THE PLACE

Asites is a traditional settlement of Crete and is 22 km from Heraklion. The name of the village comes from the settlement of soldiers from Assos of Mysia who served in the army of Nikiforos Fokas and settled permanently in Crete after its recapture by the Byzantines in 961. The climate of the village favours very hot and dry summers, mild and rainy winters with occasional snowfalls. With a population of 1500 inhabitants ,built at an altitude of 450m at the foot of Psiloritis, they offer ideal conditions for staying and exploring the unique landscape of Cretan nature.
Paths of unique beauty for hiking or climbing among the rich flora of the mountain with rare beauty wild flowers and aromatic herbs. Following the European path E4, the visitor reaches the peak "Prinos" of Psiloritis at 1100m, where the stone-built shelter of the Heraklion Mountaineering Club is located, which can accommodate 40 people, while the view is breathtaking.Most of the area consists of olive trees and vineyards, but the variety of plants found in the area is remarkable. Thus, apart from toadstools and bushes, one can observe poplars, cypresses, walnut trees, pear trees, wild cherry trees, oaks, holly trees, holly, asparagus, blackberries, blackberries, wild cherry trees, myrtle trees, bushcocks, etc. There are three trees that have been declared protected, a plane tree and a cypress in the Gorgolaini Monastery and an oak in the place where Mastrachas was killed.
The occupation of the inhabitants with animal husbandry and land cultivation is a guarantee for the quality of animal and agricultural products in pure meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, honey, raisins and olive oil. Delicious rustic recipes, tsikoudia and good wine, coffee in traditional cafes, make the visit an unforgettable gastronomic experience. In the restaurants of the small town and its cafes, the visitor will enjoy the purity and variety of local products. Here you can find some of the best wines of Crete, and there are several traditional distillation cauldrons for the distillation of tsikoudia.
The visitor will also meet several of the traditional trades such as carpenters, glove makers, traditional music instrument makers, traditional barbers, weavers, soap makers, shoemakers, hagiographers, and many others.

In the settlement there is a regional clinic and a pharmacy.
The Cultural Association of Kato Asitons "To Gorgolaini" organizes multi-day Cultural Events culminating on July 26th (Agia Paraskevi Festival) where a big Cretan feast is held.
In order for the visitor to experience even a little of all the above, it is advisable to choose a multi-day stay whose comfort, beauty and enjoyment is guaranteed by ASMANI. The apartments are located in the centre of the village, in the quiet alleys, in a two-storey stone building of 170sqm, built in 1905. The villa has 2 independent apartments. Each apartment consists of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and fully equipped kitchen, bed linen, wardrobes, towels, smart TV, internet
in the 1st floor apartment, there is a terrace with an outdoor jacuzzi
There is a sauna and a gym
washing machine, dryer, baby cot, ironing facilities
The business is a well-organized tourist unit with luxurious facilities such as accommodation in modern apartments in traditional style.
traditional breakfast, possibility of preparing meals by the guests,
Combine this accommodation with excursions to places of interest (nature trails, hiking, visits to archaeological sites and museums, but also to monasteries and churches, Natura areas, sports facilities, etc.) and adventure tourism activities, tasting activities and wine tourism,
There is the possibility of using bicycles for touring the surrounding area.
Thus, it provides its clientele (foreigners and Greeks of all ages and couples with children) a complete holiday package with many entertainment and leisure alternatives to choose from.

Caves
The most famous caves of the region are:
- the "Lesta Cave" in the location of Marias Aloni
- The "Astyrakou cave" or "Sarakina"
- the 'Katsivoye cave' at Lyssogremia, and
- the cave "Melissa"

Kato Asites has 22 churches, with Agia Paraskevi being in the center of the village and being the patron saint.It is a small basilica, built in 1745. In the church, pious women perform the service of the Paraklesis daily since 1974 until today.

Monastery of Saint George Gorgolini

The monastery of St. George Gorgolini was built in 1320.Over time it became a refuge for rebels during both the 1821 Revolution and the Cretan Revolution of 1866. If you visit ''Gorgolini'', don't miss the great library, and the 'Kastellas' area next to the monastery.