3 great sea turtle nesting beaches in Kefalonia

The Greek island of Kefalonia is home to a vast and varied amount of marine and terrestrial life.

Since 1994 the Katelios Group has been dedicated to the research and protection of the natural environment of Kefalonia. Part of the Katelios Group’s efforts has included officially monitoring the local population of Loggerhead sea turtles on the shorelines of Kefalonia since 1999.

If you fancy seeing these fascinating creatures in their natural environment during your stay in Kefalonia, here are three of the island’s main sea turtle nesting beaches.

Lefkas Beach

Having no road that is either driveable or walk-able to it, Lefkas Beach is only accessible via the sea and as a consequence is the essence of tranquillity, beauty and solitude. Naturally such a quiet place attracts a host of marine and terrestrial life, including many Loggerhead sea turtles.

Without any permanent human existence on the beach, Lefkas provides a haven for those seeking solitude and some serious turtle watching.

Skala Beach

In complete contrast to Lefkas, Skala Beach, like the town of Skala itself, is one of Kefaloia’s main tourist attractions. Its long sandy beach well equipped with facilities and restaurants, ensures the beach is buzzing with life during the holiday season. Although on a narrower stretch of Skala Beach, at the point where it reaches Mouda and is significantly less developed, backed by cliffs and rocks instead of restaurants and hotels, several turtle nests have been recorded here, cosily nestled beneath the rocks and enjoying the peace and seclusion.

Koroni Beach

Known by the locals as ‘the turtle nesting beach’, the beach of Koroni has the highest density of turtles on the island. Being small in size and not easily accessible, Koroni Beach remains relatively unused and unspoilt, although, because of its beauty and seclusion, does have its regular visitors in the summer months. In 2006 there were six recorded turtle nests of Koroni Beach.

For more information on the Katelios Group and the work it achieves on Kefalonia visit www.kateliosgroup.org.

And how about the awesome 5 bedroom villa in Kefalonia, Christina? The beach is just 400 m away.