Matala Beach sits in a sandy bay on the southern shoreline of Crete’s Heraklion region, overlooking the Libyan Sea. Along one side, a striking cliff is dotted with rock-cut caves, giving the beach a distinctive backdrop and making it one of the island’s most recognisable coastal scenes.
The caves have a long history, with many used as burial chambers during the Greco-Roman era. Centuries later, hippie travellers made them their temporary homes in the 1960s and 1970s. This chapter brought Matala worldwide attention and continues to shape its character.
Enjoy a swim or a rest on the shore, then wander through the village and discover the stories behind the caves. Matala brings together seaside beauty, archaeological interest and its colourful recent past, offering plenty to appreciate during a leisurely visit.
