Matala crete on the map. Crete. Hippie Heritage - Matala Beach. Cafes and restaurants

To be honest, initially, when the trip to Crete had just begun to be planned, I knew nothing about Matala. And the excellent program “Heads and Tails” helped us find out about it: they just had an episode about Crete and one of the places they visited just happened to be a village in the south of Crete.

The village of Matala and the beach of the same name are located 83 km southwest of Heraklion.
A magnificent beach, clear sea, small cozy hotels, and original landscape have made Matala one of the most popular places in Crete in recent times.

Matala is located in a fairly favorable location, between two low mountains, due to which the local climate is considered one of the best.
And its orientation to the west allows you to admire uniquely beautiful sunsets, which cannot be said about the northern coast.

As far as I know from the guidebooks, the local beach is awarded the European Blue Flag every year for its exceptional cleanliness and suitability. It is perfectly equipped. There are sun loungers and umbrellas, a shower, a rescue center, and a cafe to quench your hunger or thirst.
Perhaps the only negative is that the beach is pebbly, and the entrance to the sea is rocky and steep.

But most of all Matala is famous for its caves. Artificial caves carved into the northern slopes of the coast were probably used as prehistoric dwellings and places of worship, while during the 1st-2nd centuries they were used as tombs; discovered tombs date back to the Greek, Roman and early Christian eras.

Currently, the caves are fenced, but are open to tourists. Entrance is something like 4 euros per person.

Also, in the 1960s, groups of hippies from many countries around the world settled in these caves, including young Americans who refused to participate in the Vietnam War. At one time, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell lived in the caves. After the accident, the hippies were expelled from the caves, but the opinion that Matala is a hippie center remains)

Although, to be honest, we didn’t notice much hippie influence here. There are a couple of stylized taverns, you can see a couple of decorated Volkswagens - nothing more.

To the south of Matala Beach there is a fairly famous Red Beach, which is popular with nudists. And the name of the beach comes from the color of the sand, which has a reddish tint. You can only get to this beach on foot along a rather dangerous path, but don’t think - we didn’t go)))

Overall, the place is beautiful, the beach is not bad, but in my opinion, Matala does not deserve the attention that she received.
And the road to it didn’t particularly impress me: it mostly passed through more or less low mountains and agricultural fields/greenhouses. This is probably why our return route that day lay through winding serpentines near the village of Mokhos...

So, if you have free time and you have already seen all the other places that interest you, you can go to Matala. Otherwise, you can safely leave this place without inspection.

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Hidden in the picturesque Messara Bay, surrounded by rocks, the town attracts lovers of seaside holidays and connoisseurs of ancient sights.

The village is closed to traffic. Consisting of a couple of cozy streets, Matala is completely pedestrian, ideal for a comfortable holiday on the island of Crete.

Holidays in Matale. Crete

Neat and well-groomed Matala is surrounded by orange alleys, green lawns and bright flowers. And tourists who come on vacation in April have a unique opportunity to watch giant sea turtles come to lay eggs on the shores of the village.

During the day, Matala is quite crowded, with many transit tourists passing through. Between visiting nearby attractions, they swim and sunbathe at the local beach and relax in cafes and bars.

By evening, the flow of tourists dries up, Matala flashes with lights and plunges into the leisurely atmosphere of a serene Cretan evening. A light smell of incense can be heard from the chapels, the wind blows through the leaves of the trees, and the twinkling of stars in the black sky evokes a romantic mood.

Locals say that in Matale the most beautiful sunsets in Crete. All cafes and taverns in the village are located in such a way that guests can enjoy this truly stunning spectacle! And of course, in addition to the spectacle, you will be offered amazing Cretan wines and famous local cuisine.

Sights of Matala

The history of this place goes back thousands of years to the Neolithic era. According to scientists, it was at this time that caves carved by ancient people appeared in the rocks surrounding Matala.

It is not known exactly what purpose these caves, different in shape and size, had. According to some assumptions, it was a rock monastery, according to others, ancient burials, but in any case, the cave complex is very interesting.

Many caves consist of several rooms, some have bizarre recesses of unknown purpose. And one of them became famous thanks to the famous Brutus, who lived here.

In the 60s, the picturesque Cretan caves were chosen by hippies, and after the musicians of the Rolling Stones visited here, the rock complex became a place of pilgrimage for their fans.

From the top of the rock it opens stunning panorama on the coast of Crete and the azure Libyan Sea, and adrenaline junkies use this place for jumping water.

Matala reached its greatest prosperity during the time of the legendary Minoan civilization. This city was first a small port of the palace of Festos, and later became the largest port of the influential city-state of Gortyn. The Palace of Festos and ancient Gortyna are now one of the most popular attractions in Crete.

Part of the port of Matala sank as a result of natural disasters, and now it is favorite place for divers who do not miss the unique opportunity to examine the remains of ancient structures.

