Myrthios is a historic traditional settlement located 36 kilometers southwest of Rethymno and is built at the southern foot of Mount Kouroupa at an altitude of 200 meters, with a wonderful Mediterranean climate and wonderful sea view. It has 250 permanent residents, the houses have traditional Cretan architecture framed by picturesque narrow streets. It has taverns with wonderful Cretan cuisine.
In Myrthios is the frescoed single-nave church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, dating from the 10th century and testifying to the antiquity of the village. The frescoes are from the 10th century, and are preserved in good condition. The village is also mentioned in historical sources from 1577 as Mirtio di Megapotamo in the province of Agios Vasilios. Since 1920 it has been referred to as the seat of a settlement of the same name. Near the village there is a large 19th century watermill, with a water tower and the miller’s house.
