← Terug naar overzicht
Latest News
news 🇬🇧
Locatie
Rethymno, Crete
Categorie
news
Eerst opgehaald
01-08-2026 13:38
Laatst gezien
05-08-2026 12:37
Laatst gewijzigd
03-08-2026 16:00
The Sea Turtle Beach Walk 2026 is Now Open!

Are you ready to witness a miracle on the sand?

As we reach the peak of May 2026, Rethymno is celebrating more than just beautiful spring weather.

This is the official start of the nesting season for the  Caretta caretta (Loggerhead sea turtle) .

Rethymno’s long sandy beach is one of the most important nesting sites in the Mediterranean, and today, we invite you to step into the world of these ancient travelers through the  Sea Turtle Beach Walk .

To celebrate and protect this invaluable natural heritage, ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, invites both locals and visitors to embark on an enlightening journey: the "Sea Turtle Walk."

This engaging 45-minute guided experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your understanding of these incredible creatures.

It's an ideal environmental experience, especially for families with young children, providing an engaging and educational outdoor adventure that fosters a love for nature from an early age.

Why Rethymno?

Rethymno’s 12km beach is a vital part of the  Natura 2000  network. Every year, hundreds of nests are recorded here.

By joining a Beach Walk, you are not just a tourist—you become a supporter of the "Cretan Miracle" of nature.

Your participation fee or donation goes directly toward the materials and research needed to keep our 2026 hatchlings safe.

What happens during the walk

Track the Ritual:  You will walk along the coastline at sunset or sunrise to search for "turtle tracks"—the distinctive marks left by mother turtles as they crawl from the sea to lay their eggs.

See the Protection:  You will see how the ARCHELON team identifies new nests and protects them with special wooden structures to keep them safe from umbrellas and foot traffic.

Expert Knowledge:  Your guide will share fascinating secrets about the life of a sea turtle. Did you know these creatures return to the exact same beach where they were born to lay their own eggs decades later?

Photography with Care:  It is a photographer's dream to capture the morning light on a protected nest, guided by experts who ensure the habitat is never disturbed.

A Collective Effort for Conservation

Rethymno's sea turtle nesting activity spans an impressive 12 kilometers of coastline, hosting an average of 200 nests annually.

Each one of these precious nests is diligently monitored and safeguarded by a diverse team of ARCHELON volunteers, who arrive from various corners of the globe, united by a shared passion for conservation. Their tireless efforts are instrumental in ensuring the survival of this endangered species.

By joining the Sea Turtle Walk, you become an active participant in this vital mission. You'll not only gain a profound appreciation for Rethymno's natural wonders but also empower yourself with knowledge that can contribute to a sustainable future for both our community and these magnificent marine creatures.

To participate in the tour, please reserve your seat online .

Don't forget to bring a hat and water to stay comfortable during the tour. The walk will be conducted in English.

Time:  Usually scheduled for early morning ( 08:00 ) or late afternoon ( 19:00 ) to avoid the midday heat.

Language:  Walks are conducted in  English and Greek .

 

The "Turtle Code" - Help Us Protect Our Guests

If you are visiting our beaches during this nesting season (May through August), please remember that we are sharing the sand with a protected species.

Follow these simple rules to be a Turtle Hero:

Remove Obstacles:  If you are at the beach at sunset, please make sure umbrellas and sunbeds are moved away from the water’s edge. Mother turtles need a clear path to the dunes!

Lights Out:  If your hotel or home faces the beach, please dim your balcony lights at night. Bright lights can confuse mother turtles and baby hatchlings.

Keep it Quiet:  Avoid loud music or parties on the beach at night during the nesting season.

No Plastic:  Keep the sea clean. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for their favorite food, jellyfish.

Report a Nest:  If you find tracks or a turtle on the beach, do not touch it. Call the ARCHELON rescue line immediately at  +30 6941 511 511 .

A Sustainable Vision for 2026

Rethymno is committed to a green, sustainable future.

As part of our  " Rethymno 2040 "  initiative, protecting our marine life is a top priority.

The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is a shining example of how we can enjoy the beauty of our destination while respecting the environment.

Make your visit to Rethymno meaningful this May.

Join a Beach Walk and help us ensure that the Caretta caretta continues to call our shores home for another 100 million years.

