Explore the Beauty and History of Crete: Rethymno Old Town & Arkadi Monastery 

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Crete’s rich history and stunning landscapes with our guided excursion to Rethymno Old Town & Arkadi Monastery.

The day begins early (around 08:00 am) with a pick-up from your hotel or meeting point, as we head east to the historical region of Rethymno.

Your first stop is the Arkadi Monastery, the oldest and one of the most significant monasteries in Crete. This monastery played a pivotal role in the island’s fight for independence against the Turks. Our expert guide will share the fascinating story of its history as you explore its various landmarks.

Historical sources have shown that the Monastery has been a center of education and manuscript copy. In addition, the gold embroidery workshops dazzled the world in the 17^thand 18^th century.

The struggles of the Monastery against the conquerors have been an inspiration. The sacrifice of the people who lived and died there has generated strong emotional impact and has become an example.

The Turks occupied Crete at a time of bloom for the Arkadi Monastery.

The monks participated in the Revolution of 1821 and took leading part in major events. The first disaster is a fact: the monastery is looted and the monks have no choice but to abandon it for a small period. They return soon after.

You’ll have about one hour to admire the main church, the Catholic Church of the monastery, the historic dining hall, the cellar, the power barrel, the museum, and the art gallery. This peaceful and historically charged site offers a glimpse into Crete’s turbulent yet rich past.

Next, we head to Margarites, a traditional pottery village where you can immerse yourself in one of Greece’s largest pottery centers. The village’s long-standing pottery tradition is so highly regarded that it has been inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Artisans of all ages—both local and international—continue to run their workshops here, known as tsikalaria. The exact moment when Margarites emerged as Rethymno’s pottery hub remains unknown. According to one theory, the name “Margarites” comes from the Byzantine term magara, referring to practical ceramic wares. The word tsikalario, in turn, denotes a workshop where clay cooking pots, or tsikalia, are crafted. Margarites is fortunate not only for its fertile clay soil but also for a unique material: a dark gray earth known as lepida. “It comes from the highlands,”. “Lepida makes large jars strong—they don’t crack in the fire or split under the sun or while drying. In the past, people even used it on rooftops. When crushed, it created a greasy, glassy layer that provided insulation. If I remember correctly, they sometimes mixed it with salt as well.” This made it an excellent waterproofing material, helping homes stay dry and protected during winter.

Spend approximately one hour exploring the charming village and discover the intricate art of handmade ceramics. Watch skilled artisans at work and learn about the long-standing pottery traditions passed down through generations.

Our journey continues to the town of Rethymno, a gem of Cretan culture.

Rethymno began a period of growth when the Venetian conquerors of the island decided to establish an intermediate commercial station between Heraklion and Chania, acquiring its own bishop and nobility in the process. Today’s old town (palia poli) was almost entirely built by the Republic of Venice. It is one of the best-preserved old towns in Crete.

Here, you will have about 3 hours of free time to wander through the picturesque alleys of the old town, discover its Venetian architecture, and enjoy traditional taverns offering delicious Cretan cuisine. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful views of the Adelianos Kampos beach, which is just a stone’s throw away.

By the end of this immersive cultural journey, we’ll head back to your hotel, arriving around 18:00 hrs.

Experience the heart and soul of Crete with a visit to Arkadi Monastery, the traditional pottery village of Margarites, and the historic town of Rethymno—a perfect day of history, culture, and Cretan charm!