Archanes combines both the quietness of a Cretan mountain village, with its small winding streets climbing up the hill, and the liveliness of a place that understands how to integrate tourism with local life, without overdoing it. Staying at Maria offers a similar experience, the accommodation provides privacy while also offering opportunities to interact with the host (or other guests) in the common outdoor space. Try to plan for cooking a few meals home in the evening, on the wooden barbecue or the outdoor stove: sharing food, wine or tea in the quietness of the village will make you wonder why you live elsewhere in the world.