 

visit  https://rethymno.guide/events-calendar  for walking days and more
Bekijk het originele artikel ↗
🇬🇧 Originele brontekst

Sea Turtle Beach Walk 2026

The Sea Turtle Beach Walk 2026 is Now Open!

Are you ready to witness a miracle on the sand?

As we reach the peak of May 2026, Rethymno is celebrating more than just beautiful spring weather.

This is the official start of the nesting season for the  Caretta caretta (Loggerhead sea turtle) .

Rethymno’s long sandy beach is one of the most important nesting sites in the Mediterranean, and today, we invite you to step into the world of these ancient travelers through the  Sea Turtle Beach Walk .

To celebrate and protect this invaluable natural heritage, ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, invites both locals and visitors to embark on an enlightening journey: the "Sea Turtle Walk."

This engaging 45-minute guided experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your understanding of these incredible creatures.

It's an ideal environmental experience, especially for families with young children, providing an engaging and educational outdoor adventure that fosters a love for nature from an early age.

Why Rethymno?

Rethymno’s 12km beach is a vital part of the  Natura 2000  network. Every year, hundreds of nests are recorded here.

By joining a Beach Walk, you are not just a tourist—you become a supporter of the "Cretan Miracle" of nature.

Your participation fee or donation goes directly toward the materials and research needed to keep our 2026 hatchlings safe.

What happens during the walk

Track the Ritual:  You will walk along the coastline at sunset or sunrise to search for "turtle tracks"—the distinctive marks left by mother turtles as they crawl from the sea to lay their eggs.

See the Protection:  You will see how the ARCHELON team identifies new nests and protects them with special wooden structures to keep them safe from umbrellas and foot traffic.

Expert Knowledge:  Your guide will share fascinating secrets about the life of a sea turtle. Did you know these creatures return to the exact same beach where they were born to lay their own eggs decades later?

Photography with Care:  It is a photographer's dream to capture the morning light on a protected nest, guided by experts who ensure the habitat is never disturbed.

A Collective Effort for Conservation

Rethymno's sea turtle nesting activity spans an impressive 12 kilometers of coastline, hosting an average of 200 nests annually.

Each one of these precious nests is diligently monitored and safeguarded by a diverse team of ARCHELON volunteers, who arrive from various corners of the globe, united by a shared passion for conservation. Their tireless efforts are instrumental in ensuring the survival of this endangered species.

By joining the Sea Turtle Walk, you become an active participant in this vital mission. You'll not only gain a profound appreciation for Rethymno's natural wonders but also empower yourself with knowledge that can contribute to a sustainable future for both our community and these magnificent marine creatures.

To participate in the tour, please reserve your seat online .

Don't forget to bring a hat and water to stay comfortable during the tour. The walk will be conducted in English.

Time:  Usually scheduled for early morning ( 08:00 ) or late afternoon ( 19:00 ) to avoid the midday heat.

Language:  Walks are conducted in  English and Greek .

 

The "Turtle Code" - Help Us Protect Our Guests

If you are visiting our beaches during this nesting season (May through August), please remember that we are sharing the sand with a protected species.

Follow these simple rules to be a Turtle Hero:

Remove Obstacles:  If you are at the beach at sunset, please make sure umbrellas and sunbeds are moved away from the water’s edge. Mother turtles need a clear path to the dunes!

Lights Out:  If your hotel or home faces the beach, please dim your balcony lights at night. Bright lights can confuse mother turtles and baby hatchlings.

Keep it Quiet:  Avoid loud music or parties on the beach at night during the nesting season.

No Plastic:  Keep the sea clean. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for their favorite food, jellyfish.

Report a Nest:  If you find tracks or a turtle on the beach, do not touch it. Call the ARCHELON rescue line immediately at  +30 6941 511 511 .

A Sustainable Vision for 2026

Rethymno is committed to a green, sustainable future.

As part of our  " Rethymno 2040 "  initiative, protecting our marine life is a top priority.

The Sea Turtle Beach Walk is a shining example of how we can enjoy the beauty of our destination while respecting the environment.

Make your visit to Rethymno meaningful this May.

Join a Beach Walk and help us ensure that the Caretta caretta continues to call our shores home for another 100 million years.

 

visit  https://rethymno.guide/events-calendar  for walking days and more