Matala Bay Hotel
Matala - Main Street
Matala Bay Hotel is located amidst lush greenery, within 250 metres from the beach, and has a swimming pool, restaurant and snack bar.
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Matala is a picturesque coastal village located on the south coast of Crete, in the region of Heraklion. This enchanting resort, nestled in a sheltered bay overlooking the Libyan Sea, became famous in the 1960s and 1970s as a favourite destination for hippie culture, when artists and free spirits from all over the world settled in the characteristic limestone caves carved into the cliffs. Today, Matala has retained its bohemian charm, turning into a tourist destination that perfectly combines history, natural beauty and a relaxed, jovial atmosphere.
The prehistoric caves that dot the sandstone cliffs, originally used as tombs during the Roman and Byzantine periods, are the distinctive symbol of Matala and tell stories that span millennia. The village, once a quiet fishing port, has retained its authentic character despite the tourist development, with picturesque streets decorated with colourful murals, small handicraft shops and traditional taverns overlooking the beautiful crescent-shaped bay. Thanks to its particularly favourable Mediterranean climate, Matala enjoys long, sunny summers and mild springs, making it an ideal destination for a beach holiday that extends well beyond the peak season.
The coastline around Matala offers some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Crete, with a fascinating mix of sandy shores, rocky coves and crystal-clear waters ranging from turquoise to deep blue.
Matala’s main beach is the beating heart of the village, a beautiful expanse of fine golden sand enclosed by two rocky promontories that create a protected natural bay. The most distinctive feature of this beach is the view of the famous caves carved into the cliff that borders it on the right side. The crystal-clear waters, which range in hue from turquoise to deep blue, are generally calm due to the sheltered shape of the bay, making it suitable for families with children.
The beach is well organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas and several tavernas offering refreshments and traditional Cretan dishes overlooking the sea. The seabed slopes gradually but quickly becomes deep, which makes it attractive to snorkelling enthusiasts, who can explore the rich marine life around the rock formations.
About 800 metres south of Matala, reached by a picturesque 20-30 minute walk along a scenic path, is the legendary Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos). This beach owes its name to the reddish sand and sandstone cliffs that surround it, creating an evocative, almost surreal landscape.
More isolated and wilder than the main beach of Matala, Red Beach is famous for being one of the few beaches on Crete where naturism is practised, keeping the free spirit of the hippie years alive. The beach is not equipped with facilities, so it is advisable to bring water, food and sunscreen with you. The sea here is crystal clear and deep blue, perfect for swimming and snorkelling, although it can occasionally be choppy when the wind blows from the south.
Just 2 km north of Matala lies the magnificent Kommos Beach, one of the longest and most unspoilt beaches on the south coast of Crete. This wide expanse of golden sand stretches for several kilometres along an almost straight coastline, offering plenty of space even in the busiest months of summer. The beach is largely unorganised, retaining a wild and natural character that makes it particularly popular with those seeking tranquillity.
The southern part, closer to Matala, hosts a few essential facilities such as a couple of traditional taverns and a limited number of umbrellas. The sea is generally calm on windless days, but can become choppy when the mistral blows, attracting windsurfers in this case. A highlight is the archaeological site of Kommos, located just behind the beach, with the remains of an ancient Minoan port testifying to the historical importance of this area.
Continuing further north from Kommos for about 4 km, one reaches the quiet beach of Kalamaki, a long stretch of fine sand bathed by crystal-clear waters. Less well known and frequented than the neighbouring beaches, Kalamaki offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a few beach bars and tavernas serving simple but tasty dishes. The beach is partially organised, with large stretches left in their natural state.
The sea here is particularly calm and shallow for several metres from the shore, making it ideal for families with small children. A special feature of Kalamaki is the presence of protected nesting areas for Caretta Caretta turtles, with special enclosures protecting the nests during the breeding season (May-September). This adds an element of natural interest to the visit, with the possibility of participating in informative guided tours on the conservation of these protected species.
For lovers of adventure and unspoilt places, Agiofarago Beach is a must-visit destination, located about 8 km east of Matala. This small beach of white pebbles and fine sand lies at the end of a spectacular gorge opening onto the Libyan Sea. Accessible by a 30-40 minute hike through the gorge (or alternatively by boat from Matala or Kali Limenes), Agiofarago offers a unique bathing experience in a stunningly beautiful natural setting.
The waters are unbelievably clear and deep blue, perfect for snorkelling along the cliffs that border the bay. The beach is completely unequipped, so it is essential to bring everything you need. Near the beach is a small Byzantine church and the remains of ancient hermitages carved into the rock, evidence of the presence of anchorites who chose this remote spot for meditation.
Matala offers much more than beautiful beaches, combining millennial history, alternative culture and natural beauty into a unique experience. The village’s main attraction are the famous prehistoric caves carved into the cliff overlooking the main beach. Originally used as tombs during the Roman and Byzantine periods, these man-made natural caves became home to an international hippie community in the 1960s, attracted by the wild beauty of the place and the chance to live by ideals of freedom and simplicity. Today, it is possible to visit the caves by paying a small entrance fee, climbing a staircase that allows one to explore the different levels of the cliffs and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Matala Bay.
