Myrtos Village, Crete: A Local’s Guide
Myrtos, Crete: A Local’s Guide
Myrtos is a small seaside village on the south coast of Crete, at the mouth of the Sarakina Gorge. It is known for its long grey-sand beach, its seafront tavernas and its Minoan sites, and it has a calm, unhurried atmosphere. If you want something even quieter, the village of Tertsa lies just 4 km away.
Quick facts
Distance from Agios Nikolaos: about 51 km, so allow about an hour by car
Best for: the beach, a quiet day by the sea, Minoan history, gorge walks
Suggested time: a full day
Why visit Myrtos
One of the finest beaches on the southern coast, in front of the village tavernas
A sheltered spot, not affected by the strong northerly winds that hit many south-coast beaches
Two Minoan settlements nearby, and a small museum in the village
The Sarakina Gorge, which begins right next to the village
A traditional, low-key place with a local kafenio and little nightlife
Tertsa, a quieter beach village, only 4 km away
What to see and do
In the village
Swim on the main beach. The beach of coarse grey sand lies in front of the tavernas and cafes and stretches west, where it widens. The sand does not stick to your skin, and the beach is popular for quiet family holidays.
Have a long lunch by the sea. The village has a number of small tavernas along the seafront and in the village alleys. Evenings are for food and local wine, and there is little nightlife.
Drink coffee at the local kafenio. It is the heart of village life, where locals gather for coffee, card games and conversation.
Visit the Archaeological and Folk Art Museum of Myrtos. It stands next to the old church and has pottery from different periods, along with a reconstructed model that shows how the Minoan settlement may have looked.
Pause at the memorial. A monument in the village names 18 people executed by German forces in 1943.
Minoan sites
Walk up to Pyrgos. This Minoan settlement flourished from about 2200 to 1450 BC, and you can walk up to it from the edge of the village.
Learn about Fournou Korifi. One of the oldest settlements on Crete (about 2800 to 2200 BC), it lies a few kilometres from the village. The archaeological site is reported to be closed to the public, so ask locally before you go.
Nature
Walk the Sarakina Gorge. The village sits at the mouth of the gorge, and the footpath starts next to the river at the Ierapetra end of the village, so you don’t need a car.
Drive into the South Dikti mountains. The villages of Pefkos and Symi lie in one of the last pine forests on Crete.
A quieter alternative: Tertsa
If Myrtos is busy, drive 4 km west to Tertsa, a small village with its own beach. The beach is quiet and has coarse grey sand, with tamarisk trees offering natural shade. The village is not heavily developed and has only 2-3 tavernas and very few rooms. The beach is often nearly empty, because most visitors choose the main beach at Myrtos. At the western end, the rock of Psaroharako marks the start of a more secluded beach. A Byzantine church of Saint George stands near the village.
Suggested routes
Full-day route: beach and history
Morning: swim on the main beach, then walk up to the Minoan site of Pyrgos.
Midday: visit the museum next to the old church.
Lunch: a seafront taverna.
Afternoon: the Sarakina Gorge footpath, or a drive to Tertsa for a quiet swim.
Quiet day route
Morning: coffee at the kafenio, then the main beach.
Lunch: a taverna in Tertsa.
Afternoon: the more secluded beach beyond the rock of Psaroharako.
Eat and drink
Myrtos has tavernas on the seafront and in the village alleys, as well as cafes and small shops. The main beach is right in front of the tavernas and cafes. Tertsa has 2-3 tavernas.
Local tips
Fournou Korifi is reported closed to visitors, so ask in the village before heading there.
The area is sheltered from the strong northerly winds that affect many south-coast beaches.
The village is quiet and suits people who do not want lively nightlife.
Ierapetra, about 13 km away, has the full range of services and is worth a few hours with its Venetian fortress, a mosque and an archaeological museum.
Getting there
By car: Myrtos is about 51 km southwest of Agios Nikolaos. From Ierapetra, follow the paved road west for about 13-16 km.
Tertsa: about 54 km from Agios Nikolaos, and 4 km west of Myrtos.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Myrtos from Agios Nikolaos?
About 51 km, or roughly an hour by car.
Is Myrtos worth a day trip from Agios Nikolaos?
It is a long drive, but it gives you a very different coast: a long grey-sand beach, Minoan sites and a gorge in one place.
What is the beach like?
Coarse grey sand, a long shoreline in front of the tavernas, and a sheltered position away from strong northerly winds.
Where can I go for something quieter?
Tertsa, 4 km west. Its beach is often nearly empty, and the village has only a few tavernas.
Can I visit the Minoan sites?
Pyrgos can be reached on foot from the village. Fournou Korifi is reported closed to the public.
Nearby: build your day
Tertsa, 4 km west, for a quieter beach
Ierapetra, about 13 km east, with its fortress, mosque and archaeological museum
Pefkos and Symi, mountain villages in the pine forests of South Dikti
Explore more of the area in our guide to the Villages around Agios Nikolaos.
