Archanes Crete: Top Attractions, History, Travel Guide and Car Rental

Archanes Village is one of Crete’s most historical villages. Its history dates back to the Minoan era. It is located in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete. Archanes has a beautiful view of the local countryside. The village has a rich history dating from the Byzantine era. In 1961, Nikiforos Fokas defeated the Arabs, who had power over Crete. Then, the Venetians ruled the island in 1205. There are churches built during those times. Later, the village of Archanes was known to be the key location in the revolt of 1897 against the Ottomans.

Archanes village resisted during World War II. Archanes village offers archaeological exploration. Archanes village features Byzantine and Venetian churches. Archanes village is renowned for its neoclassical architecture in Crete.

Archanes, an award-winning village, preserves natural beauty and historical sites. Travel to Archanes is easy. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport offers plentiful car rentals. KTEL buses depart daily from Heraklion but Crete car rentals is the easiest way.

Archanes offers attractions like the Archaeological Collection of Archanes, Mount Giouchtas, the Archaeological Site of Fourni, the Minoan Mansion of Vathypetro, and the Afentis Christos Chapel. The town features authentic Cretan accommodations such as Manili Boutique Suites & Villas, Inotropes Boutique Suites, Carpe Diem Hotel, Eliathos Residence Houses, and Katalagari Country Suites. Archanes ranks among the top gastronomic villages in Heraklion, with recommended dining spots including Zen Of Crete, Bakaliko, Kritamon Restaurant, and Trioroukouno Restaurant Cafe.

Archanes Village attracts history and wine enthusiasts. Visitors find numerous activities in Archanes Village. Car rental companies simplify transportation in Archanes. Online booking provides quick access to services. Provide necessary requirements for car rentals, including a valid driving license, minimum age of 21, a credit or debit card, insurance, and vehicle type. The Rental Center Crete offers competitive rental options. Renters should book a reservation on their website and follow the instructions.

How does the Archanes Village map look?

Find below is an image of the Archanes map.

What are the top attractions to visit in Archanes?

Find below a list with the top attractions to visit in Archanes.

Archaeological Collection of Archanes: The Archaeological Collection of Archanes is a museum that showcases artefacts and findings from the Minoan civilisation that once thrived in the area in the village of Archanes in Lampraki 101, Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece. Visitors can explore the various rooms and exhibits that recreate the living spaces and workspaces of the ancient Minoans. They can see displays of pottery, tools, weapons, jewellery, and other household items that the Minoan people once used. The museum offers guided tours and educational programs to enhance the visitor experience. The admission cost for entering the Archaeological Collection of Archanes is €2 ($2.16, £1.74) for a general admission ticket and €1 ($1.08, £0.87) for a reduced ticket.
Mount Giouchtas: Mount Giouchtas (Juktas or Youktas) is a mountain in north-central Crete, 1 kilometre (0.62 miles) north of the village of Archanes. Mount Giouchtas is an archaeological site and a former place of worship and ritual sacrifice during the Minoan era. Mount Giouchtas provided the first evidence of human sacrifice practices in Minoan Crete. The archaeological excavations conducted in 1979 by Giannis and Efi Sakellarakis revealed the remains of a young man and a young woman, along with various offerings. Visitors to Mount Giouchtas can explore the archaeological site, which includes the remains of the two-story building, altars, and other structures. Guided tours are often available to provide insights into the site’s history and significance in the Minoan religion and culture.
Archaeological Site of Fourni: The Archaeological Site of Fourni is an ancient Minoan cemetery between Ano Archanes and Kato Archanes, near the Minoan settlement of Archanes. It is considered one of the most significant prehistoric cemeteries in the Aegean region, providing valuable insights into the Minoan civilisation’s burial practices and social structure. Visitors can explore the excavated tombs, which include rock-cut chamber tombs, pit graves, and shaft graves. The site features a quarry area where the materials for constructing the tombs were extracted. Guided tours provide insights into the site’s history and significance.
The Minoan Mansion of Vathypetro: The Minoan Mansion of Vathypetro is an archaeological site once a significant Minoan-era complex south of Archanes on the southeast side of Yuhtas. The Minoan Mansion of Vathypetro is an archaeological site and the remains of a Minoan-era mansion or villa complex. The site features the remains of a large central building complex and evidence of wine presses, suggesting it played a role in wine production. Visitors can explore the excavated ruins and see the remains of the central mansion building, wine presses, storage areas, and other facilities. Guided tours are available to learn more about the history and significance of the site.
Afentis Christos Chapel: The Afentis Christos Chapel is a church located at the summit of Mount Giouchtas in Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece. The Afentis Christos Chapel is a religious and cultural attraction, serving as a place of worship and pilgrimage for many Cretans. The Afentis Christos Chapel has four aisles, which are believed to symbolise various religious events and figures. Visitors to the Afentis Christos Chapel can explore the chapel’s interior, admire its architecture, and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the summit of Mount Giouchtas. Many visitors attend religious services or participate in the annual pilgrimage and festival on August 6th, celebrating the Transfiguration of Christ.
Koronekes Olive Mill: Koronekes Olive Mill is a family-owned organic olive mill in the village of Archanes. It is a working olive mill that produces high-quality extra virgin olive oils using traditional methods and sustainable farming practices. Visitors can take part in various activities and experiences. They can learn about the production process of olive oil, from cultivation to bottling, and taste their range of organic extra virgin olive and flavoured oils. Participate in cooking demonstrations or hands-on classes to learn how to incorporate olive oil into traditional Cretan cuisine and attend workshops on olive oil soap-making, sensory play for children, and more. The standard Olive Oil Tour and Tasting admission cost is €14 ($15.13, £12.17) per person. Other activities like cooking classes, workshops, and specialised tours may have different pricing.
Sinadinakis Winery: Sinadinakis Winery is a family-owned winery in the village of Archanes. It is a small-scale winery that combines traditional winemaking methods with modern technology to produce high-quality Cretan wines using organic farming practices. Visitors can take a guided tour of the winery facilities, including the vineyards, the production area, and the ageing cellars. They can learn about the winemaking process, from grape harvesting to bottling, and gain insights into the unique terroir of Archanes and its influence on the wines. Visitors can participate in wine-tasting sessions to sample a range of Sinadinakis wines and learn about their characteristics and food pairings. The winery does not charge an admission fee for visitors, but wine-tasting fees may apply, depending on the specific tasting experience.

