The history of the area of Mirtos
Just outside Mirtos there are several excavations. On the hill Pirgos on the east side of the village remnants have been found of a settlement that dates back to the Minoan period (untill 1450 BC). In the Hellenistic period there was a sanctuary here. There are remains of walls and beautiful stone floors that you can take a look at. A little bit further to the east there was in early Minoan times (2600 BC) a stronghold / settlement on the hill Fournou Korfi. This is one of the largest Minoan settlements that is known but usually the entrance is closed.

tip by Harma Martens
We have walked the Sarakina Gorge in southeast Crete under the guidance of our guide Clive. The walk through the Gorge of Sarakini is quite heavy and takes about four hours. Because of all the climbing it is wise to wear good sandals (you must occasionally pass the water), a good condition and plenty of water are also needed. Your tour starts from the village of Mithi near Mírtos. There is also another possibility. If you come from Ierapetra towards Mirtos you will see a bridge just before the village. Before this bridge you go down the path off and you walk intill you see an ancient Roman bridge with arches. Here you turn right and immediately turn to the left. Follow the river bed and you will end up in the Sarakina Gorge. After half hours you will see another bridge. Left tof it lies the village of Mithi and here is another path back to Mirtos. We recommend to walk the gorge with Clive because he knows exactly where the best place is to climb and where it is the safest to go back down again. If you want to book the tour with Clive than please contact taverna Votsalo in Mirtos or Dick and Siemon of Villa in Mertiza Mirtos. They can help you at the phone number of Clive or tell you when he is present at Votsalo. "