Archanes-Asterousia

Travel Guide

Heraklion which includes heritage architecture, a city and religious aspects
Heraklion featuring a bay or harbour, a coastal town and a marina
Heraklion showing heritage architecture, night scenes and religious elements
Heraklion showing boating, heritage architecture and a marina
Heraklion showing general coastal views, boating and a marina

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 centre 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
The price is S$284 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$284
per night
21 Jul - 22 Jul
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! (997 reviews)
"Fantastic property and friendly staff. We had paid the half board with breakfasts and dinners. The food was beyond expectations. It was fresh and delicious. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Mitsis Selection Laguna
Mitsis Selection Laguna
5 out of 5
Anissaras, Hersonissos, M
The price is S$531 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
S$531
per night
11 Jul - 12 Jul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (731 reviews)
"Lovely hotel in a stunning position by the sea. Had a family pool access room & this was ideal for us with two adults & two teens sharing a screened off area in a very large room. This part of the hotel is a bit quieter & you have reserved loungers &umbrella outside your room, which we really enjoyed. ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Mitsis Selection Laguna
Village Heights Resort
Village Heights Resort
5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
The price is S$761 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
S$761
per night
17 Jul - 18 Jul
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 22 Jun, 2025

Village Heights Resort
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 22 Jun, 2025

Village Heights Resort
Pela Mare Hotel
Pela Mare Hotel
2 out of 5
Agia Pelagia, Malevizi, Crete Island
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (205 reviews)
"What a peaceful space with everything you may need. You will need a car if you plan on exploring. The hotel was very helpful in hiring one at a.very reasonable price. Excellent breakfast and pool area. Would definitely recommend this property."

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 2025

Pela Mare Hotel
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 24 Jun, 2022

Castello Village Resort
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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