18°C
The town, with its beach of 300 m and the many caves cut out of the high cliffs which surround and form the enclosed and sheltered bay, is one of the most popular destinations in Crete.
These impressive caves may have served as dwellings and/or places of burial from prehistory into Hellenistic and Roman times. Later, in the late 1960s, the Flower Children (aka Hippies) settled and lived in them. Apart from the caves set above the beach, others exist that can only be reached by boat.
Matala, in the Minoan period, was another harbour for Festos, and later in the Roman era it played the same role for Gortyns. Today the ruins of the old city lie drowned on the sea bed.
The beach has sand, small pebbles and deep waters. It is well organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, toilets and a lifeguard for the protection of the swimmers. The beach is well adapted for water-sports; and has beach-volley courts, where competitions are run.
If you chose to pass your time at Matala, you will find many hotels and rent-rooms, also tavernas, cafés and bars.
Continuing, the next beach to the east is that of Kokkini Ammos.
Αμμώδης
Ναι - Πολλές επιλογές
Ναι - Πολλές επιλογές
Ναι - πολλές επιλογές
Σε ορισμένα σημεία
The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
