Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Crete as you embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. Learn from a passionate cook and proud native of a charming Cretan village.
Enter the cook’s home and discover the secrets of traditional Cretan cuisine using fresh products sourced from her family’s farm or local farmers. Learn in a charming atmosphere and cook in a traditional wood oven.
Enjoy a menu that can be adapted for our vegetarian friends or those with allergies. Experience the hospitality of a local home with a warm welcome with Greek coffee or herbal tea, homemade lemonade, ladokouloura, rolls made with olive oil, and loukoumakia.
Chat with the hose to get to know each other and learn the recipes with old traditional practices and cooked in a wood oven.
Try making starters like dakos (Cretan salad with tomato, cheese, olive oil, herbs), tzatziki (the famous Greek dip), and Greek salad. Learn to cook main dishes like gemista (stuffed vine leaves, zucchini flowers, tomatoes, zucchini, and pepper), and mousaka.
Indulge in a traditional dessert like Tyropitakia, traditional pies with homemade cheese, local honey, and cinnamon sprinkled, homemade ice cream, and seasonal fruit. Enjoy local wine and raki alongside your meal.
Experience genuine connections forged during the class and feel like part of the extended Cretan family, creating lasting memories and forging a deep appreciation for the traditions and flavors of this remarkable island.
The wood oven is hot and waiting!
We will meet at the village of Pigi. A beautiful spacious garden will be the scenery for our cooking class. As we get to know each other you will have the chance to visit our vegetable and herbs garden or enjoy the swimming pool (bring your swimming suit!).
Now it’s time for you to cook!
As soon as you feel ready for work our host will dress you with your apron and will guide you through each of the recipes that you are going to learn. Home-made cheese, ntakos, tzatziki, staffed vegetables, greek salad and much more all cooked to local level perfection by you.
Enjoy your creations
After preparing all the dishes, lunch follows; we will use a traditional wood-fired oven for cooking our dishes and we will taste everything we have prepared outdoors, in an idyllic setting with a glass of raki and local wine. Let’s savor the wonderful Cretan flavors of traditional cuisine!
Discover the beauty surrounding Rethymno as you head uphill through picturesque olive groves and make the first stop at Halevi Monastery. See the church of Panagia with its flame-shaped windows and the ruin of the monastery building, which was recently renovated.
Continue to the village of Chromonastiri and visit Villa Clodio where the Military Museum is housed. As you reach the Myli Gorge, a small oasis close to the city, set out on a short hike through a gorge with diverse flora and fauna and visit the abandoned village of Myli.
Stop and relax in the Cretan village of Roussospiti and be spoiled with a selection of traditional dishes from a family run taverna. Due to the elevated location you will have a breathtaking panoramic view over Rethymno and the Mediterranean coast. After lunch, ride to the monastery of Aghia Irini to talk to the nuns there and learn more about the history of this place before slowly starting your way back.
eBike Tour is a unique experience for everyone that visits Rethymno and wants to try something different.
Get ready for the exploration of the most beautiful places inside and near Rethymno! We provide you with all the appropriate equipment and the adventure begins!
Our first destination will be the Halevi Monastery which is an old picturesque venetian monastery from the 16th century, next we head to Myli Gorge a spectacular oasis of green and nature near to the town of Rethymno. After this we go to Chromonastiri, a small local community 12km away from Rethymno to make a short break for a refreshing soft drink cherished from us and enjoy the view. While we are leaving Chromonastiri we are passing from the Military Museum with the most exceptional and interesting historic record to go to our last but not least destination, Roussospiti or else ‘’The balcony of Rethymno’’ as many people call it is also a local community near Rethymno with an amazing view and a lot of venetian houses.
From the start till the end of the tour you feel a sensation of freedom inside you and the connect between you and the nature around you, all these lovely smells and feelings combined with the view of the mountains are really what completes the tour at the end of the day.
Adelianos Kambos, also known as Adele Beach, is a seaside suburb of Rethymnon situated 6km to the east on a flat plain. This area, previously used for vegetable cultivation by residents of the adjoining village Adele, has seen considerable development over the past century, becoming an integral part of Rethymnon city. Access to Adelianos Kambos is straightforward, with local buses running regularly from the city centre.
