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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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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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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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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Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 25 January

18°C

9°C

64 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

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Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου, Greece

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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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