Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. in Chania, Greece
Chania, Greece

Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.

Outty Ranking 47 4.5 · 16 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $1,005
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Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. worth booking?

Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. is a 7-hour experience in Chania, Greece, from $1,005 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 16 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (16)
Duration
7 hours
From
$1,005 per person

Explore the cultural and natural highlights of central Crete with a private tour from Chania or Rethymno. Visit the historical Arkadi Monastery, descend into the legendary Melidoni Cave, and discover the artisan pottery village of Margarites. Along the route, learn from your guide about the ancient city of Eleutherna, once a major cultural center of Crete. End your day with a stroll through the romantic alleys of Rethymno Old Town. • Visit the historical Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance • Explore Melidoni Cave, a site of natural beauty and tragic history • Stop in the traditional pottery village of Margarites • Walk through the picturesque streets of Rethymno Old Town • Hear stories of Ancient Eleutherna on your way through the region

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the cultural and natural highlights of central Crete with a private tour from Chania or Rethymno. Visit the historical Arkadi Monastery, descend into the legendary Melidoni Cave, and discover the artisan pottery village of Margarites. Along the route, learn from your guide about the ancient city of Eleutherna, once a major cultural center of Crete. End your day with a stroll through the romantic alleys of Rethymno Old Town. • Visit the historical Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance • Explore Melidoni Cave, a site of natural beauty and tragic history • Stop in the traditional pottery village of Margarites • Walk through the picturesque streets of Rethymno Old Town • Hear stories of Ancient Eleutherna on your way through the region

    What's included

    Included

    • Pick-up at your hotel
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles
    • Accompaniment by a professional guide
    • Entrance tickets to the Monastery of Arcadia
    • Comfortable Vehicle with a professional driver

    Not included

    • Personal expenses, drinks, lunch / dinner
    • Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts

    What you'll see and do

    1. Chania Prefecture

      Pickup from your location in Chania region. Your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel, villa, or cruise ship. Sit back and enjoy the journey through the scenic Cretan countryside.

      90 minutes here

    2. Monastery of Arkadi

      Arkadi Monastery (Visit – approx. 1 hour). Explore one of Crete’s most sacred landmarks, a symbol of freedom and resistance. Learn the powerful story of the 1866 rebellion against the Ottoman Empire and admire the monastery’s impressive Baroque architecture, bell tower, and peaceful surroundings.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Archea Eleftherna

      Eleutherna (Drive-by storytelling stop – no visit). On the way to Margarites, your guide will tell the fascinating story of ancient Eleutherna — once a thriving city-state with Homeric connections. Although we won’t stop at the archaeological site, you’ll gain an insightful overview of its historical importance, recent discoveries, and connection to nearby villages.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Margarites Village (Stop – approx. 1 hour). Discover the charming village of Margarites, famous for its traditional pottery and artistic spirit. Walk through narrow stone alleys adorned with bougainvillea, visit local ceramic workshops, and maybe take home a handmade souvenir.

      60 minutes here

    5. Melidoni Cave

      Melidoni Cave (Visit – approx. 45 min). Venture into the dramatic Melidoni Cave, filled with natural beauty and poignant history. This atmospheric site was once a place of worship and later the scene of a tragic event during the Ottoman occupation. Explore the cavern’s chamber, admire the stalactites, and feel the reverence of this sacred place.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Rethymnon Old Town

      Rethymno Old Town (Free time – approx. 1.5–2 hours). Conclude your tour in one of Greece’s best-preserved medieval cities. Enjoy free time to explore Venetian and Ottoman architecture, cozy cafés, boutique shops, and hidden alleyways. Optional lunch at a local taverna (at your own expense).

      120 minutes here

    7. Chania Prefecture

      Return to Chania. Relax during your comfortable drive back to the Chania region.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.

    Options you can book

    • Arkadi Monastery -Up to 10 pax

      Mercedes Sprinter Pickup included

    • Rethymno Town: Arkadi Monastery - Eleftherna - Margarites village

      Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    ru, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    MOYSIDIS TRAVEL

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Private pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, villa, cruise, or any other point in the region of Chania and Rethymno. Pick-up time is flexible and upon your final confirmation.
    • To visit the Monastery, you must wear modest clothes: for women – a skirt/dress under your knees and covered shoulders. For men – trousers, T-shirt with long sleeves.
    • Important to have: Comfortable shoes, Comfortable clothes, Sunglasses, and Hat Money for souvenirs, drinks, lunch/dinner.
    • Health issues: If any participant suffers from any severe allergy (e.g. to bee stings, food allergies/intolerances) or has medical/health issues we need to be aware of, it is important to let us know in advance. This is clearly a safety measure, personal information is by no means violated, and we exercise all discretion.
    • HealthInsurance: Our company is covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Each participant is advised to take out health/travel insurance before traveling to Crete.

