Matala is a beach village on Crete's south coast, famous for the sandstone caves above its beach that were home to a hippie community in the 1960s and 70s. Joni Mitchell and Cat Stevens reportedly stayed in the caves. Today, the caves are fenced off and admission-charged, but the village retains a laid-back, slightly countercultural atmosphere that distinguishes it from the north-coast package resorts. The beach is good, the setting dramatic, and the south-coast warmth makes swimming comfortable from May to November.
Why Stay in Matala
- The caves — Roman-era tombs carved into the sandstone cliff, later adopted by hippies. They're the village's calling card and genuinely atmospheric.
- South-coast warmth — the Libyan Sea side of Crete is warmer and sunnier than the north. Matala's beach faces south and catches the sun all day.
- Laid-back vibe, the village has a relaxed, bohemian feel that survives from its hippie era. The annual Matala Beach Festival (June) keeps the spirit alive with live music on the sand.
- Honest caveat. Matala's fame brings day-trippers and the village can feel overcrowded for its size. The beach, while beautiful, is not large. Parking is limited and fills by mid-morning in summer. The approach road is winding.
Things to Do in Matala
Visit the caves (small entry fee). The carved chambers in the cliff face are visually striking, and the history (from Roman burial tombs to hippie squat) is a good story. The views from inside the caves, looking out over the beach, are good.
The main beach is a crescent of sand below the caves, with clear water and a couple of beach bars. For more space, walk over the rocky headland to Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos), a nudist-friendly sandy cove reached by a 20-minute scramble. The sand has a reddish tinge and the setting is wilder.
Drive to the ancient site of Phaistos (15 minutes), a Minoan palace second in importance only to Knossos but with far fewer visitors. The hilltop setting, overlooking the Messara Plain, is spectacular.
The Messara Plain behind Matala is Crete's main agricultural area, with olive groves, vineyards, and traditional villages. The town of Mires (20 minutes) has a large Saturday market worth visiting for local produce and people-watching.