Matala - Lassithi

Matala has by far the best-known beach in Iraklion province, widely promoted and included in tours mainly because of the famous caves cut into the
cliffs above its beautiful sands.These are believed to be ancient tombs first used by Romans or early Christians, but more recently inhabited by a sizeable hippie community.You'll still meet people who will assure you that this is the travellers' beach on Crete, although today, the town is full of package tourists and tries hard to present a respectable image. The caves have long since been cleared and cleaned up and these days are a fenced-oft archeological site (April—Sept daily 10am—7pm; €2) and locked up every evening.

The chief problems concern prices and crowds: rooms are both expensive and oversubscribed, and food is good but not cheap. If you want accommodation, try looking up the little street to the left as you enter town,just after the Ζ,αβϊία hotel  ), where there are several rooms for rent, such as Matala Vim1 , the pleasant and modern Fanlastik ( and the equally good Hotel Nikos; ). If these are full, then everywhere closer in is likely to be as well, so head back out along the main road where places tend to fill up last, or try the campsite, Camping of Matala  next to the beach above the car park; Kommos Camping is a nicer site, but a few kilometres out of Matala and reached by heading back towards Pitsidia and turning left along a signed track.There are places to eat and drink all over the main part of town, and it's worth seeking out the Skala fish taverna on the south side of the bay for fresh seafood and a great view. Nightlife is confined to a solitary summer disco, Kandari, plus a couple of music bars on the mam square. On the south side of the bay the two most popular music bars are the Marinero, and Tommy's Music Bar above it. Internet access is available inside the stylish Kafeneio bar on the mam square. Impossible to miss are most other facilities, including various stores and a bookshop (with international press), currency exchange, car and bike rental, travel agents, post office and a covered market where tourist tat has almost squeezed out the fruit and veg stalls.

For information about accommodation in Matala please contact us

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