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Things to do in Matala

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Matala

Things to Do in Matala

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Matala Beach, Red Sand Beach (Kokkini Ammos), Beaches, Archaeology Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Matala

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Tranquil beach flanked by pebble sands and clear waters, adjacent to historical caves once inhabited by hippies. Ideal for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Speciality & Gift Shops

Other Top Attractions around Matala



*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Pisteaza
    Devon51 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely place, very busy, water is warm and calm. Lots of parking, public toilets, disabled access. Supermarkets and individual shops full of Greek made goods. One of the first cafes is Mermaid, the best 100% Arabica coffee, so good we had two! Previously we sat at another and had to leave the cup of something pretending to be cappuchino (shudder). Arrive early if you don't like crowds. Can rocommend the little hairdressing salon by the old tree, had a very good haircut. Also bought a couple of lovely Crete manufactured linen dresses from Fashion Christina, lovely owners.
    Written October 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Martin M
    Ceska Lipa, Czech Republic279 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The pittoresque beach with red sand and a small bar. When we were on the beach there was not sunbeds. Sometimes local goats visit rocks around the beach and watch visitors. A path to the beach leads from Matala village, 30 minutes about.
    Written July 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NekoCat
    Franklin, MA698 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The road to the Gorge parking area and trail head is not that bad, but if not used to driving on bumpy-rocky narrow steep dirt roads this may not be for you. Also not recommended driving this road after heavy rain, as there are a few sections where clearly a river crosses the road with no alternate way around.

    There was plenty of parking at the trail head and an opportunity to buy snacks and drinks at the food truck. We packed in waters, lunch, snacks, beach wear, etc.

    The hike through the gorge to the beach is not difficult, no major elevation inclines/declines. It is a very hot hike but not super long.

    There is no shade at the beach, so pack in an umbrella or find a spot along the cliff walls which provide a few hours out of the sun. The water is crystal clear and very calm the day we went. The small beach sits between two dramatic cliffs and is lagoon-like. There were maybe 25-30 people total on the beach that day. Basically you have the place to yourself to just sit and/or soak and savor the beautiful views.
    Written October 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JanandLynn
    Westrozebeke, Belgium73 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    it's an exceptional place with a very interesting history
    bare in mind if you want the full experience of the caves make sure proper shoes and no fear if hights
    Written June 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • izif_37
    Ljubljana, Slovenia3,327 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting church partly set in a cave. Worth a visit if you are around, Much more to see than in the other caves.
    Written February 27, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zuzana Pec
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This small beach is a bit hard to get to (by car on dusty road). But it offers privacy and less wind + smaller waves. There are mostly stones but parts with sand can be found.
    Written September 11, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David D
    Devon, UK28,055 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wednesday 26th August and we visited this small Church while exploring in Matala.

    The Church, with its plain stone walls and red tiled arched roof, is located on the roadside by Matala Beach.

    In front of the small altar was a wooden reredos (screen) which was adorned with numerous religious images.

    A very ornate chandelier was a major feature in the Church.

    More religious images and icons were to be seen on the walls and around the Church.
    Written August 30, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yvan820
    Denderhoutem, Belgium1,178 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Like everything in Matala, also this workshop is more than hip. Hippie time is always there and in the vanes of a big part of the population there
    Written April 21, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mixalis r
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Emmanouil is the best bartender ever!!!
    We had a great time and the guys here toom care of us!!! Will be back soon!!
    Written June 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dani r
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really nice shop with a lot of beautiful clothes. We were interested on swimming suites and sandals. So we bought them and we are impressed of the very good quality. The lady's were also very helpful to find the perfect matches for us.
    Written July 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members 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.
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