Planning a trip to Crete? Matala, a small coastal village in the south of the island, is one of our greatest discoveries. We were seduced by its famous caves carved into the cliffs, its golden beach, its bohemian atmosphere inherited from the hippie years and the raw beauty of its landscapes between sea and mountains.
Discover our ideas for what to do in Matala, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go there. Bonus: useful tips and additional activities.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Admire the caves of Matala
Why visit?
The caves of Matala are undoubtedly the village’s most emblematic attraction. Carved into the sandstone cliffs overlooking the beach, these caves were used as tombs in Roman and prehistoric times. In the 1960s and 1970s, they became the refuge of an international hippie community who lived there in complete freedom.
We were struck by the special atmosphere that emanates from these caves, a mixture of ancient history and memories of an age of protest. You can climb from one cave to the next and observe the traces left by their successive occupants. The site also offers a bird’s-eye view of Matala Bay, whose turquoise waters contrast with the ochre rock of the cliffs.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: Allow around 30min to 1h to explore the caves and enjoy the view.
- Opening hours: To be confirmed on site. The site is generally accessible during the day.
- Access to the caves is via a rocky path and uneven steps. Not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Bring good shoes.
- Price: 5 euros
- Access: The caves are located at the northern end of Matala’s main beach, within walking distance of the village.
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2. Swimming and lounging on Matala’s main beach
Why visit?
Matala’s main beach is one of the most beautiful seaside spots on southern Crete. Bordered by the cave-pierced cliffs on one side and the village on the other, this stretch of golden sand and small gravels enjoys a striking natural setting. We appreciated the clarity of the water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling along the rocks.
You can rent deckchairs and parasols for a lazy day overlooking the Libyan Sea. The atmosphere is as relaxed as the village itself. At the end of the day, the beach is also the ideal place to watch the colors of the sunset reflected on the cliffs.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: At least half a day to enjoy the swimming and the surroundings.
- Times: Beach open all day.
- Difficulties and PRM access: Sandy beach, relatively easy access from the village. Access to the water is on a gentle slope.
- Admission: Free admission. Sun loungers and parasols available for hire.
3. Explore the village: alleyways, street art, boutiques and bohemian ambience
Why visit?
Matala is much more than just a seaside resort. The village retains a strong identity, inherited from its hippie past. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you’ll discover colorful street art frescoes adorning the walls and telling the story of this singular history. Small craft, jewelry and bohemian souvenir stores line the narrow streets.
We enjoyed strolling through this relaxed atmosphere, where music blares from the terraces and time seems to slow down. The village center is compact and easy to walk around. You’ll also find traditional Cretan tavernas, perfect for a break on the terrace.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: Allow 30min to 2h to explore the village, depending on your stops in the stores and cafés.
- Difficulties and PRM access: Narrow, sloping streets. Some passages may be difficult for people with reduced mobility.
- Access: The village is entirely accessible on foot from the parking lot.
- Parking: Car park at the entrance to the village.
- Eating and drinking: Numerous taverns and cafés
RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete
- Our preferred agency is Rental Center Crete
everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress! - Choose a car with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.
- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer more choice, compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars
4. Admire the sunset from the beach or cliffs
Why visit?
Sunset in Matala is a moment not to be missed. The west-facing bay offers a stunning natural spectacle as the sun plunges into the Libyan Sea. We chose to watch it from the beach, with our feet in the sand, and the orange hues illuminating the cliffs left a lasting impression.
You can also climb to the top of the village, or take the coastal path along the cliffs, to enjoy a more unobstructed panorama. It’s a daily rendezvous that both visiting travelers and regulars appreciate.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: Allow 30min to 1h to fully enjoy the show.
- Take the time to breathe!
5. Spend the night if you’re on a road trip (or stay overnight).
Matala is best enjoyed over time. If you’re on a road trip in Crete, we recommend you spend at least one night here to enjoy the village atmosphere in the evenings, away from the hustle and bustle of the big tourist centers. In the morning, you’ll have the beach almost to yourself before the day visitors arrive.
