Location
Matala is located about 70km south west of Heraklion city.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Crete and a famous beach in the prefecture of Heraklion.
Characteristics
| Access By: Car/bus | Beach Type: Sand |
| Depth: Normal | Temperature: Normal |
| Natural Shade: Yes | Crowded: Yes |
| Windy: Yes | Blue Flag: Yes |
| Family-friendly: Yes | Handicapped Accessible: Yes |
| Offroad: Yes | Organised: Yes |
Facilities
Umbrellas and sunbeds, showers, lifeguard, public toilets, parking, cafes, beach bars, restaurants, accommodation, camping, mini markets, super markets, ATM cashpoint machines.
Notes
Matala is famous for the carved caves in the rocks and the hippies who overcrowded the area in the ‘70s.
In ancient times Matala was the port of Phaistos, and on the Roman Times, it became a port of Gortys.
Matala Bay is relatively sheltered from northerlies, but it is affected by south and westerly winds so be careful since the seabed is quite rocky in some places.
How to get to Matala
Matala is accessible with public buses from Herakion.
If you choose to drive from Heraklion, follow the new National road (E75) towards Rethymno, to the east.
After about 6km take the exit to Tympaki and Agia Galini and right after 300m follow the provincial road Herakliou- Phaistou.
After about 46km you will reach Moires and just have to follow the signs to Matala.
