Things to do in Arkadi

Explore the northeastern part of Crete on a guided half-day trip from Rethymno. Encounter sights like the Fragma Potamon Dam as you soak up the local atmosphere. Climb onboard the bus and start your trip by heading east to your first stop at iconic Melidoni Cave. Visit the fascinating site and perhaps enjoy a coffee (own expense) while admiring a magnificent view of the valley of Melidoni village. Then, move south to Margarites village and make a stop at a pottery workshop. Have the opportunity to observe how traditional handmade pottery is made. Next, move on to the famous Arkadi Monastery, where you have time for coffee or lunch (own expense). Finally, pause at a vantage point with a magnificent view at the well-known Fragma Potamon Dam for a photo stop. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon.

Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Crete as you embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. Learn from a passionate cook and proud native of a charming Cretan village. Enter the cook's home and discover the secrets of traditional Cretan cuisine using fresh products sourced from her family's farm or local farmers. Learn in a charming atmosphere and cook in a traditional wood oven. Enjoy a menu that can be adapted for our vegetarian friends or those with allergies. Experience the hospitality of a local home with a warm welcome with Greek coffee or herbal tea, homemade lemonade, ladokouloura, rolls made with olive oil, and loukoumakia. Chat with the hose to get to know each other and learn the recipes with old traditional practices and cooked in a wood oven. Try making starters like dakos (Cretan salad with tomato, cheese, olive oil, herbs), tzatziki (the famous Greek dip), and Greek salad. Learn to cook main dishes like gemista (stuffed vine leaves, zucchini flowers, tomatoes, zucchini, and pepper), and mousaka. Indulge in a traditional dessert like Tyropitakia, traditional pies with homemade cheese, local honey, and cinnamon sprinkled, homemade ice cream, and seasonal fruit. Enjoy local wine and raki alongside your meal. Experience genuine connections forged during the class and feel like part of the extended Cretan family, creating lasting memories and forging a deep appreciation for the traditions and flavors of this remarkable island.

After you are picked off in the morning from your hotel in Rethymnon, this unique village tour begins from Arkadi. There you will visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, renowned for its pivotal role in the resistance against the Turks. You will learn a lot about local history from the icons and the weapons there. After this enriching visit, you will enjoy a majestic route towards Eleutherna where you will stop to glaze the landscape and enjoy the view. The next station will be the village of Margarites, in which you can learn about the art of pottery and create your ceramic in their local pottery workshop. The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and the ladies there will be more than happy to introduce you to the Cretan pottery art. Afterward, discover the breathtaking beauty of Sfendoni Cave, one of Crete’s hidden gems! Located near the traditional village of Zoniana, this impressive cave stretches over 1,400 meters and offers a magical journey through illuminated chambers filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours reveal the cave’s fascinating geological formations and legends, making it a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers alike. You will have an hour to explore the cave. Before heading back to Rethymno, you will stop at Axos Village, where you will have the chance to experience firsthand the production process of fresh cheese. Along with the local people you can take part in the milking process, witness the production of local cheese pies and cheese and of course taste the fresh traditional handmade snacks. After the relaxed time for snacks and resting you are ready to depart and get dropped off at your hotel in Rethymno, with a full experience of Crete's history, art, and flavors.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in the Rethymno area, and then explore the traditional lifestyle and historical legacy of Crete. Learn the Neolithic history of the Melidoni Cave and discover the pottery traditions of the village of Margarites. Discover the oldest monastery in Crete at the 16th-century Arkadi Monastery, and then go to the village of Apostoli to visit an old olive oil factory. Enjoy lunch in a traditional tavern ( lunch not icluded in the price) and listen to the beautiful sound of live folk music before making your way to St. Antonios Gorge. Stop at the Fragma Potamon dam before making your way back to Rethymno.

