The peak sanctuary is located a few metres below the highest peak of Asterousia, Kofinas, at an altitude of 1231m. There is also an archaeological site that includes remains of houses, walls and tombs dating from Minoan to Byzantine times.

Archaeologists have found an impressive amount of 25.000 figurines, all offerings deposed in the crevices between the rocks. The offerings represent athletes (especially boxers), dancers in a circle, boats, and animal-shaped figurines, mostly cattle.

Through the centuries the worship practices changed, but even to this day, the peak of Kofinas is considered a sacred place. Every September 14, there is a festival for the Timios Stavros (the elevation of the Holy Cross). The tradition involves hiking to the top of the mountain where a church service takes place, with blessing of the holy bread and sharing of the “apples of Kofinas” to the believers. These look like small apples but are in fact berries of an endemic species called sorbus umbellata var. Cretica.

The ascent to the sanctuary lasts 20 minutes and starts at the small church of Panagia Kera, at the foot of the mountain Kofinas. To reach the church, take a dirt road from Kapetaniana or Sternes.