The village lies at the entrance of the fertile basin to the west of Mt. Juktas.
Village residences are built amphitheatrically, looking over the fertile valley of Archanes, which is covered in vineyards. These are two-storey stone houses, with spacious yards and stomping vats for winemaking, ceramic tile roofs, paved lanes, jasmine and lilies, all elements of the serenity and beauty of yesteryears.
Residents are mainly farmers, producing grapes, raisins and olive oil.
In recent years, taverns serving excellent food have started operating here, offering a pleasant recreational option for Heraklion residents.
WORTH SEEING
Kato Archanes is built at the foot of the historic hill of Tze, a hilly extension of Mt. Juktas, and on Kefala Hill, a reforested stretch, which is the only recreational park with trees in the area, attracting visitors even from the urban centre of Heraklion. At Kefala Hill, the Municipality has recently built a theatre, where excellent performances and various cultural events are held; if you happen to be there for such an event, don’t miss it!
What is definitely unique, and is right next to the theatre and above Kefala Hill, is Furni, with the famous Minoan necropolis discovered by archaeologists G. and E. Sakellarakis. From this important archaeological site there is a footpath (the old Minoan one) that leads to Pano Archanes, while a hiking trail, recently created by the Municipality, goes around the hill creating an interesting circular route. Visitors can go up Kefala Hill following the Fourni sign in Kato Archanes square.
