Theodorou Island

Introduction

Just off the coast of Chania in western Crete, you’ll find Thodorou Island—a small but beautiful place that’s worth exploring. At only 0.8 square kilometers in size, the island is uninhabited, offering a peaceful escape from the busy mainland. It’s home to the rare Kri-Kri goats and a large number of seagulls, making it a haven for wildlife.

Thodorou Island is also a national park, which means no one lives there. This helps protect its stunning nature and makes it a safe home for the animals that live on the island.

In this post, you’ll learn how to visit Thodorou Island, what to do once you’re there, and a bit about its history, attractions, and myths. Let’s get started!

 

Where is Theodorou Island?

Thodorou Island lies just off the coast of Chania, in the western part of Crete, Greece. It’s actually part of a pair of islands known as Agioi Theodoroi, which include the main Thodorou Island and the smaller nearby islet called Glaraki (also known as Theodoropoula, or “little Theodorou”). You can easily spot these uninhabited islands from the beaches of Agia Marina and Platanias, two popular tourist destinations.

Accessible only by boat, the closest point to Thodorou is from Agia Marina, with a distance of just 0.5 nautical miles (approximately 1,000 meters) to Thodorou Beach—the island’s only beach. If you’re traveling from the Chania Old Port, the journey is about 4.6 nautical miles, making it a short and scenic boat trip. Despite being so close to the bustling mainland, these islands offer a serene and untouched natural environment that feels like a world away.

How to Get to Thodorou Island

There is only one way to reach Thodorou Island—by boat. Several departure points in the Chania region offer boat trips, giving you flexible options depending on your location and preferences. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Departure Ports

Boats to Thodorou Island depart from three main ports in the Chania area:

• Chania Old Port: The most popular option, offering the widest variety of boats and services. 📍View on Google Maps
• Nea Chora Port: Located just west of Chania Old Port, a quieter alternative with limited options. 📍View on Google Maps
• Platanias Port: Convenient for visitors staying in nearby tourist resorts such as Agia Marina and Platanias. 📍View on Google Maps

From each of these ports, the journey offers stunning views of the coastline and the island itself.

If you’re near the Chania Old Port, you can start your journey to Thodorou Island with Seaze the Day, conveniently located within the port. 📍 Click here to view SEAze the day’s location on Google Maps.

2. Boat Options

The type of boat you choose can significantly shape your experience. Here’s what’s available:

• License-Free Boats: Small boats that do not require a boating license. Perfect for independent explorers looking to create their own itinerary.
• Bareboats: Rentable boats for those with prior boating experience and a license.
• Skippered RIBs and Motorboats: Ideal for those wanting a guided and faster ride to the island.
• Yachts and Sailing Boats: A luxurious way to explore the waters and enjoy a private experience.
• Shared Tours on Larger Boats: Affordable and convenient, these are great for groups or solo travelers wanting a hassle-free trip.

Most of these options are available from Chania Old Port, making it the go-to hub for a variety of boating experiences.

 

3. Private Boat Tours to Theodorou Island

For a truly personalized and exclusive experience, private boat tours by SEAze The Day are the perfect way to explore Thodorou Island. Choose from skippered RIBs, luxurious motorboats, or yachts, and enjoy comfort, speed, and expert guidance on your journey.

With our private tours, you can:

• Set Your Schedule: Explore at your own pace, with flexible timings tailored to your preferences.
• Discover Hidden Gems: Visit the island’s best spots, including areas not accessible to larger group tours.
• Travel in Style: Relax aboard premium motorboats or yachts with top-notch amenities.

You can also make Thodorou part of a longer, customized route, with stops at secluded beaches, hidden coves, or other nearby islands, creating a full day of exploration and relaxation.

To explore all SEAze The Day tours that visit Thodorou Island, click here.

At the bottom of this blog, you’ll also find some of our suggested trips, tailored to suit a variety of preferences and group sizes.