The extensive sandy stretch of Rethymnon Gulf beach begins at Adelianos Kambos and continues to Skaleta. The suburb offers a variety of accommodation options, from large hotels to smaller establishments, and plenty of choices for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The beach is well-equipped with amenities like umbrellas, lifeguards, changing rooms, showers and bars, making it a popular spot for beach sports and water activities. The sea here is typically shallow but can be wavy, a characteristic of all open beaches on the northern side of Crete. An interesting feature of this beach is the sea turtles that lay their eggs here, leading to the occasional sight of marked nests protected by ropes and signboards.
The suburbs of Pervolia, Missiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, are situated 3-5km to the west of Rethymnon city. Initially, these were independent settlements that have now merged into the urban region of Rethymnon, as a result of the residential growth over the previous century.
A vast sandy beach extends in front of these suburbs, forming part of the extensive coastline of Rethymnon Bay. Originating near the Rethymno harbour, the beach stretches eastward for 13km until it reaches Skaleta. This well-maintained beach offers a wealth of options for food, drink, and accommodation.
Just like the rest of the lengthy coastline, this beach also serves as a nesting ground for the loggerhead sea turtle. These turtles are under the protection of the Greek State. Rethymno Bay is counted among the three most crucial nesting sites for this species in Greece, with more than 400 nests reported annually.
Pigianos Kambos, also known as Pigi beach, is situated 8km to the east of Rethymno, centrally positioned along Rethymno Bay’s extensive beach. The name, Pigianos Kambos, translates to “Plane of Pigi” from Greek, reflecting the fertile fields that belong to the inhabitants of the nearby Pigi village. Today, Pigianos Kambos serves as a coastal tourist destination, albeit less developed than its neighbor, Adelianos Kambos. The area boasts a variety of accommodations, from apartments and rooms to larger hotels, complemented by multiple dining, entertainment, and shopping options.
The beach in Pigianos Kambos offers a peaceful and quieter atmosphere compared to the other beaches in Rethymnon. Between Pigianos Kambos and Stavromenos, visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the numerous small, rocky coves. A unique feature of Pigianos Kambos is the opportunity to spot protected sea turtle nests, as these creatures choose this sandy beach to lay their eggs.
Regular bus services from the center of Rethymnon make Pigianos Kambos easily accessible.
Pervolia, Misiria, and Platanias, also known as Platanes, form a trio of suburbs that adjoin the city of Rethymnon, and are situated 3-5km west of the city. Previously individual settlements, they have now merged into Rethymnon’s urban district due to the growth of residential areas.
A sprawling sandy beach extends in front of these suburbs, forming part of a 13km long coastal strip that begins near Rethymno’s harbour and reaches as far as Skaleta beach. This well-maintained beach offers a wide variety of options for dining, drinking, and lodging. Along this extensive stretch of coastline, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) come to nest. These turtles are at risk of becoming extinct, but the Rethymno Gulf stands as one of the three most crucial habitats for the species in Greece, hosting an average of over 400 nests each year.
The name Misiria originates from the Arabic term ‘Misr’, referring to a suburb of Cairo known for its fertile soil. In a similar vein, Misiria is so named due to its productive land, which continues to yield a bounty of vegetables.
The ancient site of Eleftherna is situated 25km southeast of Rethymno and in close proximity to the Monastery of Arkadi. It is the most significant archaeological location in the Rethymno prefecture, with many areas still to be excavated. The University of Crete began the first organized excavations in 1985.
Eleftherna was established by the Dorians around the 9th century BC and was inhabited until the early Byzantine years. Its strategic location at an altitude of 380m, with roads connecting it to ancient Kydonia, Knossos, and Ida Mount, contributed to its long history. Findings have been discovered in three different positions on the same hill.
