On the weekend of June 27 and 28, 2026, the Municipality of Gortyna, within the framework of the project to create the Asterousia Trails Hiking Trails Network, successfully carried out a targeted familiarization trip (fam-press trip), hosting journalists and a digital content creator specialized in mountain-hiking tourism. The participants had the opportunity to get to know the unique landscape of Asterousia, the history and culture of the region, to walk on the new hiking trails, to meet the local people and to experience the authentic experiences and services that the region offers.
The journey began at Agioi Deka, where participants had the opportunity to enjoy the first stop of hospitality in a beautifully restored building, under the dense shade of mulberry trees. The catering business operating on site offered coffee, traditional vegetable pies and cheese pies with honey and walnuts, giving a first taste of local gastronomy.
Then, crossing the plain of Messara and following the serpentine road that ascends the slopes of Asterousia, the mission arrived at Kapetaniana, one of the most characteristic mountain villages of the region, built in the heart of the mountain range. With the emblematic Kofina and the endless view of the Libyan Sea as a backdrop, an informative meeting was held on the present and future of Asterousia.
The invited journalists had the opportunity to talk with the Deputy Mayor for Social Protection and Solidarity, Education, Culture, Sports and Youth of the Municipality of Gortyna, Mr. Konstantinos Kokkinakis, the President of the Asterousia Protection Association and the Asterousia Local Management Committee (TEDA), Ms. Theano Vrentzou, the General Manager of ETAM S.A., Dr. Chryssa Pagalou, representing the project’s contractor (ETAM S.A. – George Petrakis), as well as the businessman Markos Skordalakis, who is active in the rural tourism sector.
During the discussion, the common vision of the local stakeholders for the sustainable development of Asterousia was presented, in which the Asterousia Trails Network is one of the main pillars. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the designation of the area as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the conditions for maintaining this important title, as well as the challenges facing the area, such as the climate crisis and the abandonment of the countryside. At the same time, the possibilities created through the preservation and creative exploitation of intangible cultural heritage, as well as through soft and sustainable forms of development in the sectors of primary production, processing and tourism, with the aim of revitalizing local communities, were highlighted. The interesting discussions continued at the meal that followed, where the gastronomic wealth of Asterousia was revealed through unique local flavors and aromas, with dishes such as staka and artichokes with goat cheese.
As the sun lost its intensity and a cool breeze made its appearance, the participants began a tour with the aim of getting to know the natural and cultural landscape of the area up close. The first stop was the neighboring archaeological site of Lousoudi, at the foot of Kofina, where about six centuries ago the scholar Joseph Filagris, having received a great education in ancient Greek and Byzantine literature, founded the Monastery of the Three Hierarchs. Then, returning to Kapetaniana, the participants admired the characteristic dry stone walls and terraces that, despite the wear and tear of time and abandonment, continue to shape and adorn the landscape. A walk followed through the picturesque alleys of the settlement, where the well-kept courtyards with colorful flowers alternated with openings that offered impressive views of Kofina. A special moment of the tour was the visit to the church of Panagia of Kapetaniana, also known as “Panagia of the Lord, have mercy”, with its fresco decoration which constitutes one of the most important ensembles of late Byzantine painting in Crete.
Afterwards, the participants, following the excellent signage of the Asterousia Trails Network, descended towards the Kapetaniana farm, which can be visited. They arrived at the moment when a village woman was skillfully opening the traditional phyllo, lighting the fire and preparing sarikopitakia with soured cheese, while the herds were returning for their evening feeding, composing an authentic picture of life in Asterousia. In addition to the exemplary infrastructure and the warm hospitality, the horses available for riding tours, as well as the short-horned oxen, an old Cretan breed, for the preservation and multiplication of which a remarkable and systematic effort is being made on the farm, made a special impression. The day ended in Kapetaniana with an impressive sunset in colors that reflected in the waters of the sea, while the moonlight gave the rocks of Kofina and the bare and steep mountain slopes silver colors.
The second day was dedicated to a visit to one of the most important monasteries in Crete, the Holy Monastery of Koudoumas. The participants in the fam-press trip, after admiring from above the important archaeological site of Koumassa, where excavation research is underway, arrived at Sternes, the village with the flowering sphakes. From there they followed the demanding dirt road that leads to the Monastery of Koudoumas, observing the abandoned settlement and the small monastery of Agios Nikolaos. In recent years, significant efforts have been made in the area to restore the temple and promote it.
The route to Koudouma Monastery is a unique experience in itself. The vast view of the Libyan Sea, the awe-inspiring cliffs and the pine forest of Koudouma with its beehives, in stark contrast to the bare and wild rocks of Asterousia, compose a landscape that is difficult to forget. The arrival at Koudouma Monastery justifies the visitor. One of the most important monasteries in Crete, the Monastery is a timeless center of spiritual life, keeping alive the tradition of its founders, the monks Parthenios and Eumenios. There, the participants in the fam-press trip had the opportunity to talk with the Abbot, to tour the restored historical areas of the Monastery and its small zoo, as well as to attend the midday prayer in the historic church of the Virgin Mary. This visit concluded this journey in the most fitting way, as Asterousia has for centuries been a mountain range with a very strong and rich spiritual dimension.
The fam-press trip, which was the last promotional activity of the project to create the Asterousia Trails Network, was successfully completed, offering participants a comprehensive experience of getting to know Asterousia. Through contact with the unique natural environment, the rich cultural heritage, the gastronomy and the hospitality of the people of the region, the invited journalists gained a substantial image of Asterousia as an authentic rural tourism destination, where nature, culture and local life compose a unique travel experience.
The “Asterousia Trails” project is implemented by the Municipality of Gortyna, constituting an emblematic initiative for the protection, promotion and sustainable development of the natural and cultural reserve of Asterousia.
Project “SUB1a. Creation of a national network of hiking trails and routes” (GIS code TA 5190260).
The action is implemented within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0 with funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU.
Source: asterousiatrails.com