Matlacha (pronounced Mat-La-Shay) is a picturesque little island with a Caribbean flair and old colorful
fishermen's houses between the west coast of Florida and the mango island Pine Island in the so-called Matlacha Pass. Until 25 years ago Matlacha was mainly known for its fishing.
Today there are still a few shrimp cutters tethered to the docks. But Matlacha is now known for its highly regarded artist community. The huts and bungalows, once the home of fishermen, are now adorned with colorful rainbow colors and art galleries, gift shops and island boutiques, restaurants, vacation homes and small motels.
The whole fishery takes place on the bridge that leads from Cape Coral to Matlacha. It has the funny nickname 'The Fishing Bridge of the World' due to numerous people catching fish there day and night.
No less than Elvis Presley, the King of Rock'n'Roll, recognized as early as 1962 that this island in the Gulf of Mexico is a unique pearl in Florida. As main actor in the movie classics ,Follow that Dream', he spent weeks at the main location for the film set in Matlacha. Several film scenes convey the impression today as if time hasn’t moved.
If art is one of your passions, then there is much to see in Matlacha, all within easy walking distance. The small island has 5 galleries.
A very special souvenir for your loved ones at home is a painted coconut, which is sent home like a postcard. The artist Leoma Lovegrove, portrayed by former US President Jimmy Carter, has had her gallery on Matlacha for over two decades. Here you can not only admire the artwork, but also take the brush in your own hands and paint the coconut, which is then sent by post on the journey, to be delivered some time later by a ‘puzzled’ postman.
Matlacha is an Eldorado for great boat trips (for example, out to the offshore islands with their natural dream beaches in the Gulf of Mexico). Whether with a kayak, a rented motorboat, a taxi boat or a charter boat tour directly from the neighborhood - it is always a lasting nature experience.
The world's largest population of the devil fish, Tarpon called, can be found right on the doorstep in Boca Grande, 20 minutes boat ride from the house on the island of Gasparilla.
Even Thomas Alva Edison and Ernest Hemingway made the catch of their lives here. From April to August is Tarponsaison and attracts fishermen from all over the world. There is a reason for that. The Tarpon is considered the strongest fighting fish in the world. The ultimate kick for any fisherman the very big fish jump out of the water during drills. Guided boat tours bring you directly from the house in the fishing grounds. In addition, you will find in the Gulf of Mexico all sorts of fish - from spiny mackerel, redfish, grouper to Spanish mackerel. Boats of all sizes and fishing tackle, everything you need for a day of fun on the water, can be hired locally. The rentals of jet ski, stand-up paddle, bicycles and motorcycles are available on the island.
Although Matlacha is only a small town, there is an excellent selection of different restaurants.
Try it - it's worth it!
But whatever you are planning - be forewarned - 'stress' is a foreign word here. There are no traffic lights, schools or churches on this small island, people are mostly in a good mood and friendly, the approximately 700 inhabitants are rarely in a hurry. So sit back and get ready for a laid-back, slow-moving, good time. The best therapy for all stress-plagued workaholics!
