Beaches in the area

Visitors will find in Matala everything they need to relax and just feel good. The golden sandy beach with view to the famous caves is not only perfect for swimming and sunbathing, but also to snorkel, play beach volley ball or kayak. The numerous small tavernas and cafés invite the guests to discover the local cuisine while enjoying a glass of wine and admiring the wonderful sunset. Local products and gift can be bought in the old market street as well as in the shops around it.

Do not miss to visit the "Red beach" - according to Travel Channel the third best nudist beach of the world!

The 300m long beach got its name from the red-brown sand, which covers the whole beach. This pictorial bay can only be reached on food or by boat and is about half an hour walking distance from Matala away. But even the way is an excursion worth. Passing from ancient ruins, you will soon discover some of Matala's "natural" apartments (caves), which partly are again inhabited. Once you reach then the hilltop, you will be reward by a breathtaking view over Matala and the Lybian sea.

Important: Take food and drinks with you as well as sturdy shoes!

The about 4km long sand beach offers plenty of place for every visitor and is placed only a few driving minutes from Pitsidia away. On the south end are two small taverns as well as sun loungers and umbrellas. A little bit more north, in front of the archaeological excavation of the minoic harbor, the beach becomes wider and offers plenty of space for everyone. The third section is "reserved" for the naturists and is more then 500m long

But the beach is not only known for its golden sand and antiquities, but also as the home of the ocean turtle Caretta-caretta, which uses the beach every year to lay their eggs. The Greek association for the protection of the sea turtle, ARCHELON, observes the beach and takes care about the nests. Yellow baskets mark the nests, which are in no case to be touched!

Agio Farago or also Oleander gorge is a small bay to the south of Matala. The first name is due to the former hermits, who used to pray to god away from all. From the beginning of the gorge, at the small chapel of Saint Antonios, until the bay, the path is full of colourful oleander, which gives the gorge its second name.

Approximately 17km away from Pitsidia is the dreamy beach of Vathi.

Vathi is the ideal destination for everyone who searches for peace and quietness. The beach is placed at the end of a small gorge, surrounded by long rocks, which hide the beach from the open sea. This natural hideaway used to be shelter for pirates. Due to the safe location the sea is almost always calm, and the surrounding tamarisks offer plenty of shady resting place.

The picturesque village of Lentas is about 34km away from Pitsidia and charmes its visitors with its rustic charme and rural quietness.

The small village on the south coast consists of a few Cretan taverns, family operated holiday accommodations and some private houses. The small beach of Lentas attracts due to its unique attractiveness visitors from all over the world without being overcrowded.

Lentas is a place for people who search quietness instead of mass tourism. If you love simplicity with life on the beach and want to meet new people, this is the place for you.