Mirtos is a picturesque and tourist coastal settlement of the Lasithi prefecture. It is built near the banks of the Krios River, close to the exit of the imposing Sarakina gorge, in an area full of banana trees. Mirtos is about 14 kilometers from Ierapetra.
The village is under the Ierapetra municipality and the settlements of Gavrilis (19 residents), Kallithea (40 residents), Kopanes (99 residents) and Neos Mirtos (21 residents) are under its district. 441 people live in Mirtos, according to the 2011 census.
A large number of hotels, rooms to let, cafeterias, taverns, supermarkets, banks and a health center are in Mirtos.
The picturesque narrow streets and the Mirtos Archaeological Collection are also worth visiting.
BEACH
One of the most beautiful beaches of the southern side of the Lasithi prefecture is in Mirtos. The central beach is in front of the settlement and goes to the west where it becomes wider. It is sandy and the water is crystal blue.
There are not strong winds in the area and the temperature rarely falls under the 12 degrees in the winter.
Part of the central beach is organized with umbrellas, chairs, a lifeguard, facilities for water sports and beach volley etc and there is also a sailing school there.
HISTORY
The ruins of a Pre-Palatial Minoan settlement from 3000-2600 B.C. and a Palatial that was possibly built till 1600 B.C. were found in Fournou Korifi, near Mirtos. Ruins of a Roman city with a port and hot springs were also found in Agios Antonios.
During the German Occupation 19 residents of the settlement were executed while the village was never destroyed completely.
Mirtos flourished touristically in the 1960s.
CHURCHES
The patron saint of the settlement is Agios Antonios and the churches and country churches of Agioi Anargiroi, Agioi Apostoloi, Agios Georgios, Trifonas, Rafail and Agios Panteleimonas are in Mirtos.