Hotel Sofia in Matala (Crete)

The hotel has a spacious terrace surrounded by traditional sandstone and many plants, offering shaded seating for all guests. A quiet reading area with books is available for guests looking to relax. On-site amenities include a bar, a coffee house, and an airport shuttle service, as well as room service and a safety deposit box.

Hotel Sofia offers 14 rooms and apartments, all with a fridge, air conditioning, shower, WC, and a balcony or terrace. The Kalypso apartment on the second floor has the best sea view and a roof garden with sunbeds, table, and chairs. Room types include a luxury double room with a terrace and bay view, a family room with two separate rooms (one double bed, one with a small kitchen and bunk bed), and a triple room with a small yard.

The hotel is situated about 30 meters from the bay of the "Hipies" and a 20-minute walk from Red Beach, one of the five most beautiful beaches in the world. Komos beach, 2000 meters away, is a nesting site for the protected Caretta-Caretta sea turtles and remains quiet even in high season. Matala beach, 250 meters long, is a safe natural harbour with sand and pebble shores, and the area is part of the Natura 2000 network.

Breakfast is served on the spacious terrace, where guests can also enjoy cold drinks after a day at the beach. The hotel has a bar and a coffee house on site for additional refreshments. Drinks and light meals can be taken on the terrace, which remains a central gathering space for all guests.

Guests can visit Archelon, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, near the beach to learn about environmental projects. Sport facilities, children's activities, and rentals for cars, bicycles, and motorbikes are available at Matala beach. The area offers hiking to the Samaria Gorge and the Rouva forest, and snorkelling spots such as Kokkini Ammos (Red Sand beach) are within walking distance.

Location: 30 meters from Matala Bay, 20 min walk to Red Beach

Rooms: 14 rooms and apartments with fridge, AC, and balcony

Beach Access: Komos beach for Caretta-Caretta turtles, 2000 m away

Dining: Breakfast and cold drinks on sandstone terrace

Activities: Archelon turtle project, hiking, snorkelling, rentals

Family: Family room with separate children's bunk bed and kitchen