Duration: 7 hours
The Agios Antonios Gorge is located 30 km away from Rethymno, near Arkadi. It crosses a river that flows into the river dam. Inside the gorge there is a landscaped path ideal for hiking that stops in the waterfall that falls into a cave. At the beginning of the Gorge we find a small cave where is the chapel of Agios Antonios, which is estimated to formerly have been a place of worship of Karmanos Hermes.
The Monastery of Arkadi is designated as a European Monument of Freedom by UNESCO. It was founded in the 6th century by the Emperor Heraclitus, reconstructed in the 12th century by Emperor Arkadios. In the 14th century, the temple of St. Constantine was built, the remains of which remain until today, in 1587 it was completely restored and the present temple dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior was built.
Arcadia, due to its fortification, has been a refuge for many rebels on the island. It has a rich history, with its most important event being a holocaust in 1866 with the blasting of the barracks.
25 km southeast of Rethymnon we meet the city of Ancient Eleftherna, which was founded in the 9th century, for example by the Dorians. Its geographical location helped it flourish and develop until the Byzantine era, which was destroyed and devastated by the Arabs.
Due to the important findings found in the excavations, the museum of Eleftherna was created and works in the area with the most important local findings. You can also take a tour of the ruins of the ancient city.
The village of Margarites is 27 km southwest of Rethymnon, and its inhabitants are mainly engaged in pottery. You will find many shops with pottery and clay structures influenced by Minoan art.
There are located the monastery of Savior Christ and Saint Gedeon, built in the 16th century, St. John the Theologian church with a stone temple and a vaulted tomb from the Late Minoan era of 1350 BC.
- 35,00 € (taxi 1-4 seats)
- 60,00 € (mini van 1-8 seats)
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