Archanes-Asterousia is the archaeological site of an ancient Minoan settlement in central Crete. Archanes is 14 kilometers away from the city of Heraklion and only 7 kilometers from the Palace of Knossos. The greater area of Archanes is very significant due to its numerous archaeological sites.

The colorful village has been praised by the European Union as a model of residential development. Visit the town’s museums and discover the region's history through the findings of the Minoan and Byzantine eras. Also many wonderful architectural buildings and Byzantine churches do affirm Archanes as atraditional settlement.

The area of Asterousia includes beautiful beaches such as, Pera Tsoutsouras, Maridaki, Ai Nikitas, and Tris Ekklisies and some of the most amazing gorges in Greece, are Agiofarago and Martsalo.