Thodorou isle, Chania area

⏩ Thodorou isle, one of the secret isles in Crete.

The isle is actually a scenic rock, like a triangle of 68 hectares, covered by shrubs. The view to the north coast of Crete, the landscape, and White Mountains (Lefka Ori) from the southern part of the isle is stunning. On the southern edge of the isle there is also a cave. The isle is designated as a NATURA 2000 site (GR4340018) [1, 2]. Close to that isle there another smaller islet, and usually both are called Thodorou isles.

Refuge for the Cretan agrimi goat, and the isle is an important site for species associated with coastal cliffs and scrub as well. The climate is typical of Crete. Since there are practically no visitors, the island does not face any problems by overtourism. However, overgrazing by the wild goats may cause problems to the sustainability of the isles flora [3].

Two forts were constructed by the Venetians in the second half of the 16^th century, one on the hilltop and the other at the south edge of the isle. During the second half of the 16^th century the Venetian implemented an extended building project fortifying their cities in Crete and certain isles in strategic positions (Gramvousa, Thodorou, Souda, Spinalonga). These forts were the first that were attacked by the Ottoman troops in 1645 and the only ones that didn’t surrendered but the defenders preferred to stay within and blow up the fortification [4]. Even though many people know about the modern wildlife refuge, rather few know about the fortress in the island and its tragic fate.

Despite the significance as a breeding place for the Cretan aegagrus, the remains of two Venetian forts, and the fatal history of their defenders, the only visitors of the isle are pilgrims on the 8^th of June when the local church of Agioi Theodoroi celebrates [5]. A management plan has been published in 2012 [6].

⇑ Pros: unspoiled place, wildlife, and remoteness

⇓ Cons: the access is restricted, and practically there are no facilities