Matala crete on the map. Matala village
75 km southwest of Heraklion, on the western shore of the Mesara Valley, there is a small resort village of Matala and the beach of the same name. The picturesque bay in which the village is located is surrounded on both sides by rocky mountains with many caves. Matala Beach is considered one of the best beaches on the island of Crete.
The history of this settlement goes back to the distant past, to the Neolithic era. It was then that numerous caves were artificially created in the rocks surrounding the bay and used as housing. Probably, the ancient settlement reached its heyday in the Minoan era, when on the site of today’s village there was the harbor of the city of Festus, one of the most important centers of the Minoan civilization. During the period of Roman rule, Matala was also a port, but already of the ancient Roman city of Gortyn. In the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. ancient caves were used to bury the dead. One of the caves is called Brutospeliana ("Cave of Brutus"), since according to ancient legend it was visited by the famous Roman commander Brutus.
For a long time, Matala was a small fishing village. It began to gain its tourist popularity in the 60s of the last century. Then the picturesque bay and ancient caves were chosen by hippies. But after the collapse of one of the caves and the death of a person, free access to the cave was closed. Today, the cave tombs are protected by the archaeological service and are available to tourists as part of an organized excursion.
Matala lives mainly from tourism. The warm and crystal clear Libyan Sea, the gentle sun, a gorgeous sandy beach, picturesque nature, cozy hotels and apartments, cafes and taverns with traditional cuisine - there is everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing holiday.
Matala - this particular village on the shores of the Libyan Sea, 75 kilometers from Heraklion, is considered in mythology to be the place where Zeus, turning into a bull, brought the Phoenician princess Europa, and from here in the form of an eagle he transferred her to Gortyna.
During the Minoan civilization, one of the ports of Festos was located in Matala Bay, which later passed into the possession of Gortyna. Arab conquerors landed here in 824.
The modern one is a sandy beach awarded the Blue Flag and caves that attract hundreds of tourists.
Hippie Caves
During the Neolithic era, numerous caves were carved into the porous rock of the coastal rocks.
Ancient people used them for living. The walls of some caves still contain traces of carved ornaments.
During the period of Roman rule and early Christianity, in the 1st–2nd centuries, caves were used for burials. This is evidenced by archaeological finds.
One of the caves is called Brutospeliana. According to legend, the Roman general Brutus loved to visit it. In the rock there is a small Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which served as a place of refuge for the first Christians from persecution.
At the end of the 60s of the XX century Matala caves were chosen by hippies who came here from all over the world. Among them were many young Americans who did not want to participate in the Vietnam War.
This place became a cult place after the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Janis Joplin visited here. The popular Canadian singer Joni Mitchell wrote the song Carey in 1971, dedicated to the memories of Matala.
The Greek film dedicated to hippies “My Aunt the Hippie” was filmed in these places.
Local residents were not too happy with this neighborhood. In addition, the collapse of one of the caves and the death of a person led to the fact that the hippies were expelled from these places, and the rocks were surrounded by bars.
Today, the Matala Caves are managed by the Archaeological Service. their day can be visited for 3 euros. Entrance is open until 17.00.
Beaches of Matala
The local climate is one of the most favorable on the island.
The bay in which Matala is located is surrounded on both sides by low mountains. They protect it from the northern winds, there are mild winters and not too hot summers.
The bay faces west, allowing for magnificent sunsets.
Matala Beach, thanks to its crystal clear turquoise water and white rocks reflected in it, dotted with numerous caves, is considered one of the most beautiful on Crete (about the island).
In the evenings, the rocks are illuminated, this gives the landscape an additional, unique flavor.
The beach itself sand and pebble, its length is about 300 meters. Equipped with a shower, changing cabins, a set of umbrella and sun lounger costs 4 euros.
There are a large number of cafes, and parking is provided.
The entrance to the water is a natural rock slab, so caution should be used during rough waters. The beach is awarded the Blue Flag every year.
On Matala beach since 2010 An annual festival is held in June, bringing together thousands of music, sea and sun lovers from all over the world. The festival format includes world music hits from the 60s of the last century to the present day.
Red Beach or Kokini Amos (Amudia)
Red Beach or Kokini Amos or as the locals call it, Amudia is located 800 meters south of Matala.
The name comes from the color of the sand having a reddish tint.
From the village this beach can only be reached on foot along a narrow mountain path. The journey takes 40 minutes; it is advisable to wear strong shoes.
