Myrtos is a coastal village, in southern Crete, 13 km east of Ierapetra. Myrtos is located further south than northern Morocco and a subtropical climate prevails near the coast. Summer months are hot and dry and Winter months are mild with little rain and several sunny days. The village is protected by Mount Dikti to the North and with 320 days of sunshine a year, it is considered the warmest part of Europe.
This part of Crete, the southeast, is less known and quieter. Myrtos is a small rural community within a green valley. Most of the inhabitants are engaged in the cultivation of bananas, olives, citrus fruits and horticulture. However, there is plenty of accommodation to let, small hotels and rooms for rent, and the locals make sure that visitors feel the Cretan hospitality. There are many shops and taverns with very good food on the long beach promenade. The picturesque alleys with their beautiful corners are suitable for walks.
The beautiful beach of Myrtos stretches over a large area and it is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Crete. The absolute tranquility, the grey pebbles and the clear blue waters make it particularly beloved and suitable for family holidays. It is fully organized with umbrellas, showers, a lifeguard and organized areas for sports, such as beach volleyball.
Very close to Myrtos, just 4 km., there is the beautiful walking gorge of Sarakina, one of the most beautiful gorges in Crete. The drive to the gorge combines the calm Cretan landscape with olive trees and the rocky slopes with the incredible view of the sea. The gorge got its name from the Saracen conquerors. The length of the gorge is short, only 1.5 km and the visitors need an hour to cross it. It is beautiful and impressive with walls up to 250 meters of height and at a maximum distance of 15 meters between the walls, with lots of water, waterfalls and ponds. To cross it, the visitor does not need technical equipment, but will have to climb high rocks, there are ropes and carved paths to help. At the end of the gorge, visitors can turn back to the beginning of the gorge by turning right and walk the village road to get back to their cars.
In the village of Mythi, very close to the gorge, there are beautiful traditional cafes for drinking and relaxing under the plane and mulberry trees.
The Forest of Selakanos is located 25 km north of Myrtos and it is one of the most beautiful forests of the island, with pines, hemlocks, cypresses, maples and plane trees. The view is wonderful and the scenery is wild. The forest is protected by the NATURA 2000 program and it is ideal for hiking with many marked paths.
Myrtos is a warm, beautiful village, overlooking the South Cretan Sea, ideal for peace, relaxation and excursions.
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