Mirtos, sometimes spelt Myrtos, is a delightful seaside village located in the Lassithi Prefecture of southeast Crete, in close proximity to Ierapetra. As the administrative centre of a municipality comprised of itself and four other villages, Mirtos has a modest population of approximately 500, according to the 2001 census.
Agriculture dominates the local economy, as evidenced by the prevalence of greenhouses in the region. The inhabitants primarily engage in farming, yet the influx of tourists during summer seasons adds a dynamic dimension to Mirtos’ economy.
Despite its small size, Mirtos offers a range of facilities for visitors, including accommodation options, restaurants, tavernas, café-bars, and minimarkets. You will also find a petrol station, but for pharmaceutical and banking needs, nearby Ierapetra provides these services. Transportation between Mirtos and Ierapetra is convenient, either by car or bus which runs every two hours.
Depending on your point of departure, the journey to Mirtos varies. From Heraklion, the road leads to Viannos, Mirtos, and then Ierapetra. This approximately two-hour drive offers breathtaking views, especially after Viannos, showcasing one of Crete’s stunning pine forests. If you’re travelling from Agios Nikolaos, Sitia or Ierapetra, a short 16 km trip on the district road heading west will lead you to Mirtos, nestled at the mouth of the River Kryos.
Renowned for its beautiful beach adorned with ash-grey sand and crystal-clear waters, Mirtos is a haven for sun-seekers. This locale is notably sheltered from the northwesterly winds and harsh northerlies, which frequently affect the south coast beaches of Crete.
Aside from Mirtos’ main beach, several other nearby beaches offer their own charm. There’s the picturesque beach at Tertsa village, just 4 km away, and to the east, a pebbled beach lined with tamarisk trees. Although Mirtos’ beach is the favoured choice, all these spots offer unique and beautiful experiences.
Despite rapid development in recent years, Mirtos has retained its traditional character, and its charm and allure remain undiminished. The village becomes a lively hub in summer, with peaceful winter days dedicated to agricultural pursuits.
Mirtos offers a truly unique atmosphere, characterized by its variety of colours: blue doors, white walls, red tomatoes on trees, and vibrant flora. Known for its tranquillity and absence of hectic nightlife, Mirtos is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Mirtos provides plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Wander through narrow streets, visit the local café (kafenio), explore the Minoan settlement of Pirgos, or just enjoy a day at the beach. You can also take a drive to Ierapetra and visit the island of Chrissi or explore the town itself.
Mirtos’ history extends back to the Early Minoan period (c. 2800-2000 BC). Two notable Minoan settlements near Mirtos – Fournou Korifi and Pirgos – reflect its ancient origins. These locations, particularly Pirgos, can be visited via an easy path, providing a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Set in Myrtos, 100 metres from Myrtos Beach and 2.4 km from Vatos Beach, Mitato Studios offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a garden and a terrace.
All units come with a balcony with inner courtyard views, a kitchenette with a fridge and a stovetop, and a private bathroom with shower. Kitchenware and kettle are also offered.
Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the apartment, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Mitato Studios.
Centrally located in the seaside village of Myrtos Village, Mirtini Apartments is just 80 metres from the beach. Featuring free Wi-Fi throughout, its self-catered accommodation provides garden views from its terrace or balcony.
A fully functional kitchen with a fridge, microwave and oven is standard in all the modernly decorated apartments. Each is air conditioned and has a washing machine and flat-screen satellite TV with pay-per-view channels. A glass shower stall, slippers and hairdryer are found in the bathroom.
Taverns, cafés and shops are all within a short walking distance from Mirtini Apartments. It is 15 km from the town of Ierapetra. Heraklion International Airport is 80 km away.
from
€73
/night
Boasting garden views, Studio Kastro Studio by Interhome provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 400 metres from Myrtos Beach. This property offers access to a terrace and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this apartment features a satellite TV and a kitchenette with an oven and microwave.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Vatos Beach is 2.6 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Studio Kastro Studio by Interhome.
from
€83
/night
Situated 100 metres from Myrtos Beach and 2.4 km from Vatos Beach, Ismini Apartments Myrtos in Myrtos features air-conditioned accommodation with views of the inner courtyard and free WiFi.
