Matala beach — Attraction in Municipality of Festos

This place was my real introduction to inspiration. And this is more a story about my time there than a review, but it could certainly be used as a five star review from a time when was no internet and Apple was just simply a fruit.😉

I’m not sure why I came to this little beachside village in 1979, but I found myself there knowing nothing about Matala Bay. It was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen, especially the water. Only in nature can you see or feel blues that breathtaking! It was the end of summer, almost devoid of tourists, and I was told to knock on the doors of the few little houses that lined one side of the beach, where the fishermen parked their colorful boats with their catch of the day. These small places (more hut than house) were owned by the fishermen’s families and offered sanctuary for a few nights to lone tourists, and all they asked for was a small donation. Unfortunately, or, fortunately, the few of them were taken, so I waited at a little café on the verge of tears, and had a coffee, while I waited for the bus back to Iraklion. I heard two people near me speaking broken English to each other (he was Irish, she, Swedish) and told them if they hadn’t looked for lodging yet, all of the beds were taken. They said they brought a tent, and seeing I had only brought my backpack and a sleeping bag they offered to share their tent with me, where we set it up on the beach under the olive trees. We got up at sunrise each day, swam in the crystal blue water each morning, hiked all day, and sat at the little beachside catés where our chairs sank into the sand, ate wonderful food, drank Greek wine (retsina) and listened to scratchy rock n’ roll music over the café speakers and danced in the cool sand. We were there for a week and they had more places in Europe to go, and my father was probably pulling his hair out back in Athens. We all returned to Athens, said our sad goodbyes, and went on to our separate destinations. It was the best week of my young life (I’m now 67) and have since had a few experiences that have rated right up there! But I’ll never forget that blue, or the young couple that shared their tent to a sad loner that just came for a visit. I think Joni Mitchell said it best in “Carey:”

But let's not talk about fare-thee-wells now The night is a starry dome And they're playin' that scratchy rock and roll Beneath the Matala Moon

I can see online the building up of the once tiny village that once gave me refuge has been done with a modest effort to respect most other Greek island...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)

Absolutely in love with Matala beach! 🏖️💛

From the moment you approach, you're greeted by the breathtakingly blue waters 🌊 and the intriguing sandstone cliffs with their ancient caves 🏞️. The beach is just the perfect blend of history, nature, and sunshine! ☀️

The water is crystal clear and inviting 🏊‍♀️. It's also perfect for snorkeling 🐠. There's something magical about diving into that sparkling sea and exploring its rich marine life. For those who prefer to relax, the soft golden sands are ideal for lounging and soaking up the sun 🌞.

Away from the water, there's plenty to explore. The iconic caves, steeped in history, are fascinating. It feels like stepping back in time when walking through these awe-inspiring formations 🗿🕰️.

The local cuisine here is also a real treat! 🥗🍲 Fresh seafood, delicious Greek salads, and exquisite local wines 🍷. Dining in the nearby tavernas with the sunset as your backdrop is an unforgettable experience 🌅.

It's not just the natural beauty and historical intrigue that make Matala beach special. It's the friendly locals and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that make you feel at home away from home 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🤗.

Overall, Matala Beach is a gem that offers a unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and fun! It's a place that stays in your heart long after you leave 💖. Can't wait to...

Worth visiting, this a great beach. Keep in mind that if you come in the morning and want to get a sunbath, you got to sit with your back to the sea, as the sun raises from the island side, not from the sea side. This is a little disappointment you should keep in mind. While sunbathing, if you are not sleeping, you can enjoy the caves in right in the hill on your right. Depth goes quite fast, you cannot touch the bottom in ten-fifteen meters from the shore. Sun bed costs only two euro, so you got to pay 4 euro for two sun beds and additional two euro for the umbrella, which makes it 6 euro versus 10 euro, which is the ordinary price for this. There is a big parking just behind the beach and it costs two or two and a half year for a daily stay. Worth paying, as there is no free parking slots around.

We have found only one changing room and there was a line of people waiting there, so we changed in a car.

Spectacular beach, worth visiting, if you are around, but nothing special to drive...