Location
Matala Beach
Matala, Heraklion
Matala Beach – Matala, Heraklion
Matala is one of those places that Crete presents like a theatrical stage: a golden crescent of beach, turquoise water, and a vertical cliff carved with dozens of caves. The place is famous for sunsets that keep people on the sand as if hypnotized, and at the same time it carries a hint of rebellious history — from Roman tombs to the hippies of the 1960s. The atmosphere of Matala feels slightly otherworldly: part archaeology, part mythology, part rock’n’roll.
Description
Matala Beach lies on the southern coast of Crete, in the Heraklion region, about 70 kilometers south of the island’s capital. The drive from Heraklion takes around an hour and a half, and a paved road leads directly to the village, where numerous parking areas are available (some paid during high season). The town itself is small and distinctly tourist-oriented, with plenty of tavernas, bars, and shops.
The most characteristic feature of Matala is the monumental limestone wall on the eastern side of the beach, full of carved caves. They were created during the Roman and early Byzantine periods as tombs, but in the twentieth century they became a refuge for artistic bohemians and hippies. Today, some of the caves are closed to protect the site, but you can still see them up close — entry to the carved complex is ticketed, and access is regulated.
The beach is about 300 meters long and consists of light, relatively coarse sand mixed with small pebbles. The water is clear, the seabed becomes deep quickly, and when western winds blow, the waves can be large. During the tourist season, sunbeds and umbrellas are available, along with showers and a lifeguard. The beach suits both adults and families, although due to the sudden drop-offs in the seabed, young children should remain under constant supervision.
Matala is famous for its sunsets — one of the most iconic in the island’s south, with the sun disappearing below the horizon directly opposite the beach. In the evening, tavernas fill with music, and the village takes on a lightly bohemian atmosphere, highlighted by colorful murals and the famous motto “Today is life. Tomorrow never comes”.
Location
Matala, Heraklion
Coordinates: 34.99404, 24.74973