All units come with a terrace with garden views, a kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower. A stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Kalikovrechtis Beach is 3 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Ismini Apartments Myrtos.
Situated in Myrtos, within 200 metres of Myrtos Beach and 2.4 km of Vatos Beach, Myrthe Apartments features accommodation with a garden and free WiFi. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The accommodation offers airport transfers, while a car rental service is also available.
The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. With a private bathroom fitted with a bath and a hairdryer, some rooms at the hotel also boast a city view. At Myrthe Apartments rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.
Kalikovrechtis Beach is 3 km from the accommodation, while Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Myrthe Apartments.
from
€65
/night
Boasting a terrace, Irene Luxury Apartments is situated in Myrtos, within 200 metres of Myrtos Beach and 2.4 km of Vatos Beach. Free WiFi is availablethroughout the property.
Lake Voulismeni is 46 km from the apartment, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 45 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 72 km from Irene Luxury Apartments.
from
€75
/night
Through this route we explore the south-eastern Crete. We head to Agios Nikolaos and stop in the traditional village of Kritsa, one of the most famous villages of Crete with its narrow picturesque alleys and its traditional shops.
Afterwards we ascend through a beautiful route with magnificent views and end up at the Katharo Plateau at an altitude of 1250 meters where we stop for coffee in a traditional cafe. We cross the forest of SELAKANO and end up in the SARAKINA Gorge which will surprise you with its beauty. Continuing and after our amazing meal, we reach the southernmost end of eastern Crete, the village of Myrtos with its amazing beach where you can have a swim in the crystal clear waters of the LIBIAN SEA.
Returning through a very beautiful route we arrive at your hotel.
This route will leave you with the very best memories.
Discover the scenery of Crete’s White Mountains on a road trip from Platanias to Zourva. Explore local villages, stop to take photos of gorges, and savor a typical snack in Zourva.
Begin the tour with pickup in Platanias, then set off through the colorful scenery of the Orange Valley. Continue climbing slowly up the west side of the White Mountains, admiring the views as you go.
After passing Meskla village we will have a short stop to visit a small Sarakina gorge where we will see the impressive rock walls of the gorge just a short walk away from the road. Curvy road will take us all the way up at Zourva where we will have a break with a simple snack with incredible view.
Breathtaking sceneries will continue to the next village Therisso which played an important role in Crete’s modern history. On the way back to Platanias we will drive along the Therisso gorge where you can admire the high vertical cliffs and the huge Plane trees.
Route: Platanias – Patelari – Meskla – Zourva – Therisso – Varipetro – Agia – Drakiana – Platanias
Explore the natural beauty of South Crete on our “Sarakina Gorge” safari tour! Discover the charm of Kritsa village, capture breathtaking Mirabello Gulf views, and navigate the off-road terrain of Kroustas Pine Forest. Savor a cup of coffee in Males village. Afterward… The highlight of your tour awaits at Sarakina Gorge, a sublime natural spectacle that is certain to fill you with wonder and amazement. Hike through this stunning canyon, surrounded by towering rock formations and lush vegetation. The brave may even take a dip in the natural pools that dot the landscape. After hiking … Taste Crete with a delicious lunch combined with local wine in the family’s restaurant. As the journey continues, venture to the coastal haven of Myrtos, where crystal-clear waters beckon you to refresh in the embrace of the South Cretan sea. Dive into a Cretan paradise!
On our ATV-Quad tour from Ierapetra we go off-roading in the rugged landscapes of Crete’s southern coast. We start with a theoretical introduction and a small driving practise, before we start the adventure. Lonely tracks away from main traffic, in the midst of the most beautiful nature will take you to a beautiful landscape on the Cretan mountains. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal quad vehicle. Get a taste of Cretan history and culture during several stops along the way, including a traditional Greek brunch at Kalamafka Village. The off-road quad safari from Ierapetra explores hard-to-reach areas of Crete’s southern coast. A Great way to experience Cretan culture and nature off the beaten path.