From Rethymno: Day trip to Arkadi Monastery, Eleutherna Museum, Tsikalario Pottery, Margarites Village, Melidoni Cave, and Olive oil mill. Starting our excursion early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel or the nearest suitable pick up point with one of our air conditioned and comfortable buses so that we lead you at first to Arkadi Monastery 8 km southwest is the sacred Monastery of Arkadi, where you will have 45 minutes to explore one of the Orthodox monasteries that accentuate the catholic and ecumenical character of the Church. Next stop to visit is the Museum of Eleutherna, it is located 3km from the ruins is an on site Museum of Greece in the Archaeological park. Next stop Margarites The village is known for its unique pottery tradition. Visitors can visit the local workshops and witness the potters at work, using traditional techniques to create exquisite pieces of art. In Margarites you can also enjoy the local cuisine which is based on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Our last stop for about 50 minutes will be Melidoni Cave. It is located about 1800 metres northwest of the village. It has an extremely interesting history and amazing archaelogical findings. Melidoni Cave is this stunning evocative underworld of stalactites and stalagmites. A place of worship since Neolithic times. Our last stop Olive oil mill it is located in the picturesque village of Melidoni visitors have the chance to see how olive oil is produced. After the Olive oil mill we will take our way back to Rethymno where our day trip will come to an end.

Arkadi Monastery (in Greek Moní Arkadíou) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated near Rethymno. It is one of the most historic monasteries on Crete. What’s Included: Experienced guide, use of bicycle, helmet, reflective orange vest, bottle of water, break for discussion and soft drink in a village during the tour. Departure & Return: Sofokli Venizelou 4, Rethymno 741 00, Greece You will enjoy the beautiful view and you will be enchanted of the wonderful green landscape. Additional Info: Most travelers can participate This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate Check the prices and make your reservation from our booking system in our website. All protection measures are taken by COVID 19. Helmets and reflective vests are sterilized by a special machine at 120o C.

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at 08.30 and start driving to our first stop Zaros, an attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited. Then we continue our drive to the traditional Cretan village of Vatos, a small village hidden in the green where we find all the elements of its tradition. Walking down the alleys we visit the old school and its fountain as well as the museum with the farming tools and utensils of earlier times. We finish at a cauldron of the village where you make Raki (the famous alcoholic beverage of Crete). Spili is our next stop known for its Venetian snake with a long line of 25 stone lion heads that run cool water from their mouths. Optional lunch at Spili. Then we visit Lampini, the church and the museum of Panagia. The church is inscribed with a cupola, and depicts frescoes of the 12th and 14th century. It was an Episcopal church, since the village of Lampini once accommodated the seat of the famous Episcopate of Lampis, which had existed since 431. Drive to Gorge of St. Antonios, walk through a very nice hiking trail in the gorge with super green and lush surroundings up to the cave of St. Antonios. Late in the afternoon at 18:30, we return to Heraklion at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel.

The tour begins at around 9:00 am, when you get picked up from your hotel. We visit the historical village of Melidoni, which has always been a village full of life, inhabited by people who share the same dreams, who are creative and love their homeland. The Cave of Melidoni is located approximately 1800m northwest of the village of Melidoni, at an altitude of 220m. The Gerontospelios, as it is called. The hall is one of the largest caves in Crete, while the stalactites and stalagmites are truly enormous. Afterwards, we visit Margarites village. Margarites is undoubtedly the most important pottery center of Western Crete. In the area there are plenty of clay deposits, which explains the centuries-old occupation of the inhabitants with the art of clay. The village is known for its unique pottery tradition, its picturesque alleys, and its well-preserved architecture. Margarites is a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Cretan experience and a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture. Next, we visit the ancient museum of Eleutherna. Ancient Eleutherna is located 25 km south-east of the city of Rethymno, relatively close to the Monastery of Arkadiou. The city is the most important archaeological site of the prefecture of Rethymno, which has not yet been fully excavated and is expected to yield many more valuable findings. The excavations in Ancient Eleutherna have brought to light exceptional finds of various chronological phases, from the Sub-Neolithic period to the Late Roman and Byzantine years, dozens of inscriptions, sculptures, objects made of precious materials, coins, exotic objects from the East, metal objects and utensils, glass vases etc. Last but not least, we visit the Arkadi monastery. The strong fortification of Arkadi attracted the rebellious Cretans and as a result it was burnt down by the Ottomans several times, in 1646, 1821 and 1866. Many Turkish and Greek documents refer to the life and adventures of the monastery which was able to support or harbor wanted persons, provide basic education, morally strengthen the region and lead national affairs. Arkadi is certainly the most historic monastery in Crete, which was to become the holiest symbol of the Cretan Struggle for Freedom, as it was here that the tragic holocaust of 1866 took place with the explosion of the wine cellar where the revolutionaries kept the gunpowder.