What are the hiking routes for Archanes Village?

The Giouchtas Loop is the most popular hiking route in Archanes Village. Giouchtas Loop is a moderately challenging trail takes about 3 hours to complete and ascends the northern slope of Mount Giouchtas, starting near Anemospilia Cave. Hikers pass the ruins of a Minoan Peak Sanctuary before reaching the Giouchtas summit, where the chapel of the Lord Christ is located. The trail then descends steeply westward, completing the loop back to the starting point.

Archanes is also part of the E4 European long-distance path, with a scenic trail starting from the central square leading west to Mount Giouchtas. This route is especially beautiful in spring. On August 6th, during the Feast of the Transfiguration of The Saviour, pilgrims hike to the chapel on Giouchtas.

A folk tale explains the church’s four aisles. A builder slipped from the top aisle. He prayed to Christ for salvation and promised to build three more aisles to honor Christ. The builder survived and fulfilled his promise. The aisles represent the Transfiguration, The Holy Belt, The Apostles Peter and Paul, and The Holy Anargyros. The route’s highlight is the gorgeous sunset.

What museums should travellers visit when in Archanes?

Find below the museums to visit in Archanes.

Folk Museum of Archanes: The Folk Museum of Archanes is dedicated to showcasing the traditional way of life and culture of the village of Archanes in Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece. It is housed in a restored 17th-century building, once a wealthy merchant’s home. Visitors can explore the various rooms and exhibits that recreate a traditional Cretan home’s living spaces and workspaces. They can see displays of traditional clothing, embroidery, and textiles, as well as tools and equipment used for farming, winemaking, and other local industries. The museum also offers guided tours and educational programs to understand the village’s history and cultural heritage. The admission cost for entering the Folk Museum of Archanes is €2 ($2.16, £1.74) to €3 ($3.25, £2.61) for adults, with discounted rates for students, children, and seniors.
Museum of Cretan History and Tradition: The Museum of Cretan History and Tradition is a folklore museum in Archanes Asterousia 701 00, Greece, that showcases the cultural and traditional life on Crete through exhibitions of artefacts, tools, machinery, and other objects related to rural life, food production, architecture, music, and more. Visitors can explore the different sections showcasing tools, machinery, traditional Cretan houses, and workshops for pottery, weaving, and other crafts. They can see exhibits related to rural economic activities, customs, and traditions and view the daily life of Cretans in the past. The entrance fee for the Museum of Cretan History and Tradition is €3 ($3.25, £2.61) for adults. Children below 18 years of age and university students can enter for free.
Archaeological Collection of Archanes: The Archaeological Collection of Archanes is a museum that showcases artefacts and findings from the Minoan civilisation that once thrived in the area around the village of Archanes on the island of Crete in Lampraki 101, Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece. Visitors can explore the various rooms and exhibits that recreate the living spaces and workspaces of the ancient Minoans. They can see displays of pottery, tools, weapons, jewellery, and other household items that the Minoan people once used. The museum offers guided tours and educational programs to enhance the visitor experience. The admission cost for entering the Archaeological Collection of Archanes is €2 ($2.16, £1.74) for a general admission ticket and €1 ($1.08, £0.87) for a reduced ticket.

