Magarites – The pottery village

Magarites is a village near Rethymon famous for its pottery shops. It’s said to be home to the largest number of working potteries and pottery shops in Crete, and they don’t lie! You may need to take your wallet and your credit card just in case!

What to expect

It’s best to go there in the morning before the coach parties so you can get round the shops before they get too busy. Although some of the shops sell the same or similar items there are some shops which sell very unique pieces, it depends on your budget and taste.

When you drive into the village there is a coach turning area and a taverna on the bend, there is some parking around a tree which grows in the middle of the road. Don’t be fooled that this is it but carry right up the hill and past the little church. Parking is a bit haphazard, which is another reason to get there early.

pretty little church in the middle of the village

Refreshments

There are a number of tavernas where you can sit and watch the crowds walking by safely in the knowledge that you have your bargain piece of china / pottery tucked away in your bag.

One taverna, Taverna Mantalos is on the bend in the centre of the village serves good Cretan food. It’s opposite this shop (below) on a sharp left hand bend.

The taverna has a lovely outside terrace

Up past that taverna there are more shops with little alleyways , look out for signs pointing down tiny cobble streets for other potteries as you wouldn’t want to miss them.