Master the Lathe. Bring out your inner Artist.

Archanes is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Heraklion International Airport (HER). It is easily accessible by rental car or taxi. Being so close to the capital city makes it the perfect “slow-travel” destination: you get the peace of a traditional Cretan village without the long travel times common in other parts of the island.

Archanes is famous villages with several options within and around. If you need it we can recommend you a few places. Staying in the village allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Cretan lifestyle—walking through olive groves in the morning and enjoying local wine in the square by evening.

Many experienced turners visit us specifically to master **Cretan Olive Wood**. Archanes offers a unique environment where you surely will get inspired and find you craft.

Absolutely. The Apprenticeship is 100% bespoke. Whether you want to focus on architectural elements, artistic sculptures, or functional kitchenware, we will draft the technical plans with you before we even touch the lathe to ensure your vision is structurally sound.

We have extensive experience with international shipping. For smaller items, you can easily take them in your luggage. For larger artistic commissions created during your stay, we can assist in arranging professional shipping.

Archanes is not your typical school; here you will find a way of living. You are learning in the heart of a village that has lived alongside olive trees for thousands of years. We often source our wood from local logs saved from fires or trees destined for firewood. You aren’t just learning a craft; you are participating in a sustainable cycle of giving wood a “second life.”

While we offer intensive 1-day or 2-day introductions, a true “Residency” typically lasts between **at least 2 weeks**. This duration allows enough time to move past basic tool control and into deep design theory, material selection, and the execution of more complex pieces.

Our workshop is designed for high-focus, one-on-one or very small group instruction (max 2-3 people). If you wish to share the experience with a creative partner or friend, we can certainly accommodate a joint residency where you both work alongside us.

Get ready to work! 🙂 Bring appropriate working clothing and shoes. If you have protective gear such as gloves, ear gear, mask / glasses you are welcome to bring it, if not we can provide it or you can easily buy in here. Bring fresh or warm clothes depending on the season.

A typical day starts at 10:00 with continuous lessons and practice up to 14:00 when we have a lunch break. Depending on the workshop plans we may comeback at 17:00 to keep the lessons or you may witness our work if we have a commission or you may have the afternoon free.

Yes, there is public bus line that connects with Heraklion and the main villages around, however consider that doesn’t have constant traffic, therefore we recommend you to think about renting a car, bike or bicycle.