Hotels in Matala. Crete

Hotels in the village are generally not large. These are apartments and cozy private boarding houses. Even in high season it is not difficult to find a place to suit your taste.

Beaches of Matala. Crete

A beautiful beach, a Blue Flag holder, allows you to comfortably spend time by the sea. Numerous bars and restaurants are always open. It is gaining more and more popularity and during the season there can be quite a lot of visiting people.

Nestled under a large rock with caves, Matala Beach is very picturesque. The gentle entry into the water is perfect for a holiday in Crete with children.

Where is it located?

Matala is located on the southern coast of the island of Kritv Messara Bay, located in the Heraklion region. 70 km south of its capital - the city of Heraklion.

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 are attracted to Matala 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 an excellent 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.

The famous village of Matala (Μάταλα) and the beach of the same name are located in the Heraklion region on the western shore of the Mesara Plain. A magnificent beach, clear sea, small cozy hotels, and original landscape have made Matala one of the most popular places on Crete in recent decades. Matala has always had attractiveness and strategic importance. The artificial caves in the rock alone indicate that people lived here already in prehistoric times, and some caves had several rooms, and the niches were decorated with carved ornaments.

In the Minoan era, according to scientists, Matala was the port of the city of Festus, one of the main centers of the Minoan civilization.

Later, as research shows, in I-II centuries AD. The Matala caves were used as tombs. At this time, Matala was already the port of Gortyn. In the 70s of the 20th century, this paradise was chosen by hippies from all over the world, after which a common misconception appeared that “Matala is the center of hippies.”

Indeed, in the 70s Matala gained such fame. You can still find interesting and pleasant “echoes” of those times here:

The Greek film about hippies "My Aunt the Hippie" was filmed here. The Rolling Stones even came here, making it even more popular. But according to one version, after the collapse of one of the caves and the death of a person, the hippies were expelled from here, and the caves were fenced off and taken under protection. According to another version, the inhabitants of Crete, shocked by such a neighborhood, gradually ousted the hippies from the caves. Currently, the caves are protected by the Archaeological Service, but in the morning hours anyone can get into them.

Matala is located in a fairly favorable location, thanks to which the local climate is considered one of the most favorable on the island, and in the Mediterranean basin as a whole. Located between two low mountains, Matala has its own microclimate with mild winters and not hot summers. And its orientation to the west allows you to admire uniquely beautiful sunsets.

Almost all local cafes and taverns are located in such a way that their visitors can not only eat deliciously, but also enjoy a spectacular end to the day.

Sunset at Matala Beach in November

The local beach is awarded the European Blue Flag every year for its exceptional cleanliness and suitability. And the cleanest water in the sea and the gentle sun do not leave either adults or children indifferent. The beach is well equipped. There are sun loungers and umbrellas, a shower, a rescue center, and a cafe to quench your hunger or thirst.

On the embankment of the village you can buy souvenirs with the symbols of Matala and many other memorable souvenirs that will remind you of a carefree holiday on the island of Crete.

But people come to Matala not only to swim and sunbathe. Matala is also interesting for those who decide to take a closer look at the excavations in Festus and Gortyn. After all, these ancient cities are located in close proximity to here.

To the south of Matala Beach there is a fairly famous Red Beach, which is popular with nudists. And the name of the beach comes from the color of the sand, which has a reddish tint. But you can only get to this beach on foot along a rather dangerous path, and the complete lack of infrastructure will hardly allow you to fully enjoy these places. North of Matala there is another beach, stretching from Kommos to Kokkinos Pyrgos and passing by the settlement of Kalamaki. On the beach near Kalamaki, as well as on Red Beach, there are almost no sun loungers with umbrellas, except perhaps those belonging to a few hotels in the village of Kalamaki. There is practically nowhere to hide from the hot midday sun, and the beach is constantly blown by winds, which makes staying on it uncomfortable. Entering the sea here is quite difficult and unsafe, since there are natural slabs near the shore, which are usually slippery. The village of Kalamaki is famous primarily for the fact that the Mediterranean turtles Caretta Caretta lay their eggs on the local beach. The egg-laying areas are fenced off, and at sea in these places any type of water entertainment except catamaran riding is prohibited. North of the village of Matala, in the area of ​​​​the village of Kommos, the southern end of this beach is located. Kommos is interesting because as a result of excavations, ruins of ancient temples, dry docks and warehouses were found here. Archaeologists suggest that Kommos used to be the harbor of ancient Phaistos and was of great economic importance for Crete. True, all the discoveries can only be admired from behind the fence, since access to the territory is prohibited.

Church in the rock

It is worth noting that Matala is not the quietest and least visited village in southern Crete. This is a full-fledged tourist place, where buses go from bus stations, there are streets with souvenir shops.

There are hotels in the village where you can always stay to enjoy this unique place. In addition to traditional Cretan cuisine, local taverns serve fresh fish from the Libyan Sea, local wines and tsikoudia (grape vodka).

