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Your last proper holiday feel like it was light years ago? Easy — book a ticket to Matala and you'll be away in a jiffy!
It's 350 kilometres south of Athens, the country's capital.
Keep your eyes peeled for shiny shells to add to your collection back at home or try to spot critters like crabs and seabirds at Golden Beach and Komos Beach. You'll find these delightful coastlines 90 kilometres and 5 kilometres away, respectively.
Are you craving a bit of time in the natural world? Hop in the car and hightail it to Sfendoni Cave, 35 kilometres from Matala. You can also soak up some sunshine at Rouvas Gorge, 25 kilometres away.
Interested in the area's religious side? Pay your respects at Church of Our Lady.
Make your way to Beach of Matala and find out what's going on. After that, pick up a bite to eat and continue on to Red Beach.
How about visiting Palace of Phaistos and Caves of Matala? These fantastic attractions are very close to the centre of Faistos, just 10 kilometres northeast. Use this as a base for a while and venture outwards!
Roughly 50 kilometres to the northwest, Rethymnon is a destination with lots to offer visitors. Fortezza Castle, the University of Crete and Great Gate are close by. That said, Lady of Angels Church and Ecclesiastical Museum are also worthy.
Whether you prefer the stylishness of Michelin stars or chowing down on a snack from a street cart, sampling the local food and drink is perhaps the best thing about travel. So why not tempt your taste buds by tucking into some of the region's appetising offerings?
This part of the world has some unique recipes centred on local tastes and available ingredients. You'll find chicken and pork are two popular elements in many of the dishes.
Don't pass up the opportunity to dig into a plate of pilafi kritis (chicken pilaf) or moussaka (minced meat and aubergine casserole). These signature dishes are highly recommended by the locals.
Still got a bit of room after your main meal? Then place an order for loukoumades (deep fried pastry with honey), an indulgent dessert.
For lovers of a good pint, head to the nearest bar and request Neda. Enjoy a glass with a side of joke-cracking and mingling with the locals.
Lift a glass of a regional wine such as Savatiano Retsina or Nemea Agiorgitiko. Expert wine connoisseur or not, there's nothing else like a flavoursome drop.
Like all good things in life, your trip to Matala must eventually come to an end. When it's finally time to leave, say a last "Yiá sou" and spend your remaining holiday allowance on some unique keepsakes.
Hitting the tarmac? Choose a route, pack up your bags and set an alarm. The nearest airport, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER), is just 55 kilometres to the northeast.
Take a room at any of our top-rated accommodations, like the Matala Bay Hotel and Zafiria, and you'll be certain to bounce out of bed revitalised each morning.
Reviewed on 6 Oct. 2021
Reviewed on 16 Oct. 2023
Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2022
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Red Beach during your travels in Faistos? Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.
You can find out about the history of Matala with a trip to Caves of Matala. Wander the beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.
Find out about the history of Áyios Ioánnis with a stop at Palace of Phaistos. Discover the mountain views in this quaint area.
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.com.au from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.