The Arkadi Monastery can be found near Amnatos village, approximately 23km east of Rethymno. Situated at an altitude of 500m, the monastery is surrounded by a lush landscape of olive groves, vineyards, and various types of trees, including pine, cypress, and oak. Several charming chapels are scattered around the monastery, and the stunning Arkadi gorge begins nearby.
While the exact date of the monastery’s establishment remains uncertain, it is thought to have been founded by Byzantine Emperor Arkadios in the 12th century. Alternatively, it may have been named after a monk called Arkadios, who is said to have founded the monastery. The Turks referred to it as Tsanli Manastir (meaning beneficiary bell), as the Arkadi Monastery was the only one in Crete permitted to ring its bells.
The original church of the monastery was devoted to Saint Constantine and Helen, with some remnants of it still visible in the northwestern area of the monastery grounds. The monastery is encircled by imposing walls, making it impenetrable to enemies and thus an attractive refuge for rebellious Cretans. Numerous Turkish and Greek documents mention the monastery’s role in providing educational, national, ethical, and financial support to the local population.
Undoubtedly the most historically significant monastery in Crete, Arkadi has become a revered symbol of the Cretans’ fight for freedom. It was the site of the tragic 1866 Battle, which ultimately paved the way for the island’s liberation in 1898. In recognition of its importance, UNESCO has declared Arkadi a European Freedom Monument.
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Find below the list of hotels near Arkadi Monastery:
Boasting a garden, private pool and pool views, Sonatina villa is situated in Amnátos. The air-conditioned accommodation is 14 km from Rethymno Town.
The villa has 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower.
Heraklio Town is 70 km from the villa, while Balíon is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 86 km from Sonatina villa.
from
€157
/night
Featuring a garden, private pool and pool views, Adagio villa is located in Amnátos. The air-conditioned accommodation is 14 km from Rethymno Town.
The villa features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower.
Heraklio Town is 67 km from the villa, while Balíon is 17 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 77 km from Adagio villa.
from
€157
/night
Surrounded by the largest olive grove on the island of Crete, Kapsaliana Village is nestling in a peaceful location with superb views of the countryside and the sea.
The carefully renovated Kapsaliana Village Hotel is a beautiful complex of 22 stone buildings of Cretan and Venetian architecture.
Each individual in design unit offers modern amenities. Most feature comforts including fireplace, private terrace, free internet access, satellite TV and minibar.
At the outdoor swimming pool guests can swim, sunbathe and enjoy cool drinks and snacks from the bar. At the Kapsaliana Village Restaurant & Café guests can taste delicious meals or drinks by the fireplace or on the outside terrace.
Located in Roúpai and only 5.5 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Aerin Villa, a Sublime Sanctuary, By ThinkVilla provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation features a terrace and a swimming pool.
This villa is equipped with 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 2 bathrooms equipped with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Guests can also relax in the garden.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 20 km from Aerin Villa, a Sublime Sanctuary, By ThinkVilla, while Psiloritis National Park is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 70 km from the accommodation.
Boasting mountain views, Family villa, Fantastic views, Private pool, Free laptop 1 offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 5.9 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Family villa, Fantastic views, Private pool, Free laptop 1, while cycling and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 19 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 70 km from Family villa, Fantastic views, Private pool, Free laptop 1.
from
€173
/night
Set in Roúpai, 5.8 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 19 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Casa Di Kapaka – New Villa in the countryside offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. This villa is 31 km from Psiloritis National Park and 6.9 km from Arkadi Monastery.
The villa comes with 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
Municipal Garden is 19 km from the villa, while Venetian Harbour is 19 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 70 km from Casa Di Kapaka – New Villa in the countryside.
from
€124
/night
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