The Ultimate Travel Guide to Margarites town

What to Know Before Visiting Margarites town

Apartments and hotels in Margarites town from Crete Island

Margarites is situated 27 kilometres away from Rethymno. The village is known for its unique pottery tradition, its picturesque alleys, and its well-preserved architecture. Margarites is a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Cretan experience and a glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture.

The village is located near the ancient town of Eleftherna and has Venetian roots that date back to the sixteenth century. Margarites was once a thriving town in the nineteenth century, known for its centuries-old ceramic tradition that began during the Ottoman period.

Margarites: The Pottery Capital of Western Crete

Today, Margarites is considered the most significant pottery centre in western Crete, attracting visitors worldwide who come to admire the village’s unique pottery creations. It counts 17 workshops – some of them also operate as exhibitions, giving visitors the chance to watch experienced and skilful artificers making all sorts of ceramic items and imitations of ancient Minoan potteries.

Architectural Splendor and Historical Landmarks of Margarites

The captivating architecture of the Margarites village is an undeniable draw for tourists. Constructed from native materials like stone and wood, the edifices exude a distinctive Cretan charm. Winding lanes, archways, and intimate courtyards coalesce to form an idyllic and serene ambience, harking back to a bygone era. A stroll through Margarites is akin to a temporal journey, granting a glimpse into the traditional Cretan lifestyle of yesteryears.

Margarites, besides being known for its pottery, boasts one of Rethymno’s most significant landmarks, the Late Minoan Vaulted Grave. Dating back to 1350 B.C., this exceptional structure is architecturally remarkable, featuring a lengthy downward passage leading to a circular chamber at the heart of the vault. Researchers uncovered the remains of four adults and two children within the grave, indicating that they were members of the upper echelon of society and religious hierarchy. While in Margarites, a visit to the village’s oldest church, Saint Ioannis “Theologos,” is recommended. In the churchyard, there are graves of some Arkadi heroes. The village is full of invigorating energy and breathtaking scenery, and you can indulge in traditional food and drinks while surrendering to the atmosphere.

The Culinary Landscape and Festive Spirit of Margarites

Margarites invites visitors to delight in its local fare, underscored by fresh produce and age-old culinary traditions. The village’s eateries boast an array of gastronomic delights, featuring well-known Greek classics such as moussaka and souvlaki alongside unique regional delicacies. These include pot-cooked snails and lamb paired with stamnagathi, a variety of wild greens indigenous to the area.

Guests are also encouraged to sample the local raki, a potent spirit distilled from the remnants of the wine production process. Its robust flavor offers a taste of the rich cultural heritage that imbues every aspect of life in Margarites.

Margarites is recognized for its annual celebrations that typically occur in the warmer summer months. The most prominent among these is the feast on August 15th, honoring the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This event features a sacred procession, vibrant performances of traditional music and dances, and, naturally, a feast of mouthwatering local cuisine and wine.

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Our Selection of Best Accommodations in Margarites town

  • 9 / 10
  • Μαργαρίτες Ρέθυμνο

Located in Margarítai, 6 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 27 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, CASA CANTICO provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation offers a patio.

The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.

The villa offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at CASA CANTICO, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.

Psiloritis National Park is 38 km from the accommodation, while Arkadi Monastery is 14 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from CASA CANTICO.

  • 180 m
  • 9.3 / 10
  • Μαργαρίτες

Situated in Margarítai in the Crete Region, 41 km from Heraklio Town, Mon Emvasia Margarites Villas boasts a seasonal outdoor pool. Bali is 12 km away. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.

All units include a dining area and a seating area with a satellite TV. All units feature a terrace and/or balcony with sea or mountain views. There is also a kitchen, fitted with a dishwasher. An oven and coffee machine are also provided. Bed linen is offered.

Mon Emvasia Margarites Villas also includes a barbecue.

Hiking is possible in the surrounding area. The Museum of Ancient Eleutherna can be reached within proximity. Réthymno Town is 20 km from Mon Emvasia Margarites Villas. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 44 km from Mon Emvasia Margarites Villas.

from

€145

/night

  • 310 m
  • 8.7 / 10
  • Margarites

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Dim Art Traditional Villa – with private pool is located in Áno Tripódhon. The accommodation is 5.4 km from the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and has free WiFithroughout the property.

The villa with a balcony and mountain views features 6 bedrooms, a living room, a TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 3 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.

Guests can also relax in the garden.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 28 km from the villa, while Psiloritis National Park is 37 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from Dim Art Traditional Villa – with private pool.

  • 510 m
  • 9 / 10
  • Margarites

Set in Margarítai, Villa Dim – With Private Pool offers accommodation with a private pool. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.

The air-conditioned villa consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a coffee machine, and 2 bathrooms with a bath and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.

Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 5.4 km from the villa, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from Villa Dim – With Private Pool.

from

€243

/night

  • 530 m
  • 8.5 / 10
  • Margarites village

Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, garden view and a patio, Villa Aceso is set in Margarítai. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.

The villa comes with 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 mountain views.

At the villa guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa Aceso, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.

Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 6.8 km from the accommodation, while Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 26 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 64 km from Villa Aceso.

from

€385

/night

  • 640 m
  • 9 / 10
  • Kato Tripodo

Located in Áno Tripódhon and only 5.6 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, The Quintessential Cretan Villa provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property was built in 1986 and features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.

The villa is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 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. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden at The Quintessential Cretan Villa.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 27 km from the accommodation, while Psiloritis National Park is 38 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from The Quintessential Cretan Villa.

  • 650 m
Booking.com

Things to do near Margarites town

  • 6.3 km
  • 4.4 of 5 (10)
  • Price from
  • €33
  • 6.3 km
  • 6.3 km
  • 6.3 km
  • 6.3 km
  • 6.3 km

Beaches near Margarites town

  • 8.8 km