Famous beach Matala located 75 km south-west of Heraklion. Matala beach gained its popularity thanks to the clear and crystal sea and the rocks with pre-historic caves.
Beach is located near ancient city of Gortina and you can stop and rest here after your visit to this place. And right on the beach there are a few hotels. Not luxury but if you are late you can spend night there.
We need to say a little more about the caves on the beach. They were inhabited in the pre-historic times. Later, in the Minonian era, Matala beach served as the port for the Phaistos. When Crete was conquered by Romans they used the caves as the burial place.
And, like the Preveli beach, Matala in 1970-years was occupied by the hippie. Here was even shooted the “My Aunt the Hippie” and after the place was visited by “Rolling Stones” the beach became even more popular. Of course local were not happy to have hippie as their neighbors. They ousted the hippie and caves were declared as the National Archaeological Monument.
When I was on the beach the access to the caves was not restricted.
Matala beach located in the very convenient place. Local climate counted as one of the best on the Crete. The beach is restricted by the two rocks and thanks to this fact has own microclimate. And beach has spectacular view to the sea which is especially wonderful in the evening.
Matala beach very well equipped. Here you can find sunbeds, shower, cafes and restaurants.
