Experience Nature's Miracle on Rethymno's Pristine Beaches!
Witness Caretta Caretta Hatching, Join Public Excavations, and Embark on Beach Walks for a Lifetime Experience
Rethymno, the jewel of Crete, invites you to witness one of nature's most captivating spectacles - the hatching of endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles. From May to August each year, our golden shores become a sanctuary for these ancient mariners, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature and participate in crucial conservation efforts.
Why Rethymno?
• Third most important sea turtle reproduction habitat in Greece
• Pristine, Blue Flag awarded beaches with exceptionally clean waters
• Ideal nesting conditions with fine, soft sand
• A perfect blend of nature conservation and tourism
The Turtle Nesting Cycle
Every summer, female loggerhead turtles embark on an incredible journey, often traveling thousands of miles to return to the very beaches where they were born. Here in Rethymno, they find the perfect conditions to continue their 110-million-year-old legacy:
Nesting (May-August): Female turtles come ashore to lay 120-150 eggs
Incubation (2 months): Eggs develop safely in the warm sand
Hatching (July-September): Under the cover of night, hatchlings emerge and make their way to the sea
Experience the Magic: Public Excavations and Beach Walks
Join ARCHELON volunteers for a fascinating look into the world of sea turtle conservation. Witness the excitement of:
• Assessing nest outcomes
• Possibly seeing late hatchlings emerge
• Learning about conservation efforts
Sea Turtle Beach Walk
Book a guided 30-minute walk with an ARCHELON volunteer:
• Explore the nesting sites
• Learn about turtle biology and conservation
• Understand the delicate balance between humans and sea turtles
To participate:
• Book online
• Adopt a turtle for €30
• Groups limited to 8 adults and 8 children (4+ years old)
• Meeting point: In front of the Life Guards Observatory near Sentido Pearl Beach Hotel
• Starts at 8:00 am
Conservation in Action
ARCHELON, in partnership with the Municipality of Rethymno, leads vital conservation efforts:
• Monitoring and protecting nests
• Educating visitors about responsible beach behavior
• Conducting research to support turtle populations
During your stay in Rethymno, you can play a crucial role in protecting these magnificent creatures:
Respect nest markers and follow beach guidelines
Keep beaches clean and obstacle-free
Shield or turn off lights near the beach at night to prevent hatchling disorientation
If you encounter hatchlings, contact ARCHELON volunteers immediately
A Lifetime Experience
Witnessing the journey of Caretta Caretta turtles from nest to sea is an unforgettable experience that connects you with the rhythms of nature. As you enjoy Rethymno's beautiful beaches, you're also supporting a crucial environmental initiative.
Join us in Rethymno this summer for sun, sea, and the chance to be part of an ancient natural wonder. Your perfect beach vacation can also be a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation.
Book your Sea Turtle experience today and create memories that will last a lifetime while supporting the survival of these magnificent creatures!
The program will be separately announced for each nesting site on Crete and will be published weekly on https://www.rethymno.guide/events-calendar and on ARCHELON’s official website.
Information will also be available from the Information Kiosks of ARCHELON in the Venetian harbor of Rethymno.
