Matala

Travel 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 center.

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 kilometers) 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
$72 nightly
The price is $84 total per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
$84 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Faistos. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Beach of Matala and Roman Caves are located ...
Eva Marina Hotel
Zafiria

Zafiria

2 out of 5
Matala, Faistos, Crete Island
$90 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
$105 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Faistos. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, 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 Oct 2, 2024

Zafiria
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
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 Aug 30, 2024

Armonia Hotel
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.
Private paradise with heated pool Peace, comfort. Goddess and large garden

Private paradise with heated pool Peace, comfort. Goddess and large garden

Kalochorafitis
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in Faistos. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Museum of Cretan Ethnology and Agia ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Great place
"Beautiful house, very nice host who left us a welcome gift, fresh big watermelon"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Private paradise with heated pool Peace, comfort. Goddess and large garden
Magnificent Villa Pool, sunset,beach & Spa south coast Crete, kamilari, sea view.

Magnificent Villa Pool, sunset,beach & Spa south coast Crete, kamilari, sea view.

Kamilari
Stay at this villa in Faistos. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Beach of Matala and Phaistos are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
"We had a wonderfull stay in this villa. The service ( pool and cleaning ) was very good and the owner did it's best for a wonderful stay.3 rooms for sleeping, a roof top with an amazing view, a jacuzzi on the terasse with view to mountains and sea.A wonderful pool.We loved to stay here.The little ..."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Magnificent Villa Pool, sunset,beach & Spa south coast Crete, kamilari, sea view.
Quiet place for special vacations for couples!

Quiet place for special vacations for couples!

Timpaki
Stay at this vacation home in Faistos. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Beach of Matala and Phaistos are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Our cozy house stay
"We spent a week here and went out everyday sightseeing and to different beaches, with lots of walks! Kamilari has a nice feeling about it, very friendly locals, some great Tavernas and a very well stocked supermarket. Not forgetting The Blues bar for cocktails! Vangelis and Tanya are really lovely ..."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024

Quiet place for special vacations for couples!
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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