Matala Caves
Matala Caves
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
577 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
226
Average
135
Poor
19
Terrible
8
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David D
Devon, UK28,538 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Wednesday 26th August and we visited these amazing caves situated at the rocky northern end of Matala Bay and Beach.
The Caves which were carved into the soft limestone during the Roman Period were used as tombs. There are approximately 62 tombs.
In the 1960's the caves were plundered by the hippies who then took up residence in them.
It was a great experience as we clambered over rocks and stones as we moved from cave to cave exploring this incredible place. The caves are a mixture of shapes and sizes, some had carved out beds or resting places
Would recommend sturdy footwear, not ideal terrain for flip flops. It was also extremely hot. Also take care when entering and leaving the caves as soon ceilings were rather low, which I discovered.
The entrance fee was €4. There was a reduced fee of €2 for EU residents of 65. Entrance was free for EU residents under the age of 25, ID required. As we paid our entrance fee, the guy in the kiosk advised us to walk very slowly.
Amazingly we told a friend that we had visited the caves, she informed us that she had lived there in circa 1969, but there were doors on the caves then.
A bit further along the coast from the caves, visitors were using the rocky headland as a diving platform into the clear sea.
The Caves which were carved into the soft limestone during the Roman Period were used as tombs. There are approximately 62 tombs.
In the 1960's the caves were plundered by the hippies who then took up residence in them.
It was a great experience as we clambered over rocks and stones as we moved from cave to cave exploring this incredible place. The caves are a mixture of shapes and sizes, some had carved out beds or resting places
Would recommend sturdy footwear, not ideal terrain for flip flops. It was also extremely hot. Also take care when entering and leaving the caves as soon ceilings were rather low, which I discovered.
The entrance fee was €4. There was a reduced fee of €2 for EU residents of 65. Entrance was free for EU residents under the age of 25, ID required. As we paid our entrance fee, the guy in the kiosk advised us to walk very slowly.
Amazingly we told a friend that we had visited the caves, she informed us that she had lived there in circa 1969, but there were doors on the caves then.
A bit further along the coast from the caves, visitors were using the rocky headland as a diving platform into the clear sea.
Written September 3, 2020
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.
gh_steinberg
Barcelona, Spain54 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful bay with the aforementioned hippie caves. These are right on the beach and can be explored for a fee of 4 euros per person. Children go free. In about 30 minutes you can climb the cliffs and visit the caves. After a sweaty climb you can cool off in the sea and end the day. The sunset here is an absolute dream. Some restaurants also have something to offer. All in all a great day trip.

Written October 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.
Travel35400
Rennes, France4,698 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Historic and well-maintained site.
The visit gives us an insight into how the inhabitants of different eras lived there.
Unfortunately, there is no further explanation of the history of these caves.
That doesn't stop you from enjoying it.
The view from above of the beach and the sea is magnificent but be careful to wear good shoes to limit the risk of slipping.
The visit gives us an insight into how the inhabitants of different eras lived there.
Unfortunately, there is no further explanation of the history of these caves.
That doesn't stop you from enjoying it.
The view from above of the beach and the sea is magnificent but be careful to wear good shoes to limit the risk of slipping.

Written August 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.
Denise D
Mid Coast Maine, ME9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The caves are very cool and great to explore when no one is there in winter. BUT only one restaurant and cafe open in winter and couldn’t find any open hotels to spend the night. Can access via bus from Heraklion takes about 1.5 hrs and you will have to switch but bus staff very helpful and easy to do.
Written February 7, 2020
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.
Neva Savoric
Zagreb, Croatia98 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Really cute beach. By the mythology, Zeus slept with Europa here and thats how the Minotaur was born. It was a roman cemetery, and hippies lived inside the caves in the 60s. You can climb the rocks next to the caves and jump into the sea. The water was mediocre clean. Bring swimming shoes or sneakers for the caves since it is a hike to check them out. There are some restaurants and supermarkets at the beach.
Written August 25, 2021
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.
Iva S
Prague, Czech Republic700 contributions
Sept 2020
5.9.2020 Matala Caves - a great place, tombs carved into the rock, through which you can walk freely to the top floor. Magnificent views of the bay. We did not go to the beach, too crowded, sand everywhere. But I recommend the cave to everyone who is looking for such interesting and mystical places. Ticket 4 Eu. More youtube travel video PSIS-visit. Iva + Petr CZ Prague
Written February 25, 2021
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 W
63 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
They ware amazing for the first 10 minutes after that it become something boring .sry for my review but that's the reality
Written June 27, 2019
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.
Dakles
Southampton, UK1,296 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We called at Matala to visit the beach and had no idea these caves were here. Apparently the caves are from the neolithic period, we’re used as tombs by the Romans and occupied by hippies in the 60s. It costs €2 to enter and you are free to wander all over the cliff face to visit the individual caves.
Written May 3, 2018
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.
Dirk W
Alexandra Headland, Australia10,144 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
To sell entry tickets for these "Roman Caves" is a little deceptive ; knowing that they were occupied and trashed by hippie communes in the 60-ies. It is probably a good thing that they are now fenced off, which protects them . . . but then to have people clambering all over them, defeats that purpose.
Written July 23, 2019
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.
Manuela L
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg6,583 contributions
May 2016 • Family
The Roman caves overhangs the beach of Matala, and they are magnific; In the roman period they were the refugium of Christs; I saw them from the nice beach of Matala, but I think you can visit some ones now; In the years 1960 -1970 they were a permanent stay
for the Hippies.
for the Hippies.
Written November 6, 2016
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.
oddea non ricordo bene ma era aperto di mattina e consiglio la mattina prima del caldo perche poi puzzano!
Written December 22, 2017
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