I have always said that the beaches from southern Crete are special. I don’t know if it’s because they are non-touristy as everyone flocks in the north or west, but they have a magical vibe. Also, on all I’ve been so far (Myrtos, Preveli, Ierapetra) they look gray from the distance, as they are pebbled and not golden sandy 😊 

Matala makes no exception. But Matala is known for something else. 

Well, the area has been populated since the Neolithic age and the caves have been man made during that period. 

Then, it was the main port for Phaistos palace in the Minoan age, only a few kms away (I will detail it in a later post, but all Minoan palaces are located inland, far from the danger of the sea proximity). During the Roman period, it served as the main port of Gortys (or Gortyna) and then became a fishing village. 

The caves, given their small shape, most likely have been used as burial places, not for living. However, they became super famous in the 60s, when hippies used to actually live in the caves. This time has also given the hippie vibe to Matala, which is kept until today. Since June 2011, every June, for 3 days, there is Matala festival, when streets are painted. The village is very animated, with lots of tavernas, bars, beach bars, souvenir shops, etc. plenty of choices 😊

How to get there:

1. By car – the best way, as you can also see the archaeological sites on the way there (Gortys and Phaistos). There is a big parking lot just at the entrance, in the village the parking spaces are limited and reserved for the locals.

2. By bus – easy and cheap, but a little complicated. Now, in high season, there are around 5 express busses per day that go directly from Heraklion Central Bus station to Matala and return. In shoulder and off season, you will buy a ticket for Matala, but you will have to change at Moires, so make sure you pay attention to the indications of the bus assistant. This applies to return as well. Make sure you calculate your route properly and avoid taking the last bus. If you stay in Chania or Agios Nikolaos and want to use the public transport, it is not recommended. 

3. By organized day trip – this one usually includes either Phaistos or Gortys and can be booked on Get Your Guide or from local travel agencies. 

Things to know before you go:

1. Be very careful when visiting the caves! Wear comfortable shoes (no flipflops or sandals) and make sure the sole is not slippery. Also wear a hat and sunscreen. DO NOT go to the caves if you are not in good physical condition or if you travel alone. There is nothing to lean on, there is sand on the walls and as you can see from the pictures, it is reclined. It is very slippery, there are no stairs or railings. Going up looks easy, getting down is a nightmare. My foot slipped and it was a very frightening experience. 

2. The beach is pebbled, you can use special water shoes if you go for a swim. Be very careful, especially if you can’t swim, as after a few steps, the sea becomes very deep. Also, since the sea bed is pebbled, your feet will literally sink in the sand. 

3. Card payment is available at almost all restaurants and shops, but you will have to pay in cash for the sunbeds (8E/set, 2 sunbeds and an umbrella)

4. Arrive as early as possible, as it can be really crowded in the summer.

5. The entrance to the caves is on the right side of the beach, follow the path 😊

Enjoy the day 😊