Monday, July 15, 2013

Archanes: Ancient and Alive with Colour


Archanes, ancient and haunting, is one of the prettiest and most
picturesque towns I've ever visited on the island of Crete.



The town has been inhabited
for over 5000 years!


The Minoan culture
thrived in this fertile land,



put down roots, and settled here,


among a valley of olive groves and vineyards.


From  the peak of Mount Yiouchtas,
 Zeus' final resting place, the countryside of Archanes 
is a quilt of prosperity.


Here, the Monastery of Afendis Christos (Lord Christ),
completed in 1443, still stands today.


This week, on a recent visit with my dear friend, Maria, and her family,


Archanes was, as always, alive with colour,



enchanting, with past and present profiles,


earthy and weathered textures,



 charming courtyards covered in blooms,


an outdoor cinema, (a favourite summer activity)


and of course, a variety of wonderful restaurants,



cafes and quaint little shops.


Hanging out in Archanes with my sweet friends,



we strolled around its many scenic wonders,



and wished the day would never end.



Thanks for visiting!



xo
Poppy

All images: poppyview.blogspot.com

48 comments:

  1. What a beautiful country you live in. I just love all the color.

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  2. This is a wonderful post Poppy!Your pictures speak about the authenic and simple way of life, about its light and fragrances...I can undestand how much you are attached to this enchanting land.
    Thank you so much, you made me dream...I'm in love with Creta.

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  3. You are not good for me. You make me lust for Greece - the colors, the architecture, the flowers - wonderful.

    Your post makes me want to go out on a stroll through my town looking for great doors and gates. I love all the gates you showed.

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  4. This is wonderful, Poppy! Now I'm thinking of adding Greece to my "bucket list!" We are not fond of real tourist places and Archanes doesn't look like it is -- is that true? Thanks so much for sharing!

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  5. Δεν έχω επισκεφτεί τις Αρχάνες ,είναι μία υπέροχη πόλη που διατήρησε την παράδοση της .Διαβάζω αυτές τις μέρες το βιβλίο του Δετοράκη , Η ιστορία της Κρήτης .Υπέροχο βιβλίο !Πέρασες όμορφα και σε ευχαριστούμε για την όμορφη ανάρτηση !

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  6. Another wonderful tour! :) Most enjoyable...

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  7. Lovely! As someone who studied ancient history in college, Greece is one of those places to visit in my bucket list. I think being in a place like this really gives you a sense of history and how truly young a nation like the US really is compared to this area!

    Marie Angelique

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  8. How lucky, you live in such a beautiful place. The architecture and colors are enchanting.

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  9. Have I mentioned that I want to visit Greece. Probably, but your photos just make me want to see the country even more, Poppy.

    -Karen

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  10. I've been to Crete, but not to this gorgeous village, thanks for sharing your wonderful trip there !

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  11. I agree with above...you plant a seed of wanderlust in me that could grow intensely if I visit you too much..:) I believe in being happy for others though, and I'm happy for you, and that I met you too!

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  12. What a beautiful place, full of light and color. I'd love to visit Greece (and Crete) some day.

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  13. Your photos are just gorgeous…they make me want to hop on a plane to visit Archanes right now! I have been to Greece once, and loved it. I hope to return many times, but for now, I will join your blog as a follower, and let you show me around Crete!

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  14. Hi Poppy, what a wonderful place! Thanks so much for that tour and I hope to visit there someday! If you want the cherry dishcloth please let me know and I will send it to you!
    Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com

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  15. What beautiful photographs and wonderful colours - I've really enjoyed 'getting away from it all' for a short while - thank you so much for sharing!

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  16. Thank you for the wonderful tour-I love the colors they use!

    Carolyn

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  17. My dear wonderful friend,

    My visit to Archanes with you was more special than you could imagine. But I should have guessed that those pictures that you so expertly took would be transformed into a poetic and thought-provoking blog-post. Beautifully stated, perfectly arranged, and showing Archanes in a way no one else could have. My lovely, clever friend!

    Mxoxoxo

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  18. Beautiful Poppy and what a photographers paradise this is! One gorgeous view after the other and the history is everywhere you turn. The cafes and quaint shops must be so much fun to visit. I do want to visit this part of the world some day. Thanks for sharing your visit.
    xxleslie

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  19. The beautiful clear colors we also associate with Greece really jump right out of your beautiful photos. Thanks for showing us this charming little village.

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  20. Would love to see all these beautiful places someday. Thanks for sharing all your beautiful photos.

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  21. Archanes has such history and charm! You've captured the spirit and character beautifully in your photographs, Poppy! I want to ask a question: are those tall terra-cotta pots with the handles for storing olive oil? I have one, and a friend said it was originally an olive oil pot.
    Thanks for the tour!
    xo
    Loi

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  22. Wow~ I would just love to visit there one day.. that would be a dream! Beautiful post poppy~

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  23. Heavenly! I can only imagine how much you enjoyed your visit and strolls as just seeing these pictures has charmed me. It is hard for someone from Tennessee, USA to imagine being in a place with such history and legend, much less actually living there. I love visiting vicariously through you, Poppy.

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  24. Poppy
    What a gorgeous place to visit!
    I can see how you enjoyed it.

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  25. What a beautiful place to visit. The flowers and building are all so pretty. I would love to visit there someday. For now I will enjoy your beautiful photos. Have a happy day!

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  26. What an enchanting city. Love all the charming houses, green shutters and the incredible view! Thanks for sharing all the beauty in Greece!

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  27. Oh, how wonderful to enjoy the steps, the bougainnvillia, the texture, the outdoor cinema, the clotheslines even. I'm so glad you shared your photographs with us. I enjoyed traveling along with you.
    Liz

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  28. I'd never want that day to end as well. I loved all of the vibrant colors and the flowers are amazing! I am so glad you had a wonderful time!

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  29. Crete is just gorgeous! Your photos are amazing, I would love to visit there some day. I've been to mainland Greece several years ago, and just loved it!

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  30. Dear Poppy - another great post and divine pictures.

    So glad you linked up with us at the BeBetsy BRAG ABOUT IT Link and Hop.

    Sharon and Denise ♥♥
    Fashion | Food | Beauty | Antiques | DIY | and much more

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  31. I love your pictures! What a beautiful place, so colorful!...Christine

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  32. Somehow I pictured Crete as smaller but even so, it is totally amazing and your photos are fantastic.

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  33. Love all those gorgeous Mediterranean colors and details. Must be fun to enjoy a movie outdoors and in beautiful surroundings.

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  34. Such a beautiful and idyllic spot! Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Big Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  35. What a charming and historic town! I love the bright colors that I see everywhere in Crete, Poppy. Makes me smile.

    xo
    Claudia

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  36. I've enjoyed all the photos! They're so inspiring! I especially love all the potted plants and arbors. I would love to incorporate some of this inspiration into our sun porch!

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  37. Poppy,
    It's so beautiful, thank you for sharing at Memories by the Mile. It's such an enchanting place, no wonder you didn't want the day to end.
    Pinned and be sure and check back for Friday's features.
    Hugs,
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

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  38. What an amazing town, and your photos are wonderful!

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  39. Oh, Poppy! What a beautiful, picturesque place - would love spending the day there with you! I am so delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  40. What a great place and thanks for the tour. I loved all of the pics. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  41. Beautiful photos. :-) I hope someday I could visit Greece too. My husbands family is from there.
    Frozen in Time by Maya

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  42. Hi Poppy It certainly is avery pretty and interesting town with plenty to see and photographs. Love the different coloured housess,little alleyways, those juicey grapes adn wonderful views. Have a great week ahead.

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  43. The town has wonderful charm! Such lovely, colorful views you share!

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  44. What wonderfully charming shots.

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Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate hearing from all of you! Have a great day!