Nestled on the western coast of the municipality of Ierapetra, in the Regional Unit of Lasithi, lies the charming coastal village of Myrtos on the beautiful Greek island of Crete A scenic 50 km (31 mi) drive from Agios Nikolaos and 15 km (93 mi) from Ierapetra, Myrtos is situated on the road to Viannos and boasts the iconic conical Kolektos mountain to the west This picturesque village is bordered by the sparkling waters of the Libyan Sea and is home to the beloved patron saint, Saint Anthony With a population of approximately 600 people, Myrtos offers a tranquil and authentic Greek experience
Often spelled as Mirtos, this village holds a rich history that has flourished with the rise of tourism Today, Myrtos is a bustling hub with traditional tavernas, diverse shops, and modern amenities such as a pharmacy and ATM Visitors can also find a variety of accommodations, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and studios The village is easily accessible by a regular bus service that runs between Ierapetra and Myrtos
The origins of Myrtos can be traced back to the Minoan period, but the current village was established in the early 20th century Before then, it served as a small trading port for the surrounding areas, but it wasn’t until the threat of piracy diminished that the village began to thrive However, tragedy struck during the Second World War when the Nazi-German occupiers ordered the inhabitants to leave Those who refused were met with a massacre of eighteen people and the near destruction of the village by fire Today, a monument stands in commemoration of this event, relocated to the outskirts of Myrtos near the Heraklion/Ierapetra highway Every year, on October 28, Ohi Day is observed near this monument
Tourism began in Myrtos in the early 1970s, initially attracting hippies but later drawing in a more diverse crowd of tourists While the village has seen growth in apartment complexes since the 1980s, it still maintains a small-scale and authentic feel compared to the more developed tourist centers on the northern coast of Crete
Myrtos enjoys a subtropical climate, with slightly higher temperatures in the south due to the Dikti mountain range blocking colder winds from the north The warmest months of July and August see average temperatures of 28 °C (82 °F), sometimes reaching over 40 °C (105 °F) The coldest months of January and February have average temperatures of 13-14 °C (55 °F), with occasional snowfall
The village’s main attraction is its stunning beach, which boasts both sand and fine-grained pebbles In recognition of its beauty and cleanliness, the beach has been awarded the prestigious “Blue Flag” status Nearby, the village of Tertsa also offers a long beach, with two outlying beaches where nudism is allowed
Myrtos is also home to two Minoan archaeological sites, Fournou Korifi and Pyrgos, providing evidence of human habitation since the Neolithic period There is also a Roman villa, although much of it has been lost to coastal erosion and local development Visitors can explore the local history further at the small museum in Myrtos, which features a scale model of Fournou Korifi created by a resident British potter
Just 3 miles (5 km) from Myrtos lies the Sarakina Gorge, a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers And for those who wish to explore further, Myrtos is located in the Lasithi region, approximately 225 km from Chania Airport (3 hours and 27 minutes by car) and 81 km from Heraklion Airport (1 hour and 25 minutes by car)
