Welcome to ASTERION BEACH HOTEL AND SUITES, a 5-star Hotel, in perfect harmony with Cretan nature, situated right on the seafront.

Its luxurious and spacious Apartments, Rooms and Suites promise a comfortable and calm stay, its Restaurant tempts you with its delicious traditional and gourmet dishes, the Pool, the Pool Bar and the Relaxing SPA Center offer you valuable moments of relaxation and tranquillity.

ASTERION BEACH HOTEL AND SUITES offers its organized hospitality in this ideal holiday destination, which incorporates a 200 m² Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Tavern, Pool Bar, Internet Corner, Mini Market, Gym, Relaxing SPA Center, Playroom, Conference Rooms and various amenities for a carefree vacation.

The History of “Asterion”

Asterion, son of Tectamus and Crethea, was the first king of Crete, to whom Zeus gave Europa to be his wife, once the great God was satisfied by the girl’s love. According to mythology, Asterion was one of the best archers, well known for his mark, just like Hymenaeus. When Zeus abducted Europa and brought her to Crete, he made love to her for three whole days under the sacred palace of Gortyna. From their coupling Minos and his two brothers, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon were born. Zeus did not want to leave beautiful Europa, who carried his three children in her womb, alone and thus he married her with the king of Crete Asterion, a descendant of Deucalion. Asterion had no children of his own and he did not have any children with Europa. He adopted Zeus’s children, brought them up as if they were his own and after he died left them his kingdom. 

Asterousia Mountains, the range of southern Crete were also named after this Cretan king. The same name was given to Zeus “Zeus Asterios”, which means celestial.

The myth according to which king Asterion brought up Zeus’ sons, Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon, must be attributed to the fact that the area of the Asterousia Mountains and of southern Crete in general, is the area of the first appearance of the Minoan world. This area is the first to be occupied by the Minoans and the first to set the foundations of the Minoan Civilization. From here, after being brought up and educated by their stepfather Asterion, the two renowned kings Minos and Rhadamanthys ruled, one at Knossos and the other at Phaistos, thus building the first great European Civilisation. The historical truth behind the myths is obvious. The archaeological findings coming to light from inside the mountain gradually confirm the first assumptions of the archaeologists.