The descent into the water is comfortable - flat and sandy. There is no developed infrastructure here, but umbrellas and sunbeds can be rented for 4 euros. There is a small kiosk with drinks.
Thanks to its privacy the beach is popular with nudists.
Kommos
Kommos beach is located 3 kilometers north of Matala.
Divided into two parts: equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay and wild, loved by nudists.
Not far from the beach, as a result of archaeological excavations there were about ruins of the ancient port of the Minoan city of Phaistos discovered: remains of a harbour, a shipyard, warehouses, public buildings and a temple.
The excavation area is surrounded by a fence; there is no passage inside.
Kalamaki
Kalamaki beach stretches from Kommos to Kokkinos Pyrgos.
Coarse light sand, gentle entrance to the water.
Part of the beach opposite the village of Kalamaki is equipped, there are umbrellas, sun loungers, a lifeguard station, a children's playground, a pedal boat rental center and a cafe.
In the sand of Kalamaki beach Caretta Caretta turtles lay eggs. In order not to frighten them and not damage the nests, it is forbidden to be on unlit parts of the beach at night in the summer.
Between Matala beach and Kokini Amos there is an impressive Theosyni rock formation.
From here you have an excellent view of the entire Messara Bay.
The rock protruding from the water eventually split open, forming a natural cave whose name sounds like Kouroupi.
It is favored by wild pigeons and Mediterranean monk seals. You can get to the rock along the shore, and explore the cave from the water by renting a boat.
How to get there
From bus station B in Heraklion (read all about the administrative center of Crete) a KTEL bus runs to Matala every day, on weekdays at 9.00 and 12.30, on Saturdays at 7.30, 11.30 and 12.45.
The return bus from Matala leaves at 15.00, on Sundays at 17.15.
The cost of travel 7.80 euros. Can be reached by taxi for about 75 euros.
The village of Matala in Greece left its mark not only in the history of the island, but also in mythology: according to legend, Zeus the Thunderer, in a fit of love, abducted the Phoenician princess Europa, moved her first to Matala, and then further to Gortyna.
Matala is located on the southern coast of Crete, and in ancient times there was a port here: first Festa, and later, under the Romans, Gortyny.
It was here, not far from Matala, that the Arab conquerors under the leadership of Abu Hafs Omar landed in 824.
How to get there
Many tourists appreciated how convenient it is to move around.
This is how you can get there from Heraklion to Matala. Renting a car is relatively inexpensive: at the local company ANNACARS, a Toyota Aygo 1.2 can be rented for only 335 euros. Moreover, it is quite possible to reserve a car in advance, via the Internet, using the company’s website.
You don’t even need an advance payment for this: simply by telling the company employee your mobile phone number, as well as the flight number, date and time of arrival, the prudent tourist will receive his car at the airport, in which he will travel around the island.
For those who do not intend to rent a car, there is a regular bus service.
However, there is no direct bus route from Heraklion airport to Matala.
Therefore, you first have to take city bus No. 78 at a stop located near the airport and go to bus station No. 2. If you buy a ticket at a kiosk, it will cost 1.5 euros; The ticket from the conductor costs 2 euros.
A bus ticket from the second bus station of Heraklion to Matala costs 7.80 euros. On weekdays there are two flights (9:00, 12:30), on Saturdays – three flights (7:30, 11:30, 12:45), on Sundays – one flight (15:30).
Tourists who do not want to wait for a regular bus order a taxi. This can be done in advance, via the Internet, and then the driver will meet the client directly at the airport.
The approximate cost of a taxi ride to Matala is 80 euros.
What's in the area
Lies in ruins ancient Fest, curious tourists inspect ruins of ancient Gortyna, and Matala, having survived all historical vicissitudes, is not only alive, but also looks to the future with optimism.
Calling Matala a town or village is a matter of taste, although, thanks to its semi-rural, semi-urban architecture, Matala can easily pass for a very tiny, but nevertheless well-maintained town.
It is only 83 km from Matala (to the northeast) to Heraklion, the capital of Crete, to the picturesque archaeological site of Phaistos, where a palace complex is located, comparable in importance to Knossos, and well preserved Temple of Rhea Cybele, – only 11 km.
You can also go to Gortyna, where the very first residential building in Crete is located, built in the fifth millennium BC.
