Every year when summer arrives, some travelers from around the world begin to dream of a specific destination for their vacation: tracksuit. After all, we are talking about a country that in many of its corners is dreamlike, and that is why it is often besieged by tourists. Aware of this, we have decided to tell you about one of its monumental beaches, a kind of paradise on earth that is worth discovering: Matala Beach.
Where is Matala beach located?
Matala is a beautiful Greek town located on the island of Crete and bathed by the splendid waters of the Libyan Sea. Being part of the province of Heraklion, in addition to having a wonderful beach, it is also a kind of refuge from what was once the Hippy culture and that, honestly, is also part of today.
The reason for all this is very simple: Matala beach enchants with its caves excavated in the rock, the same ones that were the summer residence of many hippies in the 60s and 70s. Cavities in which, among other things, they stayed even celebrities, like Joni Mitchell, whose song “Carey” is inspired by the beach. Then again, Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin and many others.
However, long before the world-famous stars appeared, these enchanting caves were also the home of prehistoric civilizations, while in Roman and Christian times they were used as tombs.
But the importance of this sandy area does not end here: Matala beach also has it a legendary beach Well, according to mythology, it was precisely in these places where Zeus, disguised as a bull, landed with Europa before taking her to Gortyn and making her the mother of Minos, who would become the future king.
How to get to this beach
Matala Beach comes to life about 70 kilometers from Heraklion, on the edge of the Messarà (“between the mountains”) plain. However, as it is an extremely important place due to its undeniable beauty and the many stories it has to tell, getting there is really easy: you can get there either by car or by public transport.
Near the beach there are also several parking lots, some paid and others free.
Information of interest
There is no need to go around it: Matala beach is a kind of masterpiece characterized by its sand mixed with pebbles and bathed by a sea that is nothing less than crystal clear and with a gentle slope. But what makes the area even more beautiful are the caves that surround it, the stone cliffs, the tamarisks and the vegetation that also creates pleasant shady spaces in which to take refuge in times of need.
La Matala Beach It is also an exceptional option for diving lovers because towards the north coast of the bay there is a large rock from which you can jump freely into the water. A lot of fun is also guaranteed for those who regularly practice water sports: the different establishments along its entire length offer pedal boats, jet skis and much more. Its seabed, given the charm of the area, is also perfect for snorkeling.
Looking out to sea it is also easy to notice the presence of two islets called cramming paradisiacal corners and where there are small beaches full of pebbles where, according to legend, Apollo and Artemis were born. Finally, you should not miss the magical moment of sunset that offers a spectacle here.
The caves of Matala beach
It is practically impossible to go to Matala Beach and not visit its majestic caves. The truth, however, is that no one knows for sure when they really date. The truth is that cushions carved in stone, beds and carved windows still survive inside.
They are paid and can be visited thanks to a pleasant path carved into the rock. As you climb higher and higher, you will be able to enjoy a truly satisfying view. Some of them can only be reached by boat, which also allows you to visit archaeological remains of walls and buildings, the ruins of a fortress, a lighthouse and much more.
What to visit in the town
Very fascinating, in addition to the beach, is also the Matala town. Choosing to spend a vacation in these parts is like catapulting yourself to a place that seems to have been frozen in time and where one of the predominant feelings is a kind of colorful nostalgia. In this town there is still a feeling of peace, although during the month of June everything gets hot because the Matala Beach Festival: an event in which the streets of the town are colored and music resonates in every corner.
After the hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival will restart in 2023 along with a wide range of interesting and exciting activities. The days of the event will be June 23, 24 and 25, while a week before the famous Matala Street Painting will take place.
The other beaches of Matala
In addition to this monumental beach capable of evoking a past full of history, the town of Matala also offers other beaches that are undoubtedly worth discovering.
One of them is Red Beach, in Greek Kokkini Ammos, one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island of Crete. To get there it is necessary to walk, some sections uphill, which leads to a magnificent beach of very fine red sand where characteristic pebbles appear. Also perfect for naturists, it is equipped and absolutely special.
A little more there Playa de Kommos which is characterized by having an extension so large that many could think it is infinite. Ideal for families with children, it is also an excellent destination for the youngest, for couples and for those who want to dedicate themselves to nudism. But this beach is home to an incredible event that is impossible to resist: there are fenced areas where mythical turtles caretta caretta they lay their eggs.
Matala beach is, therefore, a monumental beach on the island of Crete, perhaps one of the most beautiful that has ever existed. A place where the atmosphere is truly unique and capable of evoking memories of the past that seem to come to life among charming caves and peculiar alleys.
