Matala Beach
Iconic Cretan beach with ancient caves, a former hippie haven, offering stunning sunsets and a unique bohemian vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better cave access
Matala Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better cave access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Cretan beach with ancient caves, a former hippie haven, offering stunning sunsets and a unique bohemian vibe.
"Matala Beach is a hidden gem of Crete! Stunning cliffs, crystal-clear water, and a unique vibe make it truly special."
🚗 Parking can be tough
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking fills up quickly. Consider parking a bit further out.
👟 Wear water shoes!
The beach and caves have rocky areas. Water shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Matala Caves
Cliffs overlooking Matala Beach
Explore ancient caves carved into the cliffs, once home to hippies. A unique historical and visual experience.
Matala Beach
South coast of Crete
A beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun.
Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos)
South of Matala
A more secluded, natural beach with striking red sand and rocks, ideal for a peaceful escape.
Matala Village Charm
Matala Village
Wander through the charming village with its colorful streets and remnants of its hippie past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Matala's Caves
Cave Access & What to Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking can be tough
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking fills up quickly. Consider parking a bit further out.
👟 Wear water shoes!
The beach and caves have rocky areas. Water shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
⏳ Cave entry fee
There's a small fee to enter some of the caves, so have some cash ready.
🌅 Sunset magic
Matala is renowned for its spectacular sunsets. Find a good spot and enjoy the view.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking can be tough
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking fills up quickly. Consider parking a bit further out.
👟 Wear water shoes!
The beach and caves have rocky areas. Water shoes are essential for comfort and safety.
⏳ Cave entry fee
There's a small fee to enter some of the caves, so have some cash ready.
🌅 Sunset magic
Matala is renowned for its spectacular sunsets. Find a good spot and enjoy the view.
☮️ Embrace the vibe
Soak in the unique hippie history and relaxed atmosphere of Matala.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Matala Beach is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, unique cave dwellings, and vibrant atmosphere, with many visitors praising its picturesque setting and spectacular sunsets. However, it can get very crowded, especially during peak hours, and some find the extensive use of umbrellas and parking areas detracts from the natural charm. The rocky terrain also means water shoes are highly recommended.
"Beautiful beach, but very crowded. If you want to see the caves, it’s at your own risk and there’s a €5 entrance fee. It’s better to wear water shoes because of the stones, and be careful with the waves and rocks."
Tondula Puverle (BrokenXrainbow)
"Beautiful beach worth visiting! Though make sure you arrive before 11am as it filled up quite quickly with tourists and it was very busy. Parking looked full everywhere as well. We arrived at 10am on a weekday and it was already quite busy."
Elpida Diochnou
"It’s one of the most beautiful beaches especially for sunset. It’s a pity that it is completely full of umbrellas and in front of it is huge awful parking"
Zuzana Běhalová
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Matala Beach from Heraklion, which takes about an hour. The roads are generally good. Alternatively, there are public buses from Heraklion to Matala, offering a budget-friendly option.
Driving is straightforward, with clear signage. However, parking near the beach can be challenging during peak season.
Yes, Matala Beach is a popular day trip destination from Heraklion. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the beach and caves.
Driving is the most convenient way to connect Matala with other southern beaches like Preveli. The routes are scenic but can be winding.
Taxis are available, but it's advisable to pre-book or arrange for a return trip, especially if visiting during busy periods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Matala Beach itself is free to access. However, there is a small entrance fee (around €5) to explore some of the more prominent caves.
The caves are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have ample time to explore.
No, advance booking is not required for Matala Beach. It's a public beach, and you can visit anytime.
Yes, there are paid parking lots near Matala Beach. Prices can vary, so it's good to check upon arrival.
While many caves are accessible, some may be closed off for safety or preservation. The main, iconic caves are usually open for exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
The caves overlooking the beach offer dramatic perspectives. The beach itself, especially during sunset, is incredibly photogenic. Don't miss the colorful village streets.
Absolutely! Matala is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, casting a warm glow over the caves and the sea.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and caves. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the cliffs. A tripod is highly recommended for sunset shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone to avoid any issues.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but still good for capturing the vibrant blue of the water.
🎫 🏨 Accommodation
Matala offers a range of accommodation, from hotels like Hotel Orama Matala and Hotel Zafiria Matala to smaller guesthouses and Airbnbs. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Yes, you can find more affordable options like Hotel Nikos Matala or Melissa Hotel Matala, though prices fluctuate with the season.
Popular choices include Hotel Paradise Matala, Hotel Sofia Matala, and Hotel Sunshine Matala, many offering beach views.
Staying in Matala village puts you right at the heart of the action. Nearby villages might offer a quieter experience but require more travel to reach the beach.
Yes, Airbnb Matala Crete offers various rental options, from apartments to villas, providing a more local experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Arriving early in the day is highly recommended to avoid the peak crowds and find a good spot on the beach. The village offers a relaxed atmosphere with cafes and tavernas that can accommodate families. For a quieter experience, the nearby Red Beach might be a good alternative for a more relaxed outing.
☮️ Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and water can also help reduce daily expenses. Many tavernas offer affordable meals, but self-catering some meals can stretch your budget further. Enjoying the sunset is a free and unforgettable experience!
couples
+1The nearby Red Beach provides a more secluded and intimate setting for couples seeking tranquility. The overall relaxed and artistic vibe of Matala makes it a perfect destination for couples looking for a blend of natural beauty and cultural experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hippie Legacy of Matala
Iconic figures like Joni Mitchell even wrote songs inspired by their time here, further cementing Matala's place in counter-culture history. While the full-time hippie residents are long gone, the spirit of that era is celebrated through street art, local festivals, and the general laid-back vibe of the village. You can still explore the caves where they lived, imagining the unique lifestyle they embraced.
+1Today, Matala balances its historical hippie charm with its appeal as a beautiful beach destination. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, all while being surrounded by the echoes of a bygone era. The village itself is adorned with colorful murals and art, reflecting the creative energy that once defined it.
Exploring the Matala Caves
When exploring the caves, it's essential to wear sturdy footwear, preferably water shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and rocky. Be cautious of slippery surfaces, especially after rain or if there are waves. Some of the larger caves offer ample space to wander, while others are more confined. Remember that these are historical sites, so treat them with respect.
While the main caves are a significant attraction, there are also smaller, less accessible ones that add to the mystique of Matala. The views from within the caves, looking out onto the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea, are truly spectacular. It's a unique experience that combines natural beauty with a rich cultural history.
Matala Beach Activities & Vibe
The overall vibe of Matala is a blend of its historical hippie roots and its modern-day appeal as a tourist destination. You'll find beach bars and tavernas lining the shore, offering refreshments and local cuisine. The village itself is colorful and vibrant, with shops selling souvenirs and local crafts, reflecting the artistic spirit of the area.
+1Beyond the main beach, a short walk or boat trip can take you to the nearby Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos), known for its striking red sand and more secluded setting. This offers a different, more tranquil beach experience for those looking to escape the main crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit