Villas in Matala
Matala is a small bay village in southern Crete, good for couples and small families wanting a private pool near the beach. Summer brings coach tours, and the drive from Heraklion airport takes about an hour.
- Villas
- 22
- From, per week
- £574
About Matala
Matala sits on a bay of golden sand facing the Libyan Sea, with a vertical rock above it pierced by caves carved in antiquity. In the 1960s hippies lived in them, and a three-day beach festival is now held each June. It is a tourist village with gift shops and bars, and summer visitors and coach tours fill it. Matala was the port of the Minoan palace at Phaistos in its early history. The homes are grouped close together around the village, and most have a private pool and a garden. They are mostly sized for two to four people, and none sleep more than eight. Staying here puts you within reach of the beach and the caves on foot, but also in the middle of the summer crowds.
Is Matala right for you?
- Best for
- Couples and small families wanting a pool near a sandy bay
- Not for you if
- You dislike coach-tour crowds in summer or want a short transfer from the airport.
Near Matala
Phaistos
One of the most important Minoan palaces of Crete, a few kilometres north of Matala, which once served as its harbour.
Agia Galini
A cosmopolitan resort town to the west, useful for a different choice of restaurants in the evening.
Pitsidia
The community Matala belongs to, in the Faistos municipality of the Heraklion regional unit.
Heraklion
The island's main city lies about 75 km from Matala, and the airport there is the usual arrival point.
Getting to Matala
Heraklion airport is the nearest, about an hour by car. Buses run from Heraklion to Matala in around two hours, but only a few times a day, so most visitors hire a car, which also helps for reaching Phaistos and other beaches.
When to go to Matala
Matala has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, very dry summers and very mild, wet winters. Summer is when coach tours and holidaymakers arrive and the gift shops and bars are busy. The Matala Beach Festival runs for three days each June. In winter the village is far quieter, so check opening times before you go.
Villas in Matala
5-star property
5-star property
2-Bedroom Home, Matala
Matala, Crete, Greece
6
2
0
TerraceWashing MachineInternet+6 more
from£362
per night
1-Bedroom Home, Matala
Matala, Crete, Greece
4
1
0
Air ConTerraceWashing Machine+7 more
from£384
per night
1-Bedroom Home, Matala
Matala, Crete, Greece
2
1
0
Air ConParkingGarden+8 more
from£82
per night
1-Bedroom Home, Matala
Matala, Crete, Greece
4
1
0
Air ConParkingFireplace+9 more
from£90
per nightMatala villa holidays: questions answered
What is the beach at Matala like?
Matala sits on a bay of golden sand facing the Libyan Sea, with the cave-pierced cliff rising above it. That cliff is the village's best-known feature.
Who lived in the Matala caves?
The caves were carved in antiquity, and in the 1960s hippies sheltered in them. Joni Mitchell spent several weeks in the village in early 1970, and it inspired songs on her album Blue.
Is Matala busy in summer?
Yes. It draws coach tours and summer visitors and has many gift shops and bars, so the village is lively through the main season and much quieter in winter.
Matala or Agia Galini?
Matala is a smaller bay village built around its beach and caves, while Agia Galini to the west is a more cosmopolitan resort. Pick Matala for the bay and the Phaistos side trip.
Nearby towns to Matala
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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