Myrtos Beach

The quiet seaside community of Myrtos is built at the mouth of the Kryos River (the Cold River) and the Gorge of Sarakina and is one of the most popular options on the southeastern coast of Crete in the prefecture of Lassithi. While it has recently started to develop its tourism industry, it retains a traditional and laid back aesthetic that is what attracts visitors to the area. The beach of Myrtos is extensive, with dark-coloured sands, small pebbles and crystal-clear waters. It is not affected by the meltemi and the strong winds that blow in this area and is great for families with children. In the area of Myrtos, you will find a good number of small tavernas and rent-rooms, and other facilities to make your stay comfortable. There are also opportunities for water-sports, as well as a sailing centre and a court for beach volleyball. The west part of the beach is even more peaceful, where people go to read a book and relax under their umbrella. Driving eastwards, the next beaches to see on the way to Ierapetra are Ammoudares, Kalamaki and Gra Lygia.

The area is easy to reach from Ierapetra (16 km) or Agios Nikolaos (45 km). If you are coming from Heraklion (80 km), the drive will take you through some of the most charming villages in central Crete, one of the most important wine-growing areas on the island, and countless sites of archaeological and cultural significance. For adventure and nature lovers, the area north of Myrtos is a great opportunity for hikes and visiting the stunning forest of Selakano, with one of the most important ecosystems and a wonderful pine forest that is buzzing with bee activity.

Following the coastal road west of Myrtos, there are more beautiful beaches to discover like Tertsa, Psaroharako and Vourdolakos. With Mount Dikti framing the scenery to the north, and various gorges and hiking paths on offer, this side of Crete island offers visitors a completely different experience. In the village of Myrtos, don’t forget two visit the two Minoan settlements and the Archaeological and Folklore Collection of Myrtos.