Matala trip planner

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. Plan your holiday in Matala and other destinations, from the rural, to the urban, and everything in between, using our Greece travel planner.