The tiny island just 4 hours from the UK that's teeming with sea turtles

Marathonisi is a small, uninhabited island in Laganas Bay (Image: Getty)

A tiny European island known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters is a nesting site for sea turtles - and it's just a few hours from the UK.

Marathonisi is a small, uninhabited island in Laganas Bay, just off the coast of Zakynthos (Zante), Greece.

Famously known as ‘Turtle Island’, the island is around four hours from the UK including various modes of transport. 

The island is part of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, which protects the endangered Caretta caretta turtles - also known as the loggerhead sea turtle

During the nesting season (May to October), female turtles lay their eggs on the sandy beaches. Visitors may see turtles swimming in the surrounding waters, but conservation rules prohibit stepping near marked nests.

Marathonisi islet features two main beaches - one covered in pebbles and the other with fine white sand.

Tzannetakis tower in Marathonisi islet, (Image: Getty)

The sandy beach is a crucial part of Zakynthos Marine Park, as it serves as a nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Each year, these turtles return to this very stretch of sand to create approximately 1,300 nests for laying their eggs.

Established in 1999, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos was the first national park in the Mediterranean dedicated to protecting sea turtles.

It is also part of the Natura 2000 ecological network, ensuring the conservation of this unique marine habitat. Marathonisi remains untouched by tourism development - and there are no hotels, restaurants, or shops.

Tourists are advised to bring their own water, snacks and sun protection. Direct flights from London, Manchester, or Birmingham to Zakynthos take around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Then, take a boat ride to Marathonisi Island. From Laganas or Keri Port, a boat trip to Marathonisi takes around 10–20 minutes 

Several travellers who managed to get a sight of the turtles have called this a "magical experience".

One person commented on TripAdvisor forum: "I highly recommend this tour, if you would like to see the turtles, this one is for you. We went on it and after 10 minutes there was a turtle swimming near our boat. A magical experience."

A second user said: "Took a boat trip which included visiting turtle island (Marathonisi). Beautiful clear water and a clean beach…we went off-season, so not many other people were there, but during peak tourist season, it is packed with boats and people."

A third user chimed in: "We are spending the best time on the Marathonisi beach with Oasis boat rentals. It was amazing to see and swim so close to a turtle."