Explore Crete island

Matala - Crete, GREECE

Matala is situated at the south coast of Crete, 4 kilometres south-west of the village of Pitsidia, at the end
of the Messara valley. The beautiful bay on which Matala is located opens to the west which gives visitors the chance in the evenings to view stunning sunsets. A beautiful 300 metre half crescent shaped sandy beach is protected on both sides with great cliffs forming a pretty little bay. In the cliffs at the north end of the beach, carved into the rock are caves that are believed to have been inhabited during pre-historic times. Tombs from Greek, Roman and Early Christian periods have been found in the caves. In the 60’s and 70’s hippies from around the world came to live in Matala caves. The hippies have now long gone, but the caves remain and can still be visited Matala area during the day, for their protection, they are closed at night ..

Matala is now a popular and reasonably busy tourist resort but if you had came here prior to the hippie invasion, all that you would have seen is a small fishing community with just ten houses, and one taverna, plus, of course, the wonderful beach and caves. A holiday in Matala is a combination of quiet and relaxing days on the beach with a reasonably busy nightlife. Ruins of an ancient city that sunk into the sea are still visible on the sea bed. An archaeological search has unearthed some traces from the ancient cities of Phaistos, and Gortys, of the palaces built by the nobles. There is also a cave known as "Brutospeliana" and legend has it that the Roman general Brutus was a frequent visitor.

The beach of this bay, in the form of a reaping-hook, is still the same. The cave houses in Matala , cut by the Cretan people from the early Stone Age, with their passages, stone beds and fireplaces, are now put under monumental care. They are really worth visiting. The beach of fine stones is very pleasant. Especially the early morning and the end of the afternoon can still bring back the memories of what has been. Nevertheless, Matala has something. A friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings will take care of some days of enjoyment, without having the feeling of being disturbed by mass tourism.
Next to a sandy beach located to the east of Matala, is an archaeological excavation of the Minoan settlement of Kommos. This harbour is thought to date back to the early years of Minoan civilization. It was probably the major port of entry in the Mesara Plain. Monumental buildings near the shore, and paved roads towards Mesara, suggest a customs house. Remains from the Greek era have also been found, a temple built here in the tenth century B.C. is thought to be one of the oldest in Greece.