Ираклион - Kato Asites

From the villages of regional municipal units Heraklion the Kato Asites (Asites) away from the city 22.8 km at an altitude of 459 meters on the eastern slopes of Psiloreitis. The village can be reached by following the route Heraklion – Agios Myron – Pirgou – Kato Asites.

The name of the village comes from the installation of soldiers from Assos in Mysia who served in the army of Nikiforos Fokas and settled permanently in Crete after its recapture by the Byzantines in 961, and therefore the correct spelling of the name is not Assites Assites .

The name of the town meets for the first time in the Venetian archives Chandax 1394 stating as a fief of Paulus Theupolo. Also recorded in all subsequent inventories from 1577 until today.

The “fortified” position of the village at the foot of Psiloreitis the revolutionary nature of its residents paint a glorious history over the centuries, which is documented by the hero is rigged to historical sites and the central village (statue in the main square, monument Spyridaki George Anthony Fanouraki monument).

Large areas of interest are the “Notiko” and “Prinos” and the region “Kastellas” next to Gorgolaini Monastery , which was the seat of the revolution (1866) and is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. The monastery is buried comrade Captain Korakas, Fragias Mastrachas contestant who died heroically in the battle of 1868.

The natural environment of the area is characterized by a wide variety of geomorphological and ecological characteristics. From the high peaks of the Sierra Psiloriti up the north coast of the island, one can admire numerous landscapes of outstanding natural beauty.

The “narrowness” of space does not preclude the existence of tall and steep peaks, small plateaus, canyons, springs and streams, low gullies, Lagadas and meadows. From the mountainous area start their development quite impressive gorges. The ‘multimode’ nature justifies the creation of the «touring Club of Asites » with rich activity.

Although the majority of the area consists of olive groves and vineyards, causing great interest in the number and variety of trees and plants such as shrubs and brushwood, poplar, cypress, walnut, pear, wild cherry, oak, holly, aspalathos, blackberries, agrioklimatidies, myrtles, junipers and others that stimulate the characteristics of livestock developed Asites (Ano and Kato).

You must visit:

At the foot of Mount Psiloritis, near Asites village and just 23 km far from the city of Heraklion, “Earino” is one of the most impressive Traditional – Agro tourist units in Crete.

It’s located in a region of outstanding natural beauty (at a height of 500m) and great cultural value.

Earino | Accomodation | Tavern | Café

Thanks to these values “Earino” is an ideal all year long destination in the heart of Crete, offering to the visitor the occasion to enjoy a breathtaking view and a delightful holiday experience.