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.

Zafiria
Zafiria
2 out of 5
Matala, Faistos, Crete Island
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! (140 reviews)
"Excellent location. Good breakfast. Very reasonably priced."

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2024

Zafiria
Matala Dimitris Villa
Matala Dimitris Villa
2 out of 5
Matala, Faistos, Crete
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Faistos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Caves of Matala and Beach of Matala ...
7.6/10 Good! (155 reviews)
3 day break
"Mini break location very good short walk to centre, good food and drinks on site staff very helpfull , would definitely go back. Very good pool area"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2024

Matala Dimitris Villa
Matala Hostel
Matala Hostel
Matala Main Road, Faistos, Crete
Stay at this hostel in Faistos. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 beach bars, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Caves of Matala and Roman Caves are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
"The staff were great...so helpful."

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2024

Matala Hostel
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.
Keramos
Keramos
2 out of 5
Zaros, Faistos, Crete Island
Stay at this aparthotel in Faistos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Moni Vrondisi and Lake Votomos are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"Simple room but a very gracious owner. We don't speak Greek and she didn't speak English but she prepared a lovely dinner for us. We felt like we had become part of her family."

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2019

Keramos
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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Reviews of Matala

4.5
Top Destination
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3 - Okay
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I thought Faistos was a great and beautiful place to drive around. Great scenery while driving with a lot of surprises that we found to be unique.