    Photos

    Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. in Chania, photo 2Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. in Chania, photo 3Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. in Chania, photo 4Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. in Chania, photo 5Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. in Chania, photo 6Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. in Chania, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    16 verified traveler reviews for Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    mirjamvvr · August 2026

    Back to antiquity

    Anyone who likes antiquity, culture, and beautiful views, make a short stop at this monastery

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    N7307TCchristeller · May 2026

    A magical place

    A place that is simply magical, and the people inside are simple, friendly, helpful, and always at your service. Thank you for your little prayer for me when you came to see me at the main entrance to say goodbye. The place is simply relaxing, full of history, and beautiful. I recommend it without hesitation

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    JoAnnaHannah · April 2026

    Nice varied day trip through the mountains!

    Nice day trip, but with a commercial touch, booked with Spiridon tours on site. We were picked up on time by driver and guide Spiro. He knew a lot and with heart and soul about the history and customs of Crete or Greece. He is very committed to get people excited about "his" Crete. At the 1st stop was at the Arkadi monastery, very interesting to walk around there with in the back of your mind the story Spiro had told earlier about the monastery. The 2nd stop was unexpected because Spiro introduced us to a use on Crete (should remain a surprise for people who book this trip:) , which he says will make the people live to 100 years! Then by driving in a beautiful environment stopped in the pottery village of Margalis. After a short tour by one of the family members of the pottery, she showed how they make a vase out of only clay from the mountains and water. Then walked through the village where there are several pottery shops. Then at the next stop used a lunch with the group after which Spiro showed how to dance the sirtaki with several group members participating. ( Lunch wasn't much, especially as a vegetarian, but the atmosphere and coziness makes up for it). (also here a shop) The last stop was a tour of the big one, was fun to do but have seen nicer ones. Around 5.30 pm we were dropped off at our hotel after a successful day and not least by Spiro. Also a compliment to the lady working at Spiridon tours. Fine people who are helpful and trust the people. So do despite the commercial touch!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    cgeorgemac · October 2025

    Day trip Melidani caves and Arkadi Monasetry

    These were self guided tours but the guide gave prior good information and was professional. The coch provided by Platano tours travel agent was very clean and the driver very careful around narrow roads. The caves are well laid out and lit. The monestry well worth a visit and interesting with information boards in English. Proof of age is required on admissions if you are getting concession fares. The Margarites village is a pottery factory run by the local people who were very keen on showing how the pottery was manufactured

    via Tripadvisor

    kikie59150 · July 2024

    To see

    Beautiful discoveries, museum, restaurant Tassos, fortress, etc. Parking near the fort To visit without worries

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $1,005 to $1,200
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by MOYSIDIS TRAVEL, who run 31 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.3.

    See everything MOYSIDIS TRAVEL runs

    Why this scores 47

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)70
    Review evidence (18% weight)47
    Booking momentum (14% weight)39
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)42
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chania.

    How much does Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1,005 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chania usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. take?

    +

    Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chania is not rushed.

    Is Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Chania, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.?

    +

    Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chania can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chania and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chania within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Chania?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Chania experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cretan Safari – 4x4 Adventure to Preveli Beach with Lunch, Elafonisi & Falasarna Small Group Tour from Chania w/snacks, Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Chania?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Chania?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.?

    +

    Included: Pick-up at your hotel; All Fees and Taxes; Wi-fi on board and Water from the springs of the White Mountains “Samaria”, in bottles; Accompaniment by a professional guide; and Entrance tickets to the Monastery of Arcadia. Not included: Personal expenses, drinks, lunch / dinner; and Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 698 listed pickup locations in and around Chania. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave. if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Chania. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.?

    +

    Across 16 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, organization. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave.?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Arkadi Monastery -Up to 10 pax, Rethymno Town: Arkadi Monastery - Eleftherna - Margarites village. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Rethymno: Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village & Melidoni Cave..

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