This Matala page is from the Beach Resorts section of the Completely Crete website.

Matala is one of the most famous beach resorts of Greece and is found on the south coast of the Heraklion region. The beach of Matala is situated within an area of unique natural beauty. It is a spectacular setting surrounded by caves or tombs cut out of the rock. The caves were created as a Roman and Byzantine cemetery, and during the 60's and 70’s became the temporary home to peace loving hippies who sought refuge from the materialistic world.

Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin all spent time here composing their songs in the hippie era. Famed also for several ancient shipwrecks, mainly of the Roman period, that have been discovered here, the beach is very popular.

The beach itself has light golden sand with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. The swimming and snorkelling are brilliant and for divers there are underwater remains of the Roman port on both sides of the rocks.

Mor coming soon...

If you love Crete then you'll love the romantic Greek island of Santorini. Visit our sister site of Simply Santorini. Com for all you'll need to know about Santorini.

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