Milatos sits on the northern coast of Crete about 32km west of Agios Nikolaos in the prefecture of Lassithi. It is a quiet village with a bewildering number of narrow streets and is home to around 400 residents, although this obviously rises dramatically during the season when workers, tourists and second homeowners are added on top. It has two distinct parts - one community along the shore and the other a little further inland, connected by a short road. The area fronting onto the sea, and shown as 'Milatos beach' on local signposts, has numerous tavernas, apartments and other tourist facilities in contrast to the traditional village slightly inland, although it is still far from being a mass developed resort as may be found further up the coast at Malia and Hersonissos. A modern, well protected harbour provides shelter to local fishing boats, especially important on this exposed part of the north coast where waves can come rolling in from the Cretan Sea.
Legend has it that the village was named after a local boy, Milatos, who saved the villagers from oppression by a tyant and, who stories say, went on to found a Cretan colony in Asia Minor.
The village can claim an ancient history, which can be validated by archaelogical finds, and is mentioned by Homer as one of the 7 Cretan cities that took part in the Trojan War. Minoan tombs and the remains of a city have been excavated in the area.
One nearby famous feature is the Milatos Cave, otherwise known as the Cave of Rapas. The cave is really eight interlinked chambers and will forever be linked with the horrific events of 1823. In that year the Turks, led by General Hassan, had invaded Lassithi and the inhabitants of the villages went into hiding in the hills and the caves. The villagers of Milatos hid in the nearby cave. For many days the Turks besieged the cave but were unable to force the villagers to surrender. Eventually Hassan promised them safe passage if they would quit the safety of their cave. Although suspicious the Cretans were forced by desperate needs to surrender. History tells us that what followed was the slaughter of men, women and children with many women and infants also being sold into slavery. 3,600 people lost their lives in this infamous massacre. Visit the cave today and there you will find an ossuary and the Church of St Thomas which was built to commemorate those who were lost and killed.
Other places nearby and worth taking the time to explore, depending on your tastes, include the quiet resort of Sissi, the hedonistic and vibrant nightlife of Malia, the traditional town of Neapoli, the plethera of local villages and the prefecture capital Agios Nikolaos.
Today's visitor to Milatos will find a friendly welcome, good food and oportunities to relax and enjoy the stunning views and the waterfront.
