Matala is located 68 km southwest of Heraklion, where the plain messara meets the Asteroussia

Mountains. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Crete and

certainly the most famous beach in south Heraklion prefecture. It is famous for

the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies of the ‘70s. It is located close

to Phaestus, the second largest palace of the Minoan civilization. Matala

served as a port of Phaestus, and in the Roman Times, it became a port of

Gortyn.

 

Matala is located at the exit of a small valley, which forms an enclosed bay

with a nice view of the islands of Paximadia. There is a beautiful sandy beach,

300m long, with fine gravel and crystal clear deep water. Moreover, the seabed

is quite rocky in some places (especially in the central part of the bach) and

waves are common, due to frequent west winds.

 

Furthermore, there is a huge cave on the north part of the beach, from the top

of which some people dive. The beach is very well organized with umbrellas,

toilets, showers, lifeguards, first aid, beach volley courts, snack bars, water

sports, excursion boats, a camping site, etc. Around Matala, you will find many

options for accommodation, entertainment, and eating. Also, a large part of the

beach is covered by tamarisk trees, where you can find shade. In the evenings,

the bars on the beach are full of many people, both locals, and foreigners. Especially in June, the internationally renowned Matala Festival takes place.