Matala in Heraklio | Cretan Locations

This picturesque port-village is located near the village of Pitsidia at a distance of 71 klms south of Heraklion.

Both Gortys and Phaistos used Matala as their port in antiquity. The buildings of the ancient town, probably including the public buildings were at Goula, under nowadays seaside tourist resort.

Matala beach was first discovered in 1968 by hippies who lived in the numerous caves carved out of the cliffs on the north side to the beach.

Those caves, which are now open only during daylight hours, are completely manmade and may have been used as early Christian or Roman tombs.

The soft sandstone has been carved to form doorways and windows and many have beds or benches inside. Today, Matala is a busy tourist resort with lots of hotels, apartments, tavernas and shops. The horseshoe-shaped bay of Matala is perfectly positioned for watching spectacular sunsets.

The beautiful beach of this bay with the crystal clear water makes Matala one of the best choices for a beach resort on the island.

Beaches in Heraklio