Platanias is the westernmost settlement in the Archanes-Asterousia Municipality (right on the boundary with the Gortyna Municipality). It is a small, picturesque, almost uninhabited village with many abandoned homes where, despite their disrepair, you can witness the typical architecture of Heraklion’s mountain houses.
Downhill from the village you can find a great picnic spot, next to a stream watering great walnut, almond and fig trees. This location, called ‘karies’ [walnut trees], is ideal for connecting with this beautiful landscape, while birds of prey circle above you as they follow the thermal currents. Notice that this stream, like dozens of others, heads toward the cliffs near Abas, sculpting distinctive crevices in the ground, which in time develop into gorges.
In spring, you’ll find yourself traversing a green carpet of vegetation. In autumn, you’ll be able to taste tender walnuts from the elderly yet still productive walnut trees – please be careful of the aggressive rooster, belonging to hospitable Mrs. Maria, who, along with her husband, are the last remaining residents of this beautiful village.