Romantic Minoan Cretan Euphoria Villa

Romantic Minoan Cretan Euphoria is a historical stone-made vila and old winery, located at the very heart of one of the most beautiful villages in Europe, Archanes, just 2 mins away from ruins of the Minoan Summer Palace of King Minos, and only 15min away from the Palace of Knossos. It is a home that offers a "modus vivendi" for the good life, the healthy nutrition and the sustainability of our planet, overwhelmed by colors, aromas and tranquility just across the holly mountain of Giouhtas. The expansive property of the Romantic Minoan Villa, which was an old traditional Archanesian Winery Villa sits in the heart of the Archanes village, steps away from King Minos's Summer Palace, and a short drive to Knossos, King Minos's Winter Palace! The ancient village of Archanes lies in a valley filled with olive trees and vineyards and it has come to rank amongst the foremost archeological sited of Greece, traversing as it does all the stages of prehistoric Minoan civilisation, as well as those of historical times. While tucked away on a dead-end street, the villa is only a 3-5 min walk to the village center where the town comes to life with restaurants, all kind of shops, bakeries, bars and markets. The length of the site's inhabitation, both as settlement and as a venue for worship, renders Archanes an integrated unity wherein all the forms and activities of one of Crete's most important communities- both centre and hinterland-are represented overtime. At Archanes, the first traces of human activity occurred at the end of the Late Neolithic period and through Sub-Neolithic times. Architecture and a number of various cult vestiges tells us that Archanes have been inhabited non-stop since then, some of those inhabitation vestiges found under beneath buildings of the Neopalatial period, revealed wonderful specimens of Middle Minoan pottery in Tourkoyeitonia, the Reservoir, the Theatre area, the Vorna and the Agoras sites. Nowadays the visitors can still see the remainders of sturdy buildings constructed with stones and mud bricks and pottery artifacts. The cemetery of Phourni, provides important evidence for the wealth of the inhabitants and for cultural acme, where the important Tholos Tomb B is located and the labyrinthine MM Funerary Building 18, where rich burials in pithoi and sarcophagi were found. On the other hand, most significant and for many reasons unique, religious structure from the end of this period is the isolated shrine at Anemospilia ,of the north slope of the Minoan mountain Giouhtas, where traces of human sacrifice were found. According to the ancient urban myth, Zeus, when people stopped believing in the twelve Olympian gods, came and rested here for good ! Thus when the mountain is seen from the western side, it has the form of a sleeping man's bearded head. Giouhtas hosts a colony of vultures and constitutes as protected area for wild life and unique plants and herbs, thanks to its ecosystem. As you come to Archanes from Heraklion, you pass Knossos Palace and then the village of Patsides. In the Patsides-Archanegs crossroad lies the monument of the legendary event of the German occupation period. Cretan insurgents, some among them from Archanes under the command of the English Major Patrick Lee Fermor kidnapped the German General Kreipe. Just before the next village Kato Archanes, you can find the museum of Cretan History and tradition, which was created by Nikolaos & Eirini Psaltaki. Its five halls are rich in folklore material from the 9th century onwards. Some the most important exhibits are from the German occupation period, including personal items of General Kreipe. When passing Kato Archanes the visitor and on the way to the Epano Archanes, the visitor can see on the right side the natural turf in Kampos, training place and home to local sports club and then the imposing neoclassic building in the entrance of the town (it was built from (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) until (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) and its entrance lies the bust of Ioannis Ntafotis, Commander of the Elite Cretan Battalion, played a major part in the struggle against the Turks in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) If visitor continues straight he/she will see the the War Memorial was built in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) by the Reservist Troops Association of Archanes. Around the memorial lie symmetrically four busts of fighters who sacrificed themselves for freedom. Next to the War Memorial stands the church of Panagia Faneromeni which was initial aisle and it was rebuilt around (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) on the ruins of an older Byzantine church which existed during the Venetial rule era during the 14th century. The other two aisles were built in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) and in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) In the church, there is a museum with religious and historical relics. Many legends, traditions and miracles about the church have accompanied many generations. In the church precinct, which was used as a cemetery until (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) , lies the chapel of Agios Antonios, the impressive campanile which was rebuilt in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) and the Clock. For 75 years now the Clock in the precinct of the church of Panagia sign the time. It started being constructed in (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) , and it was a donation of women from Archanes who had migrated in Boston and New York. Archanes Village, has won awards - 2nd best restored village in Europe and 1st in long term development prospects. Streets have been newly stone-paved, there are more splendid displays of blooming flowers, fruit trees and plants in the yards, terraces and balconies of the houses - a walk around the back streets is a pleasure as a result. The owners of the Romantic Minoan Villa, share the courtyard and the garden with guests. We are more than happy to provide our guests support and advice regarding visiting the village of Archanes, the city of Heraklion, and the many wonderful archeological sights. We are also happy to provide them with information about transportation, restaurants, local shops, safety or other amenities. The neighborhood is the epitome of traditional village life, with cobblestone streets and sweet-smelling flowers and trees, with a churches seemingly everywhere. Nearby, the visitor can see the churches "Panagia", "Agia Paraskevi", "Agia Triada", with their amazing Byzantine frescos , as well as the remnant of a Minoan palace that dates back to (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) BC, are only some of the sights which are worth visiting. Take a walk in the paved narrow lanes with the restored neoclassical buildings, discover the traditional cafes and tavernas and taste the famous local wines. Also, within a close distance from Archanes, in Vathypetro you can visit the oldest and winery of the world! A prehistoric cemetery, which had been used for more than (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) years, was discovered at the northwest of Archanes, on Fourni hill. Its long use allows the recognition of many types of tombs. At Psyli Korfi, the top of the ravine that separates Fourni hill from Mount Giouhtas, lies one of Crete's most important sanctums, which was used for a long period of time as a worship place. On the southwestern side of Mount Giouhtas visitors will find two more sights known as "Hosto nero" and "Spilios tou Stravomyti". On the northern side of the mountain, at the point called "Anemospilia", were discovered remnants of a Minoan temple, unique for the variety and wealth of its findings. In Youchtas mountain there are 360 species of flora (especially during spring Cretan orchid's stand out) and 40 species of birds, many of which are rare or endangered, with vulture as the most important one. Yiouchtas area is included in the European Network NATURA (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) and is considered as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Yiouchtas is protected as an "Archaeological Site" and "Landscape of Outstanding Natural Beauty ". Participation in farming activities: Farming, beekeeping, pottery, Wine & Raki making, and the growth of olive trees, vines, vegetables, herbs are the main occupations of the inhabitants of the village where visitors can watch and participate. In Archanes and neighboring villages there are musical activities, performances and other cultural activities, throughout the year, organized by local and foreign musicians. Always ask for more information… Buses are the only form of public transport in Crete a quite extensive network makes it relatively easy to travel around the island. Fares are about 2 Euros for Heraklion and they run almost every one hour. 1. The Romantic Minoan Cretan Euphoria Villa is only a 15 minute drive to the Nikos Kazantzakis airport in Heraklion, a 20 min. drive to the Heraklion Port. It is also a 10min drive to the Palace of Knossos, a 20 min. drive to the Archeological Museum of Heraklion and incase of emergency a 10 min. drive from Venizelio General Hospital. It is located 3-5 minutes away (walking distance) from all shops, restaurants and bakeries of the town. 2. A special traditional Cretan meal is offered as an option for one night during your visit. 3. A herbal tea made with a collection of the finest and most aromatic teas of the holly mountain Giouhtas, is being offered along with Cretan sweets or fruits. 4. A taste of Cretan Raki or family wine is also a choice for my guests along with handmade tastes... 5. There is a choice of movie or documentary nights organised in the open cinema of the garden. 6. Upon request and in communication with the host, there is always the possibility of trying a meal in the wood oven or in the BBQ. 7. Upon request a piano night can be organised or a night with Greek music. 8. Upon request a privet tour around the area of Archanes, the Holly mountain of Giouhtas, the vines and the olive groves can be organised, along with the experience of local fruits and vegetables. 9. Upon request a greek cooking experience can be organised, where guests along with secrets and flavours of the greek menu, can also enjoy the meal they will help to be prepared. 10. Upon request a short Greek-language lesson can be organised with basic words, covering the requirements of a short visit in Greece. (It can also be offered online -via (Hidden by Airbnb) -) before the actual trip to the country. 11. A gardening and eco-friendly living experience can be offered upon request. 12. An one day excursion-mystic tour to the heart of Crete's villages and natural gifts can be offered upon request. 13. A problem solving & complex situation consulting session can be offered as a choice to those guests who are visiting Crete, not only for exploring the land, but also their own souls.