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    Matala

    Greece

    Matala

    City

    Matala is located on the south coast of Crete, at the edge of the Messara Plain, and consists of a bay, a handful of alleys, and the cliff face with its caves.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Greece
    7. Crete
    9. Matala
    Matala is located on the south coast of Crete, at the edge of the Messara Plain, and consists of a bay, a handful of alleys, and the cliff face with its caves. The chambers carved into the sandstone date back to antiquity and were used as tombs in Roman and early Christian times; in the 1960s, dropouts moved in. From the village, the Minoan sites of the Messara and several quiet coves are reachable within a short drive.

    Sights in Matala

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Point Cliff

    The Point Cliff in Matala is a striking rock formation, famous for its caves carved into the soft sandstone. These prehistoric chambers originally served as Roman or early Christian tombs. However, they gained their greatest fame in the 1960s and 70s when they housed an international hippie community. You can explore the various caves, which range from simple niches to more complex structures, offering a unique insight into the history of the place. From here, you also enjoy a breathtaking view of Matala Bay and the deep blue Libyan Sea. Our Tip: Visit the Point Cliff early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and capture the best light for photos of the cave facades. Afterwards, plan some time for a refreshing swim in the bay.
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    Beach of Matala

    2Beach of Matala

    The beach forms a crescent around Matala Bay on the Libyan Sea. At its north end, a sandstone cliff with rock caves rises; to the south are the village's taverns and bars. The beach comprises sand and fine gravel; sunbeds and umbrellas are rented in summer. With a south wind, the surf can get strong.
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    Roter Strand (Kokkini Ammos)

    3Roter Strand (Kokkini Ammos)

    Red Beach, Greek Kokkini Ammos, in the next bay south of Matala, is only reachable by foot or boat. The village path leads over a rocky hill; the walk takes 20-30 minutes. Its name comes from reddish sand from surrounding rocks. Hardly developed, nudism is common. Sturdy shoes are recommended for the stony path.
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    Palace of Phaistos

    4Palace of Phaistos

    After Knossos, Phaistos was Crete's second largest Minoan palace, located on a hill above the Messara Plain, about ten kilometers northeast of Matala. Since 2025, the site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Minoan Palace Centers.” The older palace was destroyed around 1700 BC by an earthquake, and a new structure was built upon its ruins. Preserved are the grand staircase, the central courtyard, and parts of the magazines. The Italian archaeological mission excavated the site starting in 1900; in 1908, Luigi Pernier discovered the Phaistos Disc here, which is now at the Archaeological Museum Heraklion. Agia Triada lies just three kilometers further west.
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    Caves of Matala

    5Caves of Matala

    Dozens of chambers, carved into the sandstone wall at the bay's north, served as Roman and early Christian tombs. In the 1960s, dropouts popularized Matala, until expelled by the Church and military junta. Today, it's a guarded archaeological site with admission, open during the day. The circular path winds through multiple chambers to a ridge overlooking the bay. Sturdy footwear advised.
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    Kommos

    6Kommos

    Kommos is located about three kilometers north of Matala and was the port of Phaistos in Minoan times. Unearthed are warehouses, a paved road, and a later Greek temple complex; the site is fenced and viewable from the outside. Adjacent to it stretches one of the south coast's longest sandy beaches, largely undeveloped and without sunbeds. Parts of the beach are a nesting ground for the Loggerhead sea turtle, so access rules apply at night.
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    City walks in Matala

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Hike to Red Beach: Crete's Wild Beauty

    On this scenic and moderately demanding walk, discover Matala's hidden gem – Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos). The path leads you over a hill with breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea and the coast before you reach one of Crete's most beautiful and secluded beaches. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

    ~2 Std. 15 Min.
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    Stops (7)

    Restaurants & Cafes

    1

    Scala Fish Bar Restaurant

    The Scala Fish Bar is in Matala's village center, at the bay's south end, facing the rock caves. The menu offers fish, seafood, and Cretan dishes; the terrace views span the bay and the caves.
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    2

    Mad Irie

    The Mad Irie in Matala town center is a reggae bar and eatery in one. Its Caribbean-inspired cuisine features many vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as vegan burgers, falafel wraps, and smoothie bowls.
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    3

    George's Yard

    George's Yard is on Matala's main street, just steps from the beach. The kitchen serves Cretan dishes with modern accents.
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    4

    Anemi Restaurant and Wine Bar

    Anemi is a contemporary restaurant and wine bar in Matala. The menu includes slow-cooked lamb, fish, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, plus a wine selection from Crete and abroad.
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    Eating and Drinking in Matala

    The Messara Plain behind Matala is Crete's largest agricultural area, so much comes from the direct surroundings: vegetables, olive oil, citrus fruits. At the bay, fish is dominant; in the inland tavernas, slow-cooked stews.
    The Catch from the Libyan Sea

    The Catch from the Libyan Sea

    The boats in the bay bring Barbouni, octopus, and sardines, served by weight at the eateries along the waterfront. Ask for the daily catch instead of the menu; frozen items must be declared. Sardines and Barbouni are often the freshest and most affordable choice.

    Veggies from the Messara

    Artichokes in spring, zucchini and eggplants in summer, plus tomatoes from the greenhouses around Timbaki. Traditionally, they are braised as Briam in the oven or served as stuffed blossoms and leaves. Eating vegetarian is easier here than in many other parts of the island.
    Olive oil from Messara and Sivas

    Olive oil from Messara and Sivas

    The plain and the slopes above it are among Greece's most productive olive regions, with almost exclusive cultivation of the Koroneiki variety. Several olive mills between Matala and Sivas sell directly from the mill. The harvest runs from November to January, when the oil is strongest in flavor.

    Cretan Barley Twice-Baked Rusk

    Paximadi made from barley flour is the base for Dakos and is on every tavern table. Traditionally, it was baked twice to last for months. Briefly moisten it with water before eating, otherwise it's hard as rock.
    Rakomelo and Coffee

    Rakomelo and Coffee

    Rakomelo, a warm pomace brandy with honey and spices, is mainly drunk in the cooler half of the year. During the day, you order Frappé, a cold frothed instant coffee, or Freddo Espresso. In the bars by the bay, you can get both until the evening.

    History and Culture of Matala

    Harbor and Rock TombsIn Roman times, Matala was a harbor for Gortys, the capital of the province of Crete and Cyrenaica. The artificially created caves in the sandstone cliff on the northern edge of the bay date back to antiquity. Their original function is disputed, but their use as tombs in Roman and early Christian times is considered certain. Important Minoan sites like Phaistos, Agia Triada, and Kommos are located in the surrounding area; Phaistos has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage of Minoan palace centers since 2025.The Hippie YearsIn the 1960s, dropouts from Europe and North America lived in the caves, making Matala internationally known. Joni Mitchell spent a few weeks here in early 1970; the songs “Carey” and “California” on her album “Blue” date back to this period. The church and military junta later expelled the cave dwellers. Since 2011, the three-day Matala Beach Festival has commemorated this era every June.

    Nightlife

    1

    Hakuna Matata

    The Hakuna Matata is a natural stone building at the southern end of Matala beach. By day, it serves Mediterranean dishes and cocktails; after dark, music and dancing take over.
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    2

    Boho Beach Bar

    The Boho Beach Bar is located in the middle of Matala beach. From the seats, you look out over the bay to the rock caves.
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    3

    Music Cafe Bar

    The Music Cafe Bar sits on Matala's central square. Evenings often feature live musicians.
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    Exploring locally

    In the VillageMatala can be explored in just a few minutes. Cars must be left in the large car park at the village entrance, which can be full by midday in high season and costs a fee. A path to the Red Beach leads over the south hill, a steep and stony 20 to 30-minute walk; sturdy shoes are mandatory. Alternatively, small boats depart from the bay in summer.Getting There & SurroundingsFrom Heraklion, it's about 70 kilometres via Agia Varvara and Mires, with the journey taking approximately one and a half hours. KTEL buses run from Heraklion to Matala several times daily; in winter, this is reduced to only a few services. Tickets can be bought at the bus station or from the driver. For Phaistos, Agia Triada, Gortys, and the coves north of the village, you'll need your own vehicle; several providers in the village rent cars and scooters. Taxis can be called, but on longer distances, they are more expensive than a rental car.

    Accommodations in Matala

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      • 1Point Cliff3 days
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      • 3Roter Strand (Kokkini Ammos)5 days
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    Nearby

    Crete

    Crete

    Crete is the largest island in Greece and big enough for several trips. Along the north coast, Venetian-influenced port towns and resorts follow one another; in the south, the mountains drop steeply to the Libyan Sea, with plateaus, gorges and olive groves in between. Add the palaces of the Minoan culture, one of Europe's earliest civilisations, and a cuisine rooted in the island's own farming.
    Rethymno

    Rethymno

    Rethymno is the third largest city on the north coast of Crete, located between Chania and Heraklion. Its Old Town, with Venetian portals, Ottoman wooden balconies and minarets, is one of the island's best preserved, topped by the Fortezza fortress.You come for the Old Town, the Venetian harbour, and the long sandy beach right in the centre. The university ensures that the city remains lively even off-season.
    Heraklion

    Heraklion

    Heraklion is Crete's largest city and capital, and for most travelers, it's the island's arrival point. Behind the Venetian city walls lies a bustling city center, the harbor with Koules Fortress, and the Archaeological Museum, home to the most important collection of Minoan art.You come for the museum and the Palace of Knossos, a UNESCO World Heritage site for Minoan Palace Centres from 2025. The city itself is more for work than leisure, but a day is well spent on the old town, market, and city walls.
    Loutro

    Loutro

    Loutro is a small village on the south coast of Sfakia between Chora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli. No roads lead here; access is only on foot or by boat. The houses line a natural bay, used as a sheltered harbour since ancient times.
    Chania

    Chania

    Chania is Crete's second-largest city and western capital. An Old Town with Venetian, Ottoman, and Jewish quarters side-by-side surrounds its Venetian harbour, featuring a lighthouse, arsenals, and the Mosque of Küçük Hasan Pascha.You come for the Old Town, the Market Hall, and as a base for western Crete's Balos, Falassarna, Elafonissi, and Samaria Gorge.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI