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.
