Marathonisi — or Marathónisi — is an island in the bay of Laganas, near Zakynthos. It lies very close to Marathias and Keri, and as you will see, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Marathonisi, the Island of Caretta-Caretta Turtles
One very important fact about the island is that it’s part of the Natura 2000 protection program, as it hosts Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, which come here to lay their eggs. The island also has many beautiful caves worth exploring.
Marathonisi can be reached either by private boat or by joining organized excursions on a traditional boat. For the more adventurous, it’s also possible to cross by kayak, where you’ll have a good chance of spotting a turtle along the way!
However, since the island is part of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, anchoring is strictly forbidden.
In fact, the island was inhabited up until World War II, but today, not a single person lives there.
Unique Beaches
The island offers two stunning beaches to choose from:
- One pebble beach, from which you can swim to a massive cave, or
- A long sandy stretch that slopes gently into the sea.
While the sandy beach is perfect for sun lovers and those looking to relax, the pebble beach is ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts.
You can explore the large cave to the right of the beach, as well as several smaller, partially submerged caves to the left, filled with rock formations and starfish.
Tip: As mentioned earlier, there are no snack bars, electricity, or facilities on the island, to avoid disturbing the turtles. So, it’s best to come prepared with food and water.
The Beautiful Keri Caves
If you’re arriving by your own boat, we recommend visiting the Keri Caves, located just a few minutes away by boat, along the coastline of Cape Marathia.
This stretch of coastline features countless sea caves — some with narrow entrances you can only swim through, and others with wide openings that allow boats to go inside directly.
It’s very easy to approach the caves, as the cliffs above them drop vertically into the sea, creating deep waters right at the shore — making access simple even for small boats.
You can explore all these breathtaking places with Happy Traveler In Zante!