Visit one of the most beautiful gorges on the east side of Crete, the Kritsa Gorge, with professional adventure guides.
Enjoy the special nature while on this short but challenging hike. See striking canyons and cliffs, unique plant species, and spectacular views.
After a walking about 8 kilometers, enjoy small local snacks and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on a beautiful beach, where you can take a refreshing swim.
Enjoy a perfect day that offers a combination of exercise and relaxation.
Through this route you will have the opportunity to take a wine tour at a local winery with tasting and information on wine production from ancient times to the present day. Also enjoy the route which combines impressive mountains, a panoramic view of southern Crete, the impressive gorge with the incomparably beautiful waterfall Richtra and the charming beaches of southern Crete.
Starting from your hotel we head to the winery where the wine experts will introduce you to this special world of wine. You will have the opportunity to taste but also to learn all the secrets of production, of the varieties we have in Crete, as well as winemaking techniques of yesterday and today. Then we will cross a route through small traditional villages surrounded by verdant hills and olive groves. Just before our descent into the gorge we will make a photo stop at a spot with an incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the South Cretan sea that will amaze you!
Then we will head to the local gorge by a highly impressive off-road descent with continuous spectacular views amidst nature. The Portela Gorge which has an extremely unspoiled landscape that will be deeply etched in your memory as its river passes through cliffs and sheer cliffs, rich in both flora and fauna ending in the spectacular Richtra waterfall with flowing water until the spring that ends in Keratokampos.
Having enjoyed our walking exploration among this magical landscape we will be transferred to the beach of Tsoutsouros, where you will have enough time to enjoy both the crystal clear waters of southern Crete and a wonderful bbq lunch by the sea. This quiet and welcoming place will enchant you and the photos you will take will be impressive.
Full of unique memories and images we take the way back having visited unique places and having experienced life experiences!
Myrtos, a quaint seaside village, lies 13km west of Ierapetra where the River Kryos meanders through the stunning Sarakina Gorge and into a valley abundant with greenhouses and citrus groves. Despite recent mild development, Myrtos has retained its traditional charm. Its appealing beaches, characterized by coarse grey sand that doesn’t stick to the skin, have amassed a global following. The village offers small hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, a gas station, and a clinic, in addition to a nearby pharmacy and accessible bus route to Ierapetra.
The extensive beach, considered among the finest in southern Crete, is ideal for serene family vacations as it’s sheltered from strong winds. According to locals, Myrtos is where the wind never rages. The beach is well-equipped with lifeguards, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, cafes, restaurants, water sports, and beach volleyball. As you head west, the beach widens and offers even more tranquility.
Take a leisurely stroll around Myrtos’ local harbor or wander through its traditional narrow streets filled with lush gardens and homes that echo Aegean landscapes. The surrounding nature and gorges are also worth exploring. Notably, you can visit two Minoan settlements, Fournou Korifi (near Nea Myrtos) and Pirgos (on the east shores of the River Kryos), which were uncovered during excavations. The Archaeological and Folk Art Museum of Myrtos, situated next to the old church of St. Anthony, is a point of interest. Lastly, a monument in the village commemorates the 18 victims who were executed by the Nazis in 1943 as retribution for the deaths of two Germans in the neighboring village of Symi.
Vatos, a small settlement situated 18km west of Ierapetra and 3km east of Myrtos, falls within the jurisdiction of the village Gdohia. The village is accessible via the asphalt road that links Mirtos and Tertsa. Most of the locals earn their living by growing bananas and vegetables in the area’s greenhouses. Positioned at the entrance of a lush valley that starts in the north at Gdohia, the village boasts the expansive Vatos beach which extends east to Mirtos, featuring numerous secluded beaches along its coastline. The beach is distinguished by its unique grayish pebbles typical of southern Crete, and it’s known for its deep waters. As Vatos is not a developed area, the beach is usually tranquil, frequented mostly by locals. Some parts of the coast are adorned with tamarisk trees. To the west of Vatos, you’ll find the settlement of Kalikovrehtis, home to another pebbly beach.
