Matala of Crete, map, photos, beach, Matala of Heraklion, sights

Matala in Heraklion.. famous and unique

Matala is located 65 km southwest of Heraklion and is famous for its clear waters and the golden sand.
It allows to swimmers to swim in the beautiful waters of the Libyan Sea with the company of the towering cliffs which are the trademark of the region.
The sandy beach, with a length of 300 m, forms a semicircle on both sides, where cliffs rise up forming a small enclosed sheltered bay.

Hotels and rooms to let in Matala

Matala became widely known in the 60s for the carelessness and the different lifestyles of those who decided to live in the numerous caves and cavities in rocks formed by the fury of the waves and the saltiness of the sea.

All these it may not have been preserved in our days but it is worth visiting the beach.
There are plenty of accommodations (hotels, rooms, houses, studios, etc.), of different categories and types that will surely satisfy any of your needs.
In a short distance, you will find a great variety of cafes, tavernas and restaurants, where many of these embrace the sea and literally hanging over it, on the left side of the beach.

You will find many shops of folk art and memorabilia shop, and several shops with tasteful goods.
There is also the opportunity of camping.

In Matala is held every year a song festival and in the summer time there is route to Agia Galini by boat.
In Matala there is also a local office of the Organization for the Protection of Marine Turtle.

Matala. The hippies' paradise
On the border between Mesara and Mt. Asterousia, 70 km SW of Heraklion, lies Matala, a small fishers’ village boasting one of the most renowned beaches of southern Crete (named Matala as well).
On the golden beach of 300m in length you will find a number of caves carved into the soft white limestone, many of which are reachable through the sea way while others are hidden underwater.
Archaeological finds indicate that the area had been inhabited for the first time in the Prehistoric Era, while during Roman and Christian times the caves were used as tombs.
Admire the church, which is actually carved out of the rock and was used as a catacomb during the times of the Christians’ persecution.

The area was also the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period and of Gortyna during the Roman times.
Matala gained international fame in the 60’s and 70’s, when it was discovered by the hippies.
The restless lovers of “flower power” were flocking to Matala in the search of a place of freedom, inspiration and creation. Important celebrities such as Joni Mitchell (she has also written a song about Matala, named Carrey), Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez and Cat Stevens were only some of them.
During the last decade the wider area has undergone a rapid tourism development offering to the visitor modern hotels as well as endless choices for food and fun! The beach, also awarded with a blue flag, is perfectly equipped with state-of-the-art tourism and sport infrastructure. The shaded by tamarisks part of the beach is ideal for carefree relaxation moments after a fun day by the sea.

Source: GNTO

Accommodation
For your stay in Matala, you can book a room in one of the hotels and Bed & Breakfast inns.
In Matala, as well as in many other areas of Heraklion, there are hotels and accommodations of various categories and types (rooms to let, residences, Bed & Breakfast inns, studios, hostels, guesthouses and furnished apartments) that can satisfy every visitor's demands and needs for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
You will find wonderful hotels, rooms and apartments to let of all categories and price ranges.

Access
Access to Matala of Heraklion and from most parts of Heraklion, is easy and fast through the existing road network, with your own car or using public transportation.
The road route from Heraklion - Matala

For your convenience, you can use the route map on the field “Routes” with information about the mileage, the time you need and the route you will follow, selecting the points of interest.