Menies Beach
Menies or Diktynna is located 45km northwest of Chania, on the northeast shores of Peninsula Rodopos and at the exit of Foundas Gorge. It is a lovely secluded beach with pebbles and deep crystal blue waters. It is not affected by the usual winds blowing in the area and is ideal for isolation, far away from the urban centers. For many kilometers there is absolutely nothing reminding of the modern civilization, so make sure you have all essentials with you. Access to the beach of Menies is a bit tedious, as you have to drive in a long dirt track (about 23km) starting from Rodopos village. This road heads on the beach, but is not recommended for low cars. Moreover, there are some small boats running to Menies from Platanias harbor.
Menies is located on the site of ancient Diktynna; it was the most important temple of the goddess Vritomartis (the Cretan version of goddess Artemis). Thousands worshippers used to come in the area from all over the island via the road that connected the sanctuary to the town of Polirinia; some parts of the paved road are still preserved throughout Rodopos peninsula. Vritomartis was worshiped here during the Hellenistic and Roman times. There are still a few remains of the ancient Roman temple, but remains of the Hellenistic temple have not been found.
About 1km southwest of the beach, you can visit the very old monastery of St. George, built in the 9th century. It was abandoned several centuries later, during the raids of pirates. You can still see the protective tower of the 16th century in the courtyard of the monastery, used for early detection of the pirate ships.
Between Menies and Afrata we meet several small bays formed at the exits of small streams, accessible on foot or by boat. One of the is below Saint George monastery and the nicest is Xeronissia.
