Turtles in Greece: 7 Types (Plus One Invasive)

Greece hosts a surprising variety of turtles across rivers, wetlands, coastlines, and scrubby hillsides. Below are seven regularly encountered species — two freshwater turtles, two sea turtles, and three Mediterranean tortoises. We also note one introduced species (the Pond Slider) that is considered invasive in the EU.

Note: These species occur in Greece; they are not all endemic (found only in Greece). Always follow Greek and EU wildlife laws before handling, moving, or acquiring any turtle.

Freshwater Turtles in Greece

1. European Pond Turtle

• Family: Emydidae
• Scientific Name: Emys orbicularis
• Other Names: European pond terrapin, European pond tortoise
• Adult Size: 4.7–15 in (12–38 cm)
• Lifespan: ~11–30 years in captivity; wild individuals may live longer
• Conservation: CITES II; Near Threatened (IUCN); EU Red List: Near Threatened (Europe), Vulnerable (EU‑27); Habitats Directive Annexes II & IV

A small to medium aquatic turtle ranging from dark olive to black with pale speckling. In Greece it inhabits slow waters — streams, backwaters, ponds, lakes, and swamps — and nests in open, sandy ground nearby. Diet is mainly animal matter (small fish, frogs, insects, worms), though captive specimens sometimes accept plant foods.

Threats: wetland loss (drainage, development), pollution, road mortality, collection, and competition from introduced sliders (Trachemys scripta) for basking and nesting sites.

2. African Softshell Turtle

• Family: Trionychidae
• Scientific Name: Trionyx triunguis
• Other Names: Nile Softshell
• Adult Size: up to ~37.5 in (95 cm)
• Lifespan: ~24–45 years
• Conservation: CITES II; Vulnerable (IUCN)

A very large softshell with a long neck and leathery, flattened carapace. It occupies fresh and brackish waters in the eastern Mediterranean. In Greece, records are rare and centered on Kos Island; it is far more common in parts of Turkey and Africa.

Threats: exploitation for food in parts of Africa, deliberate killing and nest destruction (e.g., by fishers), boat traffic, and pollution.

Sea Turtles in Greece

3. Loggerhead Sea Turtle

• Family: Cheloniidae
• Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
• Adult Size: ~35 in (90 cm)
• Lifespan: ~47–67 years (estimated)
• Conservation: IUCN Vulnerable (Mediterranean subpopulation often assessed separately); CITES I; Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Appendices I & II; Habitats Directive Annexes II & IV

Greece is a key Mediterranean nesting area for loggerheads. Confirmed nesting sites include Zakynthos (Laganas Bay, especially Sekania beach), Peloponnese (bays of Kyparissia, Koroni, Lakonikos), and Crete (Rethymno, Chania, Messara). Juveniles often use warm surface currents; older turtles forage in coastal waters over muddy or rocky bottoms.

Threats: fisheries bycatch (drowning in nets/lines), disturbance and illumination of nesting beaches, coastal construction, pollution, and climate impacts on nesting success.

4. Leatherback Sea Turtle

• Family: Dermochelyidae
• Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
• Adult Size: typically 57–63 in (145–160 cm) carapace; exceptional individuals much larger
• Conservation: IUCN Vulnerable; CITES I; CMS Appendices I & II; Habitats Directive Annex IV

The world’s largest turtle. Leatherbacks are wide‑ranging pelagic migrants that feed mainly on jellyfish and other gelatinous invertebrates. Individuals are occasionally recorded in Greek waters, but this species does not nest in Greece.

Land Turtles and Tortoises in Greece

5. Greek Tortoise

• Family: Testudinidae
• Scientific Name: Testudo graeca
• Other Names: Spur‑thighed Tortoise, Common Tortoise
• Adult Size: usually 5–8 in (13–21 cm), up to ~10 in
• Lifespan: commonly ~50+ years; some reports much longer
• Conservation: CITES II; IUCN Vulnerable; EU Red List Vulnerable; Habitats Directive Annexes II & IV

Widespread around the Mediterranean, with Greek populations in parts of the northeast and northern Aegean islands. Favors dry, open habitats (scrub, grassland, rocky hills, coastal dunes). Tan shell with dark patches; males typically smaller than females.

Threats: habitat loss/degradation, collection for the pet trade or food, road mortality, and wildfires.

6. Hermann’s Tortoise

• Family: Testudinidae
• Scientific Name: Testudo hermanni
• Adult Size: 4.7–9.1 in (12–23 cm); ~2–2.5 kg
• Conservation: CITES II; IUCN Near Threatened; EU Red List Near Threatened; Habitats Directive Annexes II & IV; EU Wildlife Trade Regulation Annex A

A small to medium tortoise with a striking yellow‑and‑black carapace that fades with age. Often confused with the Greek tortoise; unlike T. graeca, Hermann’s lacks the spur (“tubercle”) on each thigh and has finer scaling on the forelimbs.

Threats: habitat conversion and fragmentation, road mortality, collection for pets, pollution, and wildfires. Only obtain captive‑bred animals where legal.

7. Marginated Tortoise

• Family: Testudinidae
• Scientific Name: Testudo marginata
• Other Names: Greek marginated tortoise
• Adult Size: up to ~14 in (35 cm); ~5 kg — Europe’s largest tortoise
• Lifespan: ~100–140 years (reported)
• Conservation: CITES II; IUCN Least Concern (overall); EU Red List Least Concern; Habitats Directive Annexes II & IV; EU Wildlife Trade Regulation Annex A

Native across much of mainland Greece and introduced to Crete and Sardinia. Recognized by the elongated, dark carapace with flared, “skirted” rear scutes. Occupies dry scrub and rocky slopes, olive groves, and coastal dunes.

Threats: wildfires, infrastructure development, and collection. Populations are generally stable compared to other Mediterranean tortoises.

Also Seen in Greece (Introduced)

Pond Slider (Trachemys scripta) — released pets (including yellow‑bellied and red‑eared sliders) now occur in parts of Greece. The species is listed as an invasive alien under EU Regulation 1143/2014; sale, breeding, and release are prohibited in the EU. Sliders compete with native Emys orbicularis for food, basking, and nesting sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Greece’s turtle fauna spans wetlands, seas, and sun‑baked hillsides — from the European Pond Turtle and nesting Loggerheads to long‑lived Mediterranean tortoises. Learn the basics of each species, respect protections, and help limit invasive releases so native turtles continue to thrive in Greek habitats.