The Real Crete from Rethymno

Discover Crete’s rich history and traditions: explore Melidoni Cave, Margarites pottery, Arkadi Monastery, and more. Enjoy live music and local cuisine.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Monastery of Arkadi - Take a break from the beach and discover the more authentic side to Crete on a small group tour of the small villages and rural landscapes. Visit an old olive oil mill, see the island’s oldest monastery and learn more about ancient Eleftherna.
  • Melidoni Cave - Take a break from the beach and discover the more authentic…
What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • All Fees and Taxes
Additional Information

The Real Crete: On this excursion you will have the opportunity to see many places that represent the traditional lifestyle and some historical facts of Crete. The first stop is at Melidoni Cave which is a cave full of history and dates back to Neolithic Period based on tools and items found it the cave. The second stop is at the village of Margarites….

Location
Monastery of Arkadi
Arkadi
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(75 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Margot
Oct 13, 2025
Beautiful event! It's something you should do! - Thank you for a wonderful day, Anastasia and Kostas! Beautiful nature, good food and a very special event with traditionell music! This event is a must when you come to crete!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zlatkok497
Sep 21, 2025
Great day - On September 16th we made the small Crete tour to the cave Melidoni,Arkadi monastery and Margarites pottery village.We felt the tour relaxed and pleasant. The whole thing was rounded off with a safe driver and a superior Anastasia. She brought us closer to Crete through interesting stories.Surely in 3 languages she guided us through the day. We will not forget the day with her.Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebeccale1573cd
Sep 16, 2025
The most amazing tour guide and driver!! - Had a amazing day with nick and the safest driver in crete such friendly people with such big hearts and love for everyone made us feel like family and gave us a extraordinary experience will definately be using markidis again in future thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts Ray and Beckie
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roman
Sep 11, 2025
Amazing day - Honestly, the only reason I chose this tour was 100% positive reviews, I had to check what was so good about it. And it was amazing! Our guide was incredible storyteller, places were interesting to visit, and after that we had incredible, very engaging music program. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stefanie
Sep 7, 2025
Magnificent - Fantastic experience. Seen a lot, a lot of great memories. Good food in the tavern. Lots of laughter and dancing. Very nice day experienced with Kostas and Nectarios. They are 2 fantastic, friendly men. Real top performers in their job
Review provided by Tripadvisor
984localg
Sep 2, 2025
People, book with Markidis - Thank you, Anastasia, it was another great trip. We like to ride with Markidis because price and performance are the best in Rethymnon. See you Friday in Matala. R&C
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrishx6
Aug 8, 2025
A wonderful holiday experience - We had two fantastic trips with Nektarious and Kostas for the real Crete experience and Lazaros for a trip to the Lake Kournas. Both trips were an amazing way to see the beautiful island of Crete and a highlight of our holiday. We would thoroughly recommend booking with Markidis Travel if you are looking for some day trips in your holiday.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glen330
Jul 22, 2025
The Best Ever Trip - We had a fantastic full day of visiting the Real Crete filled with local history; entertainment; the local people and lots of fun. Our fun packed day was made even more special thanks to Niktarius and Kostas, who not only had impeccable knowledge of all the sites we visited, but also turned out to be talented dancers and musicians. This is the best trip that we have ever been on and will certainly be booking any future trips with Markidis, when we next visit Rethymno.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marionsk1955
Jul 15, 2025
Excellent day out - A fantastic day spent with Kostas and Nektarious. Friendly, informative and entertaining. Lunch in the taverna was excellent and the musical entertainment provided by Kostas on the Lyra was outstanding. All in all, a great day which was well organised. Would highly recommend this tour company and is now our preferred choice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_bridgnorth
Sep 20, 2025
Tour operator cancelled with no reason - Tour cancelled day before with no call, reason or notice. APPALLING. I would advise not booking with this operator via Tripadvisor
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $41
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).