Matala - The most popular crit resort in the southern part of the Greek island, located on the Plateau Messara. Matala is notable for unusual caves, cut down directly in the cliffs surrounding beach.
Like many places of Crete, Matala is satisfied with mythology. According to the ancient Greeks, who stole Europe in the image of a bull, Zeus was brought initially to Tsarevna just in Matal.
At the beginning and end of the season in Matala and water, and the air is warmer than in the northern part of the island. We rested in Crete just at the beginning of the season - at the end of May / early June. Stayed in the town of Hersonissos, which is 20 km from the capital - the city of Heraklion. In Matal drove by car, which was taken for rent. Distance between cities about 80 km. The road, at least places and winding, but calm and quite picturesque, comes through the historical place - Gordin.
Again mythology: After Mataly Zeus changed the image of a bull to the eagle and moved Europe just in Gordin. Antique and later attractions are preserved in this place: Roman, Greek, early Christian and even Egyptian. There are ancient laws of laws there, which is very honored by archaeologists.
In Khersonissos and Heraklion on the day of our trip, it was cool, and it was raining. And in Matala, the sun shone brightly, and the water was much warmer.
Near the beach there is a paid parking. We were parked for free near the cult tree, but there are little places there.
On the beach there are toilets, dressing rooms, a beach service is offered. The beach itself is in a cove between rocks. Entrance to water without stones. The bottom is fairly hollow, but to the depths not far. Light waves, pure water. Swim on this beach is a pleasure.
There is a lot of hotels nearby, so I would advise you to go to Matal for 3. Enjoy the beautiful beach, visit Gordin and ride through the nearest villages. Places are removed from the main tourist flux, so people are special there. Well, the friendly of all residents of Crete in the blood - apparently, from Zeus, Europe and other celebrities got. We got lost in one of the towns - because of the fair it was necessary to travel. So we held good locals almost to Mataly - drove ahead slowly, because We do not know roads. Back to ride easier - by signs for Heraklion.
In the cliffs surrounding the beach are ancient caves. In antiquity, it was a funeral cave. In the 60-70 years, Hippie began to be gathered there. Later, the cave declared her property and put guard. However, now you can visit.