 

Things to Do and See on Thodorou Island

Thodorou Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and peaceful relaxation. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, there’s something here for everyone. Here’s what you can look forward to during your visit:

1. Snorkel and Explore the Wreck of a German Aircraft

The crystal-clear waters surrounding Thodorou are perfect for snorkeling, offering not just vibrant marine life but also a fascinating historical artifact. Beneath the surface lies the wreckage of a German aircraft, the Junkers 52, from World War II. This remarkable relic rests at a shallow depth of 4-5 meters, making it accessible even to beginner snorkelers.

The wreck is located on the southeast side of the island, approximately 100 meters from the shore, in a sandy spot that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding seabed. Although the plane has been damaged over the years by weather and the sea, several parts of the aircraft remain clearly visible, offering a haunting yet captivating glimpse into the past.

Visibility around the wreck is typically excellent, especially during calm seas and when winds come from the west, creating ideal conditions for exploration. The area is not only rich in history but also abundant in marine life. As you snorkel near the wreck, you might encounter lionfish, small monkfish, various species of seabream, and even small amberjacks, making it a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts as well.

2. Relax on Thodorou Beach

Thodorou Beach is a beautiful and peaceful spot surrounded by stunning natural scenery and calm, turquoise waters. While it’s not allowed to walk on the beach because the island is a protected national park, you can still enjoy this scenic area from your boat. One special day a year, visitors are allowed to walk on the island, but the rest of the time, it remains untouched to protect its unique wildlife.

The beach is usually well-protected from wind and waves, making it a great place to relax on your boat, swim in the clear waters, or snorkel around the area. It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and soak up the beautiful views of the island and sea.

Near the beach, there is a small dock and a little house where the island’s guardian feeds the Kri-Kri goats. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of these rare goats near the beach or close to the house.

Thodorou Beach offers a peaceful and scenic escape, ideal for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the natural beauty of this protected island.

Interactive Google Map of Theodorou beach

3. Observe the Rare Kri-Kri Goats

Thodorou Island is home to the rare and protected Kri-Kri goats, a unique species that exists only in a few places in the world, including Crete and a handful of other Greek islands. These goats were introduced to the island as part of a conservation effort to protect the species from threats such as interbreeding with domestic goats and habitat loss. While they are not native to Thodorou, the island’s secluded environment makes it an ideal sanctuary for them.

Kri-Kri goats are known for their shy and elusive nature, so spotting them can be a special experience. They prefer privacy and are rarely seen during the day, often hiding in the shadows of rocks or vegetation. However, in the late evening or early morning, you might catch a glimpse of them near the shore as they venture out of hiding.

This endangered species holds significant ecological and cultural value, making Thodorou Island one of the few places in the world where they can thrive in peace. Observing these majestic creatures in their protected habitat is a rare and rewarding opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts.

4. Watch the Seagulls in Their Natural Habitat

Thodorou Island is often called “Bird Island” due to the large population of seabirds that inhabit the area. Among these are numerous seagulls as well as other birds, including partridges. Interestingly, the small islet attached to Thodorou is named “Glaraki,” which translates to “young seagull” in Greek.

If you visit during spring to early summer (April to early June), you’ll witness the seagull breeding season, when large numbers of these birds flock to the island. During this time, seagulls become highly territorial and protective of their nesting areas. This often leads to competitive and aggressive behavior, as adult seagulls defend their space and resources from other birds, including younger seagulls.

While these interactions might seem intense, they are a natural part of the ecosystem and the birds’ instinct to secure their nests and ensure their survival. May is the peak time to observe this unique and dynamic aspect of the seagulls’ life cycle.

Thodorou Island offers a rare opportunity to observe seabirds in their natural habitat, showcasing both the beauty and complexity of nature.

The History of Thodorou Island

Thodorou Island may be small, but it has a history rich with stories and legends. Over the centuries, it has gone by many names. It was first called Akytos or Akoition, meaning “not suitable for habitation.” Later, it became known as Letoa or Toullouros. The name we use today comes from the early-Christian church of Saint Theodore, which once stood on the island.

