Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.

These were self guided tours but the guide gave prior good information and was professional. The coch provided by Platano tours travel agent was very clean and the driver very careful around narrow roads. The caves are well laid out and lit. The monestry well worth a visit and interesting with information boards in English. Proof of age is required on admissions if you are getting concession fares. The Margarites village is a pottery factory run by the local people who were very keen on showing how the pottery was manufactured

Very organized visit. At the entrance you receive a detailed map with a clear path to follow in order not to miss any corner of the site. Spaces are well cleaned and cared. Duration of the visit is less than an hour.

Freedom to roam around with lots of interesting stories/history. Cheap entry fee and cafe on site. Good for all ages

Anyone who likes antiquity, culture, and beautiful views, make a short stop at this monastery

A place that is simply magical, and the people inside are simple, friendly, helpful, and always at your service. Thank you for your little prayer for me when you came to see me at the main entrance to say goodbye. The place is simply relaxing, full of history, and beautiful. I recommend it without hesitation

Nice day trip, but with a commercial touch, booked with Spiridon tours on site. We were picked up on time by driver and guide Spiro. He knew a lot and with heart and soul about the history and customs of Crete or Greece. He is very committed to get people excited about "his" Crete. At the 1st stop was at the Arkadi monastery, very interesting to walk around there with in the back of your mind the story Spiro had told earlier about the monastery. The 2nd stop was unexpected because Spiro introduced us to a use on Crete (should remain a surprise for people who book this trip:) , which he says will make the people live to 100 years! Then by driving in a beautiful environment stopped in the pottery village of Margalis. After a short tour by one of the family members of the pottery, she showed how they make a vase out of only clay from the mountains and water. Then walked through the village where there are several pottery shops. Then at the next stop used a lunch with the group after which Spiro showed how to dance the sirtaki with several group members participating. ( Lunch wasn't much, especially as a vegetarian, but the atmosphere and coziness makes up for it). (also here a shop) The last stop was a tour of the big one, was fun to do but have seen nicer ones. Around 5.30 pm we were dropped off at our hotel after a successful day and not least by Spiro. Also a compliment to the lady working at Spiridon tours. Fine people who are helpful and trust the people. So do despite the commercial touch!

Beautiful discoveries, museum, restaurant Tassos, fortress, etc. Parking near the fort To visit without worries

beautiful monastery where a few monks live, beautiful old buildings and church easily accessible with large parking lot

Monastery located in the middle of the countryside in central Crete. Peace, tranquility and serenity characterizes this Cretan male monastery. Beautiful, magnificent, especially the church is a must see. Everything is well preserved and renovated. Fantastic!

Super great monastery. Very educational. Great environment with a nice cafe. You learn a lot about history. On the way there you can enjoy the landscape

1500-luvun alkupuolella perustettu luostari. Synkkä historia 1699 Ottomaanien piirittäessä kylää ja luostaria, tekivät asukkaat joukko itsemurhan mieluimmin, kuin jääden vangeiksi. Tästä jäänteenä pääkallot hautaholvissa. Paikassa ravintola ja matkamuisto myymälä.

A sublime monastery, certainly for us the most beautiful monastery we have visited for the moment in Crete. Really a little gem to discover. You must go without hesitation.

You pay three euros admission per person. For this you get a flyer with information and admission to the grounds, museum and art gallery. You can't complain about that. Everything is very well described and with us (at the end of May) it was also not overcrowded. On-site parking and toilets are free. A cafe for catering is right next door.

It's worth it! We were here in September and there was no tourism at all. Very well maintained and therefore very beautiful! Despite my low expectations, this was one of the most beautiful places on the island.

Monastery rich in history that still exudes a particular charm. Must see , a few kilometers from Heraklion. In half an hour you can see everything, but if you have the patience to gather information on guides or the internet (in the place there is nothing) you will discover its fascinating history. Admission 3 euros.