I have been looking for information on Arhanes Village, also spelled Archanes and found the following information on sevearl websites. Note that there is no Kalimera in front of it:
The village of Archanes belongs to the Region of Temenos and has been inhabited for over 5000 years. It is a very significant archaeological site since, according to historical findings, King Minos had a summer palace in the area.
Archanes (Arhanes) is located in the heart of the major winemaking area of Heraklion, Crete. The natural environment of the village includes mountains, gorges and many cultivated plains. The neoclassical buildings in the area are also very impressive.
The village won a very important award in the "European Community for Rural Environment and Upgrading of Villages" contest. The aim of the contest was to award European Villages for the efforts of the inhabitants and the village authorities for the upgrading and development of their areas. In this contest, Archanes was awarded the first prize in the category of villages that presented a complete and sustainable development of exceptional quality.
Archanes (Arhanes) has a health center, a police station, a magistrate's court, banks, a post office, a telecommunications center, an open-air cinema, restaurants, taverns and traditional coffee shops.
The village of Arhanes (Archanes) is located 14 km southeast of Heraklion Town and 9 km south of the archaeological site of Knossos. It is a very picturesque and peaceful area with beautiful natural surroundings. Arhanes (Archanes) offers a selection of hotel accommodation and villas and is close to the entertainment ve
The large village has little in the way of places to stay, but has been restored and beautified with European Union funds, as well as private initiative. A truly remarkable job has been done here, the place looks great but retains as much atmosphere and as many original features as possible, it is a model for such projects in our opinion. The mayor of ten years, is one of the most active, to the visible benefit of the place, in creating and encouraging the establishment of museum, arts, special and cultural events - general civic quality, most refreshing. The village people are proud of their successful efforts to keep the village alive, clean, traditional and beautiful. They are also genuinely friendly
There are four archaeological sites - one in the village (a fenced excavation) and three close by, at Anemospilia and Fourni (on the edge of the village - a Minoan graveyard). Vathypetro on the way to Houdetsi is worthwhile not only for the finds, but also some of the most magnificent views of Crete which you can see from the site - a unique vantage point.
A lot of very significant finds of the Minoan era came from the broader Archanes area.
A small engaging, thoroughly informative archaeological museum, the outdoor club/cafe Istros, the characterful restaurant "Ambelos" (on the left as you enter Archanes opposite the church, closed Monday nights - price category CD) all play a part of the mix.
At the restored square attractive cafes and tavernas with outdoor seating and tree-shaded terraces are a delight. We delighted over the lamb and salads we ate at "To Spitiko" (price category CD).
Just at the edge of the square - on your right - is a fine Kafeneio, walk in and see the enormous waterfall poster and mirror (well, we liked it). Further down this street on your left is a pastry shop where you feel drinking tea or coffee should be, simple acts as they are, most memorable!
- Kalimera Village Crete