Tourists will be offered to see here temples of Isis And Serapis, Odeon– sanctuary of Pythian Apollo, Roman baths and built in the fifth century AD Basilica of Saint Titus.
Considering the fact that in Crete renting a car is the simplest and most common thing, many of the most interesting places on the island are located, as they say, within walking distance from Matala.
But even if the tourist is not a driver and is not by nature inclined to frequent trips, Matala itself also has something to please the vacationer’s eye.
Just a little history
The favorable climate and convenient location of Matala contributed to the fact that people settled here in the Neolithic era, about 10,000 years ago.
It was at that time that primitive hunters and hollowed out many caves in the soft rock of the cliffs surrounding the local beach.
The first Christians, hiding in these rocks from persecution by the authorities, appreciated the convenience of the caves. Today, in the caves around Matala you can find the remains of catacomb temples and the burials of the first believers.
In the seventies of the last century, the era of hippies and American aggression in Vietnam, the present began in the Matala caves hippie pilgrimage.
Evil tongues claim that not all “flower children” were such staunch supporters of hippie ideology: it was simply possible to “sit out” the mobilization in the Matala caves safely, quite cheaply and with relative comfort.
In any case, the local “commune” was honored by the presence of Johnny Mitchell and Bob Dylan, which made Matala caves"widely known in narrow circles."
True, after the ceiling collapsed in one of the caves, killing a person, the village authorities stopped the idyll, kicked out the hippies and banned entry into the caves for everyone except organized excursions, and only in the morning.
Despite the fact that local residents breathed a sigh of relief when the perpetually drunken brawlers who periodically staged obscene orgies left their region, the tourism business adopted the legend of the “hippie city.”
Today in the city of Matale you can find many cars painted with colorful flowers and other symbols of the legendary rebels.
The hippie style in Matala is mercilessly exploited by several Matala cafes.
Sandy beaches
Matala Beach– it’s just a little paradise for sunbathing and swimming lovers. A piece of gently sloping sandy shore is fenced off by rocks, as a result of which waves occur here only when the southern winds blow.
The beach is literally next to the village, and it is a very popular holiday destination, so there are always a lot of people here.
The area is well landscaped. Renting an umbrella here costs two euros, and renting a sunbed costs two euros.
You can also use the parking lot for two euros.
There are several supermarkets open near the beach, so vacationers can have a decent meal: for example, a serving of moussaka and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice will cost about eight euros.
Those who are not looking for easy paths in life can visit another beach - the so-called Red Beach (Red Beach), which is located 500 m south of Matala.
True, 500 m is if you go in a straight line, and there is simply no direct road to Red Beach.
In order to get there, an inquisitive tourist will have to follow a mountainous, almost “goat” path, which is strongly not recommended for those who are afraid of heights. But from the pass above the beach there is a stunning view of the sea and surrounding mountains.
There is another road, longer but also more convenient, but not everyone knows about it.
It begins in Matale itself, and it is better to ask the “aboriginals” about where to find this path.
Those who are not afraid of the difficult road will be rewarded: Red Beach– one of the most beautiful places in Matala. The rocks and sand here are colored reddish-orange, and even the coastal sea water has a pinkish tint. Red Beach has long been favored by nudists, but there are also many ordinary vacationers here.
Prices on Red Beach are absolutely the same as on the main beach: 2 euros for a sunbed, 2 euros for an umbrella. In the small bar you can buy soft drinks, ice cream, and beer.
Cafes and restaurants
There are 23 restaurants, cafes and bars in Matale, and each establishment has its own unique flavor.
Not far from the main beach of Matala there is a tavern Hakuna Matata. The proximity to the beach causes the establishment's somewhat inflated prices, but excellent service, very tasty Greek cuisine (fish and vegetable dishes are especially tasty), the unique hippie flavor and the majestic landscape opening from the terrace contribute to the fact that the establishment does not experience a shortage of customers.
An interesting detail is that even the menus here are made by hand and painted in hippie style. A plate of soup with croutons will cost a tourist about five euros; you can have a more or less normal meal for about fifteen to twenty euros.
You can have a quick snack, spending, depending on the order, 4 – 12 euros, in a nice cozy pancake shop “ G&G Corner", named after the owners - Gregory and Giorgiana.
Despite the name, the menu here contains many Greek and American fast food dishes: pancakes with various fillings, pizzas, pitas, hamburgers, delicious desserts with natural ingredients.
