Marathonisi Island or Turtle island is one of the breeding grounds for the Caretta Caretta Turtles or Giant Loggerhead turtle.

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Marathonisi Island, also called Turtle Island, is a relatively small unpopulated islet, just offshore the south side of Zakynthos inside the Bay of Laganas. It is protected within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and therefore without any human establishments, no buildings, no umbrellas and no hammocks. Some say, the island is named after its shape that resembles a swimming turtle, others believe it to be named after the Caretta Caretta Turtles (giant loggerhead) as the northwestern beach is one of their main nesting grounds.

A popular getaway for locals and tourists. You can snorkel from shore or dive from a local yacht, you can get snacks and refreshments from local boat operators and you can enjoy its fantastic white sandy beach or some of the sea caves on the sides of the island. The island is covered in rich vegetation and is quite inaccessible. There is also a huge sheer cliff rising more than 100 meters up. Getting there is ease: You can reach it by several types of boats from the shores of Laganas, Agios Sostis, Keri and Porto Koukla.

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