On Zakynthos’s southern coast, the National Marine Park protects Laganas Bay and key nesting beaches for loggerhead sea turtles. Kalamaki’s long sandy shore has shallow water, marked nesting areas and views of aircraft approaching the nearby airport. You may spot a turtle in the sea, or see protected nests on the beach, but keep your distance and follow access rules. For more context on the turtles and local wildlife, the park’s thematic exhibition centre is in Dafni, in the Vasilikos area.
A park shaped around turtle protection
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos lies in the island’s southern area, around Laganas Bay. Established in 1999, it protects the natural environment and the breeding habitat of the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta. The protected area includes the bay and the islets of Marathonisi, Peluso and Strofadia. It is also part of the Natura 2000 network.
The park’s beaches are important nesting grounds. At Kalamaki, sections of the shore are marked off to protect nests; some are covered with small wooden shelters. These signs are a reminder to give the nesting areas space. Access to the beach is limited to daylight, from sunrise until sunset.
Walking Kalamaki’s nesting beach
Kalamaki has a wide stretch of sand and shallow water near the shore. The beach runs between Kalamaki and Laganas, and walking from one end to the other takes about 40 minutes. The cliffs along the shore have visible crystals embedded in them. Aircraft landing and taking off can also be seen above the beach.
Turtles sometimes swim in the water, and hatching season brings another possibility: eggs hatch from late July through October. Volunteers may be present working with nests, but encounters are not guaranteed. Do not touch turtles or approach nests. The park’s protection depends on giving wildlife room, even when a nest or turtle is easy to see.
The exhibition centre in Dafni
The park’s thematic exhibition centre is in Dafni, within the municipal area of Vasilikos. Its displays and multimedia material introduce the loggerhead turtle and Zakynthos’s nesting beaches. The centre also covers other priority species and endemic plants and animals found on the island, linking local nature with its traditions and history.
The exhibition gives families and nature-minded visitors a way to learn about the protected area beyond the beach. A visit to the shore and a stop at the centre offer different perspectives: one shows the nesting habitat itself, while the other explains the turtles and other local wildlife the park aims to protect.
Perguntas frequentes
When can you access Kalamaki beach?
Beach access is from sunrise until sunset. Follow the marked areas and do not disturb turtle nests.
Can you see loggerhead turtles at the park?
Turtles are sometimes seen swimming in the sea, but sightings are not guaranteed. Keep your distance if you spot one.
When do turtle eggs hatch on Zakynthos?
The nesting material states that eggs hatch from late July to October.
Where is the turtle exhibition centre?
The thematic exhibition centre is in Dafni, in the Vasilikos area. It covers loggerhead turtles, nesting beaches and other local wildlife.