What are the places to stay in Archanes?

Find below a list of the places to stay in Archanes.

Manili Boutique Suites & Villas: Manili Boutique Suites & Villas is an accommodation place in Archanes 701 00, Greece. Manili offers stylish and fully equipped villas and suites with air conditioning, TVs, and private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy outdoor pools, barbeque facilities and dining at the on-site Manili Bistro. Rates start at €153 ($165.57, £133.12) per night, including breakfast.
Inotropes Boutique Suites: Inotropes Boutique Suites is an adults-only property in Párodos Antoniou Ploumídou 1, Archanes, 70100, Crete, Greece, 9.6 kilometres (5.9 miles) from Heraklion Port. It features a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace with a spa tub. The air-conditioned rooms have satellite TVs and espresso makers, and free WiFi is available. Rates start at €168 ($181.92, £146.28) per night, including breakfast.
Carpe Diem Hotel: The Carpe Diem Hotel is a newly renovated historic building in Archanes 701 00, Greece. It offers a terrace, garden, and free WiFi. The air-conditioned rooms have flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms, and breakfast is available for an additional fee. Room rates at this hotel start at €127 ($137.37, £110.36) per night. It provides a unique and authentic experience in the heart of Archanes.
Eliathos Residence Houses: Eliathos Residence Houses is an accommodation in Ano Archanes, Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece, that offers well-appointed self-catering units with modern amenities like air-conditioning, fireplaces, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, rent bicycles, and taste local cuisine at the attached winery, restaurant, and coffee shop. The property provides free WiFi access throughout, allowing guests to stay connected.
Kalimera Archanes Village: Kalimera Archanes Village is an upscale aparthotel at 4-8 Agiou Georgiou Str, Archanes 701 00, Greece. It features a rooftop terrace and a garden, perfect for relaxation and taking in the scenic views. The air-conditioned rooms have fireplaces and kitchenettes, providing a cosy and homely ambience. Guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi access during their stay.
Katalagari Country Suites: Katalagari Country Suites is a Mediterranean-style hotel in Katalagari Village, in Archanes-Asterousia 701 00, Greece. It features a seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, and a garden, offering guests ample opportunities to unwind and soak up the Cretan sun. The hotel also has a snack bar/deli and room service catering to guests’ culinary needs. The rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, providing the convenience of preparing light meals or snacks.

What are the places to eat in Archanes?

Find below a list of the places to eat in Archanes.

