Matala

Matala is on the south coast of Crete, located 65km southwest of Heraklion. It is most famous for its stunning, carved out caves and the hippies of the 1970s. There is a beautiful beach with a mix of sand and fine pebbles. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Located up on the cliffs are the famous caves which can be explored by foot. Many of the caves were inhabited back in the 70s during the hippy era and today you can still see the resemblance of homes with carved out beds, windows and doors. During the summer months, there is a small entrance fee to access the caves as an archaeological site. The beach has many amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers, snack bars and a lifeguard. There are plenty of tavernas and bars located above the beach in the main village, along with an array of shops for browsing. In the evenings, the beach bars are full and here is the place to come to enjoy a sunset cocktail. There are many small hotels and guestrooms located around the area as well a camp site with showers and toilets.