Marathonisi (Turtle Island)
Μαραθονήσι
A small turtle-shaped island in Laganas Bay. Its southern white-sand beach is a nesting site for sea turtles, and blue-green sea caves surround the island.
Marathonisi, seen from above, looks like a turtle swimming out to sea, and it is part of the national marine park. The small beach on the south side of the island is a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. Visitors may land and swim during the day, but the island is closed at night, and you must not dig holes or stick umbrellas into the sand. Several small sea caves around the island are good for snorkeling. Most people reach the island by renting a self-drive small boat (no license needed) from Keri or Laganas, or by joining a turtle-watching boat tour. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
Daytime only (no entry at night)
Nearby sights
- Laganas Bay (National Marine Park of Zakynthos)
- Cameo Island (Agios Sostis)
- Laganas Beach
- Keri Caves
- Keri Lighthouse & Mizithres Rocks
- Mount Skopos
- Dafni Beach
- Church of Saint Dionysios