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Matala is a small seaside village with a lovely sandy beach that is located on the southern coast of Crete, about an hour drive from Iraklio (via Agia Varvara - Agii Deka - Mires).
Matala is famous for its magnificent hollowed-out rocks with the artificial caves. Some of the caves may possibly have been used as prehistoric dwellings while, during the 1st and 2nd centuries, they were used as tombs. Today the area of the caves is an archaeological site.
Matala was chosen in late sixties by the "flowers' children" to become their
"paradise on earth". Although is not likely to meet hippies any more, Matala still carries an aura of libery and "flower flavor".
Matala, a small fishing village a few years ago, has now developed into a modern holiday resort that provides everything a visitor needs for relaxing and safe holidays. In Matala you can find restaurants, cafes, super market, bakery, grocery, book shop, laundry, post office, 24hr ATMs and many other shops, all of them just a few steps from Matala View!
Matala is an ideal starting point for excursions to the numerous sights and marvelous beaches of south Crete and to the archaeological sites of the area: Phaistos, Agia Triada and Gortyna.
The picturesque tavernas on the beach of Matala offer romantic and
carefree evenings. You may try the local wine and Raki together with a traditional meal
or fresh fish from the Libyan sea.
There is also a market that has a bazaar atmosphere with many shop doors opening
onto the paved with stones street.
There is a gallery featuring local art work, a folkart shop offering many items carved from olive wood, and a store offering the official museum reproductions of many Minoan items.
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