Matala located 71km southwest of Heraklion via the Iraklion - Agia Varvara - Agii Deka - Mires - Matala road is on the coast, south of the town of Timbaki. Matala is quite a large, busy and touristic town with a good range of tourist facilities from which you can easily reach the archaeological sites of Festos, Agia Triada, and Gortyn. Various other beaches of southern Crete are also nearby (like the beautiful Kommos Beach). Matala has remains of Minoan, Greek, Roman and early Byzantine eras. It's also commercial and at the beach there is paid parking like in Vai.

There is a wide chioce for accommodations (rooms in hotels, apartments and studios as well as private villas. In Matala there is also a camping), restaurants and shops. Also for people that want a bit of night life or that like internet caf�s there is some choice here. The roads from Iraklion are good and a direct trip will take 2 hours. From Matala, Agia Galini in the southern part of Rethimnon prefecture is easily reached. Ierapetra although further, is an equally interesting journey. There are frequent buses to the these destinations as well as many other local ones.

Matala was originally the harbour of Festos during the Minoan and Greek period, and when Gortyn defeated Festos in 220 B.C., it became the harbour of Gortyn. Traces of the ancient settlement are seen on the bottom of the sea. Matala has revised its former image of a hippie settlement and there are presently no signs of that era. Now it has many attractive tourist facilities and a pleasant ambience. There is a market that has a bazaar atmosphere with many shop doors opening onto the covered street.

Matala is famous for its man-made caves which are carved out in the sand stone rock next to the beach, which were first inhabited during the prehistoric period. Tombs found in the caves date from Greek, Roman and Early Christian times. The 1960s and early 70s brought an influx of foreigners to the area and the caves attracted numerous international hippies and other free-spirited travellers. Today, the Archaeological Service protects the fenced-off caves. The sandy beach is semi-circular and 300 metres in length. Despite its size the beach can become quite overcrowded. A path along the rocks will bring you to the red sand beach after a 25-minute walk.

Set in lush green garden surroundings, these quiet apartments provide stunning views of the valley of Messara. Apartments Xenophon are located close to the sea, meaning you can relax as the breeze tickles your skin. This is a very quiet environment in which to truly unwind, while children will enjoy playing in the small playground. Guests of Apartments Xenophon can use the swimming pool in the nearby hotel as well as the washing machine there. For more activity, in the nearby area there are many opportunities for recreation, such as cycling, diving, fishing, horse riding, mountaineering and karting. We can lock away your bicycles in safety.

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Less than 100 metres from Matala Beach, family-run Matala View offers a variety of accommodation types, each with free parking and private balcony. A full English breakfast is served at the hotel's yard. Matala View rooms, studios and apartments are simply furnished. Amenities include a fan, refrigerator and private bathroom with shower. Apartments and studios also have kitchenettes. Matala View is a short drive the Red Sand Beach and Komos beach. Hotel staff can assist guests with car rental and taxi service or arrange excursions.

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The family-run Antonios Apartments is situated in Matala, less than 50 metres from the beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms with private balcony. The shady courtyard is the ideal place to relax. The traditionally furnished rooms are equipped with a fridge, and a private bathroom with shower. Daily cleaning is provided, and baby cots are available on request. Apartments Antonios is situated on a quiet back road, directly at the starting point of the hike over to the Red Beach. Free private parking is available right behind the premises.

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Hotel Sofia is in a quiet area of Matala, yet close to the centre and its shops, bars and restaurants. It is just 50 metres away from the sandy beach and 20 minutes from the famous Red beach. The small family run hotel offers rooms with air conditioning and refrigerators. Each has its own private bathroom with shower and WC, and balcony or terrace. The large common courtyard is available and offers seating areas to cool off and relax. Here guests can have breakfast or enjoy a cold drink after a hot day on the beach. A shaded parking lot is available for guests to park their vehicles. A reading corner with books is also available. Staff at the front desk can arrange taxi transfer from and to Chania and Heraklion Airport upon surcharge.

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The family-run Eva Marina Hotel is just 50 metres from the beach of Matala and offers a breakfast room and TV lounge. Its rooms come with free Wi-Fi and a balcony overlooking the garden and mountain. The air-conditioned rooms at the Eva Marina are bright and include a private bathroom with 24-hour hot water. They are equipped with a mini fridge and a kettle. Every morning, a continental breakfast is served in the garden with jasmine trees. A bar serving snacks and drinks is also available on site.

The hotel staff speaks English and German, and can help guests to organize several activities in the area. The archaeological site of Festos can is a 30-minute drive away, and the picturesque village of Agia Galini is 45 minutes' drive from the property. The popular Red Beach is a 20-minute walk away. Heraklion International Airport is 54 km away. Free private parking is available nearby.

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Located 4 km south-west of Pitsidia and 75 km from Heraklion, you will find us on the coast of the Messara bay, surrounded by trees and greenery. Matala Dimitris Villa Hotel has 15 A' class rooms, all of them with their own bathroom, balcony, Air-Condition, Heating, fridge, Satellite TV, swimming-pool for adults and pool for children, safe-box and phone.

Since 1985, we have presented Cretan hospitality in the peaceful atmosphere of this former fishing community, now a modern holiday resort, and we would love to offer this to you. Matala beach is just 300 metres away, making the area an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. In our tavern, near the pool and surrounded by flowers, you can enjoy your breakfast or a delicious traditional Cretan lunch. You might like to know that we also provide the meat for the snacks. We also offer internet access and can organise excursions all over the island via air conditioned buses, or by renting a car or bike from us at reasonable prices.

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