Ancient Matala

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Place description

Matala, originally known as Matelon, functioned as a port for Phaestus and Gortyn and is famous for its carved caves, which were used as graves during the Grecoroman era. The cape to the south of Matala has been identified as Cape Nysos, the site where Menelaus’ ships were wrecked, as mentioned in the Odyssey.

Excavations in the 1980s at the archaeological site near the village, which was the heart of the ancient town, revealed large buildings and workshops for metallurgy, pottery, and woodworking. The town appeared to have thrived from the 6th century BC until the 7th century AD but was never deserted.

Remnants of an ancient temple can be found southeast of the village, and a marble urn was discovered near the beach of Matala. The town’s acropolis was situated on a nearby hilltop, where a Turkish tower, known as a koules, was later constructed.

Place Category

  • Archaeological Sites

    Location

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    Stays near Ancient Matala

    Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Matala:

    • 9.7 / 10
    • MATALA CRETE

    Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a patio, Luxury Villas Ammos in Style is located in Matala. This property offers access to a balcony, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.

    The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.

    The daily breakfast offers buffet, continental or vegetarian options.

    The reception at the villa can provide tips on the area.

    Luxury Villas Ammos in Style offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling, cycling and fishing are possible in the surroundings and the accommodation can arrange a bicycle rental service.

    Matala beach is less than 1 km from Luxury Villas Ammos in Style, while Red Sand Beach is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 64 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

    from

    €225

    /night

      • 290 m
      • 9.5 / 10
      • Μάταλα Κρήτη

      The Cave Villa features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Matala, 1 km from Matala beach.

      Each unit is equipped with a terrace offering mountain views, a satellite flat-screen TV, a well-fitted kitchen and a private bathroom with walk-in shower, bathrobes and slippers. A dishwasher, an oven and toaster are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

      The villa offers a barbecue.

      In addition to a seasonal outdoor pool, The Cave Villa also provides a a children’s playground.

      Red Sand Beach is 1.7 km from the accommodation, while Kommos Beach is 2.6 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 64 km from The Cave Villa.

        • 320 m
        • 8.7 / 10
        • Main Street

        The Coral Hotel features comfortable rooms with private balconies. This family-run hotel is in the quiet town of Matala. It is 500 metres from the town centre and 600 metres from the beach.

        Guests can enjoy relaxing in the garden or lounge by the pool. The hotel’s large roof terrace provides panoramic views.

        A breakfast buffet is served daily.

        Free on-site parking is available to guests.

        from

        €59

        /night

          • 350 m
          • 9.4 / 10
          • Eparchiaki Odos Gortinas - Matalon

          Located in Matala, 600 metres from Matala beach and 1.4 km from Red Sand Beach, Kayy Apartments 3 in Matala offers air conditioning. It has a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.

          The apartment with a patio and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.

          A car rental service is available at the apartment.

          Kommos Beach is 2.7 km from Kayy Apartments 3 in Matala, while Phaistos is 11 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 64 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

            • 390 m
            • 9.8 / 10
            • Eparchiaki Odos Gortinas - Matalon

            Situated in Matala in the Crete region, Kayy Apartments 1 in Matala features a patio. The accommodation is 600 metres from the Matala beach and has free WiFithroughout the property.

            The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.

            A car rental service is available at the apartment.

            Red Sand Beach is 1.4 km from Kayy Apartments 1 in Matala, while Kommos Beach is 2.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 64 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

              • 400 m
              • 9.7 / 10
              • Matala

              Set 1 km from Matala beach, Maistro Suites with pool, Matala offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.

              The apartment provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

              Red Sand Beach is 1.7 km from Maistro Suites with pool, Matala, while Kommos Beach is 2.4 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 63 km from the accommodation.

                • 440 m

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