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| Archanes | ||
| region | Crete | |
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| Residents | 3.969 (2011) | |
| height | 388 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Archanes (Greek Αρχάνες) is a quiet small town in the region Iráklion on the island of Crete, it is characterized by wine and olive cultivation in the mountainous area and has a beautiful town center with numerous restaurants and cafes. Together with the sister town Kato Archanes and some smaller settlements, Archanes has about 5,000 inhabitants.
background
Archanes is located in the middle of a wine and olive growing area at the foot of the 811 m high Juchta mountain. Excavations and finds in and around the place show that the place was already in Minoan times in the 16th century BC. Was settled. There are some churches from Byzantine times in Archanes and the surrounding area. An aqueduct on the road to Knossos was built by the Venetians, it served to supply Heraklion with water from Mount Juchta. The Turkish quarter "Tourkogitonia" arose during the Ottoman period. During the German occupation, the headquarters of an infantry division was stationed in Archanes, along with a makeshift military hospital.
Today the place lives from wine and olive cultivation, partly also with organic cultivation. Local statutes ensure an adapted architectural location for renovations and new buildings, but the crisis has left its mark with a lot of vacancies. The gastronomy of the place has developed a certain attraction, especially around the main square, and is also known among the Cretans, especially from the capital, for its Cretan cuisine.
getting there
By plane
From the international Heraklion Airport
(IATA: HER) from the Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport Archanes is about 16 km away by car.
By bus
There is a regular bus connection to nearby Heraklion.
In the street
Archanes is not far from the expressway to Arkalohori (Αρκαλοχωρίου), which branches off the A90 near Heraklion airport. The travel time from Heraklion is around 20 minutes.- Warning: Coming from the south, this expressway has no exit to Archanes (as of 10/2015).
mobility
Tourist Attractions
- Archaeological Collection of Archanes (Αρχαιολογικη Συλλογη Αρχανων), Michael Kalochristianaki Street (Μιχαηλ Καλοχριστιανακη). The museum in the old school of the place shows the history and life of the Minoans in Crete on the basis of the finds (partly replicas) from Archanes and the surrounding area.Open: every day except Tuesday 8 a.m. - 2.30 p.m.Price: free entry.
activities
shop
kitchen
Where if not here in Archanes between vineyards and olive groves should you be able to get close to the real Cretan cuisine. So you should forget gyros and what you know from the Greek tourist castles and go on a journey of discovery into the Cretan cuisine. Most of the restaurants can be found in and around the main square of the village (but not only there) - on Sundays at lunchtime the Greeks from Heraklion and their families flock to the village, if that is not a hint. By the way, the prices are very moderate everywhere.
- Kritamon, Βαθυπετρου, near the main square. E-mail: [email protected]. On some rating platforms, the restaurant is listed as one of the best in Crete. In any case, it is certain that there is excellent Cretan cuisine with the use of many herbs. And please do not confuse Cretan cuisine with "fine dining", and of course there are only Greek wines.
- Bakaliko, main square. Tel.: 30 2810 751 117, Email: [email protected]. The restaurant is also a delicatessen shop that offers Greek delicacies such as olive oils, herbs, jams, mustard, wines and much more - and practically everything can be tested on large tasting tables. The menu offers genuine and very good Cretan cuisine - this restaurant is also at the top of some rankings.Open: Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
nightlife
accommodation
- Kalimera Archanes Village, Theotokopoulou, Archanes. Tel.: 30 6977 460555, Email: [email protected]. Hotel consisting of 4 restored buildings typical of the region in the middle of Archanes.
- Villa Archanes, Evaggelias Armenaki 19, Archanes. Tel.: 30 6973 632204, Email: [email protected]. Hotel with 6 apartments in an old building from the 19th century.
- Katalagari Country Suites, Katalagari. Tel.: 30 2810 753350. Beautifully situated 4-star 14-apartment complex with pool about 2 km from Archanes with very authentic Cretan cuisine.
health
Practical advice
trips
- Palace of Knossós. The most famous sight of Crete is only a few kilometers away and one saves the way through Heraklion.
- Heraklion. Although Archanes is quite quiet, you can quickly reach the capital of the island, which is only 20 km away, via the nearby expressway.
literature
Web links
- http://www.archanes-asterousia.gr/ - Archanes official website
