Archanes

Archanes is a picturesque town popularly known as a fine wine-producing region. It is also home to the oldest wine press in the world, offering excellent wine tour possibilities with lush vineyards, beautiful waterfalls, and streams. The town is close to one of the major attractions in Crete, the Palace of Knossos, and can be treated as a day trip from Heraklion.

Archanes offers access to several important archaeological sites. These include the ruins of ancient structures from the Minoan civilization, including the nearby Palace of Knossos. Other significant sites include the Ancient Cemetery, the Temple of Anemospilia, and the Monastery of Agios Ioannis. This small town, crossed by the Kaeratos stream, which later forms the gorge of Knossos, is renowned for its significant archaeological sites and natural beauty.

A visit to Archanes offers numerous activities. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy the world-famous Cretan cuisine at the town’s central square restaurants and taverns. The annual Archanes Farmer Festival, celebrating the grape harvest in summer, features various cultural activities. The town is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Hiking options include trekking up the sacred mountain Jiouktas, believed to be the burial site of Zeus, or exploring the E4 European trail from Profitis Ilias to Myrtia.