The beach of Matala has been occupied since ancient times. The settlers back then carved a set of caves in the soft rock of the mountain. During a period these same caves were inhabited by hippies who made them famous worldwide. The beach provides umbrellas and sunbeds. In the village there are tourist shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.

This beach (Red Sand) aka Kokkini Ammos is a secluded beach which can be reached only by foot – with the reddish sand that bestows on it its name, and turquoise waters.

It is open to the strong south winds, and not very organized – just a few umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as a small café-canteen, built roughly out of stone. It is sensible, if you visit, to take all you need with you as the canteen is not always open, and there are no tavernas or shops nearby.

Kokkini Ammos and surrounding area has been included in the EC ecological network of Natura 2000: a protected refuge of the Mediterranean Monk seal, the loggerhead turtles (Kareta kareta) and other animals.

A magnificent beach next to the homonym Venetian castle. A visitor can enjoy the beach when it’s not windy. Around the castle there are some restaurants. The route here is relatively difficult, but very scenic.

Gortyna or Gortys was an ancient city of Crete and was the capital during the Roman era. Nowadays is a beautiful archaeological site.
According to the myth, Zeus took refuge there after he transformed into a bull and abducted Europe. Their three children were born in Gortyna and later became kings of the three Minoan palaces of Crete.

Without a doubt, Knossos is one of the three most important archaeological sites in Greece. The palace of Knossos was the cultural, religious, military, commercial and administrative centre of Minoan Crete

The Minoan palace of Phaistos was an economic, administrative and religious centre and supervised the fertile plain of Messara. The ancient ports of Matala and Kommos where under the control of Phaistos. Nowadays it is an important archeological site.