Stretching for 6 kilometers, the long sandy beach of Kalamaki is not only an important nesting site for the Caretta caretta sea turtle, but also a great place for a swim in warm, crystal-clear waters that are safe and tranquil all summer (no strong north winds here). On the island’s five nesting beaches of Dafni, Gerakas, Kalamaki, “Krystal” and Marathonisi, loggerhead sea turtles and humans co-exist harmoniously, thanks in no small part to the watchful management of the scientists and seasonal wardens of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.

During the nesting period that lasts from May to late October, in effect the entire summer tourist season, bathers are required to leave the beaches at 8.00 pm. Fortunately, this restriction is respected by all, a fact that has had a positive impact on turtle populations, which are steadily increasing and are considered healthy. In summer 2015, a total of 209 Caretta caretta nests were recorded on Kalamaki beach, of which 121 produced hatchlings.