The Island
Marathonisi Island
Marathonisi is a small uninhabited island, just off the coast of Laganas bay.
The island’s shape resembles a turtle and it is also a nesting area for the Caretta Caretta turtles which is why it is affectionately known as Turtle Island.
There are two main beaches on Marathonisi, one is where the turtles lay their eggs in the soft golden sand and the other beach is pebbly with two coves nearby which are fun to discover and explore. Marathonisi can be reached from either Laganas beach or Keri Lake by hiring a boat.
It is a lovely place to visit for a tranquil day of swimming and sunbathing. There are no facilities on this beach, so it is preferable to have water and anything else you might need during your swim.
Marathonisi is a small uninhabited island, just off the coast of Laganas bay.
The island’s shape resembles a turtle and it is also a nesting area for the Caretta Caretta turtles which is why it is affectionately known as Turtle Island.
There are two main beaches on Marathonisi, one is where the turtles lay their eggs in the soft golden sand and the other beach is pebbly with two coves nearby which are fun to discover and explore. Marathonisi can be reached from either Laganas beach or Keri Lake by hiring a boat.
It is a lovely place to visit for a tranquil day of swimming and sunbathing. There are no facilities on this beach, so it is preferable to have water and anything else you might need during your swim.
The islet of Marathonisi is spotted across the beach of Keri, in Laganas Bay. It is not a single island; it also includes two more islets called Pontikonisia. Its perimeter is just about a mile and can be reached by boat from Keri and Laganas. Boat itineraries to the islet are frequent. Otherwise, you can hire a caique or take part in organized daily tours.
In any case, visitors must be very careful during their trip to Marathonisi as it is a breeding place for the sea turtle Caretta Caretta, an endangered species of sea turtle that goes to Marathonisi to reproduce in the summer season. This is why visitors are not allowed to explore the island but are expected to stay only in the first 5 meters of a small beach so that they do not harm the eggs of the sea turtles. Moreover, another species in danger of extinction, the Monachus Monachus seal goes there to rest and reproduce.
Marathonisi is not inhabited and keeps its characteristic pine, olive and green oak forests in excellent condition. It has thick vegetation everywhere and two main beaches with different features. One of them has white sand, while the other has pebbles. The sandy beach is where the sea turtle goes to lay its eggs and that is why Marathonisi is included as part of Zakynthos Marine Park. There are also two interesting sea caves, where you can swim to go or use a boat. These caves are ideal for those who like snorkeling. The islet of Marathonisi is totally unspoiled. Therefore, it is advisable to take enough supplies with you.
Taxi boats are boats that shuttle from the beach to Marathonisi Island, the journey it takes around 15 minutes. The returning time is agreed with the captain in advance, we advise you to carefully evaluate the tolerance to the summer sun, in fact on the island there are no shaded areas, and umbrellas are prohibited.
The islet of Marathonisi is spotted across the beach of Keri, in Laganas Bay. It is not a single island; it also includes two more islets called Pontikonisia. Its perimeter is just about a mile and can be reached by boat from Keri and Laganas. Boat itineraries to the islet are frequent. Otherwise, you can hire a caique or take part in organized daily tours.
In any case, visitors must be very careful during their trip to Marathonisi as it is a breeding place for the sea turtle Caretta Caretta, an endangered species of sea turtle that goes to Marathonisi to reproduce in the summer season. This is why visitors are not allowed to explore the island but are expected to stay only in the first 5 meters of a small beach so that they do not harm the eggs of the sea turtles. Moreover, another species in danger of extinction, the Monachus Monachus seal goes there to rest and reproduce.
Marathonisi is not inhabited and keeps its characteristic pine, olive and green oak forests in excellent condition. It has thick vegetation everywhere and two main beaches with different features. One of them has white sand, while the other has pebbles. The sandy beach is where the sea turtle goes to lay its eggs and that is why Marathonisi is included as part of Zakynthos Marine Park. There are also two interesting sea caves, where you can swim to go or use a boat. These caves are ideal for those who like snorkeling. The islet of Marathonisi is totally unspoiled. Therefore, it is advisable to take enough supplies with you.
Taxi boats are boats that shuttle from the beach to Marathonisi Island, the journey it takes around 15 minutes. The returning time is agreed with the captain in advance, we advise you to carefully evaluate the tolerance to the summer sun, in fact on the island there are no shaded areas, and umbrellas are prohibited.