Matala holidays

How to reach Matala

Flight time: Flights to Matala usually land at Heraklion International Airport (HER) on the northern coast of Crete. Flights there from London and other major UK airports, such as Manchester and Birmingham, take around 4 hours. Regular direct services are available during the summer months, making holidays to Matala all the more convenient.

Transfer time: From Heraklion Airport, Matala is about a 1.5-hour drive. The most common transfer options are car hire, pre-booked shuttles or taxis.

Price:

• Car hire from the airport starts at around €40 per day, depending on the vehicle type and season.

• A taxi to Matala will cost roughly €80–€100.

• Alternatively, you can take a bus to Heraklion’s central station and then connect to Matala for about €12 in total, but be prepared for a longer journey time.

Best time to visit Matala

Timing your trip to Matala can make all the difference to your experience, depending on whether you’re after endless sunshine or a quieter, more laid-back vibe. Here’s what you need to know about the seasons.

April to June is the ideal time for those seeking mild, pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Average temperatures range from 17°C to 25°C, with 5–15mm of rain and around 8–11 hours of sunshine daily. This time of year is perfect for exploring the local caves, hiking the nearby trails or just soaking up the atmosphere on Matala Beach.

July to August is the high season, when Matala really comes alive. Expect long, sunny days with temperatures soaring to 30°C or higher. There’s virtually no rain and visitors will enjoy up to 13 hours of sunshine a day. The village buzzes with life, thanks to music festivals and holiday makers flocking to the famous caves and the beach. Be prepared for busier roads and higher accommodation rates.

September to October is when the crowds begin to thin out, but the weather remains lovely, with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 27°C, 10–30mm of rain and 7–9 hours of sunshine. This is a good time for leisurely strolls through the village, a peaceful swim or a boat trip to nearby beaches.

November to March is off-season, and while it can get cooler and wetter, with temperatures dropping to 10°C–17°C, there’s still plenty to keep holiday makers entertained. Rainfall is higher, ranging from 50–80mm per month, with 5–6 hours of sunshine each day.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Matala retains much of its laid-back, bohemian vibe, made famous during the 1960s when it was a popular spot for hippies. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, but remember to be respectful when visiting cultural sites or local festivals.

• Currency: Greece uses the Euro. ATMs are readily available and most businesses accept major credit cards. However, it’s always handy to carry some cash, especially in smaller shops or when dining at family-run tavernas.

• Getting around: Matala is a small village, so getting around on foot is easy. For exploring the surrounding areas, there are buses connecting to other towns and villages, though the schedule can be limited. Single bus fares from Heraklion to Matala cost about €8. If you want more flexibility, consider renting a car; it’s the best way to discover hidden beaches and quaint inland villages.

• Electricity and plug types: Greece uses the standard continental European 220V, 50Hz system, with two-pin round plugs. UK visitors will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Crete is on Eastern European Time (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Matala

Matala is a charming seaside village on the southern coast of Crete, famous for its picturesque beach, rich history and laid-back vibe. Whether you’re drawn by the sun-soaked beaches, fascinating caves or local legends, here’s what you can look forward to on your Matala holidays.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Red Beach viewpoint: A short hike from Matala takes visitors to Red Beach, one of the area’s more secluded spots. Along the way, several viewpoints offer breathtaking vistas of the rugged coastline and deep blue sea.

Historic monuments

• Matala Caves: These caves are steeped in history and were initially used as Roman burial chambers. In the 1960s and 1970s they became famous as a haven for free-spirited travellers and artists, including Joni Mitchell, who even mentioned Matala in one of her songs. A climb up to this spot will also provide stunning views over the bay.

• Phaistos Palace: A short drive from Matala, this ancient Minoan site is one of Crete’s most significant archaeological landmarks. Explorers here can roam around the ruins and imagine life in this once-thriving palace complex.

Day trips in the area

• Gortyna: About 30 minutes from Matala, this ancient city was once the capital of Roman Crete. The ruins that remain include the impressive Basilica of Saint Titus and the remnants of Gortyna’s famous law code, etched into stone slabs.

• Agia Triada: Situated close to Phaistos, Agia Triada is another Minoan site, believed to have been a summer residence for the rulers of Phaistos. The site offers a glimpse into Crete’s ancient history, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

• Kommos Beach: Just north of Matala, this expansive sandy beach is quieter and less developed than others, making it perfect for a peaceful day out. It’s also an archaeological site, with the remains of an ancient Minoan port visible near the dunes.

• Boat trips to Lentas: Hop on a boat from Matala to the small coastal village of Lentas, a charming destination that combines a laid-back atmosphere with beaches and several good spots for a seafood lunch.

Activities for families in Matala

Matala may be small, but it’s a wonderful destination for families looking for fun in the sun. Better still, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained:

• Beach days: Matala Beach has soft sand and shallow waters, ideal for kids. The gentle waves make it a safe and enjoyable spot for swimming, snorkelling or just splashing around.

• Exploring the caves: Kids will love scrambling up to the famous caves and exploring the historic rock formations.