During the first Cretan War (205BC-200BC), Eleftherna sided with Macedonia against Knossos. The town resisted the Roman occupation, led by general Quintus Caecilius Metellus, until it eventually fell by treachery. In the Roman period, the city continued to prosper, with the construction of baths, cisterns, villas, public buildings, and towers. The Byzantine era marked the last period of the city before its destruction by the Arabs. It became a Diocese, and the great basilica, of which remains still stand today, was built. The significance of Eleftherna as an archaeological site led to the creation of the Archaeological Museum of Eleftherna above the site.
At the Orthi Petra position, a necropolis was discovered, becoming the most important part of Eleftherna with numerous findings (and still being excavated). Here, archaeologists found the “tomb of warriors” containing 480 vases, weapons, and the trench of warriors killed in battle.
In 2010, archaeologists discovered an unlooted tomb from 700BC. The tomb was a large lying jar, with its entrance blocked by an 800kg boulder. Inside the jar were the bones of a young couple, possibly siblings, covered with a gold cap made of 3000 gold sheets of different shapes. The girl wore gold jewelry depicting a bee, the first representation of a bee as a goddess in Crete. Interestingly, when the jewelry is turned upside down, the bee disappears, and a beautiful lily takes its place. In another jar, archaeologists found a golden, real-size eye among the bones. They named it “Tutankhamun’s eye” as it is identical to the one in the funerary mask of the Egyptian King.
About 4 km northeast from the village Margarites, in the province of Milopotamos, a dirt road leads to the Late Minoan domed tomb of Margarties dating back to 1350 BC, which is considered one of the most important sites in the area. An aisle with carved stones leads to a circular domed tomb. Inside it, the bones of four adults and two children were discovered. The findings suggest that they belonged to a higher social and religious class.
The Armeni Minoan necropolis is located 9km south of the town of Rethymnon, on the main road leading to the south coast of Crete. This significant Late Minoan III A-B (c. 1400-1200 BC) cemetery was found on a shallow hill called Prinokefalo, which translates to “hill of the wild oaks.”
Systematic excavations began in 1969, and by 2012, 231 tombs, including one tholos (domed grave), had been uncovered. A unique feature of the Armeni necropolis is that it initially had an overall plan, with specific areas designated for wealthy noblemen and the less fortunate. However, this plan was abandoned during the Late Minoan III B Period (1300-1200 BC), resulting in a mix of large and small tombs throughout the cemetery.
All the tombs were carved into the rock and consisted of a corridor and a chamber. The corridor was either a staircase or a ramp. Some tombs were left incomplete, with only a corridor and no burial chamber. The more affluent tombs had tombstones of varying sizes, with eleven found away from their original locations.
Each tomb likely represented a family group. Osteological (bone) analysis revealed that the average age at death for adult males and females was approximately 31 and 28 years, respectively. Most female deaths occurred between the ages of 20 and 25, likely due to the dangers of childbirth. Chemical analysis of bones indicated that the people buried at Armeni did not consume marine food, but their diet generally consisted of a fair amount of animal protein and plants. They suffered from various infectious and nutritional/metabolic diseases, as well as dental caries.
The primary discoveries in the tombs included clay larnakes, finely decorated pottery, bronze arms, utensils and ornaments, sealstones, and necklaces made from semi-precious stones. Among the most notable finds were a boar’s tusk helmet, a basket made of reeds and adorned with small bronze pins, a steatite pendant with Linear A script, and a stirrup jar with Linear B script (mentioning the name wi-na-jo).
At the location of the chapel of Agio Pnevma (the Holy Spirit) on top of Mount Vrysinas, with an elevation of 858m, archaeologists have discovered what is likely the most significant Minoan Peak Sanctuary in West Crete, the peak sanctuary of Vrysinas. From this vantage point, one can see the northern coast of Rethymnon and the province of Agios Vasilios to the south.
Excavations at this open-air sanctuary have uncovered extremely important findings dating from 1900-1050 BC. The Minoans offered hundreds of zoomorphic and anthropomorphic clay offerings to their goddess. In 2011, a red steatite seal was discovered, engraved with the oldest known Minoan language, the hieroglyphic script. This is the only known example of this script in West Crete.