 

A Sacred Island and Venetian Fortresses

The island’s history stretches back to Minoan times, when it served as a sacred site. In 1574, the Venetians built two fortresses to protect the coastline near Platanias from invasions. They constructed a polygonal fortress, known as Turluru, on the top of the island and another near the church, called Saint Francis. Although they planned to build a third fortress on the northern side, the project was later abandoned. The construction was completed in just one year, with a staggering cost of 21,500 ducats, and many Cretans were forced to work on it.

 

The Battle with the Ottomans

In 1645, the Ottomans launched a fierce attack on the island. Only 70 guards defended the fortress, but they fought heroically. When it became clear that defeat was inevitable, the leader of the guards, Vlassios, made a desperate and courageous choice. He set fire to the arsenal, causing a massive explosion that destroyed the fortress. The blast killed both the defenders and many of the invading Ottomans.

 

The Island’s Later History

After the explosion, Thodorou changed rulers several times. The Venetians regained control in 1650, but by 1699, the Ottomans claimed it again. Finally, during the liberation of Crete in 1897, Greek forces led by Timoleon Vassos landed on the island and reclaimed it. Despite threats from foreign warships, they successfully secured Thodorou as part of the broader effort to free Crete.

 

The Ruins and Modern-Day Thodorou

Today, the fortresses of Saint Francis and Turluru, along with the ruins of the church of Saint Theodore, are mostly destroyed. Only parts of the walls, cisterns, and auxiliary structures remain. Access to the island is restricted to protect its wildlife, especially the endangered Kri-Kri goats.

 

The Feast of Saint Theodore

Once a year, visitors are allowed to step foot on Thodorou during the Feast of Saint Theodore, celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost. On this special day, ferries and boats bring people from Platanias to participate in the festival and explore the island.

Note: Parts of this historical account are based on information from Cretan Beaches, a valuable guide to the history and beauty of Crete.

 

Myths and Legends of Thodorou Island

Thodorou Island is more than just a place of historical significance and natural beauty—it’s steeped in myths that connect it to Crete’s deep-rooted storytelling tradition. Over the years, these tales have added a layer of mystery to this already fascinating island.

The Myth of the Dragon

One of the most enduring legends of Thodorou tells the story of a giant dragon that once terrorized the surrounding seas. According to the myth, this monstrous creature roamed the waters, devouring sailors, fishermen, and anyone daring to cross its path. Its fearsome presence struck terror in the hearts of all who lived nearby.

The gods, angered by the destruction caused by the dragon, intervened to protect the people. Zeus, the king of the gods, transformed the beast into stone, ensuring it would never harm anyone again. The petrified body of the dragon became Thodorou Island, with its jagged cliffs and rugged terrain said to resemble the dragon’s form. Locals still point out specific rock formations they believe resemble the dragon’s head and tail.

 

A Sacred Place of Protection

In another legend, the island was said to be a sacred place guarded by the goddess Artemis, the protector of wildlife. People believed that Artemis watched over the animals on the island, ensuring their safety from hunters and invaders. Over time, the legend merged with the story of the Kri-Kri goats, as locals believed these majestic creatures were sacred to Artemis herself. The island’s role as a sanctuary for the goats may be rooted in this ancient myth.

 

The Naming of Glaraki

The small islet attached to Thodorou, known as Glaraki, also has a myth tied to its name. The story goes that it was named after a young seagull that was saved by the island’s guardian spirit. According to the tale, a fierce storm swept a baby seagull away from its family, leaving it stranded on the islet. The spirit of the island, often depicted as a benevolent old man, protected the bird until the storm passed. Locals named the islet Glaraki, meaning “young seagull,” to honor this act of kindness.

 

Conclusion

Thodorou Island is a treasure trove of history, myths, and natural beauty. From its ancient fortresses and fascinating wildlife to its captivating legends, the island offers a truly unique experience. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling over a WWII wreck, relaxing by its pristine shores, or observing the rare Kri-Kri goats, Thodorou has something for everyone.

If you’re inspired to explore Thodorou and its surroundings, consider joining a private boat tour with SEAze The Day  to experience its wonders up close.