The family restaurant is famous for its huge assortment of fish and vegetable dishes. Lions Cafe, also located near the beach. There is a surprisingly varied menu here, and restaurant guests can get to know each other better by ordering the so-called “dish of the day.” The average bill at this restaurant ranges from five to twenty-five euros.
Hotels in Matala
Shivas Village Resort
Four-star Shivas Hotel, which combines modern comfort with original classic interiors. Room price – from 50 euros per night.
Address: 70200, Greece, Heraklion Region, Matala, Odigitrias Street (Sivas).
The beach from here is about five kilometers away, which can be covered by car or bicycle. A morning walk under the shade of trees to the sea will take about an hour.
The hotel is located in a very picturesque place, among the mountains, and is literally surrounded by flowers. From the roof of the hotel, where there is a restaurant, you can see view of the ancient Heraklion fortress, built by the Venetians.
Guests can use the swimming pool, tennis courts, free Internet access (Wi-Fi), book excursions directly at the hotel, rent a car or bicycle.
You can relax and have fun on foot and horseback riding, in the scuba diving center.
Armonia Hotel
This is a three star hotel. The daily cost for a double room is from 36 euros, for a triple room – from 60 euros.
Located at: 70400, Greece, Heraklion Region, Matala, Matala.
The main beach from here is approximately 800 m (10 minutes walk), and the Red Beach is 1.6 km (20 minutes walk).
There is a swimming pool on site, surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas, and a bar with refreshments is open from 7am to 11pm.
You can rent a car, bicycle or order a transfer directly at the hotel, and a tour desk also offers its services.
There is a special playground for children.
The hotel's specialty is organic products grown on its own plantations.
Hotel Coral Matala
A very cozy two-star family hotel. The hotel is located so well that it is 500 m from the center of Matala, and 600 m from the main beach.
Address: 70200, Greece, Heraklion Region, Matala, MainStreet.
The cost of a double room is from 37 euros, a triple room is from 55 euros per day.
It is especially convenient for married couples that the hotel allows pets.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
A bar and restaurant are available. A buffet is available in the mornings.
Guests can use the outdoor swimming pool and massage room.
Use of the parking lot is free.
Matala became the third town in Crete, after Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, where we booked a hotel in advance. Unlike other places where we stayed, here we decided not to go to any attractions, but just swim and sunbathe. But the desire to move still did not allow us to sit on the same beach. Therefore, this post could be called not “Matala and the surrounding area”, but “beaches of Crete”. Of course, not everything is here: there are no beaches of Agios Nikolaos (the beaches there are very good, but we didn’t photograph them), no Preveli (the next post about this place), no pink sand of Elafonisi (we never went there), no beaches on the northern coast... in general, on the one hand, there is not much. On the other hand, there were several beaches here, and I liked all of them very much.
But first, about Matala itself. Once upon a time, hippies hung out here, but now three groups of people come to this village: the smallest - tourists like us, who travel around the island; then the locals who live far from the sea, and finally the Germans. Moreover, there are many Germans here both among tourists and among the owners and employees of hotels and taverns. Therefore, German speech can be heard in the village, and not only can it be heard - the menu in many taverns is written in German, and the names are also in the same language, such as “Di Zwei Bruder”.
Well, now about the beaches. The beach of Matala itself is small, but located in a cozy bay.
Moreover, in the mountain, which serves as the right “border” of Matala Bay, niches are hollowed out like swallows’ nests, which previously served as a burial place for the dead, and later as a sleeping place for hippies.
Not far from Matala - just five kilometers away - is Kommos Beach. The photo below shows exactly the same mountain on the other side of which the famous niches are hollowed out.
And if you look in the other direction, you can see this picture:
Well, below is the beach:
The beach is good, sandy, and most importantly, not crowded
On the day of our arrival the sea was slightly rough:
In addition to the sea, sand and sun, there were very picturesque clouds in the sky that day
After swimming and sunbathing, we decided to go for lunch to a nearby town called Agia Galini. And I was already hungry, and the guidebook called it “one of the most prestigious resorts on the Mediterranean coast.” There he is, in the distance:
The town turned out to be very, very nice, and the food in one of its taverns was very tasty. Well, beautiful, again:
The next day we decided to go swimming somewhere else. We looked at the map - yeah, there is a beach nearby in a place called Cali Limenes. The man from the navigator cheerfully reported that it would take half an hour to get there. In general, we woke up, had breakfast and went.
