Matala is a small village in the south of the island of Crete, which I like to call a remnant of the hippie era. Today, about 100 permanent residents live in the former fisherman’s nest, with significantly more life returning with the start of the holiday season.
»Mystical caves, dreamlike beaches and a cult festival – the hippie village on Crete has been delighting holidaymakers in many ways for decades.«
Matala on Crete is my absolute happy place, because here you can find old Volkswagen cars painted with flowers, peace signs and flower power on the streets, small shops with clothes and accessories that remind you of the 1960s and 70s and much more. What to see in Matala and what you can do in the area, you can find out in this article:
Crete Island Map: This card includes all Crete Highlights, 298 Places to Visit & Insider Tips, 94 beaches & bays, as well as personal recommendations for 117 restaurants & cafes. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Crete Map
#1 Walking tour of Matala
Matala without graffiti and street paintings would simply be unthinkable. As soon as you walk into the town, you will be greeted by cars decorated with colorful flowers and you will find a wide variety of paintings right on the street.
Here it is everywhere: Keep your eyes open and be inspired and guided by the colorful messages and pictures. Probably the most famous and well-known graffiti is located directly on the beach on a white wall: »Today is life, tomorrow never comes«
This could very well be described as Matala’s motto. It asks us to be here in the moment, not in the past, not in the future, just in the here and now.
If you walk into the village from the parking lots or the bus stop, you will automatically pass the old black VW Beetle, which has already become a kind of a trademark of Matala. With a lot of love, flowers, peace signs and hearts as well as the inscription “Flower Power” were painted on them.
What else you will find on the streets when you stroll through the town varies from visit to visit. That depends on what was painted at the last Beach Festival. For one day, everyone has the opportunity to immortalize themselves on the asphalt of the village, to let off steam artistically and to let their creativity run wild.
You will find children’s drawings next to the artworks of professional artists on the streets, some of which have already faded, depending on when you travel to Matala. An extended tour is definitely worthwhile, you never know where to find the next great Graffiti in Matala or a surprising colorful messages.
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#2 Matala Caves
The Matala Beach is the flagship of the place, embedded in an imposing backdrop. On the left side is the aforementioned graffiti of Matala, which invites you to enjoy life in the here and now. And on the right side are the famous sandstone cliffs.
However, it is not the cliffs themselves that have become famous, but the Matala Caves, which were dug into the porous sandstone. They date back to prehistoric times and were used by the Romans as burial sites (Roman cemetery at Matala).
During the hippie era (1965–1975), the Caves of Matala were used as shelters, and you can still visit them today. The more skill and endurance you have, the higher you can climb. But be careful, the whole facility is unsecured and there is a risk of falling!
Currently, the caves can be visited during the day, but at night this is prohibited due to the risk of falling. Tragic accidents have already occurred when drunk youths jumped around the caves in crazy exuberance. Meanwhile, you pay an entrance fee for the caves of Matala – as they are declared an archaeological site.
- Opening hours Matala Caves: daily 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., admission 5 € – usually free in the low season
If you’ve worked up a sweat climbing the highest caves, you can cool off in the sea afterwards. Sturdy shoes should not be missing, but the effort is worth it, because from the top you have a great view over the beach, the bay and Matala.
💡 Book tip Crete: The travel guide Crete from Michael Müller Verlag contains the most important information and tips for a holiday on the island. Order here for your holiday planning: View on Amazon*
#3 Shopping in Matala
Shopping in Matala is a lot of fun, because you can not only buy the typical holiday souvenirs that are available everywhere on the island anyway. Rather, you can buy a piece of Matala’s flair in numerous shops and take it home with you into everyday life.
One of my absolute favorite shops is »MoozArt«. Here you will find all kinds of things that are made of wood. The shop itself is a small work of art with numerous signs and great lighting, which invites you to browse through it a bit from the outside.
The top bestseller you can find here are signs that beautify your walls at home and delight you with great messages and good vibes. First and foremost, of course, the Matala motto in a wide variety of variants and colors. Here it is definitely worthwhile to take one or the other souvenir with you.
Shopping for clothes is a good idea at »Matala Tribe«. Here you will find typical hippie clothes, batik patterns and cool sayings. And if you don’t find the right one for you, you can have your shirt printed according to your own wishes.
A little bit of everything offers »Goods of the Ground«. Here you will find fresh juices, delicacies, but also souvenirs, clothes and everything a holidaymaker’s heart desires. Above all, however, this shop scores with local and partly homemade products.
By the way, you can get great olive oil at »Psarakis’ Harvest« and jewelry is available at »Place of Art«. If you also want to make your own jewelry, you can go to »Axel Genthner’s Jewelry Workshop and Gallery« and learn the basics of goldsmithing or buy ready-made handmade jewelry.
#4 Matala Beach Festival
Every year in June, Matala hosts the Matala Beach Festival or as I call it: »Matala Hippie Festival«, because you definitely feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1970s, according to the motto: Love, Peace and Happiness.
Flower power, many people with long hair and flowers in their hair, good music, body painting and lots of fun. For three days, the otherwise sleepy village is suddenly the party hotspot of Crete.
My personal highlight is that the live music stage at Matala Beach. The numerous visitors can dance directly in the sand. The music is mixed and usually there are some tribute bands at the start, who perform old songs by the Beatles, Bob Marley, AC/DC, Abba and revive the flair of the 60s and 70s. But indie music is also played.
The multi-day festival is all about community – dancing, chilling, chatting, eating and drinking together, admiring the sunset and partying until late at night and reviving the old days.
→ Information about the Matala Beach Festival can be found here: Beach Festival
Matala Insider Tip: Every Sunday before the festival, a street painting is held in Matala. Here, everyone who wants to let off steam artistically has the opportunity to decorate the streets of the village and prepare them for the festival. This is also a great event in itself, even if you just want to watch and not actively participate in it.
#5 Beautiful beaches of Matala
Matala Beach
Grey sand and pebble beach in Matala Bay. Well organized with sun loungers and umbrellas provided by the local tavernas. For the disabled, there is a wheelchair lift that allows swimming in the sea. In summer, Matala Beach is very busy and it is difficult to find a free spot.
💡 Matala in Greek mythology: Transformed into a majestic bull, Zeus, the father of the gods, kidnapped a Phoenician princess on his back in his frenzy of love. On the beach of Matala, where the sea meets the coast, they ended up in love. The princess, whose name was Europe, stayed here forever. From the union with Zeus came a divine son, the legendary King Minos.
Red Beach
About a 20-minute walk south of Matala is Red Beach (also known as Kokkini Ammos) with a red sand beach that slopes down into crystal clear waters. In the back part nudism. Depending on the wind direction, quite high waves. The hiking trail (tip: sturdy shoes) begins at the southern exit of Matala in a cul-de-sac at the Ancient Matalon excavation site. You can also park here if there is still a space available.
Kommos Beach
Miles of sand and pebble beach north of Matala. Since the beach is very extensive, you can usually still find a free place even in midsummer. The area of the Kalamaki Beach is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, otherwise many natural sections. Parking is available along the road leading down to the beach.
Since the endangered loggerhead turtle also buries its eggs in the sand on the beach of Kommos (breeding season May to August!), you should not bring your own umbrellas and do not lie down in the back beach area or on the edge of the dunes so as not to damage the nests.
More Matala Travel Tips
Places of interest in the Matala region
Agiofaraggo Hike
A natural, grey pebble beach is located about 20 km south of Matala at the end of the Agiofaraggo Gorge, nestled between imposing sandstone cliffs. The easy hike to the beach starts at the gravel parking lot of Agiofaraggo, from there it is about 25 minutes to the sea. A wide path follows the dried-up riverbed and leads through a charming landscape overgrown with oleander bushes.
On the way, you will pass by the imposing church of Agios Antonios and cross some caves and grottoes that were used as hermitages by monks during the Ottoman occupation. Once on the beach, you will find yourself at one of the southernmost points of Crete and look out over the Libyan Sea, followed by Africa.
On the way back, you can get to the Canteen Kuna Muta at the parking lot treat yourself to a cool drink or a snack (salad, souvlaki & Co.) at fair prices. Hiking enthusiasts can also visit the neighbouring Martsalos Gorge, which is much quieter and scenically even more spectacular. The starting point is the church of Panagia Martsaliani, Martsalos Beach is mostly deserted.
Odigitria Monastery
On the way back from Agiofaraggo, it is worth visiting the Monastery of Odigitria, which is located directly on the access road to the south. You can park at the free rest area opposite. Odigitria was founded in the 14th century and is now one of the most important monasteries in southern Crete.
Its location in the extreme south of the island is no coincidence, this is where the apostle Paul is said to have landed on his journey to Rome. The monastery itself looks like an oasis in the middle of nowhere. The barren, treeless landscape south of Matala resembles a Wild West backdrop.
Odigitria is built in the typical Venetian-Cretan style, was left to decay over the centuries and has only recently been extensively restored. The massive Xopatera Tower still bears witness to the medieval past. In addition to the main church, former living and storage rooms can be visited and a small museum shows religious and agricultural objects.
The courtyard is a place of peace and offers beautiful photo opportunities. In the monastery shop, various products such as olive oil, ointments and herbs can be purchased. Admission to the Odigitria Monastery is free, but attention should be paid to appropriate clothing.
Minoan Palace of Faistos
As far as archaeological finds are concerned, the south of Crete is in no way inferior to the north. The entire region around Matala or the wide Messara plain holds a history that goes back thousands of years. One of the most impressive sites is Festos, also called Phaistos. The 8,500 m² complex is considered the second largest and second most important of its kind after Knossos near Heraklion.