Zen Of Crete: Zen Of Crete is a highly rated restaurant on the central square of Archanes in Pl. El. Venizelou 2, Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece. The restaurant offers traditional Cretan dishes with local, organic ingredients. Popular menu highlights include the classic Dakos salad, Kalitsounia cheese pies, and lamb with Stamnagathi greens. Zen Of Crete is a top choice for experiencing Cretan cuisine at reasonable prices, focusing on authentic flavours and high-quality produce.
Bakaliko Crete: Bakaliko Crete is a bar serving innovative Greek cuisine with a Cretan twist on Eleftherios Venizelos Square 13, Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece. Their creative menu features fennel pitas, legume salads, and a Cretan-style “risotto.” They are best at desserts like cheesecake with baklava flavours and offer an excellent wine selection at affordable prices for quality.
Kritamon Restaurant: Kritamon Restaurant in the central square of Archanes at Kondilaki 38, Chania 731 31, Greece, is a culinary workshop showcasing creative Cretan cuisine. The chef uses locally sourced wild greens, homemade pasta, and olive oil to craft dishes like legume stews and salads with aromatic herbs. A must-try is the rooster with pilaf, a traditional Cretan delicacy. Prices are mid-range for the high-quality fare.
Trioroukouno Restaurant Cafe: Trioroukouno Restaurant Cafe is known for its traditional Cretan dishes in a courtyard setting in Epar.Od. Patsidon – Vathipetrou 133, Kato Archanes 701 00, Greece. The restaurant’s Menu highlights include lamb with Dako greens, snail dishes, and plates showcasing local cheeses. The atmosphere and focus on regional specialities make it a standout dining experience in Archanes.
Likastos Tavern: Likastos Tavern is a beloved traditional Greek tavern in Pl. El. Venizelou, Epano Archanes 701 00, Greece. It is run by Mrs Keti, who cooks authentic Cretan dishes using locally sourced ingredients, many from her farm. The cosy tavern has a warm, welcoming ambience. It is known for its classic Cretan fare like Gemista (stuffed vegetables), Kalitsounia (cheese pies), stifado stew with pearl onions, and lamb cooked with Stamnagathi wild greens.

When is the best time to visit Archanes Village?

The best time to visit Archanes Village is from April to October, when the weather is warm and suitable for outdoor activities.

Spring brings mild weather and blooming landscapes; summer hosts popular cultural events. Autumn is perfect for grape harvest and wine-making. These months are ideal for exploring historical sites, enjoying festivals, and experiencing agricultural heritage.

Can you rent a car and visit Archanes?

Yes, you can rent a car and visit Archanes. The Crete Car rentals cost between 30 € ($32.40, £25.80) to 40 € ($43.20, £34.40) per day, with weekly rentals averaging 250 € ($270.00, £215.00) and weekend rentals around 78 € ($84.24, £67.08). Rental prices vary based on car type, itinerary, and duration. Various car models from the Rental center Crete are available, making it easy to explore Archanes and surrounding areas.

Is winemaking popular in Archanes?

Yes, winemaking is popular and has a long tradition in Archanes, Crete. Archanes is in the heart of one of the major wine-producing areas of Crete. Archaeological evidence found in the area proves that winemaking has been practised in Archanes since the Minoan era, making it one of the oldest wine regions in Europe.

The village of Archanes was formed around viticulture, with many residents involved in grape cultivation and winemaking for centuries. Archanes is part of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Archanes, which produces dry red wines from the indigenous Kotsifali and Mandilaria grape varieties.

Famous Cretan wineries are based in Archanes, including the Archanes Farmer’s Cooperative, one of the oldest in Greece, established in 1933. The area’s long winemaking tradition makes Archanes a popular and significant wine village on the island of Crete.

What wineries are based in the Archanes area?

Listed below are the wineries based in the Archanes area:

