One of the first references to Achentrias is in the province of Monofatsi by Barotsi in his catalog in 1577 (under the name Aghiendra metochio ). It is also mentioned by the Kastrofilakas (K98) with 25 inhabitants as well as by Basilicata under the name Ochiendrea . The etymology of the name comes from ochendra, which is how the echidna is called in Crete. Thus, Ochentrias , which should be the correct name, means the place with many ochendrias. In 1881, Achentrias was mentioned in the Municipality of Charakas with 282 inhabitants. In the 1971 census it had 560
The unknown palm forest of Europe.
Most of us know the famous palm forest of Vai, but this is not the only one in Europe as many believe. On the southern coast of Heraklion Prefecture, below the village of Achentrias next to the monastery of Agios Nikitas , with the Libyan Sea as a backdrop, lies the palm grove of Agios Nikitas.
The palm trees are of the species Phoenix theophrasti, as in Vai. The palm grove was probably created by pirates who came to obtain water from the spring that exists here. They ate the dates they had with them and threw away the seeds that created the palm grove.
The palm grove of Agios Nikitas is one famousgrove and lot of visitors come to admire the wild beauty of the landscape and enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of the beach located below the monastery of Agios Nikitas.
The route to the Asterousia Mountains is exciting and you will definitely see the griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) flying next to you like small airplanes.
The small palm grove of Theophrastus is located west of the monastery of Agios Nikitas in a ravine. Although the area looks a bit neglected, the sight of the palm trees sprouting up in the bare, barren landscape is truly impressive
