Matala Beach
Matala Beach
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Matala Beach
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
75 within 5 kms
Attractions
15 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Chantal J89 contributionsPretty beach and fun caves on the side, little touristy townThe beach is nice, kids loved playing in the sand, water was a little deep after a few feet so had to be careful for our little one. The town was cute but small lots of touristy shops, little expensive but still fun to visit. Had a good meal in one of the freestanding with great sea view. And a must to see and visit the hippy cavesVisited May 2023Written May 16, 2023
- Go hard and then go HomeMelbourne, Australia175 contributionsReasonable drive and beach with historical caves .The drive from Heraklion was quite fast and the road better than most trips from northern Crete to the southern coast. A very touristic town with many souvenir shops . The caves are worth a look but watch your head !!Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten May 21, 2023
- Michaela Redaj4 contributionsIncredible Vibe!Visited this place in June - had the chance to also see the last day of MatalaBeachFestival. Great for anyone with an open mind. The beach is not the main point of this place even though it's a pretty good one! The streets, stores, restaurants, people, and most importantly the colorful and light atmosphere are unique and breathtaking! Don't forget to take sneakers for visiting the caves and the not-so-far Red Beach (definitely worth of the hike!).Visited June 2023Written June 26, 2023
- Sarah CManchester, United Kingdom29 contributionsLovely views and great vibeLovely town with a great vibe. No shortage of restaurants and cafes in town and along beach front. Beach is shingle and goes deep quick so not great for young kids. Water is clear and the day we went in July there were no waves and no wind so it was very hot on beach. All beds and beach umbrellas were taken by time we arrived at midday. The caves are good to view but if doing in Summer the end or start of day when cooler may be best option, they were 4euro for adults. We parked nearby in covered car park for 5 euro and easy to locate a parking spot. Would recommend a visit if in Crete.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten July 12, 2023
- Ossi K4 contributionsBeautiful, but not for toddlersThis one lives of the aura of hippie past. Loads of tourists, not really anything for small kids at least around the beach and the sand is pretty harsh for feet unless you use swim shoes. Good waves however and always a short distance to nearest bar or restaurant. Great view - just not the best place for families with toddlers.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten August 10, 2023
- Ondra KozúbekPrague, Czech Republic120 contributionsGet here early to park and get your spot - nice place to spend some time atBe sure to get there early to get spot on the beach (limited quantity of sunbeds). Comfortable parking right at the beach (also advised to get there early) While you’re here go to Matala caves where ancient people and lately hippies lived. Better have sport shoes for this - you will climb a bit while youVisited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten August 31, 2023
- lizSheffield, United Kingdom2 contributionsMatala Matala - chill outWe went to Matala for the day to go snorkel ing but the wind was blowing from NW so the waves were massive which was great for us with teenagers 13 & 15 yrs but wouldn’t have been suitable with young children. We spent time on beach playing in large waves and breakers. Walked over to red beach but didn’t drop down to it . breath taking views. Dinner in the most amazing sea front location with aqua marine waters white waves crashing on rocks and a warm wind. walk around the town enjoy a very different vibe to the rest of the places we visited in Crete. Tip Check the wind direction and strength before you go.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten September 3, 2023
- Marta F1 contributionInteresting way of sightseeingThe inspiring history of that place was really present there. Even though there were a lot of sun beds that you had to pay for them it was easy to find a perfect spot under the trees. The water was crystal clear and very deep but the best attraction in my opinion was sightseeing the caves. It was a little bit dangerous so you had to be careful because there was no barriers. The sights from that place are amazing and the history makes it even more interesting.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten September 7, 2023
- John B3 contributionsNice little town. Crowded beachNice little town. Great tavernas and restaurants all along the front. Beach rather crowded with lots of sunbeds and umbrellas, but still some areas if you just want to sit on your towels. Good vibe.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 14, 2023
- Clare DSurrey, United Kingdom26 contributionsBeach and caves of MatalaWe took a guided bus trip to Matala beach, village and caves while on holiday in Crete with our teen daughter. We went on a very warm but windy day. The bus trip was very interesting as we saw parts of Crete that we would not have otherwise seen. The tour guide told us about the area and then we had 4 hours in Matala, exploring the shops, having lunch by the sea in a taverna and then my husband and daughter visited the caves while I went on the beach. The shops were really nice but quite pricey, and we enjoyed looking around. There are plenty of cafes and tavernas for a drink, snack or meal. We went in 2 Friends for lunch, on the boardwalk, which was really nice. Matala is where the hippies lived in the 60s. I'm accident prone and, as it was windy, decided not to risk climbing up to the caves on the cliff-face. Instead, I got sand and water blasted on the beach. There were plenty of sunbeds and parasols at €8 a set which was quite reasonable. The beach was more grit than sand which meant it hurt quite a lot when the wind whipped it up. I didn't stay long. My husband and daughter climbed quite a way and went in some of the caves and said they were interesting. In all it was a lovely day.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 9, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,334 reviews
Excellent
1,137
Very good
846
Average
261
Poor
62
Terrible
28
nnmercman
Camberley, UK13,802 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Visited on a Sunday and it was quite busy when we arrived early afternoon. It took around an hour from Heraklion and our hire car was very underpowered for the hilly drive! We managed to park on the approach road which was just as well as the beach parking lot looked full. The village has plenty of cafes and stalls selling mainly tourist stuff but the area has a nice ambience and is worth visiting.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare D
Surrey, UK26 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
We took a guided bus trip to Matala beach, village and caves while on holiday in Crete with our teen daughter. We went on a very warm but windy day. The bus trip was very interesting as we saw parts of Crete that we would not have otherwise seen. The tour guide told us about the area and then we had 4 hours in Matala, exploring the shops, having lunch by the sea in a taverna and then my husband and daughter visited the caves while I went on the beach.
The shops were really nice but quite pricey, and we enjoyed looking around.
There are plenty of cafes and tavernas for a drink, snack or meal. We went in 2 Friends for lunch, on the boardwalk, which was really nice.
Matala is where the hippies lived in the 60s. I'm accident prone and, as it was windy, decided not to risk climbing up to the caves on the cliff-face. Instead, I got sand and water blasted on the beach. There were plenty of sunbeds and parasols at €8 a set which was quite reasonable. The beach was more grit than sand which meant it hurt quite a lot when the wind whipped it up. I didn't stay long.
My husband and daughter climbed quite a way and went in some of the caves and said they were interesting.
In all it was a lovely day.
The shops were really nice but quite pricey, and we enjoyed looking around.
There are plenty of cafes and tavernas for a drink, snack or meal. We went in 2 Friends for lunch, on the boardwalk, which was really nice.
Matala is where the hippies lived in the 60s. I'm accident prone and, as it was windy, decided not to risk climbing up to the caves on the cliff-face. Instead, I got sand and water blasted on the beach. There were plenty of sunbeds and parasols at €8 a set which was quite reasonable. The beach was more grit than sand which meant it hurt quite a lot when the wind whipped it up. I didn't stay long.
My husband and daughter climbed quite a way and went in some of the caves and said they were interesting.
In all it was a lovely day.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophia R
4 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
Beautiful surrounds clean beach plenty of room to move many stores market style and places to eat .. Vibe is great
Only downfall is that it was very windy so check weather before you go
Only downfall is that it was very windy so check weather before you go
Written September 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
3 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Nice little town. Great tavernas and restaurants all along the front. Beach rather crowded with lots of sunbeds and umbrellas, but still some areas if you just want to sit on your towels. Good vibe.
Written September 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marta F
1 contribution
Aug. 2023 • Family
The inspiring history of that place was really present there. Even though there were a lot of sun beds that you had to pay for them it was easy to find a perfect spot under the trees. The water was crystal clear and very deep but the best attraction in my opinion was sightseeing the caves. It was a little bit dangerous so you had to be careful because there was no barriers. The sights from that place are amazing and the history makes it even more interesting.
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liz
Sheffield, UK2 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
We went to Matala for the day to go snorkel ing but the wind was blowing from NW so the waves were massive which was great for us with teenagers 13 & 15 yrs but wouldn’t have been suitable with young children.
We spent time on beach playing in large waves and breakers. Walked over to red beach but didn’t drop down to it . breath taking views.
Dinner in the most amazing sea front location with aqua marine waters white waves crashing on rocks and a warm wind. walk around the town enjoy a very different vibe to the rest of the places we visited in Crete.
Tip
Check the wind direction and strength before you go.
We spent time on beach playing in large waves and breakers. Walked over to red beach but didn’t drop down to it . breath taking views.
Dinner in the most amazing sea front location with aqua marine waters white waves crashing on rocks and a warm wind. walk around the town enjoy a very different vibe to the rest of the places we visited in Crete.
Tip
Check the wind direction and strength before you go.
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ondra Kozúbek
Prague, Czech Republic120 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Be sure to get there early to get spot on the beach (limited quantity of sunbeds).
Comfortable parking right at the beach (also advised to get there early)
While you’re here go to Matala caves where ancient people and lately hippies lived. Better have sport shoes for this - you will climb a bit while you
Comfortable parking right at the beach (also advised to get there early)
While you’re here go to Matala caves where ancient people and lately hippies lived. Better have sport shoes for this - you will climb a bit while you
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luca
Switzerland7 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
The beach was very nice. The caves could be visited for 4 euros per person. We had to drive a total of three hours but it was very worth it.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ingrid
Amstelveen, The Netherlands39 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Not only the beach is beautiful with the cave houses flanking it, the whole town is so pittoresk! It's a must see. For us it was a two hour drive but so worth it!
