Vineyards, archaelogical sites and beautiful views
During our trip to Crete in 2021, after spending a week in western Crete, we spent a week in central Crete, specifically near Arkalochori. We found this location perfect for exploring the nearby wineyards (and there are quite a few in the area!), doing day trips to various architectural sites, as well as going for hikes.
On this page, we have a number of recomendations and places we’d recommend you visit, and a couple of restaurants to check out as well.
Archanes village center
Visiting Archanes
Archanes is a small town located about a twenty minute drive from Heraklion. The town isn’t huge, but there are a few nice cafes and restaurants all located around a nice square (perfect for grabbing a cafe freddo and people watching!).
There is also a small but interesting museum- the Archaoelogical museum of Archanes. The museum is free, and worth visiting.
Archaoelogical Museum in Archanes
Above and left: Displays in the Archaoelogical Museum in Archanes
Vineyards at Lyrarakis Winery
Above and below: Wine tasting at Lyrarakis- accompanied by some oils and dips
The tastings were mostly held outside- and we were able to enjoy the nice weather, whilst trying out some wine and enjoying the beautiful sight of vineyards.
Wine tasting at Lyrarakis
After visiting Archanes, we visited Lyrarakis Winery- which is located just a 20 minute drive away. Wine tasting is held frequently throughout the day (from around 10am-7pm, but only during the peak season).
More details in terms of timings, the various options and cost can be found on their website (we paid around 20 euros per person).
We would highly recommend a wine tasting here- as well as trying out different bottles of wines and having some nibbles, we had a small tour of the vineyards and the wine cellar itself.
Tour of the cellar at Lyrarakis winery
Wine tasting spots in Lyrarakis Winery
Gortyna
We also managed to squeeze in a day trip to Gortyna. It is located around an hour south of Heraklion, and certainly worth a visit.
Given how much there is to see and do there, we have put together a separate blog post – check it out here.
Statues found at Gortyna
Archaeological site of Karfi
Holy Church of Agia Ariadne in Lasithi Plateau
E4 Path network of Lasithi Prefecture
Hiking part of the E4 route- from the Lasithi Plateau to the Archaoelogical site of Karfi
On one of later days during our trip, we decided to head back to the Lasithi Plateau (we had been there previously, specifically to see the Diktean Cave- check out our earlier blog post on this here). But this time, we decided to do a small hike on part of the E4 path, towards the Archaoelogical site of Karfi which is located not too far away. The views were incredible at the top- and the hike itself was not too difficult, and was well signposted.
To get to the start, we drove to the Holy Church of Agia Ariadne, located a short distance from the Tzermiado Health Center. We parked near the church, then followed the signs and footpath up to the viewpoint and the archaoelogical site. The hike itself only took a few hours-we were able to get to the top, take in the views and the archaoelogical ruins, and head back down all in good time for lunch.
For lunch, we went to Vilaeti Restaurant- we’d been there before and really liked the food so decided to return. Scroll down the page to read more about eating there.
Just one word of warning on the Lasithi Plateau- the place has its own microclimate, so come prepared, and even if it is sunny elsewhere on the island, it may be raining here!
Views from the E4 Path hike in Lasithi Plateau
Views from the Archaeological site of Karfi
Above and below: Archaoelogical Site Temple of Aphrodite Hermes Kato Symi
Drive to Ierapetra
For the last part of our trip, we rented a house in Sitia, and to get there we decided to take a more scenic route from where we were staying near Arkalochori, along the south coast, rather than taking the main road in the north of the island. This route took us past the Museum of the Viannos massacres and the Archaeological Site Temple of Aphrodite Hermes in Kato Symi, then to Ierapetra.
Whilst we couldn’t visit the museum, the monument outside was sombre and striking. We did manage to stop by the Temple of Aphrodite, and spent a bit of time walking around and exploring the area. The road first takes you through Kato Symi, a really nice, quaint village, and then there were several hairpin turns. However, if you take the road slowly it should be fine as the road isn’t busy.
This archaoelogical site hasn’t got any signs or markings, so visitors end up just having to walk around and use their own imagination- but the ruins are impressive, and there are good views from the site towards the sea. Also, the area has tons of pines dotted around, and smells amazing!
Museum of the Viannos massacres
Venetian Fort, Kales
After a pit-stop at the archaeological site, we continued our drive to Ierapetra. We only stopped here briefly- for a quick lunch at a seafront taverna. It seemed that every restaurant had fresh fish!
We then spent a bit of time walking around the town. Unfortunately, the Venetian Fort at the seafront was closed for renovation, however you can walk around the main square and see the Ottoman Fountain and the former mosque. The town itself seemed quite small and quaint, but we had to continue our journey onto Sitia so couldn’t stop too long.
Ottoman Fountain in Ierapetra
Former mosque in Ierapetra
Views over Ierapetra
Overall, we found central Crete to be great for a variety of things- whether wine tasting, or hiking, or just exploring the area. The towns are not as busy (outside Heralion) and the scenery is beautiful.
To find out more about what else to get up to elsewhere in Crete, places to visit and sites to see- see our other blogs here.
Best Food & Drink
Vilaeti Restaurant
We then went to a restaurant in the Lasithi Plateau that we visited in our last trip- Vilaeti Restaurant. The dishes here were once again delicious, and the hospitality was really good. We would particularly recommend the fennel pies- Marathopitakia.
The other dishes we had here were equally as good, so would certainly recommend a visit here.
Seafront restaurants in Ierapetra
We just ended up at a random taverna, but all along the seafront there were many restaurants with a good selection on their menus, and fresh seafood.
Octopus being dried in Ierapetra
Above and below: Lunch at Vilaeti Restaurant in Lasithi Plateau
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