The road to this place from Matala was not very good; half the way we had to drive on gravel, not asphalt, and also on quite steep serpentines. But we got there anyway
And then the strangest thing began. We stopped the car, walked to the beach, looked - a bunch of tents:
And on the beach - not a soul:
It’s unclear where all the people are. There are tents, and one gets the feeling that they are not abandoned, the beach is there, but there are no people. We swam, sunbathed on a deserted and deserted beach, and we ourselves thought - what’s the matter?
Moreover, the beach is amazing, the water is clean... and there is no one
We sunbathed on this beach for about forty minutes, but we still couldn’t solve the mystery of its desolation. About an hour later, another car arrived with tourists just like us, then another one, it became less lonely, and we decided to calm down - well, there are no people in the tents, and no. Maybe at night a huge octopus crawled out of the sea waves and ate everyone. But now - day, sun, peace and grace!
More of our posts about this Greek trip
Well, now - a word to the guide, to whom, by the way, ancient ruins, monasteries and other historical and architectural monuments seem much more interesting than beaches and the sea. Therefore, the guidebook begins to talk about this place from Festus, an ancient excavation located 10 kilometers from Matala.
FEST – PHAISTOS
The palace city of Festos, the second largest after Knossos, also dates back to the Minoan era. It is located near the modern tourist village of Mires, through which numerous roads pass. Mires has many shops, restaurants and taverns, and you can easily rent a room or apartment here. The Phaistos Palace (59 km from Heraklion) is located on a small hill (100 m above sea level), which seems to reign over the plain among the high mountains.
Festus, mentioned in the works of Homer, was one of the oldest cities in Crete. According to legend, its founder was King Minos, and the palace belonged to his brother Radamanthos. Festus was later destroyed and annexed to Gortys. In the first years of the 20th century. Italian archaeologists began excavations at Festus. They discovered the ruins of two palaces dating back to different eras. Nowadays, two even older palaces have been excavated, the ruins of which can be seen in the southwestern part of Phaistos. There are two periods in the history of Festus: the period of the first palace (approximately 1900-1700 BC) and the period of the second palace (1700-1400 BC), almost completely destroyed by an earthquake. Most of the surviving palace buildings date back to the second period.
The Palace of Phaistos is smaller in size than Knossos, but the quality of construction and materials used by ancient craftsmen, according to scientists, are superior to those of Knossos. Today, the archaeological sites of Phaistos and Knossos are very different in appearance. This is explained by the fundamentally different approaches of the Italian and English archaeological schools to the presentation of material. If the British reconstruct, helping to imagine the building, then the Italians only preserve the found fragments, inviting the viewer to use their knowledge and imagination. In Festa, in front of you is a typically Italian archaeological site, where all the exhibits are under your feet.
You enter the palace grounds from the tourist information office building, passing through the esplanade, which offers a magnificent view of the ruins of Festus. You will see the steps of the theater that used to be here, on the stage of which games and performances were held.
In the western courtyard there was a sanctuary with a pit into which sacrifices were lowered. This part belongs to the first palace of Festus.
After climbing the stairs and passing through the propylaea, you will find yourself in the central courtyard. The buildings of the second palace were located around it. In the western part of the central courtyard there was a columned hall. To the south one can discern the remains of a temporary altar and a crypt with two quadrangular pillars, behind which there was a pool of clear water. Unlike Knossos, the painting of the walls of the Phaistos palace is rather poor; alabaster was used to cover the walls and floor.
The columned hall was connected by a wide corridor with rows of shops. From the hall one could get into a large room that served as the so-called “Official Megaron”. From here there was a passage to that part of the palace where the apartments of the king and queen were located. The queen's megaron consisted of three parts, was decorated with columns and beautifully illuminated. The stairs led to the queen's bedroom, located on the second floor. Her chambers were connected to the king's room, which was more spacious and faced north.
The remains of service premises were discovered in the north-eastern part of the palace. It is assumed that it was there that the famous Phaistos disc, covered with mysterious writings, was born (located in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion).
Near the northeast corner of the central courtyard, in the southern part of the workshops, there were apartments. They resemble royal chambers, only smaller in size. Scientists have made the assumption that the royal heirs lived here. Archaeologists have discerned a small courtyard here, surrounded on both sides by porticos.
The two oldest palaces were located in the southwestern part (you will see the ruins of their walls in the distance); they are closed to the public.
