Located in the foothills of the Dikti mountain, Askoi is a picturesque village in the municipality of Kasteli, with a population of 315 inhabitants. The village has a fascinating history dating back to the 16th century, and it was mentioned as Ascus by Fr. Barozzi. In addition, a contract from 1271 referred to Petri Comarii from the village of Maski, which is now known as Askoi. The village is also home to a peak sanctuary, with the remains of a large building excavated at Amygdalokefalo to the northeast of the village. Recently, a Mid-Minoan period clay figurine was discovered on a peak close to the village, adding to the historical significance of the area.
Apart from its historical and archaeological importance, Askoi is also renowned for its natural beauty, with the ravine being a popular attraction. Visitors to the village can also experience the traditional Cretan feast on December 4th, which is held to honour Agia Varvara. As with every Cretan village, visitors can enjoy raki and ‘mezedes’ at the kafeneions. Askoi is a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Crete.
Things to do in Askoi
The things to do around Askoi sit within about 6 km of the village. An ancient city, a Minoan settlement at Kastelli, the citadel above Smari and 2 gorges all fall inside that radius, on top of the peak sanctuary, the ravine and the December feast the village keeps for itself.
- Walk over ancient Lyktos. The site of the ancient city lies 1.2 km from Askoi, the nearest of the archaeological sites around the village: Ancient Lyktos.
- Drive to Kastamonitsa. The village stands 2.8 km away at the western foot of the Sklopa of Dikti hill. It controlled the way up to the Lassithi Plateau, which made it a scene of heavy fighting under Turkish occupation, and it stayed a trading centre until the 1970s: things to do in Kastamonitsa.
- See the Minoan settlement at Kastelli. The excavation sits 4.3 km from Askoi and the town itself 4.5 km. Start with the Minoan Settlement of Kastelli, then things to do in Kastelli.
- Climb to the Smari citadel. The acropolis stands 5.1 km from the village: Smari Citadel.
- Hike the Roza gorge. The gorge begins 6 km from Askoi, near the Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery in Ano Kera, and it is a branch of the larger Ambelos gorge. Sheer drops keep walkers out of the riverbed, so a marked trail runs along the sides instead, and the name comes from the pink tone of the walls: Roza Gorge.
- Find the waterfalls in the Embasa gorge. The 2 km canyon runs from Kato Kera to Gonies, 6.3 km from Askoi, and its steep upper section carries several waterfalls in winter, the tallest about 20 m. They can be reached from the sides without equipment, and the climb up from Gonies is the easier way in: Embasa Gorge.
Two smaller neighbours sit closer in than any of those. Kato Karouzana lies 3 km from Askoi and Sfendyli 3.9 km, and the nearest place to sit down and eat is 3.2 km away. Their pages are Kato Karouzana, Sfendyli village and Velani Restaurant.
Beaches in and around Askoi
Askoi has no beach of its own, because the village sits inland in the foothills of Dikti; the nearest sand is about 10 km away, on the coast around Hersonissos. 4 stretches of that coast are within reach, and they run from the sheltered sand west of Hersonissos port to the resort beaches of Stalida and Malia.
- Hersonissos lies 28 km east of Heraklion. The calmest sand lies west of the port behind Cape Sarandaris, which is unusual on a north coast exposed to the prevailing northerlies. East of the port the beaches are long, narrow, organised and busy, and the town’s shops and tavernas are a few steps away: Hersonissos beaches.
- Drapanos is a run of coves starting 2 km east of Hersonissos port and reaching Cape Drapanos. Star Beach is the loudest of them; further east the sandy and pebbly coves get quieter, some of them cooled by freshwater springs in the sea, and the Lychnostatis Folklore Museum stands beside them: Drapanos beaches.
- Stalida sits about 3 km east of Hersonissos and 30 km east of Heraklion, a long sandy beach with shallow, gently sloping water, sunbeds, tavernas and water sports in front of the resort. It suits families for that reason: Stalida beach.
- Malia is about 35 km east of Heraklion, just east of Stalida, at the far end of the 6 km bay the two resorts share. Fine sand, shallow clear water, sunbeds, water sports and beach bars run along the front of the town: Malia beach.
Askoi village Map
Uncover Askoi village is located at Askoi village, in the Heraklion region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Askoi located?
Askoi is a small village located in the municipality of Kasteli, in the foothills of the Dikti mountain in Crete, Greece. It is 11 km to the east of Kasteli and 8 km from Lyttos.
How many inhabitants does Askoi have?
Askoi has a population of 315 inhabitants.
What is the history of Askoi?
Askoi has a long history dating back to at least 1577 when it was mentioned as Ascus by Fr. Barozzi. Recently, a ritual clay figurine from the Mid-Minoan period was discovered near the village, and the remains of a large building belonging to a peak sanctuary have been excavated at Amygdalokefalo to the NE of the village.
What is the natural beauty of Askoi?
The ravine at Askoi is well worth seeing and is one of the natural beauties of the village.
What is the typical Cretan feast celebrated in Askoi?
On December 4th, the village celebrates a typical Cretan feast to honour Agia Varvara. Raki and ‘mezedes’ are always available at the kafeneions, as in every Cretan village.
Is there any historical reference to Askoi?
Yes, a contract from 1271 mentions how Petri Comarii from the village (casali) Maski owes Ruggerino Temisano, resident in Chandax, 25 «mistata» of good Cretan wine from his vineyards in Maski.
What is the average temperature in Askoi village?
The average temperature in Askoi village ranges from 15°C to 30°C, depending on the season.
Where is Askoi village located?
Askoi village is located in the region of Rethymno, on the island of Crete, Greece.
What is the nearest airport to Askoi village?
The nearest airport to Askoi village is Chania International Airport (CHQ), which is approximately 50 km away.
What are some attractions near Askoi village?
Some popular attractions near Askoi village include the Arkadi Monastery, the Melidoni Cave, the Rethymno Old Town, and the Venetian Harbour. Additionally, there are several beaches nearby, such as Bali Beach and Panormos Beach.