The Agio Pnevma (Holy Spirit) Monastery likely dates back to the 12th century and had already achieved autonomy and prosperity by the end of Venetian rule. Tragically, on June 15, 1821, local Turks slaughtered the monks and set fire to the monastery.
Subsequently, the damaged monastery became a subsidiary of the Preveli Monastery, and by 1836 it functioned as a widely known school throughout Crete and Gavdos, drawing thousands of students from all over the island.
In the present day, the monastery is home to a monument dedicated to the 200 volunteers led by Demetrios Petropoulakis, who lost their lives in a battle against the Turks on December 5, 1868. The monastery has since been restored and has resumed operations.
The Profitis Elias Monastery, situated on a hill with sweeping views 20km south of Rethymno and adjacent to Roustika village, is a relatively lesser-known monastery in Crete. Founded during the Venetian Era, it is among the island’s most historic convents.
Throughout its history, the monastery was repeatedly destroyed by the Ottomans, with the last instance occurring during the 1866 revolution. The monastery played an active role in the resistance against Turkish rule. Consequently, the monastery’s buildings, aside from the temple, were constructed in their present form after 1866. Additionally, Profitis Ilias made a significant contribution to preserving Cretan history by housing the Historical Archive of Crete during the German Occupation.
The monastery features a fortress-like architectural design. At the center of the courtyard, visitors will find a three-aisled basilica with a dome dedicated to Prophet Elijah (celebrated on July 20), the Holy Trinity, and Agia Zoni (August 31). The belfry of the monastery, along with that of Arkadi Monastery, are the only surviving Venetian bell towers in Crete. Surrounding the courtyard are the two-story monks’ cells, an incomplete guest house, and the refectory.
Within the temple, visitors can admire the ancient wooden iconostasis, the throne (dated 1843), and the pulpit. Additionally, numerous relics are housed in the sanctuary, including sacred vessels, vestments, gospels, crosses, relics of various saints, a brocade epitaph, old books (dating back to 1640), and manuscripts (from 1620).
In the early 1990s, the monastery of Saints Raphael began operating on the hill of the Episcopacy (Diocese seat) of Lambi, Sivritos, and Sfakia in Spili. The primary temple is devoted to the martyrs Saint Raphael, Nikolaos, and Irini. Additionally, the monastery houses the chapels of Saint Irinaeus, Saint John the Baptist, Saint John the Hermit, and Archangel Michael.
Constructed atop Timios Stavros hill in the western suburb of Rethymnon called Koumbes, the Convent of Jesus Christ (Christ the Savior) likely dates back to the Venetian period, similar to numerous other temples and monasteries in the area.
Historians speculate that the monastery was originally home to the Convent of Our Lady of Erimitiani, as evidenced by a 17th-century Renaissance painting. However, the monastery was destroyed during the Turkish occupation of Rethymnon in 1645 and only reopened in 1935.
The monastery’s church features two aisles dedicated to the Transfiguration and St. John the Baptist. The nuns are responsible for the beautiful paintings and icons within the church. Additionally, the monastery houses a small museum and library containing books and memorabilia belonging to Bishop Titos Sylligardakis.
The untamed Prassano gorge, also known as the Gorge of Prasses, is situated 10 km southeast of Rethymnon. It commences south of the Prasses village and provides a captivating three-hour hike through enormous rocks and some fairly challenging passages, adding to the intrigue of the trek. The Prasano Gorge, currently serving as the “overflow” channel for the Potami dam, winds its way through the rocky hills of Gargana, with its stream terminating in the suburb of Platania, east of the city of Rethymnon. The river is engulfed by lush vegetation and towering plane trees, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing excursion.
The Prassano gorge can only be accessed from mid-June to mid-October due to the water flow. It is a crucial biotope of Crete, providing a habitat for buzzards and a small group of Bonelli’s eagles.
The Prasses Village
Set amidst the verdant Cretan landscape on the slopes of Vrysinas, Prasses serves as an entrance to the southern coast. This medieval village showcases the intermingling of diverse cultures that have traversed Crete, evident in the Venetian mansions, Turkish farmsteads, and Orthodox churches. The rich natural and cultural diversity make the village an ideal location for tours and walks. Heading south from Prasses, the road leads to the Potami valley, home to the dam of the same name.
