Matala Beach in Heraklion

Information About Matala

Matala Heraklion: Matala is one of the most famous beaches of Greece located 67 km south west of Heraklion town.The beach extends over 300 metres, with light golden sand and bamboo umbrellas and sun beds available for rent.

On the right side of the beach are the famous imposing cliffs with the curved caves that hippies used as a shelter in the 1960s. Equally important is the fact that the beach was actually inhabited during Antiquity where the locals dug these caves into the rocks.Today, the prehistoric caves are fenced.

Matala used to be a fishing village while today locals are mostly engaged in tourism. It offers numerous accommodations and modern facilities. There is a camping site and many fish taverns.

Things To See And Do In Matala

Caves

Europa

Hotels, Studios Matala Book now from: 35 €

Xenophon

Hotels Matala Book now from: 25 €

Zafiria

Apartments Matala Book now from: 30 €

Guest 2011-02

Matala is located very far away from the tourist places of northern Heraklion, we drove about 70 km and the weather was incredibly hot that day. However, the golden sand, the crystal clear waters and the mysterious rocks that stand right above you, are definitely a reward once you get there. Though, that day the beach was very crowded still I enjoyed the beauty of the place. It is worth to make a stop and enjoy a coffee. Matala was popular especially during the 1960s, the time of the hippies movement where they gathered inside the caves as a sign of rebellion. Today these caves are considered protected archaeological areas and they are fenced. If you are a fan of this era like me, you will soon feel the carelessness atmosphere of those years. Also from Matala, visitors can take the small boats for a tour around the area.