The centre of the village, with its picturesque streets, is a pleasant maze of craft shops, bohemian boutiques and colourful murals celebrating the hippie heritage of the place. Be sure to admire the famous ‘Talos’ mural, depicting the mythical bronze giant protector of Crete, and the numerous artistic decorations adorning the walls and stairways of the village, creating an open-air art gallery.
For archaeology enthusiasts, a short distance from Matala is the archaeological site of Phaistos, one of the most important Minoan settlements on Crete after Knossos. The palace of Phaistos, built around 1900 B.C. and later rebuilt after an earthquake, offers an extraordinary testimony to the Minoan civilisation, with spacious courtyards, ceremonial halls and a magnificent view of the fertile Messara plain.
An unmissable tradition during a stay in Matala is to watch the sunset from the beach or from one of the taverns overlooking the bay. The sun dipping into the Libyan Sea, tinging the cliffs and the sea pink and gold, creates an unforgettable natural spectacle that has inspired artists and poets. After sunset, Matala’s nightlife comes alive in the many cafes and bars along the main street, where one can enjoy live music, often with folk and rock sounds reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s.
For those who enjoy more dynamic activities, Matala offers water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle and snorkelling, with equipment available for hire right on the beach. The crystal-clear waters and rocky seabed rich in marine life make the area particularly interesting for underwater exploration.
Matala is an ideal base for exploring the south of Crete, an area that is less touristy and more authentic than the north coast of the island. Renting a car is recommended to get around freely and discover the hidden treasures of this region.
Just 7 km from Matala is the traditional village of Pitsidia, an oasis of authenticity where time seems to stand still. Strolling through its narrow streets, lined with whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea, you can discover authentic Cretan life, sample the local cuisine in small family-run taverns and watch artisans at work using techniques handed down through generations.
Further inland, some 20 km from Matala, the picturesque town of Zaros, famous for its mountain water springs and the enchanting artificial lake Votomos, is well worth a visit. The area is perfect for hiking, with well-marked paths through the spectacular Rouvas Gorge, an ecosystem rich in endemic flora and fauna, dominated by ancient cypress and oak trees. In Zaros, you can also visit Byzantine monasteries and taste the local trout, reared in the pure mountain waters.
For lovers of history and archaeology, besides Festos, the area offers other important sites not to be missed. Approximately 35 km away is Gortyna, the ancient Roman capital of Crete, where you can admire the ruins of public buildings, thermal baths, an amphitheatre and the famous ‘Codex of Gortyna’, one of the oldest and most complete inscriptions of Greek laws, engraved on stone blocks from the 3rd century BC.
Nature and hiking enthusiasts can venture into the Agiofarago Gorge, whose name means ‘the gorge of the saints’ due to the presence of ancient hermitages. This hike of medium difficulty, lasting about an hour, leads through a spectacular landscape to the beach of the same name, an oasis of peace that can only be reached on foot or by sea.
One of the most popular excursions from Matala is a visit to the beaches on the west coast of Crete, such as the famous Elafonissi with its characteristic pink sand, or the lagoon of Balos, located about 100-120 km away. Although it takes a full day, the trip offers the opportunity to pass through spectacular landscapes and discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
Matala offers several accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets, from the bohemian experience to modern comfort. The choice of accommodation depends mainly on the type of holiday you wish to have and the proximity to the beach and amenities.
The central area of Matala, a short walk from the main beach, is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to restaurants, shops and nightlife. Here you will find mainly small, family-run boutique hotels, some of which retain a retro atmosphere inspired by the 1960s and 1970s, with artistic décor and a relaxed atmosphere. These accommodations offer the convenience of being within walking distance of all the village attractions, but may be noisier during summer evenings when the nightlife comes alive.
For those seeking more tranquillity, the hilly areas surrounding the village offer flats and villas with beautiful panoramic views of Matala Bay and the Libyan Sea. These accommodations are generally more spacious and many have private terraces or small pools, ideal for enjoying moments of relaxation away from the crowds. Distance from the centre is minimal, however, with most facilities located within a 10-15 minute walk of the beach.
The nearby village of Pitsidia, only 3 km from Matala, is an interesting alternative for those seeking a more authentic stay in touch with local life. This traditional Cretan village offers family-run guesthouses and flats at generally lower prices than Matala, while still being a short drive or frequent bus ride away from the beach and main attractions.
For travellers on a budget, Matala is also home to a number of well-equipped campsites in prime locations within walking distance of the beach. These offer a more nature-oriented experience, in keeping with the original hippie spirit of the place, but with modern amenities such as clean toilets, common areas and small markets.
We offer a selection of hotels at Matala to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Matala, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Matala. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Matala are in high demand.
Matala is located on the south coast of Crete, in the region of Heraklion, overlooking the Libyan Sea. The village is about 75 km south-west of Heraklion, the island's capital, a drive of about one and a half hours.
The resort is well connected to the main road network of Crete, making access by car easy. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, about 70 km away, which offers direct flights from many European cities during the tourist season.
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