Things to do in Melidoni

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.

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, you will be heading to Melidoni cave, also called “Gerodospilios,” which is a historic cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This 220-meter altitude cave was a place of worship for Talos the bronze giant guardian of Crete who protected the island of Crete from enemies. 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.

Cretan Wine Secrets: Begin the excursion with a visit to Klados Winery in Panormos. Delight in a personalized wine tour guided by the owner, unlocking the mysteries behind Cretan wines and experiencing an enticing wine tasting that reveals the region's longevity secrets. Historic Vosakos Monastery among Stunning Landscapes: Travel along the coastline, passing through villages like Sisses and Aloides. Enjoy panoramic views of Psiloritis and Mylopotamos area. Explore the historic Vosakos Monastery, known for sheltering Cretan rebels during civil wars, amidst the captivating landscapes. Olive Oil Discovery: Embark on a journey through picturesque villages like Doxaro, Apladiana, and Agia, nestled amid lush greenery, vineyards, and olive groves. Visit a traditional and modern olive mill in Melidoni village. Learn about the olive oil production process, from ancient handmade methods to modern techniques, and savor the flavors of local olive oil. Cretan Cuisine Delights: Indulge in the flavors of Cretan cuisine at a charming village tavern in Melidoni, and embrace local hospitality with an array of delicacies. This unique wine and olive escape offers not just an exploration of culinary traditions but an adventure embracing Greek hospitality. Enrich your senses with breathtaking sights, professional yet relaxed service, and an unforgettable immersion into the heart of Cretan culture.

On this excursion you will have the opportunity to see many places that represent the traditional lifestyle and of course some historical facts of Crete.The first stop is at Melidoni Cave which is a cave full of history and dates back to the Neolithic Period based on toold and items found it the cave. The second stop is at the village of Margarites. Margarites is famous for its pottery that goes back many generations. The third stop is at Arkadi Μonastery. Arkadi Monastery is the oldest monastery in Crete.

Embark on a captivating journey through Crete, exploring its landscapes, traditional villages, and rich heritage. This small-group tour offers an immersive experience, from a honey factory visit to discovering the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd at a remote hut. Savor authentic Cretan cuisine, meet locals, and relish panoramic views that capture the island’s essence. Apithano Honey Factory & Village Charms: Starting from Rethymnon, the tour heads southeast, stopping at Apithano Honey Factory for a guided tour and tastings. Drive through Milopotamos and traditional villages, immersed in lush greenery and captivating views. Halepa Monastery & Scenic Splendor: Discover Halepa Monastery, offering breathtaking views of Crete’s peaks and valleys. Learn about its history as a refuge for rebels during civil wars, capturing stunning snapshots in this picturesque setting. Shepherd’s Life, the Enigmatic ‘’Mitato’’ Hut: Ascend an off-road trail to ‘’Mitato,’’ the traditional shepherd’s hut. Gain insights into shepherd life, cheese-making, and perhaps spot wild eagles and goats, perfect for memorable photos. Axos Village Tavern: Journey to Axos village for authentic Cretan cuisine at a traditional tavern. Indulge in local delicacies and experience Cretan warmth. This tour encapsulates Crete’s essence—culture, vistas, and gastronomy—providing a memorable glimpse of the island’s charm and hospitality in a day-long adventure.

Embark on a journey to explore the hidden gems of Western Crete, where you'll experience the region's rich history, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes. With our expert guide, uncover the authentic Crete and its unique selling points, ensuring a memorable adventure. Begin by venturing into the captivating Melidoni Cave, filled with fascinating geological features and ancient legends. Then, wander through the picturesque Margarites village, renowned for its traditional pottery. Participate in a pottery-making show with a local artisan and explore the charming alleys. Head to Kournas Lake, Crete's only natural freshwater lake, and marvel at its serene beauty. Take the opportunity to spot local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds this unique location. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Rethymno, the main western town, boasting stunning Venetian architecture and a rich historical past. Stroll through its enchanting streets, taking in the sights and sounds of local life. After a day of exploration, you'll be dropped off at your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Crete's hidden treasures.

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.

Embark on a captivating exploration of Crete, where every twist and turn reveals breathtaking panoramic views and traditional villages steeped in history. Immerse yourself in the daily life of locals, unlocking the island's cultural tapestry through genuine connections. Traverse diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to pristine shores, and delve into Crete's rich wildlife. The renowned Cretan hospitality awaits, fostering meaningful interactions with warm-hearted locals. Indulge in the delectable flavors of Cretan honey, artisanal cheeses, and local cuisine, savoring each bite as a celebration of the island's culinary heritage. Crete unfolds as a mosaic of charm and authenticity, promising a journey that intertwines history, tradition, and the warm embrace of its people.