Arkadi Monastery
Rethymno, Greece
A fortified monastery with a Venetian Baroque façade, a symbol of Cretan resistance since its defenders blew up the powder store in 1866.
Arkadi Monastery (Moni Arkadiou) lies about 23 kilometres from Rethymno on a plateau at roughly 500 metres at the foot of Mount Psiloritis in Crete. It was probably founded in the early 14th century and is a symbol of the Cretan struggle for freedom. The complex looks like a fortress; the two-aisled church has a white limestone façade with Renaissance elements and is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ and to Saints Constantine and Helen.
On 9 November 1866 Ottoman troops surrounded the monastery. According to the source there were about 15,000 soldiers with 30 cannons against some 350 armed men; several hundred women and children had taken shelter inside. When the gate fell, the gunpowder store was ignited. Figures differ depending on the source.
A museum shows icons, manuscripts, gold-embroidered vestments and relics of 1866. There is a café, toilets and parking. The source gives 8:30 a.m. to sunset and a 3-euro entry; check hours and price in advance.
- Nearest town
- Rethymno, Greece
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 35.3100, 24.6290
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Wild Nature Eco Lodge CampCampsite9 km from Arkadi Monastery
- GoodCampsite10 km from Arkadi Monastery
- Flat under apple treeCampsite11 km from Arkadi Monastery
- Camping ElizabethCampsite12 km from Arkadi Monastery
- Flat, no windCampsite13 km from Arkadi Monastery
- Camping No ProblemCampsite24 km from Arkadi MonasteryTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Arkadi Monastery?
Arkadi Monastery is in Rethymno, Greece, at GPS 35.3100, 24.6290. It is about 22 km from Moni Preveli.
Can you camp near Arkadi Monastery?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wild Nature Eco Lodge Camp, about 9 km away; within 25 km there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Arkadi Monastery?
Arkadi Monastery is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Crete: Chania to Knossos.
What is there to see near Arkadi Monastery?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rethymno Old Town and Fortezza (16 km), Preveli Beach (23 km), Phaistos (33 km) and Matala Caves (35 km).
When is the best time to visit Arkadi Monastery?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and August–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)