The hike starts from the village of Ano Asites just half an hour drive from the city of Heraklio. It has a population of around 3000 inhabitants. It is situated 24 km from Heraklion City. The village enjoys very hot and dry summers, with mild rainy winters and very rare snow.

One kilometre north of Asites is situated the Gorgolaini Monastery. The village has 9 churches, with church Agia Pariskevi being the most famous one. The story behind the church is legendary to the village. While being under Turkish domination between 15th and 19 century, a Turk tried to sabotage a Cretan wedding. He went to the wedding and tried to shoot the bride. Unfortunately for him, the bullet ricocheted off the church wall and into his stomach, killing him. If we've got enough time during the descent we will visit the monastery.

Photo 1: The view from the Guristi summit during February

From Ano Asites the group will follow stay on an off road approximately for 1.5km and then will move on the E4 path *[1] all way up until the base of Giristi summit. After 1.5 hours walk there will be a break at the refuge of Prinos, owned by the Heraklion mountaineering club. After the quick stop there group will continue heading north. The journey concludes at spectacular view.

This hike is not easy and is definitely not for everyone. You need to be in a very good shape, been able to carry at least 2lt of water (during the summer months) and been able to walk for at least 8 hours within a day.