A small beautiful village We will start our tour by visiting a beautiful well-hidden village, Margarites. The tradition of pottery has been an integral part of this village for many generations; there are lots of locals who still keep the tradition alive, up to this day, by transforming the traditional practice of pottery into modern art. In Margarites, we will meet our friend Yorgos, a local, who will show you how the pots are hand thrown. The village itself has a unique architecture and some lovely narrow winding streets, making it worth being explored. Feel the sanctity of Arkadi After a 25' drive, we will continue to the religious and historical part of our tour. The goal is to become familiar with the Cretan culture and its religious customs. The Arkadi monastery is perhaps the best known monastery in Crete, due to its history of the Holocaust in 1866. However, its location and impressive architecture make it all more special. For everyone who visits the Arkadi monastery, the feeling is unique; serene and quiet, but also emotionally powerful. We will escort you to explore this magnificent monument, discuss about the history and less-known stories, but, since our guides are not official state guides, it is forbidden for them to give tours inside historical monuments. If you wish to have an official history guide, we will be happy to book one for you upon communication! A family winery Just before we reach the Gorge of Patsos we will get the chance to visit one of the best wineries of the region. A small family-run winery, surrounded by vineyards and a magnificent view, Kourkoulou winery is a real gem. Local vine varieties cultivated by hte father Kourkoulo, fermented and vinificated by his daughter. Wine runs deep into this family's veins. The winery is really small and modern with a beautiful view of the surrounding area and a comfortable tasting room. After you get a tour of the winery you will get the chance to taste the family wines along with some Cretan delicacies. Let’s explore the nature of Crete Next up, is the gorge of Patsos. A small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Assites, is the necessary part to complete this excursion. The whole area around the gorge is of particular natural beauty. In the gorge, we can see rare species of flora and fauna, which are protected by the European legislation. As we walk onto the beautiful path, we will meet the attraction of the cavernous church of St. Anthony inside the rocky walls, which used to be a former temple of Hermes.During the biggest part of our hike, there is enough shadow and water to keep us cool; also, the feeling of walking under so many trees and next to running waters is unique! It is up to you to pick your favorite place to have a pic-nic with the best Cretan snacks and some wine or raki.When we decide to return, we follow the same path and end up at the starting point of the gorge.

Take a private day trip with a Mercedes Vito van from Rethymno to Arkadi Monastery - Museum Of Ancient Eleftherna - Margarites Village and Melidoni cave Arkadi Monastery The most important and historic Venetian church in Crete history. The heroic revolution of the Cretans until the complete liberation has its own reference point, and it is none other than the Arkadi Monastery. Museum Of Ancient Eleutherna The first Archaeological Site Museum in Crete, the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, covers an area of 1700 sq.m. while the total area of the archaeological site is 13 acres. The construction of the Museum, which began in 2012, includes three rooms hosting the entire history of the city from 3000 BC. to 1300 AD, with objects of everyday life and works of art from prehistoric, geometric, archaic, classical, Hellenistic, Roman, early Byzantine and Byzantine periods. Margarites Village The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and you will be able to find an elder to show you how the pots are hand thrown. The village, which has some extraordinary architecture and lovely narrow winding streets, is well worth exploring. Duration 6 hours If selected Melidoni cave Melidoniou Cave, the well-known Gerontospelios in the prefecture of Rethymnon, is one of the most important historical caves of Crete. An admirable creation of nature at an altitude of 220 meters, to the south of Kouloukona mountain, near the village of the same name. Duration 8 hours