Thodorou Island - ALBATROS | Odysseas Kornarakis Chania

Thodorou island

	Thodorou Island, officially known as Agioi Theodoroi, is a small uninhabited islet located north of Platanias in the bay of Chania, Crete, Greece. It takes its name from the small church of Saint Theodore (Agioi Theodoroi) that once stood -and partially still remains- in ruins on the island.

	Today, it is a strictly protected natural area of exceptional ecological importance, best known as a sanctuary for the endangered Cretan wild goat, the famous kri-kri, and part of the NATURA 2000 network.

	Key Information Location: Bay of Chania, north of Platanias, Crete, Greece Area: approx. 0.7 km² Status: Protected Natura 2000 conservation area Access: Strictly restricted (special permission only) Main feature: Habitat of the Cretan wild goat (kri-kri)

	History & name origin The island has been known since the Venetian period as “Thodorou.” During Venetian rule, two small fortresses were built on the islet -“San Teodoro” and “San Giorgio”- to help protect the bay of Chania from naval threats. The modern name “Agioi Theodoroi” comes from the small church dedicated to Saint Theodore that once existed on the island.

	Ecology & protection Thodorou Island is a strictly protected wildlife sanctuary. Since the 1930s, it has been home to a population of the endangered Cretan wild goat (kri-kri), which was introduced there to protect the species from overhunting and habitat loss. The island also supports important birdlife and serves as a vital ecological refuge in the region, making it one of the most significant protected marine environments in Crete.

	Geography & access The islet lies approximately 0.5 nautical miles from the coast of Platanias. It features a rocky terrain with two main peaks—one known as “Thodorou” and the smaller one often referred to as “Small Thodorou”. Public access to the island is prohibited without special authorization, with exceptions only for scientific or environmental research purposes.

	Cultural significance Thodorou Island is an iconic part of the landscape of Platanias and the wider Chania region. It combines historical remains, natural beauty, and strong ecological value, making it a symbol of Crete’s cultural and natural heritage.

	Legends & mysteries The island’s distinctive shape is said in local mythology to resemble a petrified dragon. According to legend, the dragon was turned into stone to protect Crete, while the nearby smaller islet represents its “young dragon” or offspring.

	Beneath the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island lies another hidden secret: at a depth of around 4-5 meters, divers can still observe the wreckage of a German aircraft from World War II. It is often visible even during snorkeling, making the area one of the most fascinating underwater exploration spots in Chania. Thodorou Island uniquely combines myth, history, and natural beauty into an unforgettable experience of the Cretan sea.

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