Hiking Eleftherna - Margarites

Eleftherna was built between 970 – 820 BC by the Dorians (northern Greeks) that came to the island during that period. The city was one of the strongest and richest cities on Crete. It had a port that was located at Fodele Bay. Through that port, the city could trade and communicate with the rest of the cities on Crete, continental Greece, Cyprus, and even cities in Africa.

Starting from the small village of Eleftherna, we shall hike through the ruins of the ancient city. During the hike, you will have the opportunity to admire the Byzantine tower at the city’s entrance, the Roman reservoirs, and tunnels, the Acropolis, and the Hellenistic bridge. Hiking through the beautiful countryside we end up at the pottery village of Margarites, where we can enjoy a soft drink/coffee or even lunch.

Margarites offers you the opportunity to visit ceramic workshops and learn about the traditional craft of pottery, which flourished here from the Minoan period to the present day.

The hike takes about 4 hours, and it is family friendly!