Myrtos beach
Myrtos is located 13km west of Ierapetra, at the output of a wide valley filled with greenhouses and citrus groves, crossed by the River Kryos that flows through the imposing Sarakina Gorge. It is a small seaside village, which has experienced a mild form of development in recent years, which fortunately has not altered its traditional style. The nice beaches of Myrtos, with the coarse gray sand that doesn’t stick on the body, have gained fans from all over the world. Myrtos has several small hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, super markets, a gas station, a clinic, etc. There is a pharmacy and Ierapetra is not far and is accessible by bus.
The beach in front of the village extends to a long distance and is among the finest in southern Crete, which is particularly preferred for quiet family vacations. The area is not affected by strong winds and locals say that Myrtos is the place where wind never blasts. The beach is well organized with lifeguard, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, cafes, restaurants, water sports and beach volley. If you head west, the width of the beach grows and it becomes more peaceful.
At Myrtos you can walk near the local harbor or in the traditional narrow streets with the lush gardens and the houses reminiscent of Aegean landscapes. Moreover, it is worth exploring the nature and the gorges, surrounding the village. You can also visit the two Minoan settlements, Fournou Korifi (near Nea Myrtos) and Pirgos (on the east shores of the river Kryos), discovered after excavations, and the very interesting Archaeological and Folk Art Museum of Myrtos, next to the old church of St. Anthony. Lastly, in the village you will see a monument with the names of 18 victims, who were executed by the Nazis in 1943 in retaliation for the deaths of two Germans in the nearby village of Symi.