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ossi K
4 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
This one lives of the aura of hippie past. Loads of tourists, not really anything for small kids at least around the beach and the sand is pretty harsh for feet unless you use swim shoes. Good waves however and always a short distance to nearest bar or restaurant. Great view - just not the best place for families with toddlers.
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ci sono bagni?
starsun28
Rivoli, Italy293 contributions
certo, è attrezzata , ci sono docce e bagni in spiaggia e la taverna che gestisce la spiaggia ha il bagno
Eva
Berlin, Germany17 contributions
Is there a laundry salon in Matala? We will stay for a week and our hotel doesn't offer laundry service. Thanks a lot!
Jade
Battle, UK24 contributions
Hi. Stayed in Matala maybe 5/6 times, always May or September. Looking to spend a week 31 March/7 April. Can anyone advise me on what to expect from the weather & if tavernas/bars would be open?....regards Phil
hotelfantastic matala
Matala, Greece20 contributions
hallo matala is a very nice place ...many people visite the archaiological sights and the beautiful beaches that we have around matala beach,red beach ,como beach..the weather is warm the day and cold the night ,,you need jacket ..some days on march is raining but usually at night and the morning has sun ,,so matala is a perfect destination all the mounths ,,the restaurant are open ..some on march try to clean and prepare the places for opening but youcan find to eat ..this year with the corvit was a little problem for the opening but now we are ready to welcome our people again
Gunnar_OShea
Regina, Canada198 contributions
Is there anywhere to safely store your valuables?
Champions N
88 contributions
There is a bar in that beach, they sell the "best mojito in the world" and, believe me: the world's most expensive one also! :D
I guess you can store your stuff there, they also rent sunshades and they serve people that stays on those rented sunshades.
The guy was not very friendly...
Mariana100
São Paulo36 contributions
Passarei em Matala a caminho de Festo e Heraklion. Quanto tempo é necessário para visitar as cavernas?
IkbenMandy
1 contribution
It tooks us about an hour, but we did it relaxed... 2 young adults.
Patricia L
Leganes, Spain137 contributions
Buenos días.
¿Podríais decirme si la playa tiene duchas? Gracias
JOECGN63
Cologne, Germany62 contributions
Nein, oder zumindest habe ich keine gesehen.
Vicki C
8 contributions
Is the resort predominantly visited by Brits or Germans/Europeans etc, I can’t find many reviews from Brit’s on the hotel that we like the look of and my dad likes to chat to people and would have an issue with language barrier (he has a strong geordie accent)
rob s
Birmingham, UK47 contributions
there isn't many brits but most of the Greeks speak English as do the Germans, Dutch etc
Sharron H
Hebden Bridge, UK12 contributions
Hi...how far out are the ruins on the east side of the beach? Can you swim or do you need a boat? TIA :0)
Ellen W
Philadelphia, PA178 contributions
The ancient caves are right next to the beach. They charge admission to them, but you can climb the rocks and walk through the caves. We did not go to the more recently discovered (1980s) ruins, which are a little southeast of the beach. Since the beach faces east, I would assume that these ruins are not right on the water. You can google all of this and look at a map. The beach is just gorgeous, with plenty of chaises and umbrellas for rent (cheap!). There are also lots of cafes facing the water where you can stop for lunch, a snack or a bottle of wine. Have fun!
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingMATALA BEACH - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Matala Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Matala Beach:
- South Crete - The gorge of the Eremits, Sunset in Matala (From C$139.67)
- South Crete: Matala Beach & Ancient Gortyn (From C$88.96)
- Ancient Palaces with Minoan Wine Routes & Iconic Matala Beach from Heraklion (From C$889.60)
- Ancient Palaces with Minoan Wine Routes & Iconic Matala Beach from Chania (From C$995.15)
- Paragliding Tours in Crete (From C$196.01)
- Hotels near Matala Beach:
- (0.01 km) Frangiskos Studios
- (0.03 km) Διαμέρισμα "Villa Iro"
- (0.03 km) Fragiskos Hotel
- (0.04 km) Stylish apartment right on the beach of Matala
- (0.04 km) Matala View Pension
- Restaurants near Matala Beach:
- (0.01 km) Mama's Bakery
- (0.01 km) The Lions Cafe Restaurant
- (0.02 km) Labyrinth
- (0.02 km) Dolphin Restaurant
- (0.03 km) Vagelis To Milon tis Eridos
- Attractions near Matala Beach:
- (0.08 km) Matala Caves
- (0.15 km) MARINERO BAR
- (0.11 km) Kalopsia Fashion & More
- (0.77 km) Red Sand Beach (Kokkini Ammos)
- (0.06 km) MatalaTribe