Source: asterousiatrails.com
The first information event to promote “Asterousia Trails”, the new network of hiking trails which aims to promote Asterousia as a key destination for nature and experiential tourism in Crete, was successfully held on Tuesday, 5 May 2026 in Asimi.
The event highlighted the local community’s keen interest in the project, as representatives of the local government, cultural associations, mountaineering and nature clubs, rescue groups, local businesses and residents of the area took part in a discussion that went beyond the narrow confines of hiking and touched on the future of Asterousia as a whole.
The Mayor of Gortyna, Michalis Kokolakis, highlighted the importance of the project for the area, noting that it is a comprehensive initiative that includes the creation and promotion of 11 hiking trails, with modern signage, mapping, and information and promotional activities, with the aim of protecting nature and ensuring the sustainable development of Asterousia.
Subsequently, Ms Amalia Tavladoraki, an executive at the Heraklion Development Agency, conveyed the message from the President of TEDA and the Asterousia Protection Association, Theono Vrentzou, on the importance of including Asterousia in the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) programme from 2020. As was emphasised, Asterousia is not merely a protected area, but a living example of the balance between humankind, the natural environment and sustainable development.
The event continued with a detailed presentation of the project by Dr Chryssa Pagalou, General Manager of ETAM S.A. and Coordinator of the Rural Tourism Cluster epaithros+, who outlined the overall vision behind “Asterousia Trails”. As she explained, this is a project that goes beyond simply creating trails; it aims to establish a comprehensive network of experiences centred on nature, culture and local life.
Source: asterousiatrails.com
In an interview with “Nea Kriti”, she emphasised that “The aim of the programme is to promote eco-tourism by showcasing places of exceptional beauty and biodiversity”. However, she emphasised that the project forms part of the new philosophy of sustainable development of protected areas, in which the protection of nature is directly linked to the strengthening of local communities.
During the presentation of the project, she analysed its individual actions, which include clearing and improving the passability of the trails, modern signage and mapping, small-scale technical interventions, the production of maps and information material, as well as the creation of a website, a mobile app and a coordinated social media presence.
At the same time, she highlighted the importance of informing and educating the public through initiatives such as themed events, hands-on workshops on the environment and hiking safety, as well as photography competitions that will help to promote the landscape and cultural identity of Asterousia.
As she explains to Cretalive, this is a nationwide initiative that aims not only to promote eco-tourism, natural diversity and the protection of Natura sites, but also to to protect and promote the cultural heritage of the area, whilst at the same time informing local businesses about how they can benefit from this project.
For his part, architect and planner Giorgis Petrakis presented the network’s design philosophy, pointing out that a modern trail network is not merely a series of routes on a map, but an integrated system of alternative tourism that combines safety, experiential travel and sustainable development.
The event concluded with an open discussion, during which issues were raised concerning the maintenance of the network, visitor safety, accident management and the need to link hiking trails with other forms of alternative tourism, such as climbing and nature-based activities.
Find out more about the project and explore the “Asterousia Trails” here.