A sanctuary of biodiversity
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos stretches along the island’s southern coast, centred on Laganas Bay, and is one of the Mediterranean’s most important protected areas. It was established in 1999 to safeguard sensitive marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as the nesting grounds of the sea turtle Caretta caretta.
The protected zone includes the marine area of the bay, as well as selected inland and coastal areas, where sandy beaches, wetlands and pine forests are found. The park also includes the Strofades, two isolated islets south of Zakynthos with particular ecological importance.
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is internationally recognised as the most important refuge for Caretta caretta in the Mediterranean. At the same time, it is home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus, dolphins of the species Tursiops truncatus, as well as rich birdlife, migratory birds, flamingos, wild swans and hawks. There are also many frogs, turtles and water snakes, while hedgehogs and wild rabbits live on land.
The park map clearly shows three different protection zones, each with its own rules and restrictions, designed for the effective safeguarding of the ecosystems.
Discover it through organised environmental activities and gentle activities, always respecting the strict protection rules. In Laganas Bay, information centres operate where you can receive full guidance on the restrictions applying in each zone and learn about the area’s mammal species and the rules in force in the critical breeding areas of Caretta caretta.
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is a living example of coexistence between people and nature, highlighting the importance of sustainable development in the Ionian and safeguarding the ecosystem’s fragile balance.
The protected zone includes the marine area of the bay, as well as selected inland and coastal areas, where sandy beaches, wetlands and pine forests are found. The park also includes the Strofades, two isolated islets south of Zakynthos with particular ecological importance.
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is internationally recognised as the most important refuge for Caretta caretta in the Mediterranean. At the same time, it is home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus, dolphins of the species Tursiops truncatus, as well as rich birdlife, migratory birds, flamingos, wild swans and hawks. There are also many frogs, turtles and water snakes, while hedgehogs and wild rabbits live on land.
The park map clearly shows three different protection zones, each with its own rules and restrictions, designed for the effective safeguarding of the ecosystems.
Discover it through organised environmental activities and gentle activities, always respecting the strict protection rules. In Laganas Bay, information centres operate where you can receive full guidance on the restrictions applying in each zone and learn about the area’s mammal species and the rules in force in the critical breeding areas of Caretta caretta.
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos is a living example of coexistence between people and nature, highlighting the importance of sustainable development in the Ionian and safeguarding the ecosystem’s fragile balance.
