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Trip Planner :  Europe  /  Greece  /  Crete  /  Heraklion Prefecture  /  Matala

Matala

4.4
Beaches Caves Outdoor Activities
A low-key tourist resort known for its ancient cliffside caves, Matala boasts a rich history that spans over 2,000 years. The town's sandy stretch of coastline is mythologized as the place where Zeus brought Europa after seducing her in the form of a white bull. The town itself burst onto the world scene as an important port, used both by the ancient Minoans and the Romans. In more recent times, Matala became a mecca for hippies and 1970s rock stars. Today the town draws mostly day-trippers from nearby Heraklion, its biggest tourist attractions an impeccable beach and several traditional taverns. Matala is in Heraklion Prefecture. Put Matala at the heart of your travel plans by using our Greece online trip planner.
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Top Matala tours
Full-Day Land Rover Safari from Rethymno with Lunch and Swimming BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $85
5.0
11 reviews
Duration: 8 hours
Buy tours from $85
Imbros Gorge Hiking Day Trip Including Traditional Cretan Snack BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $51
4.0
5 reviews
Duration: 11 hours
Buy tours from $51
Georgioupolis Safari Off Road Tours Outdoor Activities Land Rover Defender BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $79
5.0
1 review
Duration: 8 hours
Buy tours from $79

Popular things to do in Matala

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Matala beach
4.3
Duration:3 h
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Red Sand Beach (Kokkini Ammos)
4.3
Duration:2 h
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Matala Caves
3.9
Duration:2 h
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Agio Farago (Gorge of Saints)
4.6
Duration:2 h

Side trips from Matala

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Palace of Faistos
Sivas
4.1
Duration:1 h 30 min
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Preveli Beach
Lefkogia
4.0
Duration:2 h
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Plakias Beach
Plakias
4.0
Duration:2 h 30 min
Agia Galini Beach
Agia Galini
2.7
Duration:1 h 30 min

Hidden gems in Matala

Goods of the Ground
5.0
Duration:2 h
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Prisma
4.9
Duration:30 min
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Moozart Wood Art Shop
4.4
Duration:30 min
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Church of Panagia
3.9
Duration:2 h
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Places to visit with Matala

Heraklion BEST FOR: History Museum, Fountain, Room Escape Game
Rethymnon BEST FOR: Historic Site, Religious Site, Beach
Chania Town BEST FOR: Marina, Scuba / Snorkeling, Beach
Elounda BEST FOR: Island, Beach, Gift & Specialty Shop
Kissamos BEST FOR: Beach, Gift & Specialty Shop, History Museum
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Recently planned trips to Matala

9 days in Greece BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, wildlife, slow & easy, hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Slow & easy 15 days in Heraklion Prefecture BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM April, kids, popular sights PREFERENCES: April, kids ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 15 days in Greece BY A USER FROM FRANCE March, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, wildlife, fast-paced, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: March, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 8 days in Crete BY A USER FROM CYPRUS August, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: August, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 8 days in Crete BY A USER FROM CYPRUS August, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: August, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 8 days in Crete BY A USER FROM CYPRUS August, relaxing, romantic, beaches, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: August, relaxing, romantic, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium
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