Visitor’s Guide to Matala Beach in Heraklion

Located about one hour south of Heraklion, the capital of Crete, Matala is a famous hippie destination as well as a super popular seaside resort on the southern coast, facing the Libyan Sea.

The laid-back village with colorful shops and alleys shelters the famous beach of Malata, a wide sandy bay with a deep crystal clear sea.

The most fascinating trait you will see on the beach is a series of man-made caves carved on the rock on a low hill on the shore’s western side.

Matala Map & Distances From the Rest of Crete

Distances from other towns in Crete to Matala:

After about a one-hour drive from Myrtos, my second stop was one gorgeous, very traditional Cretan settlement, Ano Viannos, about 560 meters a.s.l.

Caves of Matala

Different sources agree that Matala’s caves are the work of men who carved them out of the cliffs on the north side of the beach, and they are thousands of years old.

In Ancient times, Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period (although some sources claim that Kommos was the port of the ancient Minoan Palace.

Then, back in 220 BC, Gortyn took over, and subsequently, during the Roman period, Matala became the port of Gortyn (also known as Gortys and Gortyna).

It has been suggested that the caves were once used as tombs from Roman times, and in fact, you will see signs indicating the place as a Roman cemetery.

However, for a more extended period of time, they were mostly used as living spaces. The caves in Matala are thought to belong to the Early Christian period, but there is no fact that proves any speculation.

Most of the caves show spaces with areas devoted to sleeping or storing food. They are not simply caves, they have windows, porches, and even carved seats and beds.

The caves of Matala were used as real homes thousands of years ago. You can visit the caves, but it’s not allowed to settle for the night.

A protective fence surrounds the cave (to avoid entering but not actually to protect you from falling as you visit), and a small entrance fee.

The caves are open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The best time to visit is one hour before closing because it’s not so hot, and the sunset views are fantastic. 

Access is free for EU citizens under 25 showing proof of ID. Reduced fees apply to senior citizens, journalists, and other categories.

It’s essential to be careful during the visit. Yes, you will see people climbing the different levels of the caves, but I wonder if that is simply a consequence of the caves being right by the beach.

I suggest you pack a pair of tennis shoes to visit.

They are not dangerous, but if you’re not super skilled, pay attention when climbing (especially when going down).

You will even find a sign at the entrance that says: Enter at your own risk. If you’re visiting with kids, always pay close attention to them.

Hippie Matala

The area became popular during the early 1960s when Matala was an unknown fishing village. The Hippies slowly occupied it until the next decade, when the Greek military Junta (1970s) sent them away.

Enjoy the Laid-Back Hippie Village

The town still lives on the fame gained during the sixties. Back then, alternative rock singers such as Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell lived in the caves for long periods, composing and enjoying this remote island pretty much unknown to mass tourism. 

Does the line under a starry dome…beneath the Matala Moon ring the bell? It’s Carey, the song in which Joni Mitchell talked about the free life of flower children. You can read about Matala on this old edition of Life Magazine where they spoke about young hippies living in the caves.

Hippies all over the World overtook Matala in the ’60s and ’70s, a place and time when they could live a simple and natural life made of love, peace… and probably other ingredients!

Today, the village is small and easy to visit, full of small bars, pubs, taverns, and souvenir shops. There are colors and music everywhere, street artists, and a fun, entertaining atmosphere at all hours. Most cafeterias surround a small central square with trees and flowers.

The best places to hang out are on the eastern side of the beach, where a long promenade extends to the end of the bay. Here you will find lots of bars playing cool music until almost the morning after.

Other interesting places to visit in Matala are the bookstores, most of which sell curious books about the island and Matala’s glorious past and famous residents. Some also sell old records and classic CDs.

If you’re like me, you’ll love this place if you enjoy curious bookshops, music from the 1970s, elephant pants, colorful sarongs, hippie outfits, handmade leather sandals, crochet bags, and handmade ceramics!

Finally, and for families with kids—but also the child still living in you—the colorful roads painted by visitors who gather especially for the occasion are amusing.

Every year, street artists worldwide come to Matala to paint and leave messages on the streets.

Matala Souvenirs

The village’s streets seem to be a considerable souvenir market with dozens of colorful stalls and shops selling handcrafted souvenirs. However, a traditional market (Paradosiako Agora Matalon) was established in 1973.

Stalls mainly sell hippie memorabilia and flower-power garments, including leather sandals, t-shirts, hippie bags (like the one I bought for myself, see the picture above inside the cave!), beachwear, sarongs, and elephant pants.

The shops outside the market sell ceramics, home decor, cups, paintings, music, books, and much more.

Prices can sometimes look a bit high. If you’re on a budget and still want to buy your Matala set of souvenirs, I suggest you buy your beach sarong at the nearby village of Kalamaki to save a few euros.

Matala Street Art

Matala is the place to visit in Crete if you enjoy street art and graffiti. Everything is lively and colorful everywhere you look.

