Europe’s southernmost mountain range
At the southern edge of the Prefecture of Heraklion, the Asterousia Mountains stretch majestically between Mt Psiloritis and the Libyan Sea, forming Europe’s southernmost mountain range. It is the first region of Crete to be incorporated into the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (UNESCO MAB), in recognition of its unique natural and cultural value.
There, you will encounter mountain villages, monasteries, and caves coexisting with impressive gorges and steep coasts. The area hosts a wealth of biodiversity and is home to important protected species of flora and fauna, such as the bearded vulture, Bonneli’s eagle, Eleonora's falcon, and rare endemic plants. The steep slopes, meadows, and canyons create a mosaic of habitats of great ecological value, which is integrated into the Natura 2000 network.
The Asterousia Mountains combine untamed landscapes with an intense human presence. From prehistoric times to this day, they have been a place of worship, monastic life, and traditional livestock farming. Small monasteries and hermitages, such as Koudoumas, Agia Moni, Agios Nikitas, and Kapsa, are living monuments of Cretan orthodoxy. Kofinas peak with the chapel of Timios Stavros (the Holy Cross) has been considered a sacred place for centuries.
If you are a nature lover, there are hiking and climbing trails, while if you prefer the sea, descend to the secluded beaches of Lentas, Tripiti, and Vatos. Agiofarago stands out with its unique beach at the mouth of the gorge, as does Matala. At the heart of the Asterousia Mountains, Ethia Gorge and the plateau of Agios Ioannis offer stunning panoramic views.
Wherever necessary, contact certified guides and become acquainted with truly uplifting natural beauty, safely.
There, you will encounter mountain villages, monasteries, and caves coexisting with impressive gorges and steep coasts. The area hosts a wealth of biodiversity and is home to important protected species of flora and fauna, such as the bearded vulture, Bonneli’s eagle, Eleonora's falcon, and rare endemic plants. The steep slopes, meadows, and canyons create a mosaic of habitats of great ecological value, which is integrated into the Natura 2000 network.
The Asterousia Mountains combine untamed landscapes with an intense human presence. From prehistoric times to this day, they have been a place of worship, monastic life, and traditional livestock farming. Small monasteries and hermitages, such as Koudoumas, Agia Moni, Agios Nikitas, and Kapsa, are living monuments of Cretan orthodoxy. Kofinas peak with the chapel of Timios Stavros (the Holy Cross) has been considered a sacred place for centuries.
If you are a nature lover, there are hiking and climbing trails, while if you prefer the sea, descend to the secluded beaches of Lentas, Tripiti, and Vatos. Agiofarago stands out with its unique beach at the mouth of the gorge, as does Matala. At the heart of the Asterousia Mountains, Ethia Gorge and the plateau of Agios Ioannis offer stunning panoramic views.
Wherever necessary, contact certified guides and become acquainted with truly uplifting natural beauty, safely.
