Margarites is a vibrant centuries old pottery center in Crete
The traditional village of Margarites, 27 km east of Rethymnon in the foothills of Mt. Psiloritis, is one of Crete’s four main pottery centres. Many craftsmen still use age-old traditional techniques and skills, whether for small pieces of pottery or for the large storage jars used on the island in the Minoan period.
The village, which boasts some impressive architecture and lovely narrow winding streets, is well worth exploring. There are Venetian doorways, Byzantine churches and plenty of cafés to relax at, perhaps to try a Greek coffee.
Stay in Margarites village, a place with a character
Margarites, a village with Venetian roots, mentioned by sixteenth-century travellers, is one of several villages forming a clutch around the Margarites Gorge, a bio-diverse canyon that has aroused international interest.
It’s a short hike from the old houses and potteries of Margarites to the Gorge, where paths have been laid out for those keen to walk in the area and admire rare flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
