Bus2Train

Matala to Φαιστός

Updated: March 14, 2024 05:22 AM
Φαιστός

Matala

Matala is a beautiful beach town located on the south coast of Crete, Greece. It is known for its stunning red sand beach, crystal clear waters, and impressive caves. Matala is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it offers a variety of activities and attractions.

Language

The official language of Matala is Greek. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Currency

The official currency of Matala is the Euro (€).

Distance

Matala is located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the city of Heraklion. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive from Heraklion to Matala.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Matala:

  • By plane: The nearest airport to Matala is Heraklion International Airport (HER). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Matala.
  • By bus: There are regular buses that run from Heraklion to Matala. The bus ride takes about 2 hours.
  • By car: Matala is easily accessible by car. The drive from Heraklion to Matala takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Expenses

The cost of a trip to Matala will vary depending on your budget and travel style. However, here are some general estimates:

  • Accommodation: A double room in a mid-range hotel will cost around €50 per night.
  • Food: A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around €15 per person.
  • Activities: A boat trip to the nearby caves will cost around €20 per person.
  • Transportation: A taxi from Heraklion Airport to Matala will cost around €70.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Matala is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). During these months, the weather is still warm and sunny, but there are fewer tourists. July and August are the busiest months in Matala, so if you are looking for a more peaceful experience, it is best to avoid these months.

What to Eat

Matala is known for its fresh seafood. Some of the most popular dishes include:

  • Grilled octopus
  • Fried calamari
  • Moussaka
  • Lamb chops
  • Dakos (a traditional Cretan salad)

Where to Go

There are a number of things to see and do in Matala. Some of the most popular attractions include:

  • Red Sand Beach: Matala is known for its stunning red sand beach. The beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
  • Caves of Matala: The Caves of Matala are a series of impressive caves that are located near the beach. The caves were once home to hippies in the 1960s and 1970s, and they are now a popular tourist attraction.
  • Phaistos Palace: Phaistos Palace is a Minoan palace that is located a short drive from Matala. The palace is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Kalamaki Beach: Kalamaki Beach is a beautiful beach that is located a short walk from Matala. The beach is less crowded than Red Sand Beach, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Matala:

  • Is Matala a safe place to visit? Yes, Matala is a safe place to visit. The town is small and friendly, and there is no crime to speak of.
  • What is the best way to get around Matala? The best way to get around Matala is on foot or by bicycle. The town is small enough to explore on foot, and there are a number of bike rental shops in town.
  • What is the nightlife like in Matala? Matala has a lively nightlife scene. There are a number of bars and clubs in town, and there is often live music on the weekends.
  • What are the best beaches in Matala? The best beaches in Matala are Red Sand Beach and Kalamaki Beach. Red Sand Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, while Kalamaki Beach is a more relaxed beach that is less crowded.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

Trips from Matala

  • Schisma Eloundas
    Matala to Schisma Eloundas

    Matala is a small coastal village located in the southern part of the Greek island of Crete. It is known for its beautiful sandy beach, its stunning rock f..

  • Lasithi Plateau
    Matala to Lasithi Plateau

    Matala is a small town on the south coast of Crete, Greece. Lasithi Plateau is a large, fertile plain in the east of Crete. The distance between the two pl..

  • Pitsidia
    Matala to Pitsidia

    The official language of Crete is Greek. However, many people in the tourist industry speak English, German, French, and other languages. The currency of C..

  • Lentas
    Matala to Lentas

    Matala and Lentas are two beautiful villages located on the south coast of Crete, Greece. Matala is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning b..

  • Preveli
    Matala to Preveli

    Matala and Preveli are two beautiful destinations in Crete, Greece. Matala is a small village on the south coast of Crete, known for its stunning beach and..

  • Ierapetra
    Matala to Ierapetra

    The official language spoken in both Matala and Ierapetra is Greek. The official currency used in both Matala and Ierapetra is the Euro (€). The distance..

  • Archanes
    Matala to Archanes

    The official language of both Matala and Archanes is Greek. The official currency of both Matala and Archanes is the Euro (€). The distance between Matal..

  • Plakias
    Matala to Plakias

    The official language of Greece is Greek. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, such as Matala and Plakias. The currency of Greece is the eur..

  • Loutro
    Matala to Loutro

    The official language of Greece is Greek. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, including Matala and Loutro. The currency of Greece is the eu..

Trips to Φαιστός