Ano Archanes is a town, just 16 km. south of the city of Heraklion, very close to the archaeological site of Knossos. After the restoration of many buildings, the declaration of 200 listed buildings and the regeneration of many neighborhoods, Archanes is considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Crete and has been awarded as a model settlement in Europe. It is a suitable place for the visitor to walk, discover and photograph.
The traditional houses of the town combine the nobility of the neoclassical with the simplicity of the rural residence. They are well maintained and painted in colorful, vibrant colors, pink, red, salmon, with green or blue shutters. Every detail, the period lamps, the marble faucets and the courtyards with flower beds and trees, testify to the love and passion of the owners for their homes. Many of them have been converted into beautiful guesthouses.
The central square is a point of reference for residents and visitors. There are traditional taverns and cafes, space for children to play and from there, the cobbled alleys lead to the picturesque neighborhoods, with the beautiful painted corners and the traditional cafes and grocery stores with the hand-made, colorful shop signs.
Lovely shops sell traditional products, souvenirs and traditional fruit sweets. The local bakeries offer delicious pastries made with oil or wine, sweet rusks, kaltsounia, the traditional Cretan sweets with mizithra, and much more.
The beautiful central Venetian Church of Panagia Kera, with the great priestly relics and icons, with the clock tower of 1930S, is located in the center of the village. Also, the visitor can visit the Byzantine Church of Agios Ioannis Manganitis with the stone press in its yard for the production of wine, the Church of Agios Georgios with the great frescoes of the 14th century, etc. There is a Folklore and Historical Museum, a small archaeological museum, and a sculpture and weaving art workshop in Archanes.
The taverns are excellent and welcoming with high quality food in generous portions and reasonable prices. They are ideal for families, friends and business dinners. Mediterranean, Greek and Cretan traditional cuisines with home-made food, meat on the grill, and local wine are served in the wonderful summer courtyards. The green salads with the wild aromatic herbs from the surrounding mountainsides, the varieties of Cretan cheeses, such as mizithra and anthotiros, the homemade pasta and the roast meat in the oven are excellent and delicious. The polite and prompt service makes you want to go again.
Ano Archanes is definitely a beautiful place worth visiting.
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