The village offers several accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles. We found this stopover in the south of the island a real contrast to the busier resorts in the north.
- Hotel Matala Prime Villas and its swimming pool surrounded by nature
See prices, photos and availability - Aparthotel Die Zwei Brüder Art & Suites, elegant design
See prices, photos and availability - Nikos Hotel, 100m from the beach
See prices, photos and availability
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- Best hotels in Heraklion
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6. Hike to Red Beach
Why visit?
Red Beach is one of Matala’s natural attractions. This secluded beach owes its name to the reddish color of its sand and cliffs. To reach it, take a hiking trail from the southern end of Matala’s main beach.
The effort is rewarded by wild scenery and a little-visited beach, ideal for swimming. Remember to bring water and sun protection, as there are no facilities on site.
Practical advice
- Approx. 20-25 min:
- The path is steep in places and requires good footwear.
- No installations
7. Visit the Minoan Palace of Phaistos
Why visit?
Phaistos Palace is the second largest Minoan site on Crete. This ancient palace offers a remarkable insight into Minoan civilization. And the remains dominate the Messara plain. We were impressed by the sheer size of the site and the beauty of the panorama of the surrounding mountains.
Phaistos was also the site of the discovery of the famous Phaistos disc, one of the most enigmatic objects in Mediterranean archaeology (now in the museum in Heraklion). You can also explore the ruins of the central courtyard, stores and royal apartments. A must-see for history buffs.
Practical advice
- From Matala: 10 min drive
- Easily accessible from main road 97
- Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Full adult price: 15 euros
- Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- See the official page
- Numerous explanatory panels with beautiful drawings
- Some stairs and slopes, wear comfortable shoes
8. Explore the archaeological site of Gortyna
Why visit?
Located around 30km from Matala, the archaeological site of Gortyna (or Gortyne) bears witness to the power of this ancient city, which was the Roman capital of Crete. Among the remains, you can admire the engraved inscriptions of the Code of Gortyne, one of the oldest European codes of law.
We found this site particularly interesting for understanding the historical importance of the Messara plain. The site is extensive and partly open-air, making it pleasant to visit outside the hottest hours.
This is one of Crete’s finest archaeological sites.
Practical advice
- From Matala: 25 min drive
- Easy access from main road 97
- Ample parking available
- Duration of the visit: 1 hour
- Full adult price: 10 euros
- Opening hours in season: at least 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- See the official page
- Easy-to-navigate site
9. Boat trip, snorkeling or water sports
If you’d like to explore the coast from a different angle, there are a number of water sports available in Matala. Boat trips allow you to follow the cliffs and discover inaccessible coves on foot. Snorkeling is also very popular, thanks to the clarity of the waters. For thrill-seekers, jet-skis and pedal-boats are available for hire on the main beach.
10. Hike through the Agiofarago Gorge to the beach
Why visit?
The Agiofarago Gorges offer a spectacular hike that ends on a secluded beach by the sea. The path descends between high rock faces and crosses an arid landscape punctuated by small troglodyte chapels. We were impressed by the verticality of the cliffs and the contrast between the dryness of the canyon and the coolness of the beach at the finish.
Practical advice
It’s about a 30-minute walk to the cove. The path is accessible to moderate walkers, but hiking boots are recommended. An excursion not to be missed if you love nature and unspoilt landscapes.
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What to do in Matala: other ideas
Visit the Odigitria Monastery
The 14th-century Odigitria Monastery stands in an arid, isolated landscape a few kilometers from Matala. This fortified monastery bears witness to Crete’s religious and defensive history. We appreciated the calm of the site and its robust architecture, typical of Cretan monasteries designed to resist invasion. Here you can discover a small church adorned with icons and enjoy the silence of the surrounding countryside. A visit that completes a day’s exploration of the south of the island.
