Minoan period and other historical monuments

The town of Archanes has been included in tourist guides as a typical example of a Cretan inland village, but it is also interesting because in the past, it was an important place of Minoan culture and the summer palace of King Minos stood here. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the ancient Minoan settlement lies directly below the recent village of Archanes, making the possibility of excavation very limited.

In and around Archanes we find three small archaeological sites (Anemospilia, Giouhas and Likastot) and a small museum. The museum is housed in a building that used to be the first school here and traces the settlement of the area back to the Early Stone Age. In the town you can see the remains of the royal summer palace and visit several beautiful chapels and churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes. The Panagia Church, which at first glance impresses with its traditional white bell tower and houses an extensive collection of 16th-century icons, stands in the square. Then, on the outskirts of town, you can peek into the Church of the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) and admire the magnificent 14th-century Byzantine frescoes. Very old frescoes (probably also from the 14th century) also adorn the walls of the Agia Paraskevi church. However, they are no longer as well preserved.

Archanes is situated at the foot of the "sacred mountain" Jouchtas (Juktas), on the top of which a church with a beautiful view over the wide surroundings is standing. The neighbouring village of Fourni preserves an ancient cemetery with interesting domed tombs and a small Minoan shrine can be seen in the fenced area of the Anemospilia site.

Archanes today - vineyards and olive groves

Today, Archanes is a famous wine-growing region that produces mainly sweet table grapes known as 'rozaki'. The Jouchtas valley is considered to be a very fertile area, which is only confirmed by the many vineyards, olive groves and small fields spread throughout its surroundings. You can combine a trip to the village of Archanes with a visit to the nearby wine-growing village of Vathipetro or a tour of the Anemospilia olive and grape press.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.