Archanes-Asterousia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Heraklion which includes a church or cathedral, religious elements and heritage architecture
Heraklion showing a bay or harbour, heritage architecture and a marina
Heraklion showing heritage architecture, religious elements and a small town or village
Heraklion showing boating, heritage architecture and a bay or harbour
Heraklion which includes general coastal views, a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

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 ₹16,644 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹16,644
₹20,463 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
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 ₹36,700 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹36,700
₹43,296 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (737 reviews)
Amazing property
"Property is great, so many options to enjoy and amazing beachfront. Staff was very polite and helpful. we will come back here for sure."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Mitsis Selection Laguna
Hotel Tsagarakis Beach

Hotel Tsagarakis Beach

3 out of 5
37, Andrea Papandreou str., Ammoudara, Malevizi, Crete Island
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Heraklion Port and Natural History Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews)
"The pool was immaculate and situated perfectly . The hotel was right on the beach which was clean and dandy and the sea was beautiful The hotelierspoke very good English and was extremely helpful . This hotel is peaceful , a short taxi ride to Heraklion and a supermarket on hand .we very much enjoyed ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Hotel Tsagarakis Beach
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (378 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
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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Malia Beach and Stalis Beach are ...
7.6/10 Good! (42 reviews)
"La cucina orribile. L' acqua non è compresa nella mezza pensione. 3 euro una bottiglia d'acqua, 4 euro frizzante. Nel buffet abbiamo visto capelli qua e là. La struttura avrebbe bisogno di maggiore pulizia e manutenzione. Animazione inesistente. La struttura è fronte mare, ma non puoi fare il bagno ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Castello Village Resort
Pela Mare Hotel

Pela Mare Hotel

2 out of 5
Agia Pelagia, Malevizi, Crete Island
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (209 reviews)
"We had a balcony room over looking the shores of Agia Pelagia and Ligaria beaches. The resort pool was a great place for a quiet afternoon. The poolside eatery was excellent, serving a great breakfast. I would not hesitate to book again."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Pela Mare Hotel
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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