The town, with its beach of 300 m and the many caves cut out of the high cliffs which surround and form the enclosed and sheltered bay, is one of the most popular destinations in Crete.
These impressive caves may have served as dwellings and/or places of burial from prehistory into Hellenistic and Roman times. Later, in the late 1960s, the Flower Children (aka Hippies) settled and lived in them. Apart from the caves set above the beach, others exist that can only be reached by boat.
Matala, in the Minoan period, was another harbour for Festos, and later in the Roman era it played the same role for Gortyns. Today the ruins of the old city lie drowned on the sea bed.
The beach has sand, small pebbles and deep waters. It is well organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, toilets and a lifeguard for the protection of the swimmers. The beach is well adapted for water-sports; and has beach-volley courts, where competitions are run.
If you chose to pass your time at Matala, you will find many hotels and rent-rooms, also tavernas, cafés and bars.
Continuing, the next beach to the east is that of Kokkini Ammos.
