Diktinna – Menies Off-Road Safari & Wine Tasting

Starting the ultimate Safari experience by jeep, we will pass through the traditional village of Rodopou. Along the way, we will encounter wild goats and various types of plants.

The magic will begin once we reach the top of the Gkiona Valley. From there, you will have the opportunity to take pictures of the panoramic view and the landscapes you’ve never seen before. We will look out over the Kissamos Bay, the cape, and the famous island of Gramvousa.

Gkiona is home to a small monastery dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, one of the major pilgrimage sites in Crete. The church was built in the 16th century, originally as a single-nave church, and later expanded into a double-nave church, with the second nave dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Inside the church, seven tombs were found, and outside, there is a twin vaulted structure and cells. In the churchyard, you will find the legendary plane tree, whose leaves grow upside down.

Next, we will continue our journey to the ancient sanctuary of Diktinna. This is the most important worship center in western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. There was a temple dedicated to Artemis Britomartis, the goddess and protector of hunting, at this site.

We will continue with a stop at the exotic Menies beach, where you will have enough time to swim and relax, along with snacks and cold drinks that will be provided.

On the return trip from Menies, to end our excursion in the best way, we will make our final stop at a local winery where you can enjoy a wine tasting and a tour of the facilities!

Highlights

• Adventure by Jeep through the scenic Rodopou Peninsula

• Panoramic views over Kissamos Bay, Cape Spatha, and Gramvousa Island

• Visit to the historic Saint John Gkionas Monastery

• Explore the ancient sanctuary of Diktinna (Artemis)

• Relax and swim at the unspoiled Menies Beach

• Snacks and refreshments by the sea

• Guided wine tasting and tour at a local winery

• Small groups – up to 6 people per vehicle for a personalized experience

Tour Details

• Small groups: Up to 6 people per vehicle

• Excursion duration: 8 hours

Included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Coffee, tea, or soft drink

• Light meal, cold drinks, and water

• Wine tasting

• Public liability insurance

• Experienced guide

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes

• Swimsuit

• Camera

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Towel

Safari Schedule

• 07:30 – 08:30: Hotel pickup

• 09:50: Arrival at Saint John Gkionas old church

• 10:10: Departure for Menies Beach

• 11:10: Arrival at Menies Beach; visit the ancient sanctuary of Artemis and enjoy 3 hours and 20 minutes of free time to swim and relax

• 14:30: Departure from Menies Beach, heading to the winery

• 16:00: Arrival at Pneumatikakis Winery for a guided tour and wine tasting

• 16:40: Departure from the winery

• 17:40: Drop-off at your hotel