Margarites, in the historic province of Mylopotamos, is one of the most beautiful traditional villages in Crete. It occupies a panoramic position at an altitude of approximately 300 metres, above green ravines and the surrounding countryside. Its colourful stone houses, historic churches and picturesque alleys create a particularly attractive architectural ensemble.

Within a short distance of the village are Ancient Eleftherna and the Archaeological Museum of Eleftherna. Margarites is therefore an ideal place to stop for food, take a walk and discover the traditional architecture and crafts of Mylopotamos.

The village has a long tradition of pottery. Its workshops and shops display large storage jars, flowerpots, plates and many other decorative or practical ceramic objects. The techniques used by local potters have deep roots and have been passed down through generations. Together with Thrapsano in Heraklion, Margarites is regarded as one of the most important pottery centres in Crete.

The history of the village is also reflected in its numerous churches. Among the most important are Saint John the Theologian, with frescoes dating from 1383, Saint John the Baptist, dating from the 15th century, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, with its impressive bell tower, and Saint Nicholas. On a hill above the village stands the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour and Saint Gideon.

Margarites was destroyed by the Venetians in 1333 because of the revolutionary activity of its inhabitants. During the Ottoman period, it became an administrative centre of the province of Mylopotamos. In 1829 it served as the seat of the Cretan Council, while in 1879 it became the seat of the Municipality of Margarites.