Margarites Village & a small Hike leading to a private Cretan Music and Dance course

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Details

DURATION

6 - 8 hours

DIFFICULTY

Easy

GROUP SIZE

2 - 6 persons

SCHEDULE

Wednesday

TYPE

Small group

PICK UP TIME

09:00 (Depending on your hotel)

PICK UP PLACE

Hotels in Rethymno district

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Highlights

Learn about the famous Cretan ceramic art and the Venetian influence to Margarites’ architecture
Wander around the amazing stone built narrow streets of the village
Explore the rich flora in the Margaritsano gorge and enjoy the summer sun under the cypress trees
Enjoy the experience of trekking next to the running waters
Admire the breathtaking view at the chapel next to Psiloritis and get refreshed with a glass of raki
Come across the authentic Cretan music tradition
Enjoy the sound of the live music and dance like a local
Learn to dance with the help of a professional dancer
Finish the day at a traditional Cretan “kafeneio” and try some "mezedes"

ITINERARY

Step by Step to an unforgettable experience

Explore the Margarites village

Our tour starts by a pleasant and relaxed walk near the foothills of mountain Psiloritis, which welcomes us to the village of Margarites. Beautiful narrow paths, amazing stone-built homes surrounded by spectacular architecture of old Venetian mansions, all these beautiful elements transfer us to the atmosphere of another era. The village of Margarites is famous as “the village of pottery art”, where the villagers once produced not only necessary household utensils, but also decorative objects from clay. The tradition of pottery has been an integral part of this village for many generations; there are lots of locals who still keep the tradition alive, up to this day, by transforming the traditional practice of pottery into modern art. In Margarites, we will meet our friend Yorgos, a local, who will show you how the pots are hand thrown. A demonstration of his art will follow, that will certainly stay “carved” in our memory. As we pass by the remains of Venetian and Ottoman pottery workshops it is admirable to see how their daily routine affected the way of building, for example the placement of a big rock next to the windows, so they can tie their horse. But the village itself has a unique architecture and some lovely narrow winding streets, making it worth being explored. So, let’s wander through the quiet village of Margarites and enjoy the hundreds of colors that lie before our eyes!

Explore the Margarites village

Through the gorge of Margarites

Our next stop will be the gorge of Margarites, a beautiful landscape, located just thirty minutes from Rethymno. A rich variety of flora, in a lush forest of tall cypresses and low shrubs is just waiting to be explored. Going down the gorge, accompanied by the sound of running waters, one can admire the water and irrigation mechanisms as they were used many years ago. We are about to walk through a marvelous landscape, where the dew of the forest under the hot Cretan sun is very refreshing; a hidden treasure of natural beauty, a real and authentic pasture, where goats may have left their signs! Small streams give way to rock formations, which is why comfortable and suitable shoes are essential. The exquisite and memorable experience leads to the forest glade. All of this, plus a simple but splendid chapel with stunning views, is just one unbeatable combination.

Cretan traditional music and dances

As we reach the top and get closer to the church, we may need a couple of minutes just to enjoy and admire the thriving view and feel the summer breeze. What’s more exhilarating than a glass of homemade raki and some Cretan “mezedes”, like olives, rusks and gruyere cheese to take a break? Keynotes and melodies may be the right answer. With music come the three essentials of Cretan fun: Raki, dance and of course laughter! Our local musicians are here to guide us through the Cretan music and its essentials: “laouto” and “lyra” are the most well known musical instruments in Crete. Learn about “mantinada” and “Erotokritos”, as well as the differences between music traditions in provinces. Dance like a local in a summer fest and surrender to the dancing steps and the Cretan spirit.

Cretan traditional music and dances

Time for a Cretan lunch!

What is better than finishing this day by diving in the Cretan cuisine? Find yourselves in the village of Ancient Eleftherna, in a local “kafeneio”, which means “traditional local tavern” in Cretan. Suit up to taste our specialties; full lunch will follow, with wine, raki and lots of stories!