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Arhanes, a beautiful little town in the Temenos prefecture, at an altitude of 380m and just 15 km from Heraklion -with a continuous habitation of 5.000 years- is one of the most important archaeological sites of Crete and has been characterised for its historical and traditional heritage. From prehistoric years to this date it has been an important financial centre of the surrounding area. It is speculated that in Arhanes lay the summer palace of King Minos. The area boasts a particular natural environment (gorges, hills, mountains, cultivable plain expanses, rare flora and fauna, but the buildings also encapsulate the neo-classical tradition with Venetian architecture.

It should be noted that Archanes, and by extension the whole of Greece, has won a significant distinction in the contest of "European Community for Rural Development and Upgrading of villages" and the "International Union R.E.D. (Ruralite-Environment-Development) for the European Award 2000 Upgrading of Villages under the title "There is no past without a future", Greece participated in with three entries - with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture. The aim of this contest was the distinction of those European villages, which with the initiative and support of their inhabitants together with the competent authorities would be upgraded and would develop their area. In this contest Arhanes took the first prize in the category of villages which presented a complete and sustainable development of exceptional quality. This contest was entered by 32 areas from 11 European countries, all with an admirable infrastructure of civilisation, finance and social organisation, with a special emphasis placed on environmental protection. These last few years, Arhanes has shown a marked development at all levels, for which the Mayor Mr. Stavros Arnaoutakis has played a major role.
Surveys have been carried out, and the problems encountered as well as their management were competently handled by the Prefecture, with the constant support of the residents. Major changes have been noted in the overall picture regarding the quality of the inhabitants' lives and in the natural environment of the archaeological sites.

These days one can find in Arhanes a magistrate's court, a Police Station, a Health Centre, a Post Office, a Telecommunications' Centre, waterworks, banks, a Music School, an open-air cinema, taverns, traditional coffee shops and distinguished cultural events during the summer.
There are many options for the visitor, depending on one's interests. A visit to the Youhtas mountain and St. Irene's gorge (network area Natura 200, parts of the European path E4) where one can see the Morazini reservoir, the Information Centre, the Museum of Natural History belonging to the Archaeological park "Youhtas", which will be completed by the end of 2004, archaeological sites (Minoan sanctuary at Anemospilio, the Minoan graveyard at Fourni, a Minoan villa at Vathypetro, a Minoan palace at Tourkogeitonia, an archaeological collection of original and copy findings of the archaeological diggings of the wider area, Byzantine churches (Asomatos, Metamorfosi tou Sotira, St. Mamas, St. Friday, St. Triada, the Crucifixion, a church museum in the church of the Virgin), the work shop and exhibition of the sculptor Manolis Tzombanakis and of the engraver Aristea Kritsotaki, Museums (Agricultural History and Traditions, Folklore), One may also visit exhibitions of traditional agricultural produce, such as vines and olives, enjoy a wine tasting session, visit the Agricultural Co-operation of Arhanes, the renovated traditional buildings, the piazzas, the Agios Giannis park or the small wooded park in Kefala.

In addition, the fact that Ahranes lies so close to Heraklion and Knossos makes it easy for one to visit the archaeological sites, museums, shops of Heraklion, as well as taste its night life, if the mood so takes them. Whilst lovers of the sun and sea can enjoy themselves on the beautiful beaches.