But, despite all of the above, Matala remains a place where you can always retire and enjoy the romantic atmosphere, admire the nature of Crete, walk in the shade of orange groves and take a break from the bustle of the city.

Reference Information:

1. Where is it located? Matala is located in the south of Crete, 70 km south of the city. Heraklion, 78 km southeast of the city. Rethymno and 27 km from the village. Agia Galini.
2. Coordinates of the village of Matala (Matala, Μάταλα): DD 34.996373, 24.755096. DMS 34°59"46.9"N 24°45"18.4"E .
3. How to get there? You can get to Matala by bus, rented car and taxi.
4. What to see in the area? One of the Minoan palaces of Crete is located 12 km from Matala - Phaistos Palace(DD 35.051358, 24.814330. DMS 35°03"04.9"N 24°48"51.6"E). There is a gorge 20 km to the southeast Agiofarango. 14 km east of Matala is Monastery of the Virgin Hodegetria.
5. Where to stay? Hotels and apartments in Matale can be found in the largest search engines and hotel booking systems:

Matala beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Sometimes it is also called “Hippie Beach” due to the fact that in the 60s it was chosen by young people of this subculture. Hippies flew to the island from all over the world and settled right in the ancient caves on the beach. After some time, local residents led by Bishop Gortinis drove away most of the visitors, but the name remained. At that time, Matala was visited by such celebrities as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin.

The beach is 250 meters long and 45 meters wide.

There are many mysteries and legends associated with Matala beach. According to one of them, Zeus, madly in love with the Phoenician princess Europa, stole her from her home and brought her here. The fugitives then went to Gortyn.

Hotels near Matala Beach

If you want to stay in this quiet place for a longer period, then there are hotels with sea and mountain views for you.

Attractions

Many tourists come to Matala Beach to see the ancient Caves Matala caves. They have become a kind of calling card of the place. It is still not known for certain when they began to form. There is a hypothesis that primitive people punched them in soft sandy rock. During the Roman era, the caves were used for burials. Archaeological finds confirm this. Inside there is a small Christian temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was used as a catacomb during Christian persecution. The Brutospeliana cave was visited by Emperor Brutus, which is why it bears his name. Now the caves are open to tourists, but it is forbidden to stay in them. You can visit the caves for 2 euros. From the northern peak, the bravest ones jump into the water.

Separately, we can highlight the sunsets on Matala Beach. The bay is one of the best places in Crete to admire the setting sun. From here it seems that it is rolling straight into the sea.

The largest influx of tourists is in the second half of June. At this time, the musical Matala Beach Festival begins. A huge stage is set up on the seashore. Contemporary live music plays against the backdrop of ancient caves. The festival lasts three days. During these days, the stage hosts performances with the participation of famous Greek and foreign performers, theatrical shows, games and mass yoga classes.

In ancient times, Matala was the port of Gortyna and Festos. Therefore, people come here not only for a beach holiday, but also to see the excavations of ancient cities.

Infrastructure

“Matala” is a sandy beach with a gentle entrance to the water. Perfect for a holiday with small children. Umbrellas and sun loungers are paid, about €2 each. In the village around the beach there are many taverns serving national dishes.

Matala Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. It is the cleanest beach in Greece.

Here you must try the charcoal fish and moussaka. Small shops are a great place to buy souvenirs for the whole family. For the convenience of visitors, Matala beach is equipped with:

• umbrellas,
• sun loungers,
• first aid point,
• rescue service,
• showers, toilets,
• volleyball court.

Where is Matala Beach in Crete?

Matala Beach is located in a natural bay of the island on the southern coast. It is surrounded by rocks on three sides. From here you can see the islands of Paximadia or “Elephandakya” (Elephants). A quiet fishing village has been built around the beach. Its distance from the airport and the city of Heraklion has become a definite advantage. Due to the long road, there are significantly fewer people on the beach. The village of Matala has managed to maintain its charm and authenticity.

How to get to Matala Beach

The beach can be reached by public transport or rented car.

Bus

Regular buses from KTEL run to the beach. The journey will take about 2 hours. One way ticket – € 8.5. Detailed schedule on the official website. Departure from Heraklion from the Central Bus Station.

Car

From Heraklion: 70 km, travel time about 1 hour 20 minutes. Matala Beach is located on the border between the Asterousia and Messara mountains. In order to get to the beach, you need to take the E75 federal highway, turn south and take the built-in road that leads to Timbaki. Further, straight to the village of Mires. Having reached it, turn onto the road that leads to Matala. The route runs through the most beautiful places in Crete - through mountains, valleys, the villages of Sivas, Agia Varvara, Agio Deka and the town of Mori.

Taxi

From Nikos Kazantzakis Airport in the city of Herakliron you can take an economical Kiwitaxi taxi (for a family or group of up to four people) or a private minibus (for a group of seven to nineteen people).

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