Archanes-Asterousia

Travel Guide

Heraklion featuring a city, heritage architecture and religious elements
Heraklion showing a bay or harbor, heritage architecture and boating
Heraklion which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and night scenes
Heraklion featuring heritage architecture, a bay or harbor and boating
Heraklion featuring boating, a bay or harbor and a castle

In this area of Crete, seek out the charming village of Archanes, just a short drive from Heraklion, to discover archaeological treasures and some fine walks.

Archanes-Asterousia is a municipality of Crete. One of the most interesting places in this area is the village of Archanes, located in the hills south of Heraklion, the island’s capital city. Walk through the beautifully restored village and visit its four main archaeological sites. See the best of the relics found at these sites in the excellent archaeological museum before taking a walk in the nearby mountains. Relax with a meal and a glass of wine in one of the many fine cafés in the old town square.

Wander along the narrow streets and admire the bright blooms of the flowers and fruit trees that line the pavement. Walk to the nearest archaeological site, an old Minoan graveyard at the edge of the village. Three other sites lie nearby, all of which have been locations for important finds. Visit the Archaeological Museum to see the recovered ancient Greek ceramics, artifacts and tools on display. The museum is free to enter and is open daily except Tuesdays.

Climb the E4 hiking trail up Mount Yiouhtas. This trail starts in the village center and takes you to the ancient chapel, Afentis Christos, at the top of the mountain. Look for sheep and goats grazing along the rugged trail. These are not wild animals be sure to close any gates that you pass through. Enjoy stunning views across Heraklion and beyond.

Head back to the square in the late afternoon and watch as the locals make their way home for the day. Several cafés and restaurants serve typical Greek cuisine: seafood, goat dishes, flaky pastries, yogurt and olives. Pair your Cretan meal with a superb wine grown in the vineyards surrounding the village.

Archane is located less than 30 minutes by car south of Heraklion. Make a comfortable daytrip. Places to stay are limited, so make sure you book ahead if you want to extend your visit.

Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
5 out of 5
2 Ygias Street, Heraklion, Crete Island
$157 nightly
The price is $196 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$196 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (996 reviews)
"Breakfast is amazing. Staff extremely polite. I want to go back just to stay there again!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Village Heights Resort
Village Heights Resort
5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
$507 nightly
The price is $595 total per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
$595 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (374 reviews)
"For me this was a near perfect set up if you want to relax and unwind, having a collection of villa's rather than a single building means it doesn't feel cramped, likewise being spread out over a big site meant you rarely felt you had to worry about getting a space by the pool like you can at other ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Village Heights Resort
Agapi Beach Resort - Premium All Inclusive
Agapi Beach Resort - Premium All Inclusive
4 out of 5
76, Andr. Papandreou Str, Ammoudara, Gazi Heraklion, Malevizi, Crete
$339 nightly
The price is $397 total per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
$397 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (683 reviews)
Fabulous
"Absolutely lovely. Cleaners everywhere and everything was spotless. The food was so good and the amount of variety was exceptional. I need to go on a huge diet now! Thanks for an awesome time."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Agapi Beach Resort - Premium All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Village Heights Resort
Village Heights Resort
5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (374 reviews)
"For me this was a near perfect set up if you want to relax and unwind, having a collection of villa's rather than a single building means it doesn't feel cramped, likewise being spread out over a big site meant you rarely felt you had to worry about getting a space by the pool like you can at other ..."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

Village Heights Resort
Castello Village Resort
Castello Village Resort
4 out of 5
Papatheodorou, Sissi, Agios Nikolaos, Crete Island
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Agios Nikolaos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Stalis Beach and Malia Beach are ...
"This hotel has the makings of a great place to holiday. It is close to the resort, just a five minute walk on the flat. The rooms are adequate, may be not 4* and quite dark, certainly not as they appear on the website. Breakfast is ok but is the same every day and after a week is a bit repetitive. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2022

Castello Village Resort
LAVRIS City Suites
LAVRIS City Suites
38 IKAROU AV & T. GEORGIADI, Heraklion, CRETE
Book a stay at this eco-certified apartment in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (149 reviews)
"This was an excellent spot to stay to catch an early morning ferry to Santorini. A bit busy and loud on the street but you don’t hear any of it inside your room even though our room was right in front facing the street. Check in and check out were a breeze and the hotel manager (Mary) went above ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

LAVRIS City Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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