Day trip
A half day to Arkadi, Melidoni and Margarites.
Photo: Lauma Augstkalne / Pexels
Quick facts
- Region
- Rethymno
- Start town
- Rethymno
- Planning time
- Depends on the selected itinerary
- Type
- Day trip
Arkadi, the cave at Melidoni and the potters at Margarites can be squeezed into a half day from the coast. That is a short shared run, not the private full day and not the e-bike to the monastery gate. Sunbeds on an empty Rethymno beach, which is the photograph, are the shore you leave. The monastery facade is not in it.
Check the start point on the coast, which of the three gates you enter, and the hour you are back on the beach road. The cave stairs and the monastery ramp are different walks.
Is it worth it
It suits a morning or an afternoon when the evening is already booked. Skip it if you wanted time inside the cave and the courtyard. Half a day means short stops.
What to bring
- Water, suitable footwear and the items required by the selected itinerary.
Tips
- Check the selected listing for transport, admission, equipment and cancellation terms.
Related tours
HistoryMelidoni cave from Rethymno
RethymnoDepends on the selected itinerary
Melidoni cave is inland of Rethymno, a chambered cavern with a grim 1824 history and a short walk from the ticket point. It is not a gorge and not a show-cave marathon. You need shoes that grip, and you do not need hiking fitness. The road is the larger part if you are coming from the far west or from Heraklion. It suits a quiet inland hour. Skip it if anyone dislikes enclosed spaces. The cave is the product, and waiting outside misses it. Use the actual meeting address for the selected outing from Rethymno. Check the road journey and return separately. Confirm whether hotel collection, any transfer and admission are included; the town name alone does not establish those arrangements or a fixed journey time.
View detailsFind options on GetYourGuide
Town walkMargarites pottery village
RethymnoDepends on the selected itinerary
Margarites is the pottery village inland east of Rethymno, near the Eleutherna area. A village visit can combine its lanes with workshops that are actually open. A demonstration or hands-on session needs a named workshop and confirmed arrangement; weekday or Sunday labels alone do not establish availability. Compare this inland stop with Eleutherna while allowing separate time for the museum, site and road journey. It suits a slow inland hour. Skip it on a Sunday if you needed to see someone at the wheel. The village is still a walk. Use the actual Margarites village or workshop address east of Rethymno. Confirm parking, workshop opening and any demonstration directly. Ask before photographing or handling objects; a village visit does not include a booked pottery lesson.
View detailsFind options on GetYourGuide
Day tripFalasarna beach day from Kissamos
KissamosCheck route and total travel time
Falasarna is a west-Crete beach destination; visiting the ancient site is a separate decision from time on the sand. Compare a beach-only outing with an itinerary that includes archaeology, and check both access arrangements. A coastal photograph does not establish swimming conditions or a suitable return time. Compare the beach approach with your group’s needs for shade, facilities and walking. If adding archaeology, check that the separate site visit matches your interests and access requirements. Locate the particular Falasarna beach entrance and parking or bus stop you will use. Check archaeological-site access separately and allow for your chosen return journey.
View detailsFind options on GetYourGuide
Options checked on GetYourGuide
Each link opens one product page. The operator named there is not a Discover Crete partner. Availability, the pickup and the inclusions are confirmed on that page for the date you choose.
Half day: Arkadi, Melidoni and Margarites
A half day from Rethymno to Arkadi Monastery, Melidoni Cave, the pottery village of Margarites and a viewpoint at Potamon Dam. A private option is shown but was not selected. This is not the longer private day that also includes Eleutherna, and it is not a walking tour of Rethymno Old Town. Availability was not checked.
Check this activityHalf day: Arkadi, Melidoni and Margarites
FAQ
Questions.
- Planning time: Depends on the selected itinerary. Confirm the exact duration and whether travel from your accommodation is included in the selected option.
- Suggested season: Check current access and the selected date. Confirm the date, access conditions and operating schedule before making a booking.
- Check the start point on the coast, which of the three gates you enter, and the hour you are back on the beach road. The cave stairs and the monastery ramp are different walks.
- It suits a morning or an afternoon when the evening is already booked. Skip it if you wanted time inside the cave and the courtyard. Half a day means short stops.