Local Area Overview

Asteri is a small village with a few tavernas and minimarket, a good starting place to discover the countryside around Rethymnon. In the neighbourning village of Pangalohori is the beautiful Arsani Monastery; the famous Arkadi Monastery is only 11km away. Other villages worth visiting in the area are Archaia, Eleftherna and Margarites, well known for pottery. Asteri lies 14km east of Rethymnon, less than a 15 minute drive by car. This lively, ancient city shows architectural evidence of earlier occupation by the Venetians and the Turks. If you enjoy a walk, make your way to the old Venetian fortress set above the town and enjoy the views to be had from its ancient walls. After a morning spent on one of Rethymnon’s long sandy beach you might like to explore the boutiques to be found in the little alleyways surrounding the ancient harbour. Make your way through the ancient alleyways of the old quarter to the harbour browsing in the many boutiques and shops as you go. Find a taverna overlooking the harbour and enjoy traditional Cretan cuisine over a long, lazy lunch. For that special evening out you might want to dine in one of the many restaurants to be found in Rethymnon.