Crete’s cultural treasures. Visit the Arkadi Monastery, stroll
through the fairytale village of Margarites and
marvel at the ancient caves and frescoes of Melidoni.
A journey into the past in the heart of the island: Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of freedom.
Towards the east, past Rethymno at the foot of the Ida Mountains, lies the Arkadi Monastery, the holiest place in Crete! The heroic uprising against the Ottoman Empire began here in 1866. Thanks to the bravery and sacrifice of the Cretans, Arkadi was recognized worldwide as a symbol of freedom.
Continue northeast past Psiloritis, the highest mountain in Crete, to Margarites, a village straight out of a fairy tale. The entire village is dedicated to pottery, with craftsmanship being an age-old tradition here. Stroll through the colorfully decorated alleyways and enjoy typical Cretan cuisine in the village square.
High up on the hill of the Mylopotamos Valley, you can look out over the 200-million-year-old cave of Melidoni. In addition to impressive stalactites and stalagmites, you can marvel at bizarre wall paintings from the Hellenistic era right up to the 20th century. In ancient times, the Greek gods were worshipped here, especially Hermes!
We start our journey from Georgioupoli.
Our first stop at the historic Arkadi Monastery, where you’ll be introduced to monastic life.
Eleutherna is our next stop, an ancient city known for its significant archaeological site. Visitors can explore and capture ruins dating back to various historical periods, including the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras.
Our next stop is at Margarites, a village dedicated to pottery, with craftsmanship in which you’ll learn all about the art of ceramics.
Next, we visit Margarites’ local Shops and Restaurants, where you can buy souvenirs and taste local delicacies.
Melidoni Cave is our last stop, a fascinating natural site with a rich history. Known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the cave also holds significant historical importance as a place of refuge and resistance during various periods in history.