Archanes Farmer’s Cooperative: The Archanes Farmer’s Cooperative is one of the oldest cooperatives in Greece, established in 1933. It produces red and white wines from Kotsifali and Mandilaria varieties in the Archanes area. It is based in the Archanes wine region.
Winery of Synadinakis: Vangelis Sinadinakis runs the Winery of Synadinakis, a small local winery in the village of Ano Archanes, within the Archanes wine region. This boutique winery specialises in crafting ecological wines that have received numerous awards.
Stilianou Winery: The Stylianou family is dedicated to cultivating indigenous Cretan grape varieties such as Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, Vilana, Kotsifali, and Mandilaria on their 30 hectares (74 acres) of private vineyards in the village of Kounavoi.
Mediterra Winery: Mediterra Winery is in the village of Kounavi, in the Peza wine region of Heraklion. This winery has been producing wines since 1973 from Crete’s native grape varieties like Vilana, Thrapsathiri, Kotsifali, and international varieties. Their wines are distributed across Greece and exported to over 25 countries worldwide, having earned numerous awards at international competitions.
Titakis Winery: Titakis Winery is a family-run winery in the village of Kounavoi, in the heart of the Peza PDO wine region. They produce a range of wines, including the ‘Impetus White’ from Vidiano and Malvasia di Candia and the ‘Impetus Red’ blend of Kotsifali, Merlot, and Syrah.
MINOS—Miliarakis Winery: MINOS—Miliarakis Winery in Peza produces 300,000 bottles annually, with 70% consumed in Crete, Peza. Their vineyard includes local varieties like Kotsifali, Mantilari, Vilana, Vidiano, Moschato Spinas, and Thrapsathiri and international varieties like Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Rouge, and Roussanne. Notable wines include the ‘Miliarakis’ white blend, the ‘Vilana Fumé,’ and the ‘Turtle Red’ red blend.
PEZA Union: PEZA Union is one of the largest cooperative wineries in Greece, established in 1927 in Paliani. PEZA Union produces crisp and fruity ‘Domenico Thrapsathiri’ white ‘Domenico Vidiano’ white with melon, peach, floral, and herbal aromas from local grape varieties.
Rhous Winery: Rhous Winery is in the village of Archanes, near Heraklion. It is open to the public all year round for visits and wine tastings. The winery focuses on reviving rare indigenous Cretan grape varieties like Vidiano, Vilana, Dafni, Plyto, and Mandilaria. The winery welcomes visitors for guided tours and tastings, offering an opportunity to experience the distinct flavours of Cretan wines.
Menexes Domaine: The Kypriotakis family’s Menexes Domaine is within the Archanes PGI zone, near the ancient Minoan settlement of Vathypetro. Their vineyards cultivate indigenous Cretan grapes like Vilana, Vidiano, and Kotsifali and international varieties such as Syrah and Merlot.
Paterianakis Domaine: Paterianakis Domaine is a family winery in the Peza PGI zone that practices certified organic agriculture in Meleses. It gained recognition for its minimal-intervention wines, including its Vidiano and Melissinos White, a blend of the local Thrapsathiri variety with Sauvignon Blanc.
Lyrarakis Wines: Lyrarakis Wines is a family winery committed to reviving rare indigenous Cretan varieties like Dafni and Plyto in Alagni, in Archanes-Asterousia. Its vineyards are rooted in sandy and rocky soils at an elevation of 500 metres (1,640 feet), allowing it to showcase these unique varieties’ distinct characteristics.
Michalakis Domaine: Michalakis Domaine, established in 1962 on 450 hectares (1,111 acres), continues the tradition of creating quality wines. Notable wines include the mono-varietal Vidiano, an aromatic blend of Moscato Spinas, Vidiano, and Chardonnay in the ‘Gold Cuvée’ label, and the crisp ‘Michalakis Estate Thèse Limited Edition’ made from Assyrtiko, Vidiano, and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery is in the village of Partheni.

What is the archaeology, economy and preservation of Archanes Village?

The archaeology of Archanes Village in Crete highlights its significance in the Minoan civilization. Xanthoudides cited the importance of Archanes, in 1912, but it was Sir Arthur Evans who first identified the site as palatial. It was believed that the place was likely a Summer Palace for the Knossos Kings, but no strong evidence supported Evan’s theory.

Yannis Sakellarakis dug trial trenches at the site and discovered the principal evidence of a palace site. In the Minoan period, aqueducts provided water to Kephala Hill from spring water at Archanes. A variety of vases, stone lamps, pillars, wooden columns, and many everyday domestic tools have been dug up at the site. A cemetery was discovered in the northwest part of the town. On the west side, a vast temple with possible signs of human sacrifice was uncovered.

The economy of Archanes Village revolves around olive and grape production, comprising 96% of its agricultural output. The Agricultural Cooperative of Archanes, one of Greece’s oldest, facilitates exports to France, the Netherlands, and Germany. The village has also revitalized its infrastructure and cultural scene, earning recognition as Europe’s second-best restored village, supported by European subsidies and private investments.

Archanes Village is awarded as the 2nd best-restored village in Europe. It was a well-deserved award for a village’s remarkable initiative to rebuild old infrastructure and revitalise the village by setting up arts, crafts and cultural events. This effort has been funded by European subsidies together with private capital. Archanes village also attracts human capital by providing incentives to young and educated people to transfer to the village. They encourage people to engage in distinctly abundant traditional forms of agriculture. The village is famous for its olive oil and wine production. The Seismic Disaster Preparedness Policy in Risk Management Planning in Greece is one way of preserving its rich historical and archaeological sites. The policy presents up-to-date measures and actions taken in Greece regarding earthquake preparedness.

Last updated on March 4th, 2025