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.

Translated by

•

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.

Translated by

•

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.

Translated by

•

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Routes here

Best Hikes to Mural at the Matala Beach parking lot

4.7

(290)

948

hikers

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

6.76km

02:01

190m

200m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.6

(190)

703

hikers

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

8.88km

02:37

230m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.5

(11)

hikers

3. Matala Caves – View of Red Beach loop from Matala Tombs

2.87km

00:57

90m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Sunday 25 January

18°C

12°C

65 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

Add now

Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου, Greece

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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

View of Red Beach

Matala Rock Formations

Malala Plaza

Hippie Tree of Matala

Mural at the Matala Beach parking lot

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

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

3. Matala Caves – View of Red Beach loop from Matala Tombs

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️