Visit Kommos beach and its Minoan archaeological site
Just 2km from Matala, Kommos beach is a long stretch of wild sand bordered by dunes. It is also home to a Minoan archaeological site, where excavations have revealed the remains of an ancient commercial port. We found it particularly peaceful, away from the crowds of the main beach. You can alternate between swimming and exploring the ruins along the beach. This combination of nature and history makes Kommos a unique stopover in the region.
Excursions from Matala
Matala is an excellent starting point for exploring southern and central Crete. Several day trips are available by car, less than 1h30 away:
Rethymnon
Rethymnon, on the north coast, is a town of undeniable charm. Its historic Venetian center abounds with narrow streets, ancient fountains and buildings of remarkable architecture. We enjoyed the beauty of its Venetian fortress, the Fortezza, which dominates the old town. You can also stroll along the old port and sample Cretan cuisine in the taverns that line it.
See the best attractions.
Triopetra and Preveli (beaches + monastery)
Triopetra beach, named after the three rocks that emerge from the sea, is a wild and unspoilt stretch of coastline in southern Crete.
Further east, Preveli beach is famous for its palm grove and the river that flows into the sea. The Preveli Monastery, perched high above the coast, completes the excursion with its history of Cretan resistance. We found this combination of beach and monastery ideal for a varied day out.
Heraklion and Knossos
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is about 1h15 drive from Matala. Here you’ll discover the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important in Greece, housing treasures from the Minoan civilization. A few kilometers from the town, Knossos Palace is the island’s most visited archaeological site. We were fascinated by the partial reconstructions of the palace and the sheer scale of this ancient city.
Arkadi Monastery
The Arkadi Monastery is a symbol of Cretan resistance against Ottoman occupation. Set in the hills of the Rethymnon region, this 16th-century monastery is remarkable for its Renaissance façade and tragic history. We were moved by the symbolic power of this place, the scene of a heroic episode in 1866. You can visit the church, the museum and the monastery gardens, in a peaceful setting surrounded by olive groves.
Is the village of Matala worth a visit?
Absolutely. Matala is a small village in the south of Crete, seducing visitors with its authentic, bohemian atmosphere and the raw beauty of its coastline. The caves, the beach, the street art and the sunset are enough to fill a day or two.
We think Matala is an ideal stopover on a road trip to the south of the island, to be combined with a visit to Phaistos, Red Beach or the Agiofarago Gorge. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, nature and a place steeped in history, Matala is well worth a visit. It’s one of Crete’s must-sees and one of its most beautiful villages.
Useful tips for visiting Matala
Where is Matala?
- Matala is a coastal village on the south coast of Crete, in the prefecture of Heraklion.
- Matala to Heraklion = approx. 1h15 drive
- Matala to Rethymnon = about 1h35 drive
- Matala to Chania = 2h30 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Matala
The nearest airport is Heraklion (Nikos Kazantzakis), about 1h15 away. Matala is not very well served by public transport. A rental car is the most practical way to reach the village and explore the surrounding area. KTEL buses run between Heraklion and Matala, but timetables are limited, especially out of season.
Parking in Matala
Matala has a main parking lot at the entrance to the village. In high season, it can fill up quickly, especially in the middle of the day. We advise you to arrive early in the morning to find a space without difficulty. A second parking lot is a little further back, a few minutes’ walk from the center.
Where to eat in Matala
Matala boasts a number of traditional tavernas where you can sample Cretan cuisine. The village’s seafront tables are ideal for sunset dinners.
Visiting Matala in winter
Matala in winter looks very different from the summer season. The village becomes quieter and the majority of tourist facilities close. However, you can still enjoy the caves, the hikes and the serenity of the coastline without the crowds. We recommend that you check the opening times of the sites and restaurants before your visit, as many reduce their activity between November and March.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Crete
- Best of
What to do in Crete
Most beautiful landscapes
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Best archaeological sites
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- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Crete
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- The must-dos
Attractions in Chania
Attractions in Rethymnon
Attractions in Heraklion
Matala
Balos Lagoon
Spinalonga Elafonissi
