About Matala Crete

During Antiquity, the natural bay of Matala was used as a city-port of Faistos initially and later of Gortyn, when Gortyn became capital of Crete.

The ancient city that was found here, whose name we don’t know with certainty, was in prime mainly in the Roman period.

The houses and the public buildings of the city were found in the place of Goula under the current tourist settlement. In the south side of gulf, in the soft yellow rock of the coast were sculptured all the ships’ settlements. Nowadays some are even saved and can be seen.

At the northern side of gulf, the ancient residents had sculptured graves with terraces where they put their dead people during the roman period.

It’s worth reporting also the hill of Kastri southerly and above the current settlement where a strong and extensive fortress has been found and a fire tower, as well, that was very useful as a lighthouse for sailors.

Of course, despite their long history and their archaeological value, Matala became well known from the children of flowers (hippies) in the decade of 60’.

Nowadays it’s a hospitable place for thousands of tourists from the entire world. It is a small and quiet place which provides you everything, such as: restaurants, souvenir shops, taverns, bars, café, the amazing beach and many other things.

It doesn’t happen by chance that tourists entrust this place as their destination of holidays each year.

We look forward to seeing you here!