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Guide to Crete|
Home > Guide To Crete > Matala
Holidays To Matala -
Location Of Matala in Crete
Located on the south east part of Crete, Matala is famed
for it’s beaches in Crete. Matala is located in the prefecture of Heraklion but
offers something different away from the big tourist packed resorts on the east coast
of Crete.
Matala -
Matala was the ancient port of Phaistos and Gortys and a former fishing community
which has developed into a modern holiday Mecca. It is located 4 km south west of
the village of Pitsidia and 75 km from Heraklion.
Its famed for its caves and its
ancient city under the sea near Matala which will be explained in more detail below.
So for a relaxing holiday with quiet nightlife choose Matala.
There is 1 main beach in Matala which is always busy but not overcrowded. The beach
is the sight of the caves of Matala. The caves are actually artificial, carved out
in neolithic times. There is evidence of tombs found inside the caves dating back
to Minoan, Roman and early Christian times. It was once said that Brutas himself
stayed in the caves. More recently the caves were occupied in the late 60's and
70's by a hippy commune.
The hippy commune was not totally welcome by the locals and
in the end they were moved on and the caves are now protected by the Government.
During this time many famous musicians of the time visited the cave from Cat Stevens,
Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, all who composed songs about the beauty of Matala.
Nowadays you are free to enter the caves during the daytime, but no longer permitted
to stay in them overnight. Camping is still permitted in Matala but now only on
certain area’s and is strictly controlled. More information on the Matala campsite
can be found here.
It’s recommended if you want to enter the caves that you were suitable
footwear as the limestone is very slippy. The caves themselves aren’t too deep so
no torch is required. Camera’s are of course permitted.
Nearby, the archaeological
site of Kommos offers Minoan ruins on a small scale, and also further out in the
bay you can dive down to the ancient city of Gortys, from roman times where the of
Roman capital of Crete has sunk into the sea. Its was the Roman capital around 220
B.C.
Overlooking Matala Beach
The restaurants and bars in Matala
You will find an assortment of beach Tavernas but
some of the most highly recommended restaurants of Matala have to be the Lions Taverna,
offering excellent Greek food. The Hotel Zafiria has an outstanding Taverna with
well priced food. Also try out the adeptly named “Beyond the Sunset” near the cliffs
beyond the rest of the bars in Matala. Also in Matala you must try Minos Pallas
for a very Greek welcome and some excellent dining.
Most Tavernas in Matala double
up as bars as well and you can sit and enjoy a Raki or 2 watching the sunset of the
bay of Matala. But for those who want a bit of extra nightlife then find Matala’s
“Disco Row” try out Captain Hooks for a wonderful night. Just remember to avoid
drinking too much and being the near steep cliffs of Matala -
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Shopping in Matala
There is a local market in Matala offering all manner of local
produce and goods, take your time to wander round this and you can find some great
bargains lower than the store prices. As well as the market you will find most stores
offering a wealth of ceramics and potteries as well as other locally produced tourist
driven items, but seek out the gallery of Matala for gifts carved out of olive wood,
local honeys and some of the smoothest Raki on the island. Raki is available all
over Crete but the locals of Matala claim its the best on the island.
If you want a free all over body mud pack then you can hike up about 40 minutes from
Red beach to find a pleasant Oasis “Clothes optional” where you can use the clay
on the cliffs mixed with some seawater and rub it all over your body and lie in the
sun until its suitably dry before washing it off. You will come away with softer
skin and feeling suitably refreshed.
The hotels of Matala are smaller than most of Crete, but offer a warm and friendly welcome to make you feel very special in your holiday. We have selected 3 hotels in Matala for you to book online or a direct link to the hotel.
Matala Dimitris Villa Hotel
The hotel Matala Dimitris Villa is located in a
beautiful sea resort, in the southern part of the island of Crete. Just 200m from
the beach.
Hotel Zafiria -
Eva Marina Hotel -
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