If you happen to visit Vatos on July 27th, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the feast day of the church of Saint Panteleimon. It’s also worth visiting the nearby village of Gdohia, with its narrow lanes and rejuvenating springs. A sad incident occurred in Gdohia in the autumn of 1943 when 43 residents were executed by the Nazis in revenge for the killing of two German soldiers in the village of Kato Simi. The village is also home to the ancient chapel of Annunciation, which houses rare Byzantine icons. Lastly, archaeologists have discovered traces of a pre-Minoan settlement between the beach and the village.
The Kallikovrechtis beach, situated 19km west of Ierapetra and 4km east of the scenic town of Myrtos, can be accessed via an asphalt road from Myrtos or Tertsa. This beach is part of the Ghodia village outskirts and is created at the Kalikovrechtis stream’s exit, nestled between the peaks of Kolechtos and Kako Oros, right on the boundary that separates the counties of Heraklion and Lassithi.
Kallikovrechtis is home to only a handful of cottages, and the beach itself is entirely untouched. It boasts beautiful, fine, greyish pebbles, and the water is typically tranquil. A few tamarisk trees provide shade, and due to the high and steep slopes, the beach gets shaded early in the afternoon. The road linking Teresa and Myrtos runs directly above the beach, making access quite easy.
Tertsa, a quaint village, is nestled 91km south of Iraklion and 54km southwest of Agios Nikolaos, positioned between Myrtos and Psari Forada. The village, situated in a lush valley carved by the Tsounas river, houses a fresh water spring within a small gorge formed by the river. The majority of the land in Tertsa is owned by settlers from the northern village of Sykologos, just 7.5km away. Originally, the structures in the settlement served as storage depots for carobs and citrus fruits harvested in the region. Presently, the handful of villagers continue their agricultural pursuits, their land teeming with greenhouses of bananas and fields of tomato, pepper, cucumber and more. The Byzantine church of St. George is a significant landmark near the village.
The village overlooks a tranquil beach adorned with rough grey sand. Despite its lack of development, Tertsa retains its traditional Cretan charm, with just a few taverns and rooms available. The settlement is shaded by several tamarisk trees. The beach extends westward to Vourdolakos bay, beyond the rock of Psaroharako. The beach beyond the rock, also named Psaroharako, is more secluded and beautiful than the one in front of the settlement.
This magnificent natural phenomenon – Sarakina Gorge – can be found near the traditional village of Mythi and the coastal settlement of Myrtos, where the Kryos river merges with the sea.
As the tale goes in Greek mythology, Zeus’s son, the giant Sarantapihos, once paused to quench his thirst from the Myrtos or Kryos river, near Ierapetra. His sweeping beard slashed the mountain, dividing it into two parts, thereby forming the Sarakina canyon.
Regarded by many visitors as Crete’s most captivating hiking gorge, Sarakina may only stretch 1.5km, but within this concise journey, one encounters an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature, a natural sculpture painstakingly crafted by water over countless years. The canyon boasts towering walls that rise up to 150m high and extremely narrow passages often found in technical gorges that require canyoneering equipment. The width of Sarakina fluctuates between 3 to 10 meters, rarely extending beyond these points.
The majority of the canyon is accessible to explorers of all abilities, featuring water, pools, and a handful of climbing points that necessitate careful navigation. A standout feature is the abundant water almost all year round, creating picturesque waterfalls and ponds perfect for a refreshing dip, even in the summer. In winter, traversing the gorge without getting soaked is a challenge. As one embarks on the route, they’ll encounter the need to climb, navigate immense boulders, and cross rocky bridges. Carved stone stairs and tree trunks are present in tricky spots to facilitate easier climbing.
The Holy Apostles (Agii Apostoli) or Lapathos Gorge is situated on the southern part of Mount Dikti, 28km to the west of Ierapetra and 72km to the south of Heraklion, in the broader vicinity of the village of Kato Simi. This is a technical canyon, implying that crossing it necessitates technical gear and specific training. The Lapathos canyon is an ideal challenge for highly skilled canyoners. It spans approximately 4km and there is a height difference of about 900m between the start and finish points.
