Phaistos is one of the most important Minoan sites, the Asterousia Phaistos map covers the area around the ancient city . Asterousia is a long mountain range south of the plain of Messara in Heraklion. Carved by many gorges, like the Kourtaliotiko Gorge the landscapes is barren and wild especially on the southern side. Many of them provide access to secluded beaches with beautiful waters. Special features of the area are the many hermitages and chapels in caves and the large number of vultures and other raptors.,
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The Asterousia - Phaistos hiking map provides information on hiking trails.