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Asterousia Mountains

Crete  >  Greece

Mountain range in southern Crete with bare mountains, sharp rocks and steep cliffs that hold interesting birds like Lammegribb, Haukørn and Alpekråke.

Added* by John Morecroft
Most recent update 7 september 2022

Description

The Asterousia Mountains are not very high (highest peak is Mount Kofinas with 1,231 m.), but access is quite tough because the terrain is very rugged, with many gorges and canyons. Asterousia has warm temperatures, little rainfall and very low vegetation. However, this rocky and dusty landscape, baked by the fierce summer sun, manages to provide refuge to large birds of prey such as Gåsegribb, Lammegribb, Kongeørn, Vandrefalk, Slagfalk and Haukørn and another 200 bird species, 112 of which are migratory and found here in spring, summer and autumn. Some of the other interesting birds that can be seen in these mountains are Berghøne, Alpeseiler, Ravn, Alpekråke, Svartstrupesanger, Rødstrupesanger, Blåtrost, Middelhavssteinskvett, Steinskvett and Hortulan.

Details

Access

The most impressive track in the Asterousia Mountains is the road to the monastery Koudoumas. The 22 km long road runs from the village of Sternes. Halfway you come across an observation hide with a feeding table for raptors. A good spot to observe birds of prey. Note:: road conditions can be challenging, so take care and drive slow. Carry enough water with you and avoid the hottest times of the day.

Terrain and Habitat

Mountain , Canyon/cliff , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Mountainous , Rocky , Dry , Dusty

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

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Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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