The Arkadi monastery is about 5 km south of the Liostasi villa. The route takes you through a verdant little gorge which is a feast for the eyes. When you get to the monastery, you can “explore” the interior spaces. You will find a chapel, a small museum, and a historical gunpowder room. The inner court of the monastery is more of a well-tended garden with beautiful flowers. Outside the monastery, there is a cafeteria that overlooks the vineyards property of the monastery and the pine woodland. The vistas are wonderful.
When you leave Arkadi and travel east, you come to the village of Eleftherna. The characteristic of this place is that it consists of small neighborhoods, with buildings in the typical Cretan style of architecture. The neighborhoods seem to be sprouting from the lush terrain, as in an artist’s painting. A lush ravine separates modern Eleftherna from ancient Eleftherna which lies at the down-end of the ravine. It is quite rewarding to walk through the alleys of modern Eleftherna. You will enjoy the style of the buildings and the picturesque chapels. You can relax in one of the taverns there.
At a distance of approximately 4 km east of ancient Eleftherna you will come across a wooded land of cypress trees which is unique in the prefecture of Rethymnon. From there you are near the village of Margarites which is an important center for pottery. In this village you will find large and small pottery shops with their operators keen on being of assistance. Also, there are a lot of beautiful little taverns with local dishes and shops offering local products (bread, honey, etc.)
Amnatos is situated just 1 km away! There is a small grocery shop and coffee shops for coffee, refreshments, rakia accompanied with local snacks or dishes and a traditional tavern. A lovely traditional village where we can eat, drink and relax after a workday!
Stavromenos is situated 5 km from the villa, there is a Pharmacy and other shops, supermarkets , bakery, bookshops, restaurants and bars. We’ll get to discover it’s secrets and stories, while watching the sunset.
Full of beautiful beaches, archaeological sites, Byzantine churches, quaint villages and cosmopolitan resorts, Rethymno is one of the most beautiful places in Crete, Greece.
In the region you will find both popular seaside locations and secluded coves that will reward us with a rich cultural yet relaxed experience.