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Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου

Rock-cut tombs

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Places to see

Natural Monuments

Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου

Rock-cut tombs

Highlight • Historical Site

Rock-cut tombs

Recommended by 25 hikers out of 26

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Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου, Greece

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Best Hikes to Rock-cut tombs

4.6

(190)

703

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

8.90km

02:37

230m

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

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Moderate

4.5

(13)

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2. View of Matala – Matala Caves loop from Kalamaki

2.14km

00:36

30m

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

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Moderate

4.5

(11)

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3. View of Matala – Matala Caves loop from Kalamaki

13.3km

03:44

260m

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

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Moderate

Tips

Peter

November 18, 2025

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 Google •

Peter

November 18, 2025

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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Peter

November 18, 2025

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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Elevation 10 m

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Monday 8 December

19°C

15°C

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Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου, Greece

Other Popular Places to Check Out

View of Kommos Beach and Psiloritis Mountains

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Kommos Beach and Archaeological Site

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Fossil Limestone Plates at Kommos Beach

View of Kommos Beach and Mount Ida

View of Matala Bay

Blue Stairs of Matala

Scala Restaurant

Bunga Bunge Beach Bar

Rock-cut tombs

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

2. View of Matala – Matala Caves loop from Kalamaki

3. View of Matala – Matala Caves loop from Kalamaki

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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