Marathonisi

Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island, is a small, uninhabited islet in the Ionian Sea, off the southwest coast of Zakynthos, Greece. It lies in Laganas Bay and is accessible mainly by boat from nearby resorts. The islet is low-lying, with a sandy shore on its southern side and a cluster of pines in its interior. It is connected to Zakynthos by a shallow sandbar that can emerge at low tide, giving the islet a turtle-like silhouette and earning its nickname.

Marathonisi lies within Zakynthos National Marine Park, a protected area established to conserve marine habitats and the nesting sites of the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and other wildlife. The surrounding waters are important for breeding and foraging, and visits are regulated to minimize disturbance. During the nesting season, access to the island and landing on the beach may be restricted.

The islet is a popular destination for day-trippers from Laganas and Kalamaki, who take boat tours for swimming and snorkeling around the coastal area. Visitors are advised to follow park rules and local guidelines to protect wildlife and habitats. Marathonisi remains a notable natural feature of Zakynthos, highlighting the region’s efforts to balance tourism with coastal and marine conservation.