Matala is on the bay of Messara on the west coast of Crete, 2 miles south-west of Pitsidia and 45 miles from Heraklion. Matala is a small village beach resort that achieved certain fame in the sixties when the fishing village became a popular hippy hang-out. Matala resort is the village behind the beach and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Matala is for those looking for a small and laid-back resort, a memorable beach, beautiful sunsets and romantic, low-key but popular night-life in picturesque waterside tavernas. Matala has shops and plenty of tavernas. Matala beach is one of the most famous beaches in Crete with beautiful turquoise water.
The beach is about 300 metres long and has fine pebbles and golden sand and is at its best in early or late season. It has a secluded feel as it is surrounded by beautiful high cliffs. Yuor holidays in Matala should include the half-hour walk to the Red Beach another ex hippy nature spot. The most famous features of Matala beach are its sloping cliffs and its caves that have been carved into the rocks and cliffs, which date back to prehistoric times and have over the years been the haunt of ancient Greeks, Romans, fisherman, resistance fighters and hippies, and are now a national monument. Underwater caves can be visited by boat. Popular excursions are to the Minoan ruins at Kommos, Phaistos and the Roman city of Gortyn. There are rewarding walks into the surrounding countryside and visits to typical charming traditional Crete hill villages.