Archanes-Asterousia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Heraklion which includes religious elements, a city and a church or cathedral
Heraklion showing boating, heritage architecture and a marina
Heraklion showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious elements
Heraklion which includes heritage architecture, boating and a marina
Heraklion showing a marina, a castle and heritage architecture

Head to the hills south of Heraklion to discover a lovely historical village, your gateway to an area rich in archaeological sites and fine hiking.

A short drive from Heraklion will bring you to Archanes-Asterousia, a Cretan municipality that is home to the gorgeous hillside village of Archanes. Enjoy a lazy meal in the town square, go for a hike in the exceedingly scenic mountains and explore a number of important archaeological sites. All in all, Archanes-Asterousia makes for a very pleasant daytrip.

Archanes sits in the hills south of Heraklion, affording it lovely views of the surrounding landscape. The village has been restored to its former splendour, with strong local efforts made to keep the place traditional and clean. Stroll its narrow, stone-paved streets and admire the blooms of its flowers and fruit trees.

On the edge of town lies an ancient Minoan graveyard, the nearest of Archanes-Asterousia’s four significant archaeological sites. The other three are easily accessible and worth a visit, too. The Archaeological Museum in town displays the artefacts that were recovered from the four local finds. Stop by to see ancient Greek ceramics, tools and more.

If you are feeling adventurous, head to the trailhead for the hiking trail numbered E4. Starting in the village’s main square, this trail will take you west to the top of Mount Yiouhtas, passing grazing sheep and goats along the way. At the peak you will find a lovely ancient chapel named Afentis Christos, as well as some spectacular views of the area. Make sure you close the gates along the way.

Finish your day back down in the village square, camped out at one of its numerous restaurants and cafés. Enjoy a traditional Greek dinner, choosing from olives, yoghurt sauce, flaky pastries, goat dishes and seafood among other things, and match your meal with a local Cretan wine from the vineyards around the village.

The town of Archanes is a short drive south of Heraklion city. Around 30 minutes of travel each way makes for an easy daytrip by car. If you intend to stay the night, make your booking well in advance, because accommodation in the area is limited.

Village Heights Resort

Village Heights Resort

5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
The price is AU$185 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$185
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (418 reviews)
"Great place, quiet area, with lots of things to do in the resort and around, they offer many activities, wellness classes, and variety of restaurants"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Village Heights Resort
Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

5 out of 5
75 Dimokratias Ave, Heraklion, Crete Island
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$248 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$248
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Heraklion. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (986 reviews)
Always a great stay
"We have been staying at the Galaxy for over 10 years and it never disappoints us. Friendly staff, clean rooms and great breakfast."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
Mitsis Rinela

Mitsis Rinela

5 out of 5
Palea EO Irakliou Agiou Nikolaou,, Heraclio, Hersonissos, Crete
The price is AU$416 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
AU$416
24 Oct - 25 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (563 reviews)
"Room was beautiful, clean and well stocked with drinks. Staff were friendly and attentive. Lovely resort."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Mitsis Rinela
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Village Heights Resort

Village Heights Resort

5 out of 5
Hersonissos, Hersonissos, Crete Island
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hersonissos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (418 reviews)
"Great place, quiet area, with lots of things to do in the resort and around, they offer many activities, wellness classes, and variety of restaurants"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Village Heights Resort
Petousis Hotel & Suites

Petousis Hotel & Suites

4 out of 5
Andrea Papandreou,140, Malevizi, Crete Island
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Malevizi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (107 reviews)
"Great hotel. Modern, clean and great facilities. Buffet breakfast was delicious with a large variety of dishes."

Reviewed on 31 July 2025

Petousis Hotel & Suites
City Center Studios by Cretan Houses

City Center Studios by Cretan Houses

Heraklion
Stay at this aparthotel in Heraklion. Popular attractions Heraklion Port and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (13 reviews)
"You can't beat this property's location. Great night life and resturants right oustide. Our host was great. And there is a washing machine for laundry which is very convenient. My only complaint would be the shower head. It should be replaced because it seemed to shooting water all overvthe bathroom ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

City Center Studios by Cretan Houses
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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