Fantastic Hotels in Matala That You Will Want to Book!
A hippie atmosphere, incredible sunsets, a relaxing vibe… Matala is a seaside village in south Heraklion that offers all that and much more! Since the village is small and there’s not much accommodation choice, I’ve included a few nearby villages in this guide that are also great bases for exploring Matala and the surrounding area. So, if you plan to explore the South of Heraklion, check out the best hotels in Matala for a super vacation by the sea!
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Matala, on the southern coast of Heraklion, is not only a great day trip from the capital of Crete but also can be an ideal destination to spend a few days… or more.
The village is quiet, but it still manages to create a lively atmosphere that is not overwhelming but certainly fun enough. During the summer, loyal to its hippie tradition, Matala’s rock festival attracts people from all over the island and sometimes from the rest of Greece. Matala is a great place for young people to make friends, have fun, and enjoy an unforgettable beach holiday.
Families with kids particularly enjoy the picturesque village. Children adore the tree sculptures, the roads with colorful paintings, and—of course—the caves. Few places to stay in the village are available, and they tend to be fully booked even before the season begins.
Therefore, this guide also includes several nearby places that offer great accommodation just minutes from Matala, which are often more convenient for those traveling on a budget. I’m confident that here, you will find the best rental homes and hotels in Matala for your next trip!
>> Landing on the capital of Crete? Discover how to get from Heraklion to Matala.
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Places to Stay in Matala
In no particular order, these are some of the best homes, rooms, and hotels in Matala, south Crete. Take a look.
Thalasso Resort
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📍Only steps from Matala Beach and in the center of town.
You could not expect a better location for a stay by the sea! Boasting top reviews on Booking.com, this small complex offers two beautiful brand-new apartments right by the sea. The place is in the heart of the village, with shops and tavernas two steps away from the front door.
The units feature an ample balcony with amazing views, ideal for an early breakfast or a late glass of wine. From here, you can soak in the Matala landscape and marvel at the beautiful sunset on the beach.
If you’re not in the mood to go out for dinner, the place has a fully-equipped kitchen that’s more than enough for you to cook your meals at home.
Matala Luxury Apartments
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📍 Only 90 meters from the beach.
Everything is a pro when considering staying at this place in Matala. These luxury apartments boast a tremendous location in the heart of the village, close to bars, restaurants, and shops. This place features comfy beds and a roof terrace with gorgeous views.
🤓 Families with teens give extra points to the big flat-screen TVs in each bedroom, while parents praise facilities such as air conditioning, a well-equipped kitchen, and the host’s warm hospitality.
RELATED ARTICLE: Best Things to do in Matala.
Cactus Room
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📍 It’s only meters from the village center and the beach.
This small apartment is perfect for a couple or a solo traveler. The apartment features a garden, a double bed, a comfortable bathroom, and a terrace. Guests love the simplicity of the place, which is perfect if you want a cozy place to spend the night after a long day exploring the area.
🤓 Top views and extra points to the friendly owners, who will go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and at home!
Nikkon Summer Home
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📍 It’s in the center of Matala, close to shops, tavernas, and attractions.
Rated as exceptional online, this is a comfortable place for a family to stay in Matala. The house provides air-conditioned spaces, a balcony, and views of the sea and the city. The holiday home features two bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a kitchen.
🤓 Want more? The property offers a barbecue for guests and a car rental service. It also offers a paid airport shuttle service if you don’t want to drive.
RELATED ARTICLE: Red Beach Matala Crete.
Fantastic Matala 2
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📍 Only 50 meters from Matala Beach.
Simple, cozy, and affordable, this is a great place for a short stay. It is near bars and restaurants, so you won’t need to walk. This family-run Matala property features a pretty garden, and rooms have the basics, including a small fridge and a kettle for your morning coffee or tea.
🤓 Most reviews praise the location, the clean facilities, and the friendliness of the staff.
Nikos Hotel
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📍 Centrally located, close to shops, restaurants, and cafeterias.
This is one of the most traditional hotels in the village, receiving hosts who return year after year for a summer stay by the sea. Although centrally located, the place is quiet and has a family atmosphere. Simple rooms with every basic you need. Nikos Hotel is very close to Matala’s beach and features nice mountain views.
Antonios Villa in Matala
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📍 The place is close to the beach and the village’s main road.
Are you looking for a peaceful place to stay with a swimming pool for the whole family? This is it! This comfy villa features a garden and a terrace with a pool, private parking, air conditioning, and room service for your convenience (moms love that extra touch!). They also offer a paid airport shuttle.
Matala Bay Hotel & Apartments
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
📍 This property is on the village’s main street, only 250 meters from the beach.
This traditional hotel in Matala is surrounded by a beautiful garden. It features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a snack bar. All rooms have air conditioning, a fridge, and a balcony. The place can arrange for you to enjoy horse riding or scuba diving activities while kids love to play at the on-site playground.
Where to Stay Near Matala
Since the village is quite small and accommodation is often fully booked by the time you’ve made up your mind, keep in mind that it’s also possible to stay in some of the villages near Matala.
This way, you can visit Matala Beach and discover other areas, including Kommos, Kalamaki, the Read Beach, and archaeological sites such as Phaistos and Gortyn.
Vrisi Apartments and Villa in Pitsidia
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📍 Pitsidia is 3.8 km from Matala.
Vrisi Apartments and Villa – Just minutes from Matala, this family accommodation is simple, comfortable, and has convenient prices. Guests enjoy the well-designed property with a small swimming pool and sunbeds. Most studios feature a well-furnished kitchen, satellite TV, and a large terrace.
🤓 What guests like the most is the quiet location, near the main road, and very tranquil with no traffic noise.
Korfes Apartments in Kamilari
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📍 Kamilari is 5.8 km from Matala.
💡 My family and I choose Kamilari when we spend time in Matala. It’s easy to reach, the road is in great condition, and a very good beach for children is nearby. Prices are often cheaper than in the hippie village, and the atmosphere is a million times more relaxed.
Korfes Apartments is a beautiful place to stay in the village of Kamilari. It is set amid a well-tended garden, with communal BBQ facilities and a playground for kids. The self-catered studios open out to a terrace overlooking the mountain and the garden. Every unit’s kitchen area includes coffee-making facilities.
Bella Mare Luxury Apartments in Kalamaki
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📍 Kalamaki is 4.2 km from Matala.
This place offers a terrace and a patio steps from the beach. Every unit features a comfy kitchen, a desk, and a washing machine, ideal for longer stays. A plus? The coffee machine! If you don’t like driving in Crete, the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. The place is ideal for those traveling with kids!
This place offers a terrace and a patio steps from the beach. Every unit features a comfy kitchen, a desk, and a washing machine, ideal for longer stays. A plus? The coffee machine! If you don’t like driving in Crete, the property offers a paid airport shuttle service. The place is ideal for those traveling with kids!
Looking for more areas to stay near Matala?
You can also check villages such as Agia Galini (12 km from Matala), Kaloi Limenes (9 km from Matala), and Lentas (16.5 km from Matala village).
If you’re willing to drive more and being close to the beach is not a must, then consider a stay in Zaros, one of Crete’s prettiest places, just a bit over 20 km from Matala. Are you planning to stay in Matala any time soon?
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Guide to the Best Matala Hotels
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
