Best Hotels and Places to Stay in 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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Best Hotels in Margarites town

  • 5.5 km
  • Angeliana Geropotamou
  • €199 /night
  • 9.6 of 10
  • 6.2 km
  • Kapsaliana
  • 9.5 of 10
  • 8.5 km
  • Main Street
  • 6.3 of 10
  • 8.6 km
  • Eparchiaki Odos Peramatos-Panormou Panormo Rethymnou
  • €78 /night
  • 7.8 of 10
  • 8.6 km
  • 3 Macedonia Str.
  • €84 /night
  • 9.4 of 10
  • 8.7 km
  • Panormos Rethymno
  • €193 /night
  • 8.8 of 10

Best Villas in Margarites town

  • 180 m
  • Μαργαρίτες Ρέθυμνο
  • 9 of 10
  • 280 m
  • ΜΑΡΓΑΡΙΤΕΣ
  • €236 /night
  • 6.6 of 10
  • 310 m
  • Μαργαρίτες
  • €145 /night
  • 9.3 of 10
  • 530 m
  • Margarites
  • €243 /night
  • 9 of 10
  • 640 m
  • Margarites village
  • €385 /night
  • 8.5 of 10

Best Apartments in Margarites town

  • 2.0 km
  • Eleftherna Geropotomus
  • 9.2 of 10
  • 6.2 km
  • ΜΕΛΙΔΟΝΙ ΔΗΜΟΣ ΜΥΛΟΠΟΤΑΜΟΥ 1ος ΟΡΟΦΟΣ ΕΝΤΟΣ ΟΙΚΙΣΜΟΥ
  • €68 /night
  • 5.5 of 10
  • 7.4 km
  • Roumeli
  • €147 /night
  • 8.3 of 10
  • 7.8 km
  • Κυριάννα
  • €76 /night
  • 8.5 km
  • Σκαλέτα
  • €89 /night
  • 9.9 of 10
  • 8.5 km

Best Holiday homes in Margarites town

  • 9.4 / 10
  • Πηγουνιανά

Boasting garden views, Παραδοσιακή κατοικία Μαργαρίτες offers accommodation with a garden and a balcony, around 5.3 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna. With quiet street views, this accommodation provides a patio.

The holiday home is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 28 km from the holiday home, while Psiloritis National Park is 37 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 66 km from Παραδοσιακή κατοικία Μαργαρίτες.

from

€114

/night

  • 870 m
  • 8 / 10
  • Lagka mylopotamou

Featuring garden views, Amelia’s home provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 26 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. The air-conditioned accommodation is 6.6 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.

The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.

The holiday home has a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.

Psiloritis National Park is 39 km from Amelia’s home, while Arkadi Monastery is 15 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 65 km from the accommodation.

  • 1.1 km
  • 9 / 10
  • Kallergos,

Situated in Kallérgos, 8.3 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 24 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Kallergos Cottage features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a balcony.

The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, a kitchen with oven and toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower, a hair dryer and a washing machine. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.

Guests can also relax in the garden.

Psiloritis National Park is 35 km from the holiday home, while Arkadi Monastery is 11 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 63 km from Kallergos Cottage.

from

€89

/night

  • 2.1 km
  • 9 / 10

Situated in Pasalítai, 11 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna and 30 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Quaint Holiday Home in Pasalites with Garden near Perama features air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi. Located 43 km from Psiloritis National Park, the property provides a garden.

The 1-bedroom holiday home has a living room with a TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and microwave, and 1 bathroom with shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.

Arkadi Monastery is 19 km from the holiday home, while Venetian Harbour is 30 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 60 km from Quaint Holiday Home in Pasalites with Garden near Perama.

  • 2.8 km
  • 9.5 / 10
  • Perama

Located 12 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Renta Villas, vivid experience, By ThinkVilla offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The accommodation features a spa bath.

The holiday home provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with hot tub and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

Renta Villas, vivid experience, By ThinkVilla offers a children’s playground.

Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 26 km from Renta Villas, vivid experience, By ThinkVilla, while Psiloritis National Park is 42 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 56 km from the holiday home, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

from

€165

/night

  • 3.6 km
  • 7.3 / 10
  • SKOULOUFIA

Set in Skouloúfia and only 4.4 km from Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, Rural Residence offers accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home provides air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace.

The holiday home is located on the ground floor and is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven, a toaster, a washing machine, a fridge and a kitchenware. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.

The holiday home offers a picnic area. There is a garden with a barbecue at this property and guests can go hiking nearby.

Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 22 km from Rural Residence, while Psiloritis National Park is 30 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 68 km from the accommodation.

  • 3.7 km

FAQ

Where is Margarites located?

Margarites is located 27 kilometers from Rethymno, near the ancient town of Eleftherna.

What is the history of Margarites?

Margarites has Venetian roots and was mentioned by sixteenth-century travellers. In the nineteenth century, it was a flourishing town with a centuries-old ceramic tradition that began at least as early as the Ottoman period.

What is Margarites known for?

Margarites is known as the most important pottery centre in western Crete.

Is Margarites a popular tourist destination?

While Margarites is not a major tourist destination, it is a charming village with a rich history and cultural significance. Visitors interested in pottery and ceramics may find it particularly interesting.

Which is the nearest airport to Margarites town?

The nearest airport to Margarites town is the Heraklion International Airport, which is approximately 60 km away.

What are the popular attractions in Margarites town?

Margarites town is known for its traditional pottery workshops, where visitors can watch artisans create beautiful pottery pieces. Other popular attractions include the Margarites Archaeological Site, the Monastery of Arkadi, and the Melidoni Cave.

Is Margarites town a good place to visit for families?

Yes, Margarites town is a great place to visit for families. The town is peaceful and has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect place for families to unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are also plenty of activities for children, such as pottery workshops and visits to the nearby beaches.

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