Nestled on the south coast of Crete, Matala is a beachfront village that began attracting hippies in the 1960s. It was known as “Phaistos" during the Minoan period and later became the Roman port of “Gortys”. In Greek mythology, Zeus seduced Europa and brought her to Matala where he transformed from a white bull into an eagle.
Rent an umbrella and sun lounger for a day on the pebbly shores of Matala Beach, which hugs a protected cove framed by Neolithic-era caves. Traditional Greek tavernas, restaurants and bars back the beach and it’s a particularly popular spot to watch the sunset at the end of the day.
History buffs can explore the surrounding caves, which are believed to have been used as tombs in Roman times. You can pick up colourful sarongs, beachwear and sandals at Paradosiako Agora Matalon, a lively market that has been going strong since the 1970s.
Getting there
Matala is around an hour’s drive from Heraklion and Heraklion International Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Matala and the village is small enough to explore on foot.