Hiking Eleftherna - Margarites

A Journey Through Ancient Eleftherna & the Pottery Village of Margarites

Step back in time as we explore Eleftherna, one of Crete’s most powerful and prosperous ancient cities. Founded between 970–820 BC by the Dorians, this city thrived as a major trading hub, connecting Crete with mainland Greece, Cyprus, and even Africa through its port at Fodele Bay.

Our hike begins in the quaint village of Eleftherna, where we will walk through the remarkable ruins of the ancient city. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to admire:
✔ The Byzantine tower at the city’s entrance
✔ The impressive Roman reservoirs and underground tunnels
✔ The Acropolis, once the heart of the city’s political and religious life
✔ The stunning Hellenistic bridge, a masterpiece of ancient engineering

As we continue our hike through the picturesque Cretan countryside, we’ll make our way to Margarites, a charming village famous for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Here, you can:

Relax with a refreshing drink or traditional Cretan lunch
Visit local ceramic workshops and witness firsthand the art of pottery, a craft that has flourished here from the Minoan era to the present day