Locations

Theodorou Isle

The strategic location of the island of Thodorou in the sea west of Chania city, made it very important through the centuries. About 4.000 years ago, in the time of the Minoan civilization, the island was considered a sacred place. Historians believe that at that time there was a popular religious sanctuary on the island.

On the west side of the oblong island, there is a big cave. According to the local ancient legend, this is the open mouth of a big monster that attacked the area many centuries ago. Fortunately, and in order to protect the locals, the gods turned the monster into stone, and Thodorou is what remained of the petrified ancient monster. The cave, aka the open mouth of the monster, today is one of the playing fields for the many Kri-kri, the wild goats of Crete, on the island.

In the Venetian period, and in the 16th century, a big fortress was built on the island to protect all the surrounding region from the pirates and the Ottomans. The name of the fortress was San Teodoro, which was also the original name of the island, that in turn became Thodorou in recent history.

The island of Thodorou is a remarkable place, that you can’t fail to visit. Its status as a protected natural reserve, along with the substantial population of the Cretan wild goats, the Kri-kri, that live on it, make it a very important part in the protection of the authentic local environment.

Glaronissi Isle

Apart from the large island, there is also a tiny islet next to it, known as Glaraki (“little seagull”), so the locals refer to both in the plural. You will never hear them called “to Thodorou” in the singular here, so we will refer to them in the plural too, although the islet is more of a large rock.

Choironisia Bay

I once ventured northwest of Chania, to the northeast shores of Peninsula Rodopos, right at the exit of Foundas Gorge.

There, I discovered Menies Beach (around 45km from Chania), also known as Diktynna.

Imagine a beach with pebbles and the deepest, most crystal blue waters you’ve ever seen.

It’s a place untouched by the usual winds, perfect for those who seek peace far from the city’s hustle.

The beach sits on the grounds of ancient Diktynna, home to the most important temple of goddess Vritomartis, the Cretan Artemis.

The area once attracted thousands of worshippers from across the island, who traveled along a road that linked the sanctuary with the town of Polirinia.

Parts of this ancient paved road can still be seen throughout the Rodopos peninsula.

During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the deity Vritomartis was revered here.

Today, a few remnants of the Roman temple still exist, although no traces of the Hellenistic temple have been discovered.

Not far from the beach, the monastery of St.

George, dating back to the 9th century, stands as a testament to time, its protective tower a reminder of pirate raids.

Exploring the area between Menies reveals hidden bays and the charming Xeronissia, accessible only by foot or boat, offering a slice of untouched Crete.

Balos Beach

Balos Beach is often considered one of the most breathtaking spots not only in Crete but across the entire Mediterranean. Balos is famed for its lagoon-like appearance, shallow, warm waters, and fine white and pink sand.
The shallow waters of Balos reflect a dazzling array of blues and greens, creating a mesmerizing, tropical atmosphere. The combination of turquoise water and pinkish sand makes this beach truly unique. Surrounded by rugged mountains and the small islet of Gramvousa, Balos offers a sense of unspoiled wilderness. It is also home to several protected species of flora and fauna, making it an important ecological site. The Gramvousa castle was built between 1579 and 1584 by the Venetians. It was already destroyed in 1588 when thunder struck on the powder store. The castle was rebuilt again in 1630. It is almost triangular in shape and each side is 1000 meters long.Gramvousa is also known for its share in the struggle to liberate Crete from the Ottoman Turks. 3000 Revolutionairs used the island as their shelter for 3 years. Because of lack of food they took to piracy. Gramvousa was one of the last places to be conquered by the Turks (in 1692 after supposedly the Venetian commander was bribed by the Turks) and it was the first area of Crete to be liberated from the Turks in 1825 after Cretans disguised as Turks entered the fortress (the liberation of the rest of Crete followed in 1898). English-French garrison took over the island of Gramvoussa in 1828.

Today, besides being a tourist attraction, the island of Gramvousa is an important bird sanctuary and there are rare plants to be found. It is the habitat of over 100 bird species and 400 kinds of plants. Some of the plants and birds are protected species. In the area the meditteranean seal lives in the sea caves and the Caretta turtle looks for food. Close to where you disembark the boat and opposite a small church there is also a pretty descent beach where you can take a swim in the sea. Down the path are the leftovers of a rusty sunken boat.

Theodorou Isle

Glaronissi Isle

Choironisia Bay

Balos Beach

enjoy-your-trip!