Matala (Greek: Μάταλα) is a village located 75 km southwest of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Matala belongs to the municipality of Pitsidia within the municipal unit of Tympaki, municipality of Faistos, Heraklion region.

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Peter

November 18, 2025

Hiking

Matala was once a fishing village. In the 1960s, the caves were occupied by hippies, who were later evicted by the church and the military junta. Today, Matala is a popular tourist destination, relying on bus tours and summer visitors. There are many gift shops and bars. Matala's hippie history is celebrated during the three-day Matala Beach Festival, which has been held every June since 2011.

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Peter

November 18, 2025

Hiking

The artificial caves in the cliffs of Matala Bay were created in the Neolithic period. During the Minoan era, Matala was the port of Phaistos. In 220 BC, Matala was occupied by the Gortynians, and during the Roman period, it became the port of Gortys. It is thought that the caves once served as tombs, but it is more likely that they were used as dwellings due to their size (corpses don't require much space to move around). One of the caves is called "Brutospeliana" because, according to legend, it was frequented by the Roman general Brutus.

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Best routes near Mural at the Matala Beach parking lot

4.6

(299)

979

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1. Matala Rock Formations – View over Matala Bay loop from Mátala

6.74km

02:01

190m

200m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6

(193)

719

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2. Matala Rock Formations – View over Matala Bay loop from Pitsidia

8.88km

02:37

230m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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4.9

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3. View of Matala – Minoan Harbor of Kommos loop from Mátala

7.11km

02:08

210m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Sunday 15 March

18°C

14°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου, Greece

Other Popular Places to Check Out

View of Red Beach

Matala Caves

Limestone Cove Near Matala

Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos) Nudist Area & Beach Bar

Deep Inlet Between Sunset Beach and Matala

Fossil Cliffs of Southern Crete

Hippie Culture in Matala

Agios Antonios Church in Agiofarango Gorge

Monastery of Panagia Odigitria

Malala Plaza

View of the Cliffs Near Matala

View of Matala

Mural at the Matala Beach parking lot

1. Matala Rock Formations – View over Matala Bay loop from Mátala

2. Matala Rock Formations – View over Matala Bay loop from Pitsidia

3. View of Matala – Minoan Harbor of Kommos loop from Mátala

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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