Myrthios – a green village at the foot of Vrysinas

Myrthios lies at an altitude of 480 metres and 20 kilometres from Rethymno. The green village is situated at the foot of Vrysinas; its linear centre extends along both sides of the road from Armenoi to Prasies. Its elevation, landscape and settlement layout give the village a distinct character. If you are looking for a hotel in Myrthios, these features offer a first impression of the destination’s character.

Village character and historical connections

The first written mention of Myrthios dates from the Venetian period, when the village was a fief of a Venetian family. This historical connection places the village’s history in a specific era. The striking building of the cultural association is a prominent feature of the village landscape and complements the historical points of interest in the village.

On mountain heights in the wider area around Myrthios are fortified tower ruins with loopholes, known as Koulédes. This distinguishes two geographical levels of history: the earliest written mention refers to the village, while the named tower ruins are in the surrounding area. This makes the distinction between the village’s historical connections and the evidence found in the broader landscape clear for visitors.

Rethymno as a wider destination

The Old Town of Rethymno is designated as a protected historical monument and traditional settlement. Its urban layout dates back to the Venetian period and was later reshaped during Turkish rule. The historic city centre lies below the Venetian fortress, the Fortezza. Thus, alongside the village history of Myrthios, there is a distinct urban perspective encompassing a protected old town, a historic urban layout and a fortress.

The museums in Rethymno also focus on different aspects of history. Since 1991, the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno has been housed in a pentagonal building in front of the main entrance to the Fortezza. Its exhibitions present the history of the prefecture from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Rethymno, by contrast, is housed in a Venetian mansion dating from the 17th century. The five rooms of its permanent exhibition showcase traditional handicrafts and folk art. Archaeological history and traditional craftsmanship are thus presented as distinct themes.

Another historical point of interest in the wider destination is Arkadi Monastery. The two-aisled church of Saint Constantine and the Transfiguration of the Saviour was built in 1587. It is a building from the period of Venetian rule, featuring elements of Renaissance architecture. The monastery’s later history is also significant: after the revolution of 1866 to 1869, Arkadi became an eternal symbol of freedom. The church, its architecture and its historical legacy each offer a distinct perspective on the region’s history.

Coastal scenery in the Rethymno destination

The coast of the Municipality of Rethymno is another distinct area of interest; it also includes the Venetian harbour. Rethymno Beach is 12 kilometres long, beginning at the historic city centre and stretching eastwards to Scaleta. Its sand is fine-grained and light brown. This clearly distinguishes the landscape features: Myrthios is characterised by its elevation and Vrysinas, while the coastal features mentioned here refer to Rethymno.

Discover more destinations: Aghia Triada, Kerames, Drosia, Prines, Platanos, Episkopi, Agios Pavlos, Fourfouras.

For the wider travel overview: Rethymno.