Pottery Village of Margarites - The monastery of Arkadi & The Gorge of Patsos
Margarites, GR
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Experience a pottery demonstration in Margarites
- Visit the famous Arkadi Monastery
- Explore the natural beauty of the Patsos Gorge
- Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local taverna
- Discover the unique architecture of Margarites village
-
Duration 6 hours
-
Lunch included
-
Hotel pickup/drop-off
-
Local driver/guide
-
Entrance to monastery
-
Small group tour
Experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Crete with this immersive tour. Begin your journey in the charming village of Margarites, where the ancient tradition of pottery is still alive. Watch as skilled artisans demonstrate their craft, creating beautiful works of art that will leave you in awe. Afterward, venture to the historic Arkadi Monastery, renowned for its impressive architecture and significance in Cretan history. Explore the monastery grounds and soak in the peaceful atmosphere as you learn about the region's religious customs. Finally, immerse yourself in the stunning nature of Crete as you hike through the breathtaking Gorge of Patsos. Discover rare flora and fauna, marvel at the cavernous church of St. Anthony, and enjoy a picnic by the river. This tour offers an unforgettable combination of cultural discovery and natural beauty, giving you a true taste of the wonders of Crete.
At a Glance
-
Free cancellation
-
6 hours
-
Instant Confirmation
-
Available in English, French
-
Mobile voucher
-
Small Group tour
-
Guided
-
Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Discover Crete's culture and nature in a unique tour visiting Margarites, Arkadi Monastery, and the stunning Patsos Gorge.
Included
-
All taxes, fees and handling charges -
Lunch (vegetarian option included)
-
Hotel pick up and drop off (Only Rethymno district)
-
Entrance to the monastery
-
Local driver / guide
-
Transport by air-conditioned car / mini bus
-
English or French speaking guide
Excluded
-
The guide will not enter with you in the monastery of arkadi
Meeting Point
Eleftheríou Venizélou 39, Rethymno 741 31 , Greece
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Margarites Gorge
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. A demonstration of his art will follow, that will certainly stay “carved” in our memory. The village itself has a unique architecture and some lovely narrow winding streets, making it worth being explored. So, let’s wander through the quiet village of Margarites, enjoy the hundreds of colors that lie before our eyes and then enjoy a traditional coffee at a small “kafeneio”.
120 minutes
Admission Included
After a 25' drive, you will continue to the religious part of the tour. The goal is to make you familiar with Cretan culture and religious customs. Arkadi Monastery is perhaps the best known monastery on Crete due to the Holocaust of 1866. However, its location and impressive architecture make it all more special. It is a large fortified complex built during the end of the period of Venetian rule. We will escort you to explore this magnificent monument, but since our guides are not official, it is forbidden to have a tour inside historical monuments.
60 minutes
Admission Included
Let’s explore together the nature of Crete. The gorge of Patsos is a small yet magnificent gorge, which begins at Ano Assites. In the gorge one can see rare species of flora and fauna, which are protected by European legislation. In particular, there are 80 species of flora, of which 4 are protected, 24 species of fauna, of which 11 are protected and 16 species of birds, of which 8 are protected. You are going to enjoy a small picnic at the facilities of the gorge, as you are watching a spring of running water near the river. A beautiful attraction of the gorge is the cavernous church of St. Anthony in the rocky walls, a former temple of Hermes. Usually, to complete the route, we will hike for about half an hour (until a certain point that the gorge becomes difficult... after 20-30 min), but depending on the weather and the physical condition of the travelers, we could hike a little bit more or less.
60 minutes
Admission Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
-
Not recommended for pregnant travelers -
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
-
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
-
Public transportation options are available nearby
-
Specialized infant seats are available
-
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What our experts say
-
Try pottery making with local artisans. -
Don't miss the traditional coffee in Margarites.
-
Visit the cavernous church in Patsos Gorge.
-
Pack sturdy shoes for the gorge hike.
-
Enjoy authentic Cretan raki at lunch.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Discover the beauty and cultural richness of Crete with the Pottery Village of Margarites, Arkadi Monastery, and the Gorge of Patsos Tour. This immersive experience will take you on a journey through time, showcasing the traditional art of pottery, the religious heritage of Crete, and the breathtaking natural landscapes.What to expect?
During this 6-hour tour, you can anticipate a diverse range of experiences. Begin your adventure in the enchanting village of Margarites, where the rich tradition of pottery has been passed down through generations. Marvel at the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans as they demonstrate the art of hand-throwing pots. Explore the village's unique architecture and wander through the charming narrow streets, immersing yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. Next, delve into the religious heritage of Crete as you visit the renowned Arkadi Monastery. With its impressive fortified complex and significant historical background, the monastery offers a glimpse into Cretan culture and religious customs. While you won't be able to enter the historical monuments with our guides, the exterior and surroundings are sure to leave you in awe. Venture into the natural wonders of Crete with a visit to the picturesque Gorge of Patsos. Experience the tranquility of the gorge as you encounter rare flora and fauna protected by European legislation. Enjoy a picnic by a spring of running water, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscape. Admire the cavernous church of St. Anthony, a former temple of Hermes, nestled within the rocky walls of the gorge.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for those seeking a diverse and immersive experience in Crete. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone eager to discover the unique cultural heritage of the island, this tour offers something for everyone. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike can all find joy in exploring the Pottery Village of Margarites, the Arkadi Monastery, and the Gorge of Patsos.Why book this?
Embark on this captivating journey to gain a deep understanding of Crete's cultural and natural treasures. This tour goes beyond the typical tourist attractions, offering you an authentic and enriching experience. Witness the art of pottery in action, interact with skilled artisans, and bring home a piece of Crete's artistic legacy. Explore the centuries-old Arkadi Monastery and immerse yourself in its historical significance. Marvel at the diverse flora, fauna, and stunning landscapes of the Gorge of Patsos. This tour is curated to provide you with an unforgettable and meaningful adventure.Good to know
To make the most of your experience, wear comfortable shoes suitable for light hiking during the gorge visit. The weather can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket or raincoat. Don't forget your camera to capture the astonishing beauty that surrounds you. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional lunch at a local taverna, savoring the flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine.Reviews
Previous travelers have raved about the Pottery Village of Margarites, Arkadi Monastery, and the Gorge of Patsos Tour. They were captivated by the skilled pottery demonstrations in Margarites and the unique architecture of the village. The significance and beauty of Arkadi Monastery left visitors in awe, with its rich history and stunning surroundings. The Gorge of Patsos was praised for its untouched natural beauty and rare flora and fauna. Travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides who provided valuable insights throughout the tour. Overall, visitors expressed their satisfaction with this immersive and enlightening experience in Crete.Journals from our explorers at this location
This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is
