nest it is forbidden to go before sunrise and after sunset, touch the cages that protect the nests, do water sports, use lights in the night, camp, light fires, collect flowers, shells, plants and above all throw garbage. They may seem like very limiting rules, but this is the only way to safeguard the area.

Obviously only and exclusively by sea. You can opt for an organized excursion there are several and cost from 20 to 30 € per person. The other alternative is to rent a boat privately but remember that you will have to follow the charterer's instructions to the letter once you enter the protected area.

Certainly an excellent excursion, compulsorily to be put on the list of things to do in Zakynthos, to admire a still preserved nature and learn to have more awareness of how fragile our planet is and give you one more reason to be respectful towards the land.