The shelter, located on the eastern slopes of Psiloritis Mountain at an altitude of 1.100 m with a wonderful view, is the starting point for climbing to the "Koudouni" (1.860 m) and "Gyristi" (1.779 m) tops, the forest of Rouvas and Psiloritis’s top at an altitude of 2.456 m.
It has 2 wooden lining bedrooms, with 12 and 16 beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows.
It also has a wood burning stove in the dining room and a stove in the kitchen and in the small dining area. The kitchen is fully equipped, so visitors need only food supplies in order to cook meals on the stove or camping gaz. It also has a toilet and a tank with rain water. There is a spring approximately 50m from the shelter.
It does not operate all year round. If someone would like to visit, the Hellenic Alpine Club of Heraklio must be contacted at least 10 days before arrival in order for a climbing instructor to be booked and for the shelter to open, according to the statute.
All visitors are required to follow the operating rules.
There are two ways to access the shelter. From Heraklion to the village of Pano Assites or Kato Assites (Monastery Gorgolaini). The first one starts just after the Pano Assites village and follows a dirt road and then a path (2 hours) which is well marked as a part of the E4 European path.
The second way starts from the Kato Assites village (Monastery Gorgolaini), continues on an asphalt road for 2-3 km and then on a dirt road, on the left, to the location Xerokambos (there is a sign), where the road stops. Then there is a marked path to the shelter (40 minutes).
Operating Rules
It is prohibited:
- To smoke inside the shelter. Smokers are requested to fully extinguish their cigarettes before entry.
- To walk with boots inside the shelter. There are slippers on the shelves to be used after entering the shelter.
- To eat and stay in the bedrooms except to rest and sleep.
- To disturb others with loud voices, blasphemy, profanity, intense conversations or loud music.
- To consume alcohol excessively and to be in a drunken state.
- To use the kitchen exclusively. It is available to everyone who wants to cook a meal.
- To allow the entrance and stay to persons who have weapons, explosives or animals in their possesion or persons who wish to stay at the shelter without previous notice. The guide or manager may authorize entries in cases of emergencies, etc.
- During free time, discussions, the telling of pleasant and witty stories, singing, playing music, backgammon and card games for fun are allowed.
- Machines, tools and appliances of the shelter are permitted to be used only by persons who know how to use them and under the permission of the chief.
- Water, gas and wood must be used carefully because all these supplies are very expensive.
- Trips that include staying at the shelter:
a) If the following day does not have an excursion on schedule, quiet hours are 12pm.
b) If the following day does include an excursion, quiet hours are 11pm.
- Everyone must obey the instructions of the chief of the shelter.
- The shelter should be neat, clean and secure, upon departure.
- The garbage that can be burned remains at the shelter as fuel for the stove, while waste that rots quickly is dispersed around the shelter. Everything else (bags, bottles, aluminum foil, etc.) should be returned.
- Violators of this regulation are referred to the Board for penalties and if they are members they are referred to the Disciplinary, but the decision lies on the Board.
- In case of bad weather it is required to vacate the shelter after previously informing the shelter’s keeper.
Available room types
Beds
30
Principals/HQ/participations...