Matala - history and attractions

During the Minoan period, ancient Matala became a port for Festos (Phaistos). In 220 BC it was occupied by the Gortinians and during Roman rule it served as a port for Gortys, the island's capital at the time. The remains of this old settlement are today hidden under the sea. Afterwards, the port town gradually declined in importance and the small fishing village of Matala was revived in the 1960s and 1970s when it was occupied by the so-called Hippies. They settled in the local coastal caves, but were expelled shortly afterwards. Today, Matala lives mainly on tourism.

An interesting feature of Matala is the large cliff that stretches from the coast of the resort to the sea, and its integrity is disturbed by a number of smaller and larger caves. The caves are thought to have been dug into the rock as far back as the Neolithic period and later, in Roman and early Christian times, were used as tombs. One of the caves is called "Brutospeliana" because according to legend, the Roman general Brutus himself was supposed to have visited it. The unique caves attract crowds of tourists every year, making Matala Beach one of the most famous beaches on Crete.

And as for the legends... Matala Bay is also linked to Greek mythology. It was to Matala beach that the supreme god Zeus was supposed to sail when he carried off the beautiful Europa on the back of a white bull. From there, he flew to Gortina with Europa as a white eagle.

Resort Matala - characteristics and facilities

Matala is part of the Timbaki (Tympaki) district and falls under the Heraklion regional unit. It is located on the more touristic south coast of Crete, yet it cannot complain about the lack of interest of tourists. The famous Matala beach and the caves carved in the rocks are the main attractions for visitors. However, due to its greater distance from the busiest Cretan resorts, the tourist influx is not too great and Matala continues to retain its traditional, peaceful Greek atmosphere.

It is a picturesque resort with smaller hotels and apartments, a few restaurants and tavernas and a variety of shops. You can also take a walk to the old buildings of the original village and enjoy wandering through the narrow streets or sitting in a small café.

Sights around Matala

In the old part of the town of Matala there is a beautiful church dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, which is carved directly into the rock and thus resembles a small catacomb. The church is inconspicuous at first glance, so follow the signs that say "Old Church".

About 10 km northeast of the resort are the remains of the Minoan palace of Faistos, where, among other things, the so-called "disc of Faistos" was found with a still undeciphered script. Not far from Matala, about 15 km to the east, we can also find traces of another historical phase of the island - the remains of the town of Gortys, which was the capital of Crete during Roman rule. The ruins of the basilica of Agios Titos, dating back to the 6th century BC, are also part of this archaeological site.

A few kilometres southeast of the resort, at an altitude of about 250 metres, stands the pretty monastery of Moni Odigitrias.

Matala - beaches

The resort of Matala is situated on the shores of Messara Bay and is bordered on both sides by large rock formations. The rock massif on the northern side of the beach is the famous rock with the excavated caves. These rocks partially protect the coast from big waves, but sometimes the wind is still very strong. The main beach of Matala stretches along the entire coastline for about 250 m. The beach is covered with dark pebbles, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, and the tamarisk trees provide a bit of natural shade for visitors.

The neighbouring Red Beach lies over the hill to the south. Sports enthusiasts can take it straight - up over the rock mass, but others are advised to take the more marked path past the hotels, away from the coast. Thanks to the fact that it's already a bit removed from the main tourist centre, even nudism enthusiasts sometimes visit here. The beach gets its name from the reddish-coloured sand that covers it.

Kommos beach is located north of Matala beach. If you walk to it from Matala, you will enjoy a nice and pleasant walk through the valley (about 5 km). Kommos is a beautiful, almost 2 km long sandy beach.

The beaches of Red Beach, Matala and Kommos fall under the protection of the "Natura 2000" programme, established by the European Union for the long-term protection and preservation of the rarest species of animals and plants.

For whom the centre is suitable

We can recommend a holiday in Matala to those who are looking for a quiet environment with good tourist facilities and beautiful beaches. However, if you also want to travel more during your stay, Matala's location is already a bit out of the way and the most famous tourist spots are further away. And if you don't want to take advantage of the car rental option, the frequency of bus connections to nearby towns is very limited.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Kalamaki (Matala)

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.