On the main road, a few steps from Matala’s small parish of the Assumption and opposite one of the few ATMs in the village, you will be greeted by a legendary black Beetle painted in Matala style, which has appeared in all photos of Matala during the last decades.

It belongs to a shop that sells the same stickers that decorate the car. You can also get them for your house as a Matala souvenir (we got our sticker flower for our car, too!).

Here are some photos of Matala’s best colors…

Where to Eat in Matala Beach

The beachside tavernas are colorful and picturesque, and many are convenient. In general, not all are heavily priced (nor truly memorable), but the food quality is good.

If you’re on a budget, avoid eating by the sea or choosing fish as a main course. Instead, head to the center of the village, the main square, or the clothes market.

Here, a few small grills serve regular gyro wraps and souvlaki; you will eat great food, and your pocket will be happy.

A few pubs in the central square are also great for an afternoon drink, an ice cream, or a sweet, but a meal at a Matala pub can be expensive.

We often ate at the market at midday when we wanted something quick and light. We also had a fairly informal lunch by the sea once (grilled octopus and dolmades – grape leaves stuffed with a rice mix, shaped into little rolls, and boiled-) at Taverna Eleni, right on the beach.

The food was pretty good, and the kids ate without any fuss… and that’s saying something. The usual shot of tsikoudia for dessert came with delicious warm loukoumades and tons of local honey. The prices were affordable.

Another good place to eat is Gianni’s Family (you must book as it is always full). We had rabbit stifado and delicious grilled meat. The place is almost at the end of the main road, heading to the sea.

Boho Beach Bar is perfect for pancakes with all kinds of delicious chocolate sauces on top. It’s really affordable and is in a fantastic location.

Sunset Taverna is another simple and traditional tavern by the sea. For premium seafood, visit Scala also by the sea. And for a drink, don’t hesitate to head to Marinero, right next to the sea. The cocktails are good!

All in all, I have always enjoyed visiting Matala, the atmosphere, and the beach. Shops and bars have a bohemian touch, and bookstores and pubs are everywhere. Everything is colorful, cheerful, and stimulating to the senses. It’s a little fishing village where you can spend a day or many, that’s up to you!

Matala in Greek Mythology

According to Greek mythology, Matala played a key role in developing Crete’s history. The myth reveals that Zeus seduced Princess Europa by taking the form of a white bull and that, later on, he crossed the sea, bringing her to the beach of Matala.

Once there, he changed his shape from a white bull into an eagle and flew her to Gortys, where he had sex with her.

Europa and Zeus had three sons, Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon. Later on, she married Asterios, turning into the stepmother of his daughter, Crete.

Things to Do Near Matala

There’s more to Matala than the caves, just as there’s more to Heraklion than Knossos. In fact, the area surrounding Matala is a great place to explore if you love archaeological sites, and you can visit a few of them in the area surrounding Matala. But that’s not all! Take a look.

Archaeological Site of Phaistos

>> OPEN THE ROAD MAP HERE

One of the best things you can do near Matala is visit the Minoan Site of Phaistos. Phaistos is on the Messara Plain, roughly in the south-central portion of the island. It’s about 50 kilometers from Heraklion and just minutes from Matala (about 11 km).

Phaistos is also close to another important site, the ruins of Gortys, also woth a visit. Phaistos is considered the second biggest Minoan Palace and one of Crete’s most important archaeological sites. It receives thousands of visitors every year so you might have to wait in line to access, just as in Knossos.

Phaistos is “Φαιστός” in Greek, and it may be written as Festos, Phaestos, or Faistos on different signposts, but you pronounce it Festòs.

This Minoan Palace corresponds to a flourishing city that arose in the fertile Messara Plain in prehistoric times, from 6000 BC to the 1st century BC. The palace’s history is turbulent and filled with legendary stories. The first Palace of Phaistos was built about 2000 BC.

According to Greek mythology, it was founded by the legendary King Minos, while his brother Radamanthys was the first king in the palace.

Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos)

Red Beach was a legendary shore on the island among locals and visitors. However, today, the magic of the place is not what it used to be—everyone wants to hike to Red Beach!

Famous for being a naturist beach in Crete, the only way to reach this secluded bay is through the mountains. You will need to hike up and down to get there, but you will be rewarded by the views, both of the sea and the inland.

If you decide to hike, follow the white arrow signs. There are plenty in Matala, literally everywhere! Remember to carry water and a hat, or even better, check what to pack for a remote beach in Crete.

Where to Stay in Matala (and other convenient villages nearby)

Finding a place to stay in Matala can be tricky if you show up without a reservation, especially during the high season. You can check this dedicated guide to Matala’s best hotels and rental homes to book a place at least two months in advance.

If you don’t want to spend a lot on accommodation and don;t mind driving, I always suggest staying in a nearby village. But if you rather stay in Matala, check out Matala Caves. These apartments are right opposite the legendary caves and enjoy great views.

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