Matala Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Matala
Photo by The Hippie Life Project
Photo by David M. Simpson
Photo by Jan Lalkens
Photo by David M. Simpson

Enjoy a day or more in this peaceful fishing village, once the “paradise on earth” of the hippie generation of the 1960s.

Spend a blissful day in Matala relaxing on the sands of picture-perfect Red Beach and explore the spectacular rock formations and caves nearby. Eat delicious seafood in the local tavernas and browse the galleries and shops of the narrow village streets. Visit ancient Minoan remains and important archaeological sites nearby.

In the 1960s Matala was famous as a popular hippie hangout the Canadian singer Joni Mitchell wrote about her experiences sleeping in the caves in the song Carey. Now the hippies are long gone, but the town retains a relaxed feel, picturesque streets and great beaches. Enjoy this popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Don’t miss manmade caves carved into the spectacular sloping rocks. These date back to Neolithic times and also served as a base for the hippies when they populated this area. Walk down the cliffs to the beautiful Red Beach and spend a day sunbathing and swimming in the tranquil waters. Be aware that this beach is a clothing-optional site.

To explore the area, drive a short distance north to find the archaeological site of Kommos, which houses ancient Minoan ruins. Visit the nearby beach. Also within easy driving distance is the Monastery of Odigitria. This is next to a Minoan cemetery. Spend a pleasant morning or afternoon browsing the galleries and shops of the village centre.

Head into the village in the evening and enjoy tasty Greek dishes and local wine in one of the many tavernas. Try dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and tsatziki (yogurt sauce) or very fresh seafood and local vegetables. As an accompaniment, sample retsina, the Greek specialty wine with a unique pine scent.

Matala is located 42 miles (67 kilometres) southwest of Heraklion. You can see all Matala’s sights in a single day, but to make the most of your time here you should consider staying at least a night. Plenty of accommodation options are available.

Eva Marina Hotel

Eva Marina Hotel

MATALA TYMPAKION, Faistos, HERAKLION
The price is Rp1.166.457 per night from 11 Sept to 12 Sept
Rp1.166.457
Rp1.362.534 total
11 Sept - 12 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Faistos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Beach of Matala and Roman Caves are located ...
Eva Marina Hotel
Armonia Hotel

Armonia Hotel

3 out of 5
Matala, Faistos, Crete
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Faistos. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Beach of Matala and Caves of Matala are located ...
Matala Crete
"Un séjour exceptionnel. Je suis venue chercher la douceur de vivre et c'est une réussite. Combinaison : plage/piscine/natation/bronzage/lecture. Tout est fait pour se reposer et se gorger d'une energie vivifiante et positive. À renouveler et à consommer, sans modération. 😀"

Reviewed on 30 Aug 2024

Armonia Hotel
Zafiria

Zafiria

2 out of 5
Matala, Faistos, Crete Island
The price is Rp1.497.885 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
Rp1.497.885
Rp1.738.958 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Faistos. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Beach of Matala and Roman Caves are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (159 reviews)
"Excellent location. Good breakfast. Very reasonably priced."

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2024

Zafiria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Orelia Cretan Villas & Deluxe Apartments

Orelia Cretan Villas & Deluxe Apartments

Kamilari-Kalamaki Road, Faistos
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Faistos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Beach of Matala and Komos Beach are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"We were the first booking for the season, so felt like we had a the whole place to ourselves. The property, and our villa, were incredible and the views out to the ocean were amazing. Loved our villa and was perfect size for our family. Appreciated the fresh fruit. Our host was there to greet us ..."

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2025

Orelia Cretan Villas & Deluxe Apartments
Triopetra Luxury Villas Fournou Lago

Triopetra Luxury Villas Fournou Lago

Akoumia, Agios Vasileios, Rethymnou
Stay at this beach villa in Agios Vasileios. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Preveli Beach and Triópetra are located ...
Very enjoyable stay
"Perfect villa for relaxation, away from noisy places, solitude with mountains, sea and swimming pool, two beautiful beaches nearby. There are 2 villas (if both occupied might get a bit crowded). Villa is in very good condition, clean, kitchen with all needed appliances, car needed. Would be wise ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2016

Triopetra Luxury Villas Fournou Lago
Almmos mezzanine apartments Kalamaki

Almmos mezzanine apartments Kalamaki

Neo Kalamaki, Faistos, Herklion
Stay at this apartment in Faistos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Beach of Matala and Komos Beach are located nearby.
"It was very good."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2024

Almmos mezzanine apartments Kalamaki
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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