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The municipality of Arkadi, stretching from the northern coast of Rethymnon Prefecture all the way to the foot of Mt. Psiloritis, harmoniously encompasses mountainous areas and flatlands. A large portion of the municipality’s area is populated by olive trees forming one of the largest and most significant olive groves in the Mediterranean. The Municipality of Arkadi provides an exceptionally rich variety of landscape patterns depending on altitude.
The coastal zone is the habitat of the sea daffodil (Pancratium Maritmum) but also of rare formation of the bush Centaurea spinosa. Another significant presence is that of Caretta-caretta who lays its eggs on the sandy beach. An on-going systematic and equally remarkable effort is made to protect it.
The archaeological sites of Eleftherna and the finds in nearby areas from the village of Stavromeno evidence an uninterrupted and continuous human presence throughout all historical eras, spanning from the Geometric era to the Roman era.
A multitude of scattered Byzantine churches and chapels, especially the historic Monastery of Arkadi, are proof of the area’s significance during the Byzantine and Venetian years.
The beautiful natural environment, the archaeological sites, historic monuments and naturally, the vast sandy beach dotted with several major hotel units and organized infrastructure, render the Municipality of Arkadi an ideal holiday destination.