Located near the town of Rethymno, Mili Gorge is an enchanting green oasis. It’s essentially a ravine that houses a vast array of plants and trees, forming a genuine botanical garden. The gorge gathers water from the northern slopes of Mount Vrysinas, beginning north of the Chromonastiri village and south of the Xero Chorio settlement. In recent times, it has become a popular spot for hikers who enjoy the pleasant trail that spans the entire valley.
Within the heart of the canyon lies the abandoned village of Mili, named after the water mills that were once situated in the gorge. The village is split into two areas, Ano Mili (Upper mills) and Kato Mili (Lower mills). The majority of villagers were millers, with nearly all the cereals from the region and surrounding villages being milled at Mili.
Nowadays, only one renovated watermill remains in good condition for visitors to understand its operation. Besides the numerous mills, the area is home to gardens filled with fruit trees and vegetables. Water continuously flows from the springs scattered throughout the canyon, with the largest springs being Saint Anthony and Five Virgins. The water along its course forms small waterfalls and lakes, perfect for a refreshing dip under the shade of towering plane trees.
The village of Mili was deserted in 1972 due to fear of landslides, with some mills being renovated into residences and a cafe-restaurant for guests. The villagers moved and built the village Nei Mili (new mills) high above the gorge on the west. The gorge also boasts a significant number of striking churches, including the cavernous church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios) and the cavernous church of Saint John (Agios Ioannis), as well as the cemetery church of the Holy Five Virgins (Pente Parthenes).
Further along Kato Mili, you’ll encounter the cavernous chapels of Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi) and Saint Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos).
In northern Rethymnon, beneath the village of Myrthios (not to be confused with the Myrthios near Plakias), a petite ravine teeming with plane trees gives way to a wild and untamed gorge at Kaminolakos. The gorge is typically dry, only filling with water after significant rainfall. It is accessible only with canyoneering gear. This gorge remained unexplored until March 22, 2013, when Christopher Cheiladakis, Argyro Koghylaki, and Rudolf Riegler ventured into it for the first time, installing safety rings in the process.
The initial stretch of the gorge is particularly wild, leading to a series of small rappels before reaching the final waterfall, a towering 55 meters high. This waterfall is nestled under an umbrella of large trees, hidden away in a shadowy enclave. The gorge culminates at the renowned stone bridge of Simas, which is situated on the road to Amari. This bridge, the highest in Crete, is considered an architectural marvel of its time.
Arkadi Gorge is a moderate 4.5 km hike in the Rethymno region of Crete that starts just north of Arkadi Monastery and takes about 2 hours to walk. The route follows the eastern bank of a green, rocky ravine, ends near the village of Pikris where it meets the Gypofarago gorge, and pairs naturally with a visit to the historic monastery above it. There is no entrance fee and no facilities on the trail, so you carry your own water and food.This guide covers what the gorge is, how hard it is, how to reach the trailhead, what you see along the way, how to combine it with the monastery, and what to pack.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, mountain view and a balcony, Iliahtida is situated in Maroulás. It has pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa has 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 10 km from the villa, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 79 km from Iliahtida.
from
€188
/night
Boasting garden views, ARGi House features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 10 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. The air-conditioned accommodation is 20 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna.
The holiday home has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. ARGi House has a barbecue and a garden.
Psiloritis National Park is 39 km from the accommodation, while Municipal Garden is 10 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 79 km from ARGi House.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a balcony, Zamaros Traditional Villa is situated in Maroulás. Featuring garden and inner courtyard views, this villa also includes free WiFi.
The villa features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Zamaros Traditional Villa.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 10 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 79 km from Zamaros Traditional Villa.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Ali Vafi’s Villa – Heated Jacuzzi & Indoor Pool is situated in Maroulás. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
The wellness area at the villa is comprised of a hot tub and an indoor pool. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Ali Vafi’s Villa – Heated Jacuzzi & Indoor Pool.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 10 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 79 km from Ali Vafi’s Villa – Heated Jacuzzi & Indoor Pool.
from
€314
/night
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