Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay Snorkelling Cruise Chania

Menies beach and the sanctuary of Diktynna

Menies is a small pebble beach near the tip of the Rodopou peninsula, framed by steep hills and very clear water. Above the shore lie the remains of the sanctuary of Diktynna, one of the most important religious sites of western Crete in antiquity, dedicated to a local mountain and hunting goddess. In Roman times a large temple stood here, and its foundations, column fragments and cisterns can still be seen among the shrubs.

Nearby are the ruins of a small medieval monastery, abandoned long ago. Because the only easy access is by boat, Menies stays quiet even in high summer. The boat anchors a few metres from the shore, so you swim in through shallow water to reach the beach. Is Menies beach worth visiting? For anyone who enjoys history and swimming together, it is one of the most special places near Chania.

Snorkelling over wartime remains

Just off Menies, the seabed holds the remains of a gun and its carriage from the Second World War, when western Crete was a battleground. Lying in shallow, clear water, they are now home to small fish and sea plants and are easy to see with a mask from the surface.

Your guide explains the history and shows you where to snorkel. Masks and snorkels are provided, and the calm, transparent water makes this stop suitable for beginners as well as confident swimmers. A swim vest or pool noodle helps if you are less sure in deep water. Please look but do not touch: the remains are protected as part of Crete's wartime heritage.

Chironisia bay – reachable only by sea

Chironisia is a small, sheltered bay on the coast of the Rodopou peninsula that cannot be reached by road. Its deep blue water, rocky walls and tiny pebble shore make it feel like a private hideaway, and on calm days the visibility underwater is excellent.

Along the cliffs there are small sea caves that you can explore while snorkelling, with light filtering through the water. This is the longest swim stop of the trip and a favourite with families, who can float in the clear water while the boat waits close by. It is one of the best snorkelling spots in Chania for those who want to escape the crowded beaches.

Kolymbari and the Rodopou peninsula

Kolymbari is a fishing village about 25 kilometres west of Chania, at the base of the Rodopou peninsula. Just outside the village stands the Monastery of Gonia, founded in the 17th century, with a view over the bay. How to get to Kolymbari? It is about 30 minutes by road from Chania town, and the default option includes pickup from set points on the north coast.

Rodopou itself is a rugged, almost uninhabited peninsula of rock, thyme and goat tracks, and from the boat you see its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. The best time for this cruise is June to September, when the sea is warmest. Strong summer north winds can make the sea rough here, and the trip will not run if conditions are poor.