AYA TRIADA - AGHIA TRIADA
Located 3 km from Festos. Drive towards Matala and then turn right.
Situated on a low hill on the Messara plain, Aghia Triada (the name comes from the 14th-century Church of the Holy Trinity (Aghia Triada), standing 250m to the south) is the ruins of a small Minoan settlement. Entrance 3EUR. Excavations were undertaken by Italian archaeologists starting in 1902. The discovered exhibits are presented in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Most likely, the palace of Ayia Triada belonged to one of the vassals of King Festus, whose name and origin are still unknown. Since Ayia Triada had neither a central courtyard nor a façade typical of Minoan palaces, it is customary to speak not of a palace as such, but of a villa dating back to the era of the second palace of Festus.
Villa Agia Triada consisted of two main wings, oriented along the axes north-south and east-west. They are arranged in the shape of the letter "L". The north wing apartments apparently belonged to servants. It was there that the famous “Prince’s Cup” was found, kept in the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. The main apartments were located in the northwestern part of the villa.
In one of the rooms, 19 copper talents were discovered, which are now exhibits of the museum. The drainage system is well preserved. Numerous bronze figurines were found in the sanctuary located in the southern courtyard. In the northeast there was an agora, not far from which ancient burials dating back to the 3rd-2nd millennium BC were discovered. In one of them, a sarcophagus decorated with frescoes was discovered (1400 BC, Heraklion Archaeological Museum).
Ayia Triada is quiet and cozy. The ancient foundations are connected by paths along which reeds grow. A paved road runs nearby in the shade of trees, shells are scattered everywhere, and nimble lizards run around. The Mediterranean Sea is visible in the distance. We are sure that a walk in Aye Triad will not leave you indifferent. Here you can also see the small church of Aghios Georgios Galatas from the 14th century.
MATALA
The village is located 66 km from Heraklion, 10 km from Festos. You can get there via the Festus - Matala road. During the Minoan period, Matala was the second port of Festus, and under the Romans it also served Gortys. The houses of the ancient city are located inside modern Matala.
Artificial grottoes, carved into the rocks on the coast, served as a cemetery in ancient times (1st-2nd centuries); Interestingly, similar burials were found in Sicily. The village of Matala experienced glorious times in the 1960s, when hippies from different parts of the world came here to grottoes with a large sandy beach. Today the police prohibit spending the night in places not suitable for habitation. The grottoes are under the protection of the Archaeological Service, but the atmosphere here remains relaxed and pleasant. There are a lot of rocks above the caves and you can take a walk through the wilderness right above the sea. Unfortunately, the large influx of tourists has led to the construction of many rather tacky hotels. Today, local authorities are striving to build houses in a more consistent traditional style. There is a camping site in Matale. Along the beach there are numerous taverns where you can enjoy a glass of cold fruit juice. On the streets of Matala there are many souvenir shops selling traditional Cretan embroidery and ceramics. In summer, small boats operate between Matala and Aghia Galini, a popular resort further west. If you want privacy, go to Kommos Beach, 5 km from Matala. Pitsidia, located 4 km from Matala towards Festos, is a small village with few tourists. Red Beach is a nudist meeting place (20 minutes walk from Matala).
AYA GALINI - AGHIA GALINI
From Festos, go left through Timpaki and Kokkinos Pyrgos, which attracts many tourists. The road runs along the border between the regions of Heraklion and Rethymnon. In Agia Galini you will see beautiful hotels and guesthouses, restaurants, taverns, discos, as well as magnificent beaches, thanks to which Agia Galini has become one of the most prestigious resorts on the Mediterranean coast.
Greek Crete is famous for its beach resorts and tourist infrastructure. On the island you can spend a comfortable holiday and get vivid impressions not only in large cities. Thus, Matala, a small town hidden on the southern coast and sheltered from the sea winds by two powerful rocks, gives Crete a special tourist charm. Tourists in Matala are attracted by its rich historical past, unique natural views, the azure surface of the sea bay and cozy sandy beaches.
Holidays in Matale on Crete
Due to the climatic conditions of the country, almost all tourists go to Greece to sunbathe under the scorching sun and swim in the warm Mediterranean waters. It seems like nothing special, but the island of Crete makes this vacation simply unforgettable.
