Sea Turtles Favorite Lefkada Beaches
Greece is the most popular nesting site of sea turtles in the Mediterranean with more than 3000 nests per year! The island of Zakynthos hosts the largest number of nests in the Mediterranean! Yet a small number of nests can also be found on various beaches of other Ionian islands. Lefkada is one of them as its stunning sandy beaches are also ideal for the turtles’ nests. But which are the sea turtles favorite Lefkada beaches?
Sea Turtles Choose Blue Flag Beaches
Sea turtle nests have been noticed only on the blue flag beaches of Lefkada! Only three beaches of the island have been awarded a blue flag and these are Agios Ioannis, Gyra and Kastro. In particular, a dozen of nests approximately can be noticed on these beaches in the beginning of summer. All of them are protected by volunteers of Archelon a non profit Greek club for the sea turtles protection. During the summer, many tourists swim on these beautiful beaches. As a result, the nests need extra care and protection from volunteers.
Eggs Hatch End of the Summer
At the end of August the eggs hatch and the little sea turtles swim to the sea during the night. For this reason, the local authorities switch off the public lighting during that period. This helps the baby turtles find their way to the sea. Unfortunately, only one to one thousand baby turtles will survive. And this baby will return as an adult turtle to deliver its eggs on the same beach. Of course, the beach should be clear, sandy, and safe for sea turtle eggs. Finally, If you’re looking for a pristine spot to swim in Lefkada, just follow the sea turtles!