Head is moderate in size with a non-protruding snout and hooked upper jaw. Head is brown or black. Carapace moderately domed, about eight inches long. The carapace of older tortoises develops a wavy rim.
Lighter individuals have dark blotching.
Plastron is dark brown or black with a yellow border and midseam. Has a divided supracaudal scute. Horny claw-like tail tip in both sexes. The male's tail is longer and more robust. Also found on islands in the Mediterranean.