The canyon originates from the small plateau of Lapathos, where the Holy Apostles church stands, and concludes on the road that links the village of Pefkos with Ierapetra. Although it’s typically a dry canyon, in 2009, the team of seasoned canyoners Vassilis Vagias, Savvas Paragamian, and Giannis Skondinakis discovered it to contain surprisingly large amounts of water.
The gorge features 28 steep descents that demand excellent rappelling skills. The tallest rappel is 80m, making it one of the highest in all of Crete. The sheer walls of Lapathos serve as nesting grounds for a variety of birds including vultures, hawks, and crows. Towards the gorge’s exit, the vegetation is predominantly made up of pines and cypresses. Following the exit, the stream continues its journey to Tertsa beach.
Also known as Kalami I, the Panagia (Virgin Mary) Canyon runs in parallel to the Xerofarago Gorge, or Kalami II. It’s named after the Panagia Keralimeniotissa Monastery, which used to be located at the canyon’s exit. This canyon is technical, meaning it features steep descents and requires special canyoning gear to traverse. Spanning roughly 600 meters, the canyon includes six rappels, the highest of which is about 15 meters. It’s rich in vegetation and has a distinct beauty. The riverbed holds water until spring. Crete’s speleological clubs have bolted the canyon, and a small canyoning group can navigate it in about 1:30 hours.
If you’re planning to use two cars and park them at the canyon’s entrance and exit, the distance between the two parking spots is around 2.5 km or a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, you can reach the entrance by walking along the canyon walls for approximately 20-25 minutes.
The Havgas Gorge, situated near the village of Kalamafka and just 12km north of Ierapetra city, is one of several gorges with the same name scattered across Crete. Other examples include the Havgas Gorge in the Lassithi Plateau, Plaka, and Kavoussi. The Havgas Gorge is nestled between the Megali Korfi (1103m) and Kokies (993m) peaks, and its stream, the Kapsous, serves as the primary tributary of the Kalamavkianos River that empties into the Stomio beach of Gra Ligia.
This stunning canyon boasts unique rock formations, sculpted by rare geological events. Many of these rocks are adorned with nature’s own “artwork”, etched over time by the elements. Despite its relatively short length, the gorge offers an easy and enjoyable walk along the riverbed, even for novices. The area’s altitude of around 500m provides the perfect environment for a lush pine forest. Regrettably, repeated fires have caused the forest to diminish in size. Nevertheless, the area is worth a visit, and visitors are sure to be charmed by the sight of small pine trees sprouting from the rocks, akin to bonsai trees.
The gorge’s depth extends to 300m. At one spot, two narrow rocks form the entrance to a series of caves that served as a refuge for Cretan rebels and Allies during the German Occupation. The locals refer to this area as the “Chinese Landscape”, due to the smooth rocks dotted with bonsai-like trees. Adjacent to the gorge’s exit, visitors can explore the village of Kalamafka with its inviting taverns and babbling water. Additionally, nearby attractions include an ancient olive oil mill and the churches of Saint John and Saint Anthony.
Mirtos is located in the Lassithi Prefecture of southeast Crete, near Ierapetra.
As per the 2001 census, Mirtos has a population of around 500 people.
Most inhabitants of Mirtos are engaged in farming.
Mirtos offers accommodations, restaurants, tavernas, café-bars, and minimarkets, as well as a petrol station.
Mirtos is known for its beautiful beach with ash-grey sand and crystal-clear waters, sheltered from the harsh northerly winds.
In Mirtos, visitors can enjoy strolls through narrow streets, visit the local café, explore the Minoan settlement of Pirgos, or drive to Ierapetra. Other attractions include the Mýrtos Gorge, the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, and the traditional village of Anatoli.
Mirtos offers a unique, tranquil atmosphere characterized by its colourful surroundings and an absence of hectic nightlife.
Mirtos is near two notable Minoan settlements, Fournou Korifi and Pirgos, which offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient history.
The nearest airport to Mýrtos village is Heraklion International Airport (HER), which is about 90 km (56 mi) away.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
