Matala, a safe natural harbor, 65 kilometers from Heraklon, on the Bay of Messara, blessed with a gently sweeping sandy beach, where Zeus swam ashore in the guise of a bull with Europa on his back. The beach is 250m long and 45m wide.
Matala has something for everyone. It has become a popular tourist destination but still retains the character of a quiet fishing village. it started at the beginning of the 20th-century, and goes back to the lifestyle of the hippies of the 60’s and 70’s lives on. Matala hippies’ history relives during the 3 days Matala beach festival, every June since 2011. Half beach is fringed by tamarisk trees, leading the eye on to impressive formations of sandstone rock cliffs with their famous caves, creating one of the most unusual beachscapes on the island.
There have been many pages of history here. Nobody knows quite who started caves but it seems that they were first hollowed out as Roman or early Christian tombs. There are other ruins at the eastern end of the village and in the clear waters of Messara Bay there are ancient ruins to be seen in the depths.
Matala it is one of just over 400 beaches in Greece that have been awarded a Blue Flag. This exclusive eco-label is given to beaches that offer cleanliness and safe bathing areas and has strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental management and safety. There is a lifeguard and first aid facilities, as well as toilets and showers.
The beaches of Matala, come under Natura 2000, a European Union network of nature protection.
At the beach there are sport facilities as well as activities for children
Get directions to Matala- Half Day
Find below list of stays near Matala- Half Day:
Situated in Agrianá, 2.6 km from Limenas Hersonissou Beach and 11 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos, Casa di Kasta, in Hersonissos features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. This apartment is 26 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 27 km from Venetian Walls.
The apartment has a terrace, 1 bedroom, a living room and a well-equipped kitchen.
The Palace of Knossos is 28 km from the apartment, while Lake Voulismeni is 40 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 20 km from Casa di Kasta, in Hersonissos.
from
€64
/night
Set in Hersonissos, Mitos Village provides a restaurant. Free WiFi is provided.
All units feature air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Some units feature a terrace and/or a balcony with sea views.
Guests at the aparthotel can enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast.
Mitos Village offers an outdoor pool.
A garden and a terrace are featured at the property.
Water City is 2 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 18 km from the property.
from
€81
/night
Set within the Old Town Hersonissos district in Hersonissos, Villa Rosa Kreta / Old Chersonissos has air conditioning, a patio, and mountain views. It has a garden, a terrace, sea views and free WiFithroughout the property.
Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
The reception at the apartment can provide tips on the area.
Villa Rosa Kreta / Old Chersonissos offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, fishing, hiking and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and the accommodation can arrange a car rental service.
Limenas Hersonissou Beach is 2.8 km from Villa Rosa Kreta / Old Chersonissos, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 11 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 19 km from the apartment.
from
€65
/night
Featuring garden views, Villa Greco provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge and a garden, around 2.2 km from Limenas Hersonissou Beach. This homestay features air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The homestay features 5 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 5 bathrooms with a hot tub.
The homestay offers a terrace.
Glaros Beach is 2.5 km from Villa Greco, while Golden Beach is 2.5 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 23 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€685
/night
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