West of Mires, by the coast, enclosed by sandstone cliffs riddled with ancient tombs and a nice and popular beach by the Lybian Sea.
Matala was the ancient port of Phaestos and Gortys and a former fishing community, which has developed into a modern holiday centre. It is located 4 km southwest of the village of Pitsidia and 75 km from Iraklion. It is built on the coastline of the Messara bay inside a small and picturesque inlet.Ruins of the ancient city are still visible on the seabed as the ancient city was sunk in the sea. The archaeological pick has unearthed some traces of the palaces built by the nobles from the ancient cities of Phaestos and Gortys.
There is also a cave known as "Brutospeliana". It is said that the Roman general Brutus frequented it.
The place became the meeting point of the "Flower Children" in 1968. Although their conference failed to realise, yet they were compensated by the incomparable beauty of the area, which so much contrasts with the concept of destruction and war.The magnificent inlet of Matala features one of the best beaches in Crete. The artificial caves, carved into the north face of the coast, have been probably used as prehistoric dwellings and places of worship, while during the 1st-2nd century were used as tombs.
These caves, in combination with the sandy beach, form a semicircle on both sides of which jut up towering rocks; they act as a magnet for many people. Today the tomb-caves of Matala are protected by the Archaeological Service. The "Koule" fortress on the Kastri hill is an attraction that should not be missed by the visitor.
There is also a hewn-in-the-rock church, in the style of a catacomb dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and was used by the early-Christians during the years of persecutions. On the south of Matala there is a huge rock formation known as the rock of "Theosyni" that offers a panoramic view of the Messara Bay. The rock raises from the sea while at sea level it caves in deep to form a natural marine cave, named "Kouroupi". This cave provides shelter to wild pigeons and to the Mediterranean seal. The beauty of the coast continues south of "Kouroupi", where following a path along the rock, you reach the enchanting "red sand" beach, a place for those who are young and daring. The spectacular red sand beach is known as "Ammoudia". This location is ideal for camping.