The fact is that here every corner of the area is rich in picturesque landscapes and unique historical heritage. So, Matala is the place where the first ancient cities appeared, which were caves and catacombs carved into the rocks. They were formed back in the Neolithic era, i.e. 10 thousand years ago! Later, exiled Christians hid in these catacombs, and in our time, hippies have chosen the caves. The cult of “Peace and Love” still hovers over the town.
Ancient caves line the coast of Matala. So at any time you can turn your seaside holiday into an exciting journey through the history of ancient Greece. The main thing is to stock up on comfortable clothes in advance so that rock climbing is as safe as possible.
Crete Matala – location and attractions
Matala is a very modest town in size, almost a village. Nevertheless, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations and attractions in Crete. From Heraklion, the capital of the island, to Matala is about 83 km to the southwest.
The settlement is located on the southern coast in the picturesque Messara Bay. Thanks to the gently sloping shore and the protection of the rocks surrounding the beach on both sides, a seaport was built here in ancient times. It has not survived to this day: as a result of natural processes, the remains of the port part of Matala sank. But now it is a great attraction for diving enthusiasts.
The undoubted highlight of the town are the rocks with ancient caves. Tourists love to climb the catacombs, exploring the homes of ancient people and the first Christians. If you climb to the top of the mountain, you can admire a unique view from above, covering the village, the coast, and the azure expanse of the endless sea. And extreme sports enthusiasts are invited to dive into the Libyan Sea from the conquered heights.
The city limits of Malta also have their own tourist symbols. Upon entering, you will see an olive tree decorated with stones and carved images. Its design symbolizes the many faces of love. And not far from the tree you will find a legend of the 70s: a painted Volkswagen minibus, which became the hallmark of the hippie movement.
What to see in the vicinity of Matala
Many attractions are located in the vicinity of the village. Those interested can visit temples and monasteries, ruins of ancient cities and palaces, Roman baths and semi-wild beaches. You can get to other cities by taxi or on your own in a rented car.
In Minoan times, Festus was second in importance after Knossos. In general, the palace completely repeats the layout of the Knossos Palace. The building is located on a hill, so that you will see not only a monument of ancient culture, but also a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.
A little further from Matala is Gortyna, the oldest city in Crete. In ancient times, Gortyn was a cultural center with a highly developed civilization. Many monuments of ancient architecture from different years have been preserved here. Among other things, tourists will be able to see the Basilica of St. Titus, the Odeon, the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Isis and Serapis, etc.
Of the natural attractions, it is worth visiting Lake Zaros and the Agiofarango Gorge. The lake, artificially formed on the site of an olive grove, attracts tourists with its beauty and clear water. There are walking paths with benches around the reservoir where you can relax and enjoy the pleasant coolness.
As for the gorge, it has the glory of a “prayed” place. According to legend, hermits used to live here, and even Saint Athanasius himself (the founder of the Great Lavra on Athos) came to these places to communicate with God. And today tourists note the special tranquility and detachment of this place.
A short car journey along the coast of Malata to the east will take you to Agia Galini. This town, immersed in greenery and flowers, captivates tourists with its “Venetian architecture”. Quiet and cozy streets with souvenir shops and cafes are closed to car traffic, so nothing interferes with enjoying the beauty of the city and Greek nature.
Agia Galini is famous for its sandy beaches and many coves that can only be reached by sea. So it won’t be difficult for vacationers to choose a secluded beach and take a boat to the desired location. Local residents are actively developing tourism in their town, so it’s easy to find hotels near the beach and stay in the town for a couple of days.
Weather in Matale (Crete)
Due to the isolation of the bay by two rocks, the weather in Matala is not sultry, but the sea always warms up to comfortable temperatures. The city itself is surrounded by greenery and flowers, which is also facilitated by a favorable climate.
Another feature of Matala is the most beautiful sunsets, which have no equal in all of Greece. The town is lucky with its geographical location, and local residents actively use this advantage. All cafes and taverns are designed so that in the evenings tourists can enjoy the beautiful spectacle of the setting sun.
Matala beach on the island of Crete
Located in the bosom of the bay, Matala Beach is reliably protected from western and eastern winds. The approach to the sandy coast is a gentle slope. There are two parking lots for cars: free and for 5 euros per day, located a little closer to the beach.
A wide strip of sand allows everyone to comfortably accommodate: divers, swimmers, sunbathing connoisseurs, and beach volleyball fans. On the shore there are several cafes and taverns, as well as equipped areas with sun loungers and umbrellas. Renting beach amenities will cost 4 euros.