• Glass-bottom boat tours: Take the family on a glass-bottom boat tour to see the colourful marine life below. These tours are a good way for kids to learn about the underwater world without needing to dive in.

• Horse-riding: Various local stables offer family-friendly horse-riding trips along the beach or through the surrounding countryside – a nice way to see the area from a different perspective.

Free things to do in Matala

You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a fun time in Matala. The village and its surroundings offer several free activities that make the most of Crete’s natural beauty and unique character.

• Matala Beach Festival: Every summer (usually in July), Matala celebrates its bohemian roots with a lively festival featuring music, art and dance. The event is free to attend and draws people from all over the world. Even if you’re not there during the festival, the village retains its artistic spirit year-round.

• Sunset at the cliffs: Watching the sun set over the Matala cliffs is a definite bucket-list item. Bring a blanket and a drink, and settle in on the beach for the best view as the sky turns vivid hues of orange and pink.

• Hike to Red Beach: The short, scenic hike to Red Beach is an excellent way to explore the area for free. The trail starts from Matala and takes walkers over a hill, revealing the secluded sands of Red Beach.

Beaches in Matala

Matala, with its striking natural beauty, offers visitors a selection of stunning beaches, each offering a unique experience. Known for its clear waters, sandy shores, and picturesque surroundings, the beaches in and around Matala are perfect for relaxation, swimming, and enjoying the Mediterranean climate.

Matala Beach

Matala Beach is the main attraction, famous for its unique history and stunning scenery. The beach is a wide, sandy stretch nestled between two cliffs, home to the famous Matala Caves that were once inhabited by hippies in the 1960s. The shallow waters here are perfect for a relaxing swim, and the surrounding area offers plenty of space to sunbathe and unwind. With beach bars, cafés, and restaurants nearby, you can enjoy delicious Cretan food and refreshing drinks while soaking in the views. Matala Beach is ideal for those looking to combine sun, sea, and history in one beautiful spot.

Red Beach

Just a short walk from Matala Beach is Red Beach, a more secluded option that’s perfect for visitors looking to escape the crowds. Known for its distinctive reddish-hued rocks and clear blue waters, Red Beach offers a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views. It’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing in a more peaceful setting. With no direct road access, Red Beach can be reached via a short walk from the village, which only adds to its allure as a quiet retreat.

Kalamaki Beach

Located a little further from Matala, Kalamaki Beach is a long, sandy beach with plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxing. It’s known for its calm waters, making it a great spot for families and swimmers of all ages. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and several beachside tavernas offer delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks. Kalamaki Beach is also home to the rare loggerhead sea turtle, which nests here, so visitors are often encouraged to respect the protected environment.

Komos Beach

For those seeking a more natural and less developed beach, Komos Beach is the perfect choice. Just a short drive from Matala, Komos Beach is a quieter, more isolated stretch of sand, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and clear, turquoise waters. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful day of swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying nature. Komos is also a popular spot for camping and those looking to enjoy a more rugged beach experience. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for those who want to escape the more crowded beaches.

Matala offers a variety of beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. Whether you want to relax on the popular Matala Beach, enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Red Beach, or explore the quieter Komos and Kalamaki beaches, there’s something for everyone. With their crystal-clear waters, sandy shores, and stunning natural surroundings, the beaches of Matala are a perfect place to unwind during your Matala holidays.

Local dishes in Matala

One of the great joys of holidays to Matala is discovering the delicious local cuisine, which reflects the best of Cretan tradition with a mix of Mediterranean flavours. From hearty dishes to sweet treats, here’s what you can look forward to.

Some typical dishes

• Dakos: A classic Cretan dish featuring barley rusks topped with diced tomatoes, crumbled feta or mizithra cheese, olives and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s light, fresh and perfect for a hot day.

• Sfakian pie: A thin, flat cheese pie, often drizzled with honey. It’s a sweet and savoury treat that is a must-try when visiting the region.

Meat dishes

• Lamb with stamnagathi: This is a Cretan speciality, with tender lamb stewed alongside wild greens known as stamnagathi. It’s a dish that’s both earthy and tangy.

• Cretan moussaka: Similar to the traditional Greek moussaka but with a local twist, this layered dish of aubergines, potatoes, minced meat and creamy béchamel sauce is a hearty and comforting meal.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Grilled calamari: Freshly caught and simply grilled, often served with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil. A staple for seafood lovers.

• Fisherman’s Stew: A rich, tomato-based stew made with a mix of seafood, such as fish, prawns and mussels, seasoned with herbs and spices.

Sweets and desserts

Cretan desserts are often made with honey, nuts and fragrant spices. Kataifi and baklava are favourites, filled with nuts and soaked in honey syrup, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Another local delight is loukoumades – small, fluffy doughnuts drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or sesame seeds.

Local drinks

• Raki: Known locally as Tsikoudia, this strong, clear spirit is made from the leftovers of wine production. It’s a popular drink and is often offered as a gesture of hospitality.

• Cretan wine: Crete has a long tradition of winemaking and you’ll find a variety of local wines to enjoy. From crisp whites to robust reds, there’s something to suit every palate. Be sure to try Vilana (white) or Kotsifali (red) during your stay.