The beautiful and picturesque small town of Archanes is situated approximately 15 km away from Heraklion. Churches and chapels with splendid Byzantine frescos, the ancient cemetery at Fourni as well as the remnants of a Minoan villa in Archanes are only some of the interesting sites that you will be able to visit.

Situated at the foot of the sacred Mount Giouchtas, away from Heraklion's coastal holiday resorts, the agricultural town of Archanes is a picturesque place with important archeological sites and a long history. Extensive olive groves, vineyards, as well as abundant water characterize the area. It is one of Crete's most important wine-growing regions.

The world famous table grapes known as "rozaki" and its excellent wine (Archanes and Armandi) produced here since Minoan times make this place unique on the island. Archanes is one of the most attractive villages in Crete, with many restored neoclassical buildings painted in warm colours, paved narrow lanes, traditional cafes and cozy small hotels.

In the city's center you will find the beautiful church of Panagia, which has a white bell-tower and a fine collection of icons dating from the 16th century. The church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) on the fringes of the town offers wonderful Byzantine frescos from the 14th century. South of Archanes you can also visit the interesting church of the Asomatos, dedicated to St. Michael with marvelous frescoes dating from the 14th century. The church of Agia Paraskevi contains also very old frescos probably from around the 14th century, though they are not in a good condition.  Finally, the welcoming cafes (kafenia) and the traditional taverns of the town are among the best in Heraklion Prefecture.