Tour In Crete, Rethymno, Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Pottery

We have the first visit at day by visiting Margarites village, which is famous for its traditional pottery. You can watch local potters at work and buy handmade souvenirs to take home. Margarites, is a village with Venetian roots, mentioned by sixteenth-century travelers. It is so beautiful to stroll around this very charming narrow streets of the villages, and visiting & enjoy the many of ceramics ateliers.

From Margarites, head to the Arkadi Monastery,  it has been designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument. This 16th-century monastery is a symbol of Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule and is known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance. Built at 12th century, at an altitude of 500 meters, on a fertile plateau with olive groves, vineyards, pines, cypress and oak trees

Start your tour at the Venetian Fortezza, a 16th-century fortress that overlooks the town and the sea.  Walk down the hill to the Old Town and enter through the Venetian Loggia, a beautiful building. From the Loggia, head to the Rimondi Fountain, a 16th-century fountain that was once the main source of water for the town. Walk along Arkadiou Street, which is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a left turn onto Vernardou Street, which is a picturesque street lined with small shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products. Continue to the Nerantze Mosque, which was built by the Ottomans in the 17th century and is now used as an art gallery. The mosque has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and a garden. Walk along Paleologou Street and admire the Venetian and Ottoman-era buildings, which are adorned with colorful facades, wooden balconies, and ornate doors. Do not miss to try some traditional Cretan dishes, such as dakos (salad with barley rusk, tomato, & feta)