A visit to Phaistos is especially worthwhile in the late afternoon, when the many bus groups have left. Then the sun bathes the place in a warm light and the view extends far over the Messara plain. The Museum of Heraklion exhibits important finds, including the Phaistos Disc.
→ All information about the Minoan Palace of Faistos under: Odysseus Culture
Near Matala, there are several other historical sites, including Kommos (the port of Phaistos), Agia Trias, the Kamilari Tholos and the extensive historical site of Gortyn.
Agia Marina Donkey Sanctuary
Only 5 km south of Faistos is the Agia Marina Donkey Sanctuary, in which many mules can spend their twilight years in dignity and with a lot of care. Some of the animals come from Crete, but also from other islands (e.g. Santorini).
In addition to donkeys, there are also sheep and goats as well as ducks and chickens. The friendly team leads in small groups through the donkey sanctuary. Admission is free, and a shop offers products that contribute to the preservation of the farm near Matala.
Guided tours to Matala
If you are not mobile, you can join a guided day trip from Heraklion or Rethymnon. In addition to Matala, destinations are usually the coastal town of Agia Galini and the traditional village of Spili or the archaeological site of Gortyna in the interior. Click on the links and get more information about Matala tours on GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the guided tour from Rethymno*
➲ To the guided tour from Heraklion*
Restaurants & Bars in Matala
In Matala there are about 50 pubs and restaurants that invite you to eat and drink. My three favorites include the following three:
Boho Beach Bar
The meeting place par excellence in Matala is the Boho Beach Bar. Directly on the beach, the bar scores with a dreamlike boho ambience, good food and delicious cocktails. Especially the burgers and pancakes are highly recommended. In addition, the bar is the perfect place to watch the sunset and end a beautiful beach day with good food and drinks.
Bistronomy Matala
Delicious seafood, Mediterranean and Greek dishes as well as fusion cuisine are offered by the Bistronomy Matala. Not only the prices are right here, but also the portion sizes. The menu is not very extensive, but everything is freshly prepared and bought regionally. Much is also handmade, such as the pasta and mayonnaise. And the staff is extremely nice and courteous.
George’s Yard
Delicious food is also available at George’s Yard. The restaurant even received the award for the best restaurant in Matala from Restaurant Guru in 2023. Good dishes and a very friendly owner make the restaurant a great place for lunch or dinner.
Hotel tips for Matala
Matala doesn’t have big hotels. Here you will find more individual solutions such as small guesthouses or apartments that can be rented.
If you want to come to the Matala Beach Festival in June, you should either book very early or switch to the camping option, because on the popular festival weekend the accommodations are already fully booked months in advance.
Hotel The Two Brothers
Simple but charming boho flair can be found in the Two Brothers Pension. The bright, boho-style rooms almost all have a sea view and you can choose between double rooms, single rooms and suites.
The owners have attached great importance to the use of natural materials such as wood and cotton in the design of their rooms, and only biological cleaning agents are used in daily use for environmental protection. Fresh and regional products are also served for breakfast. Bookable on Booking.com*:
Matala Hostel
If you’re looking for a cheap alternative, you might want to check out the Matala Hostel, the southernmost hostel in Europe. Founded by three brothers who wanted to share their love of the beautiful hippie village of Matala with the world, the hostel offers the ideal starting point to go to the beach or visit the town and also invites you to socialize.
In addition to dorm rooms with four, six or eight beds (equipped with private bathrooms), private rooms can also be booked. Here you can book your overnight stay on Booking.com* right away:
→ Since the Campsite in Matala doesn’t have the best reputation, we recommend the campsite in Agia Galini, just 40 minutes away. More information for campervans, vans & Co. can be found in our article: Camping Greece
Getting to Matala
One important question remains: How do you get to Matala? If you have a rental car and want to drive to Matala yourself, you will need from Heraklion on the north coast about 1 hour 10 minutes and from Chania in the west about 2.5 hours. On Discover Cars* you will find your desired vehicle:
➲ To the rental car booking for Crete*
Keep in mind that in the high season and at festival time, a lot of people arrive by car and therefore the parking lots are quite crowded. You will probably still find space to park, as there are many parking spaces available at the entrance to the village, but it can take a while to find your parking space here.
Alternatively, you have the option of travelling by public transport and taking a bus. Bus connections are available from all major cities and important Crete resorts such as Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Sitia, Chania and Rethymno.
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→ More articles and numerous travel tips about the island of Crete can be found at:
About the author:
Our guest author Trixi is an editor and passionate globetrotter. She lives in Vienna, but feels at home all over the world. She has already lived in Costa Rica, Istanbul and France, has taken numerous vacations and language trips and spent half a year as a tour guide in Crete. She is also an author and shares her experiences abroad as an editor on the travel blog Europa-Entdecker.com.
✐ More travel tips from Trixi can be found here: Europe Explorer
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