Thodorou Cruise

The waters surrounding Thodorou island are home to a variety of colorful fish species that dart among the rocks and the wonderful underwater formations. If you are lucky enough, you’ll also encounter sea turtles.

Discover a captivating realm teeming with vibrant marine life amidst the rich biodiversity of the sea. This is your chance to take out your underwater camera and capture these sea wonders.

Our tip: While exploring the seabed, try to spot the wreck of the German WWII aircraft Junker 52 resting on the bottom.

Thodorou island serves as a sanctuary for the kri-kri, the endangered wild goat of Crete. With luck and a keen eye, you might catch a glimpse of these agile goats roaming freely in their natural habitat, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your Thodorou island experience.

Usually, they are to be found on the northern part of Thodorou, known as the “Black Wall”, since it’s the wildest part of the island.

Our tip: Be on the lookout! They can be identified by their prominent straight horns, rectangular pupils and coarse hair.

Since the Minoan era, the island has been used as a sacred place. In 1574 the Venetians built 2 forts, Saint Francis and Turluru, to defend against invasion. The Ottomans took control in 1645 after a fierce battle. In 1897 Greeks, led by Timoleon Vassos, briefly reclaimed it.

The 2 forts are severely destroyed with limited access to them, due to the island’s status as a nature reserve for the kri-kri. There are some surviving walls, cistern bases and auxiliary rooms. You can also see the ruins of the Venetian castle on the southern part of the island, just above a huge cave.

Every year, during the feast of Saint Theodore, visitors arrive in ferries and boats from Platanias to participate in the festival.

Local myth: According to legend, a massive monster posed a threat to the people of Agia Marina and Platanias, close to Chania. Despite the villagers’ efforts to kill it, the creature remained unharmed. As it started nearing the village, the women prayed to save their community. Miraculously, the monster turned to stone before it could strike, its likeness still visible from the beach with its mouth open. Therefore, the island was named Thodorou, meaning gift from God.