Ascend to Kofinas

Asterousia Mountains is a low mountain range, but with extremely steep and rugged hillsides. Kofinas is the highest peak at 1231m and gets its name from its shape resembling inverted basket ( kofini in Greek).

At the top of the mountain, the Minoans had built a peak sanctuary that flourished in 1700-1600 BC. Today the peak hosts the chapel of Timios Stavros (the Holy Cross) where an ancient tradition takes places during the festival on September 14 ( read here ).

Kofinas can be reached with a short, but very steep and majestic trail, which starts near the church of Panagia in the northern foothills of the peak. The church can be reached via a dirt road starting from Kapetaniana or Sternes .

The views over the top is excellent and walking in the trail is not recommended for those with fear of heights.