CYPRUS SEA TURTLES

Some of the more secluded beaches of Cyprus are also a vital nesting ground for endangered sea turtles. The island’s sandy shores welcome back two very remarkable species of turtle every summer. These gentle creatures return year after year to lay their eggs, often on the same beaches where they were born. The incredible journey of their hatchlings, struggling to make their way to the sea, has become a symbol of nature’s wonder and resilience on the island.  

The two sea turtle species are the Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta, and the Green Turtle Chelonia mydas. They both travel thousands of kilometres throughout the year, but always return to the same nesting grounds every summer to lay their eggs. Classified as endangered, the protection of both of these species of sea turtle has become crucial.

Several Cypriot efforts, to safeguard the turtle’s survival include several island-wide conservation programs. These efforts include protecting nesting sites, monitoring hatchlings, and raising public awareness. All of these initiatives are designed to protect the turtle’s nesting areas in key locations across the island. Lara Bay and the greater Akamas Peninsula in particular, now offer extra protections for turtle hatchlings, and thanks to these initiatives, Cyprus has become a beacon of hope for sea turtle conservation in the Eastern Mediterranean.