Situated 23 kilometers far from Rethymnon, at the Southeast, Arkadi is a historical village with few permanent residents.

The village owes its fame to the Holy Monastery of Arkadi, one of the most important historic monuments of Crete, an eternal symbol of sacrifice for freedom, as it is here that Constantinos Ghiamboudakis, the Cretan hero, blasted the powder-keg during the revolt of 1866, so that the Ottomans would not capture the people who had found refuge there.

The Monastery is found at the Northwest side of Psiloritis, at a height of some 500 meters and it is dedicated to Aghios Constantinos and to Jesus Christ's Transfiguration. Whatever route you choose to arrive there, you will pass from places both with natural beauty and with historic importance.

It is worth seeing the Museum of the Monastery where it is displayed the Banner of the Revolution of 1866, as well as religious artifacts, sacerdotal vestments trimmed with gold, weapons and other souvenirs.

Very close to the Monastery you will find the entrance of the small gorge of Arkadi. The route within the gorge is fascinating and it leads to the small village Pikris, where you will find interesting Venetian architecture.

A series of cultural activities in the memory of the "Sacrifice" of Arkadi take place on the 8 th of November.

Accommodation is not available at the area, as it is more a monumental place than a real village.