Four new Caretta caretta nests discovered in North Corfu
CORFU. Next to the nest in St. Stefanos, Avliotes, a group of German tourists created a gigantic design in the sand: in the centre, a sea turtle, and around it, eight sun rays filled with symbols from different cultures.
On Sunday morning, July 13, four new Caretta caretta turtle nests were discovered on North Corfu beaches: one on Agios Stefanos Avlioton beach and three on Arillas beach.
The nests had already been roughly marked by volunteers and tourists since the afternoon of the previous day.
On Sunday morning, the Mayor himself, Giorgos Mahimaris, and the Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Spyridoula Kokkali, went to the beach early in the morning and actively participated in the temporary fencing, before ordering the immediate installation of permanent signage using appropriate materials.
The recording was done through the digital monitoring system, following the guidelines of the ARCHELON Society, with which the Deputy Mayor’s Office for the Environment is in direct collaboration.
A Turtle–Sun in the Sand: A Work of Love by Tourists
Next to the nest in Agios Stefanos Avlioton, a group of German tourists created a gigantic design in the sand: at the centre, a sea turtle, and around it, eight sun rays filled with symbols from different cultures.
The design is an act of honour toward nature and a message of global responsibility, expressing the idea:
"One Turtle – Many Worlds – One Responsibility."
The Sea Is Changing – Corfu Becomes a Nesting Ground
The surface temperature of the Mediterranean is continuously rising.
In June 2025, a marine heatwave was recorded with an anomaly of +3.7°C and an average sea temperature of 27°C (source: Copernicus, National Observatory of Athens).
Scientific studies indicate that this temperature rise is driving Caretta caretta sea turtles to seek new, more northern nesting areas — now including Corfu.
The presence of the turtles here is not an isolated phenomenon; it is a sign of deeper environmental changes.
A Call to All: Respect – Vigilance – Participation
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Do not approach the nests – especially during the night.
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Avoid artificial lights, camera flashes, or loud noise on the beach.
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Do not place umbrellas, sunbeds, or pets near the nests.
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If you spot tracks, baby turtles, or a new nest, report it immediately:
Mayor’s Office: 26633 60155
Deputy Mayor Spyridoula Kokkali: 697 861 4699
The sea entrusts us with its life. Protecting it is our responsibility.
ELENI KORONAKI
