Stay in Mires – Set in the heart of the fertile Messara plain, the town of Mires blends everyday Cretan life with a pulse of energy that’s hard to miss. Just 50 km south of Heraklion, Mires has grown into a small yet lively urban center with deep agricultural roots and strong local character.

Its name, meaning “shares” in Greek, recalls a time when Venetian rulers offered plots of land to settlers from the Peloponnese—an origin story that shaped the town’s development. Despite its modern, somewhat chaotic layout, Mires holds charm in its narrow old streets and warm, authentic atmosphere.

Known for its bustling open-air market—the largest in Crete—Mires comes alive every Saturday as people from all over Messara gather to shop, meet, and enjoy the local buzz. Beyond the town, you’ll find easy access to iconic sites like the ancient city of Gortys, the Minoan palace of Phaistos, the beaches of Matala, and the dramatic landscapes of Asterousia and Psiloritis.