Tips
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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•Peter
November 18, 2025
Hiking
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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•Nearby routes
Best routes near Rock-cut tombs
4.6
(193)
719
hikers
8.90km
02:37
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Moderate
4.9
(16)
62
hikers
7.45km
02:13
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Moderate
4.8
(9)
65
hikers
2.14km
00:36
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Moderate
Details
Informations
Elevation 10 m
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Wednesday 11 March
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14°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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