Tourism and Nature in Harmony!

Rethymno Celebrates the Success of the "TUI Turtle Aid Greece" Project

Here in Rethymno, our endless golden beaches are famous for hosting thousands of visitors every summer.

But they are also home to a much older, more fragile guest: the Caretta caretta  (Loggerhead sea turtle).

Can bustling tourism and sensitive wildlife share the exact same beach?

In Rethymno, the answer is a resounding  YES —thanks to the power of collaboration, respect, and shared rules.

Recently, the highly successful  "TUI Turtle Aid Greece" project  (which ran from June 2023 to May 2026) came to a close.

Supported by the TUI Care Foundation, this three-year initiative highlighted what can be achieved when local authorities, the NGO ARCHELON, dedicated hoteliers, and the tourism sector join forces to protect our natural heritage.

A Partnership with Deep Roots

The collaboration between tourism professionals and environmentalists in Crete is not new.

Its foundations were laid back in the mid-1990s by Dr. Wolf Michael Iwand, former head of the Environment department at TUI. He was a visionary who recognized early on that the future of Cretan tourism relies heavily on the survival of the sea turtle.

Building upon this long history, the recent "TUI Turtle Aid Greece" project took these efforts to new, impressive heights across the island.

Pioneering "Turtle-Friendly Hotels" in Rethymno

One of the proudest achievements of this cooperation was the pilot launch of the international  “Turtle-Friendly Hotel”  certification. Designed by the TUI Care Foundation alongside international experts, this program guided local businesses to adopt simple but life-saving practices.

Thanks to the guidance of ARCHELON and ECOCLUB, hotels learned to adjust their daily operations to protect nesting turtles.

This includes moving sun loungers away from the water at night to give mother turtles space to lay their eggs, and turning off or shading bright lights so that baby turtles don't get disoriented.

We are incredibly proud that some of the very first hotels to earn this official certification are right here in Rethymno:

Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel

Grecotel Creta Palace Resort

Grecotel Caramel Resort

Turtle-Friendly Hotel

Aquila Rithymna Beach Hotel

Turtle-Friendly Hotel

Grecotel Creta Palace Resort

Turtle-Friendly Hotel

Grecotel Creta Palace Resort

Three Years of Incredible Impact

The dedication of volunteers, hotel staff, and local authorities has led to measurable, magnificent results in Northern Crete (Chania & Rethymno). Over the last three years, the project achieved:

1,728 Sea Turtle Nests Protected:  Helping to stabilize and reverse the decline in nesting numbers observed over the last two decades.

66,000+ People Educated:  ARCHELON volunteers successfully engaged and raised awareness among 66,557 tourists, locals, and visitors.

423 Sea Turtle Beach Walks:  Visitors had the unique chance to walk the nesting beaches with experts, learning firsthand about the turtles' life cycle.

Extensive Hotel & Authority Training:  Over 2,000 awareness shifts and 4 major events were held in close collaboration with local authorities to share practical advice on coexistence.

Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges Together

While the results of the past three years are a cause for celebration, the work is far from over. Climate change presents bold new challenges that require even stronger local cooperation:

The "Narrowing" of the Beach:  As sea levels rise, existing coastal roads and walls prevent the beaches from expanding inland, leaving dangerously less space for both tourists and turtles.

Overheating Sand:  Sea turtles' gender is determined by the temperature of the sand. Due to rising global temperatures, nests are producing almost exclusively female turtles, threatening the species' future balance.

To address these complex issues, the continued partnership between the Municipality of Rethymno, ARCHELON, the tourism industry, and environmentally conscious visitors is more important than ever.

Be a Part of the Solution During Your Stay!

As a visitor to Rethymno, you are the most important part of this successful coexistence! You can actively participate in protecting our marine life and even witness the miracle of nature firsthand.

Right now, as the hatching season continues, ARCHELON invites you to join their public nest excavations—a truly unforgettable eco-tourism experience where you might even help a "late bloomer" baby turtle reach the sea.

Learn more and find the schedule for the next excavation here:  Experience the Magic of a Nest Excavation

Rethymno proves that when locals, businesses, and visitors care together, nature thrives. Let's keep our beaches safe and welcoming for everyone!