Mirtos, our friendly village by the Libyan Sea

where people still have time for you

A Heavenly Oasis

Mirtos is the warmest place of Europe, with an average of 320 sunny days a year

Only 500 Inhabitants

Who still have enough place for their holiday guests

Mirtos is never full

No mass tourism. Small and always hospitable!

welcome to our village

be our guest

sit down and relax

enjoy your stay

discover the area

Mirtos is like a big family

And we’d like you to be a member of it. Welcome to our friendly village, have a nice time and an enjoyable stay!

Aléxandros Pantelákis

Mayor

69 371 63 515

Timeless Authenticity Meets Warm Welcomes

Situated on the south coast of Crete, Mirtos is more than just a village—it’s a living tapestry of history, tradition, and community. Here, children’s laughter echoes from schoolyards, while the elderly exchange stories and greetings right outside their homes.

Unlike many destinations, Mirtos wasn’t built for tourism; it stood tall long before travelers began arriving. The town’s essence is rooted in its Cretan traditions and customs. When tourism began in the 1980s, rather than constructing new hotels, residents opened their homes, renting out rooms and apartments. This gesture birthed Mirtos’s reputation as an emblem of hospitality.

Over the years, the village has gracefully evolved. While it now offers a range of accommodations—from simple stays to luxury retreats—its soul remains unchanged. A plethora of restaurants and cafés have sprung up, each boasting terraces that either face the tranquil sea or overlook Mirtos’s lively streets. Unlike tourist-heavy locales, here you witness the rhythm of genuine daily life, untouched by the frantic pace of modernity.

As summer fades and the tourist season wanes, Mirtos doesn’t close its shutters and retreat into hibernation. Life pulses forward. Fields remain bustling with farmers tending to their crops, children continue their lessons, and locals gather for chats at the supermarkets. The resonant chime of church bells on Sunday mornings unites the community in age-old Greek Orthodox traditions.

At its heart, Mirtos is an agricultural hub that has lovingly made room for travelers. This genuine embrace is why visitors from across the globe return, year after year. They aren’t just guests here—they’re part of the Mirtos family.

The Enchanting Hinterlands

Beyond its pristine coastline, Mirtos unveils a hinterland rich in natural wonders. As the seasons shift, hikers are drawn to this region, captivated by the diverse flora and fauna of Southern Crete. Picturesque mountain villages dot the landscape, shadowed by the towering presence of distant peaks. Here, flowers bloom vibrantly, aromatic herbs sway with the breeze, orange trees are laden with fragrant blossoms, and the air resonates with the harmonious songs of birds and the rhythmic chirping of crickets.

The Eastern Charm

Situated on the eastern reaches of the expansive island of Crete, Mirtos remains a serene treasure, often overshadowed by the island’s bustling north and west. This tranquility is Mirtos’ very allure. With a car or scooter at your disposal, the horizon broadens, revealing a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be explored.

A Subtropical Paradise Cradled by Tradition

While the warm hospitality of its residents is a significant draw, Mirtos offers another irresistible allure: its sublime climate. Located on the shores of the Libyan Sea, near Ierapetra – Europe’s southernmost town – Mirtos claims a latitude even further south than northern Morocco.

Nestled in a coastal pocket, the village benefits from a microclimate resembling that of subtropical regions. This unique weather pattern owes its charm to the protective embrace of the Dikti Mountains to the north. Winter here is gentle, with essential rains rejuvenating the land, interspersed with ample sunny days. In contrast, summer months bring a blend of warmth and dryness, with azure skies reigning supreme. With an impressive tally of 320 sunny days annually, Mirtos stands as a beacon for sun-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.