Askyfou Plateau 
Plateau Askifou is located 50km south of Chania, in one of the nicest and most authentic areas of the White Mountains. The wild mountains around and the serenity of the valley, form a magnificent landscape all year round. In winter the plateau is dressed in white many times, since the altitude is around 1200 meters, while in summer it's a haven of green and cool temperatures.
The plateau brings a lake in mind from above and its name means “cup” in ancient Greek, because of its shape. Askifou has four small villages with few inhabitants, most of them being shepherds. Some also work in tourism, since the main road connecting Sfakia with Chania runs through the plateau. So, here you will find some traditional taverns and hotels.
During the period of the great revolutions in Crete against the Ottomans, a battle took place on the remote plateau, where the rebels of Sfakia defeated the Turkish army (1821). However, in 1823, the Turks returned and destroyed the villages.
Next to the village of Goni, there is a large hill at the top with the ruins of two Turkish castles. The Koules of Askifou, as they are called, were built by the Turks in the late 19th century to control the passage to Sfakia. The southern edge of the Askifou plateau is the starting point of the imposing Imbros Gorge.
A few miles west of Askifou, two smaller plateaus, Tavri and Niatos, were formed. It is worth visiting the village of Kares and its small War Museum by Georgios Hatzidakis. The museum displays a variety of weapons dating back to 1770, with the majority from World War II.
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Additional Info
- Location: Chania Prefecture
- Accessibility: Bus services, Paved road
- Altitude (m): 1100
