Vritomartis is probably a continuation of Minoan religious beliefs, and is identified with the goddess Artemis in the Greek pantheon of gods and goddesses. Diktinna was the most important sanctuary of Vritomartis and a reason for conflict regarding its control between the powerful cities of Kydonia in Chania and Polirinia in Kastelli.

Vritomartis was worshipped here during the Greek and the Roman era. The Greek sanctuary has not been identified yet, but the Roman one was visible from a great distance at sea and many pieces of marble and Roman building remains were found in its location. Later, in the ninth century the monastery of Agios Georgios was built here but it was abandoned because of continuous pirate attacks.

Today very little remains to be seen of the Roman site or the monastery. However, there is a protected bay, a pebble beach, and the boat trip from Kolimbari is very pleasant.