From the beaches of Gerani, Platanias or Stalos you look out over the uninhabited islet Agii Theodori, which is situated 400 meters off the coast. According to legend this island was never there and is originally a sea monster that was petrified because of the prayers of the islanders. In this tradition the large opening on the side of the island is not a cave but in fact the mouth of the monster.

The island of Agii Theodori has always been uninhabited, except in the Venetian period, when the Venetians have built two fortresses on it and turned it into a military base. In an attack by the Turks in 1645 the island was unable to withstand the violence of the invading army. The Venetians fled to the highest fortress and blew himself up. After that the island became uninhabited again. Nowadays you will only find some wild animals on it and it is the domain of the rare and protected Kri-Kri goat.

Small boats from the old harbour in Chania are making trips around the small island of Agii Theodori.