DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
—°6
Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)

Weather…

The Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre is located in Glyfada, a suburb of Athens, directly on the coast of the Saronic Gulf. Founded in 1983, it is one of the most significant facilities in the Mediterranean for the rescue and rehabilitation of injured sea turtles, particularly the Loggerhead (Caretta caretta). The center is operated by the ARCHELON society, which has spent decades protecting these prehistoric reptiles and their nesting beaches across Greece. Injured turtles are brought here from all over the country, often suffering from entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes, or intentional harm. On-site, they receive medical treatment in specialized tanks and are released back into the wild upon full recovery. A major part of the center's mission is environmental education; it is open to the public and provides information on the threats facing marine ecosystems. Hundreds of volunteers from around the world support the center's operations annually. Through scientific research and public awareness campaigns, Archelon plays a crucial role in the survival of sea turtles in Greek waters.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91012152025282724191511
Rain mm66585330212012829496986

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The centre is open year-round, but in summer (June-September) most turtles are in treatment as injury rates peak. Visit on weekdays to experience guided tours in smaller groups.
🌅
Best time of day
Guided tours typically take place during the day; call ahead for exact times. In the morning, caretakers are often busy feeding, providing interesting insights.
📜
Etiquette
Do not touch the turtles and do not use flash when photographing, as it stresses them. Follow staff instructions and stay on designated paths.
🎒
What to bring
A camera without flash is useful for capturing the turtles and their stories. Sun hat and water bottle are recommended during the hot summer months.
🧭
Getting there
The Archelon centre is located in Glyfada, a suburb of Athens, and is easily reachable by bus or taxi. The exact address is available on the centre's official website.
🦌
What to expect
As visitor numbers are limited, you may need to wait for a tour - book in advance. The rehabilitation stories are moving, take time to listen to the explanations.

Geography

Coordinates
37.86310, 23.75080

Facts

  • The rescue center was established in 1983 by a group of conservationists.
  • It is the first of its kind in Greece and among the largest in the Mediterranean.
  • Between 50 and 70 injured turtles are treated at the center annually.
  • The organization monitors over 75 km of nesting beaches across Greece each year.
  • Volunteers contribute over 15,000 work hours annually to the center's mission.
  • The Loggerhead sea turtle is the most commonly treated species at the facility.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

VoulaVoula2 km · SEExplore →
EllinikoElliniko4 km · NExplore →
ArgyroupoliArgyroupoli5 km · NExplore →
AlimosAlimos6 km · NWExplore →
VouliagmeniVouliagmeni7 km · SEExplore →
Nea SmyrniNea Smyrni10 km · NExplore →
South AthensSouth Athens10 km · NWExplore →
KaisarianiKaisariani11 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (6)

Voula Beach🎡 recreation

A scenic coastal stretch near the sea turtle rescue facilities.

2nd Glyfada Beach🎡 recreation

A wide sandy beach in the Glyfada district popular for swimming.

1st Glyfada Beach🎡 recreation

A prominent urban beach offering various amenities for visitors.

The Ellinikon Experience Park🌳 park

An innovative urban park featuring green spaces and interactive installations.

♿

Sea-Turtle Rescue Centre📍 landmark

A dedicated facility for the rehabilitation and protection of sea turtles.

Agios Konstantinos⛪ religious

A local church or place of worship situated in the coastal region.

♿

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Archelon centre located?
In Glyfada, a coastal suburb south of Athens.
What is done there?
Injured sea turtles are cared for and rehabilitated.
Can the turtles be seen?
Yes, visitors can observe the turtles in their tanks.
Is there an entrance fee?
Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.
What are the visiting hours?
Usually on weekends between 11:00 AM and 05:00 PM.
Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre: where is it located?
Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre is located in Greece.
Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre: what is there to see?
Highlights include Voula Beach, 2nd Glyfada Beach, 1st Glyfada Beach.
Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre: why is it worth visiting?
The Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre is located in Glyfada, a suburb of Athens, directly on the coast of the Saronic Gulf.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Greece →

Nearby cities

Peristeri — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Peristeri
A large city in the western part of the Athens metropolitan area.
Acharnes — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Acharnes
A historically rich suburb of Athens nestled at the foot of Mount Parnitha, known for its ancient roots and connection to nature.
Nikaia — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Nikaia
Nikaia is a vibrant suburb in the Piraeus area of Athens, deeply influenced by the history and culture of Greek refugees from Asia Minor.
Ilion — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Ilion
A lively suburban municipality in western Athens, home to the sprawling Tritsis Environmental Awareness Park.
Petroupoli — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Petroupoli
Petroupoli, a quiet suburb of Athens, offers magnificent views of the city from the slopes of Mount Poikilo.
Irakleio — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Irakleio
Irakleio is a green and vibrant northern suburb of Athens, combining a quiet residential atmosphere with easy access to the city center.
Alimos — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Alimos
Alimos is a vibrant coastal suburb of the Athens Riviera, boasting beautiful beaches and a large marina.
Ano Liosia — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Ano Liosia
A suburb in northwestern Athens, known for its sports facilities and proximity to Mount Parnitha.
Aspropyrgos — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Aspropyrgos
A major industrial center in West Attica, near Athens, Aspropyrgos is known for its oil refinery and steel industry.
Metamorfosi — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Metamorfosi
A green northern suburb of Athens, Metamorfosi is a quiet residential community at the foothills of Mount Parnitha, offering a peaceful r…
Tripoli — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Tripoli
The capital of Arcadia in the heart of the Peloponnese, Tripoli is a vibrant city with a rich history and an ideal base for exploring the…
Nea Filadelfeia — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Nea Filadelfeia
Nea Filadelfeia, a green suburb of Athens, is known for its expansive park and for being the home of the Agia Sophia Stadium, the modern …
Salamina — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Salamina
The main town of Salamis Island in the Saronic Gulf.
Elefsina — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Elefsina
Elefsina, an ancient sacred city, is famous for the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Argos — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Argos
Argos is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

History & landmarks

Nafplio — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Nafplio
The first capital of modern Greece, featuring elegant Venetian architecture and imposing fortresses by the Argolic Gulf.
Marathon — Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre (Greece)
Marathon
A historical site in Attica, famous for the legendary battle of 490 BC and the origin of the marathon race.