CalmBeach Greece
Menies (Diktynna) Beach, Chania
See practical info for Menies (Diktynna) in Chania, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.
The beach of the ancient sanctuary of Diktynna
Menies lies on the northeastern coast of the Rodopou peninsula in Chania, about 45 kilometres from the city, at the exit of the Foundas Gorge. The remote pebble cove with deep blue water is identified with ancient Diktynna, one of the most important sacred sites of western Crete.
This was the famed sanctuary of Britomartis, the Cretan goddess identified with Artemis and worshipped as Diktynna. The earliest finds date to the 7th to 6th century BC, while the sanctuary flourished in Hellenistic and Roman times, when pilgrims arrived from across the island along a paved road that linked it to Polyrrinia. Remains of the Roman temple and traces of the ancient harbour survive on site, and among the finds stand out a head of the emperor Hadrian and a statue of Artemis, now kept in the Archaeological Museum of Chania. About a kilometre to the southwest stands the old monastery of Agios Georgios, with a 16th-century tower built to watch the coast for pirates.
The beach is entirely unorganized, with no shade and no facilities, pebbles and rocks, and water that deepens quickly. Access is via a very rough dirt road of about 23 kilometres from Rodopos village, or by boat, so time and supplies are needed.
- Region
- Chania, Greece
- Beach type
- Pebbles
- Access
- Passable dirt road
- Coordinates
- 35.66461, 23.76786
- Snorkeling
About this beach
The shoreline at Menies (Diktynna) faces south-east, so it usually has natural cover from southerly, south-westerly and easterly winds. Orientation only reflects which way the coast faces, not confirmed shelter, so check wind and waves in the app before you go.
Menies (Diktynna) has pebbles underfoot with water that deepens close to shore.
Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.
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