Hidden Gems Attractions in Matala Area

Many people make this village their base for Cretan holidays, as it is so central on the south coast, and away from the over-development of the north coast. Matala are known abroad for the big summer festival that attracts people from all over the world. What they don’t know is that there are many hidden gems in this area.

  First of all next to the main beach there is another one that is called “red beach” due to its color. To get here you have to walk a trail that begins north of the settlement of Matala and crosses the hill north of Matala.

   Next gem is the gorge Agiofarago that ends in a beautiful small beach. To get there you must either cross the gorge, by easy hiking of about 25-50’, or catch a boat from Matala, Agia Galini, Kokkinos Pirgos or Kali Limenes.

   If you have your sneakers with you, in the afternoon you should climb the cliffs on the east and reach the top. The view from there is fantastic. If you walk southeast you will meet a hidden saltish lake, called Vourvoulitis, surrounded by vertical cliffs. It is an open sinkhole communicating with the open sea by an undersea passage. You can descend to the lake, but it’s extremely dangerous.

All these unique places are waiting for you to discover their magic. Don’t wait, book you vacations now.