Matala is a small south-coast village in the Heraklion region of Crete, famous for the man-made caves carved into its seafront cliffs, a sandy town beach, and the 1960s to 70s hippie community that once lived in those caves. Matala sits roughly 68 to 75 km southwest of Heraklion, which puts it within a day trip of the city yet far enough south to keep its own quiet, end-of-the-road character. The village works as a base for the caves, the beach, and nearby Red Beach, and it hosts a music festival each June.Below you will find what Matala is and where it sits, the caves and their history, the beach, Red Beach and other places nearby, the festival, where to eat and stay, how to get there, and a few practical tips.
What and where is Matala
Matala is a coastal village on the south side of central Crete, inside the Heraklion regional unit. The village faces a sheltered bay on the Libyan Sea and lies roughly 68 to 75 km southwest of Heraklion city. In Minoan times the settlement served as the port town for the ancient city of Festos, and later, under Roman rule, it acted as a port for Gortyna.Mythology gives Matala an older claim still. According to legend, this is the shore where Zeus emerged from the sea in the guise of a bull, carrying Europa toward Crete. That mix of myth, archaeology, and modern counterculture is what gives the village its layered reputation. The area is documented in more depth on our page covering the Minoan palace of Phaistos.The caves and their history
The caves are the reason most travellers come to Matala. Carved into the soft rock of the cliffs along the bay, this system of caves is believed to date back to Neolithic times, and later periods used the chambers as burial tombs. The rows of hand-cut openings sit directly above the beach, so you can study them from the sand and then climb up for a closer look.During the 1960s and 70s, Matala became a hub for the hippie movement, and the caves became a symbol of freedom for the travellers who settled inside them. That era left the strongest mark on the village identity, and you will still see it referenced in local murals, signs, and the “Today is life, tomorrow never comes” slogan painted at the entrance to town. Entrance to the Matala caves is optional and costs 2.00 euros.The Matala beach
Matala beach is a sandy bay backed by the cave cliffs, with fine pebbles mixed into the sand and crystal-clear deep water offshore. The beach spans roughly 250 to 300 meters and sits right below the caves, so the swim and the archaeology share the same stretch of shore. Tamarisk trees behind the sand give natural shade for anyone who wants to escape the midday sun.The beach is organised for a full day out. Facilities include umbrellas, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, first aid, beach volleyball, snack bars, and water sports, and camping is available for travellers who want to stay close. For the full breakdown of the shoreline, read our detailed guide to Matala beach.Red Beach near Matala
Red Beach, known locally as Kokkini Ammos, is the best-known excursion from the village. It lies about 800 m from Matala, reached on foot by a 15 to 25 minute walk over the headland, or by boat for around 5 euros. The trail climbs and then drops to a cove that is quieter and more sheltered than the main bay, and the boat suits anyone who would rather skip the hill. See the full picture, including access and conditions, on our guide to Red Beach.Other places near Matala
Several sights sit within easy reach of the village. The Minoan palace of Phaistos is about 12 km away, the archaeological site of Gortyna sits roughly 45 km from Heraklion, and Kommos beach lies just up the coast for a longer sandy alternative. Walkers heading south can also link the coast to a short ravine that ends at a small beach, so a car turns Matala into a hub for the whole area. That walk is covered on our page for the Agiofarango Gorge.The Matala Beach Festival
The Matala Beach Festival takes place in the village every June and celebrates the free-spirited character of the place. The event nods directly to the hippie era, filling the seafront with live music, and it is the busiest weekend of the Matala calendar. Rooms book out quickly around the festival dates, so plan any June stay well ahead.Where to eat and stay
Matala keeps its dining along the waterfront, where tavernas and snack bars look straight out over the bay and the caves. The seafront setting means most tables catch the sunset, which is part of the appeal of eating here rather than inland.For a longer visit, the village and its edges hold a range of studios, apartments, villas, and small hotels, many of them within 50 to 180 m of the beach and offering free WiFi and parking. Staying overnight lets you see the caves and beach after the day-trip crowds leave. Browse more options and activities on our page for things to do in Matala village.Getting to Matala
Reach Matala by driving south from Heraklion, a trip of roughly 68 to 75 km that most visitors cover by car in about an hour and a half. Heraklion International Airport lies about 64 km from the Matala accommodations, which makes the village an easy first or last stop on a south-coast route. Organised day trips also run from Heraklion and last around 8 hours, often combining Gortyna, Phaistos, and Matala in one loop.A car gives you the most freedom here, because the caves, Red Beach, Kommos, and the Phaistos site are spread out and public transport is limited on this stretch of coast. Driving also lets you time your visit around the crowds and the light. If you want that flexibility, you can rent a car in Crete and pick it up straight from the airport.Practical tips for visiting Matala
- Arrive early or stay late, because the caves and beach are busiest with day-trippers between late morning and mid-afternoon.
- Bring water shoes and sun cover, since the beach mixes fine pebbles with sand and the cave rock offers little shade.
- Budget 2.00 euros for cave entry, which is optional but worth it for the view back over the bay.
- Choose the boat to Red Beach for around 5 euros if you would rather not walk the 15 to 25 minute headland path.
- Book June accommodation early, as the Matala Beach Festival fills the village.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Matala famous?
Matala is famous for the man-made caves cut into its seafront cliffs, its sandy beach, and the 1960s to 70s hippie community that lived in those caves. The caves date back to Neolithic times and were later used as burial tombs, which adds an archaeological layer to the counterculture story.How far is Matala from Heraklion?
Matala lies roughly 68 to 75 km southwest of Heraklion. Most visitors drive it in about an hour and a half, and Heraklion International Airport sits about 64 km from the village accommodations.Can you go inside the Matala caves?
Yes, you can walk up into the Matala caves from the beach. Entry is optional and costs 2.00 euros.How do you get to Red Beach from Matala?
Reach Red Beach, known as Kokkini Ammos, by walking a 15 to 25 minute path over the headland from Matala, a distance of about 800 m. You can also take a boat for around 5 euros if you prefer to skip the walk.When is the Matala Beach Festival?
The Matala Beach Festival takes place in the village every June. It celebrates the hippie heritage of Matala with live music along the seafront.Is the Matala beach good for families?
Matala beach suits families who want facilities close at hand. The bay offers umbrellas, restrooms, showers, lifeguards, first aid, snack bars, beach volleyball, and water sports, with tamarisk trees for shade behind the sand.Matala village Map
Matala Village, Crete is located at Matala village, in the Heraklion region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Get directions: Google MapsWaze
