Heraklion Matala beach

General information

Matala Heraklion: Matala is one of the most famous beaches of Greece located 67 km south west of Heraklion town.The beach extends over 300 metres, with light golden sand and bamboo umbrellas and sun beds available for rent.

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On the right side of the beach are the famous imposing cliffs with the curved caves that hippies used as a shelter in the 1960s. Equally important is the fact that the beach was actually inhabited during Antiquity where the locals dug these caves into the rocks.Today, the prehistoric caves are fenced.

Matala used to be a fishing village while today locals are mostly engaged in tourism. It offers numerous accommodations and modern facilities. There is a camping site and many fish taverns.

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Hotels in Matala

We have made a selection of the best hotels in Matala.

Thalasso Resort

3 keys

Thalasso Resort is ideal for seafront accommodation, as it is located on the famous beach of Matala. In addition to its stunning sea views, the resort stands out for its modern design and amazing facilities. Its apartments are minimally decorated, with private balconies and kitchenettes.

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Marina Matala

2 stars

Marina Hotel is located a short drive away from the famous beach of Matala. Featuring a swimming pool, the hotel has a friendly and peaceful atmosphere and its rooms have a modern style. All the rooms are air-conditioned and from there you will be able to reach the beach in a few minutes.

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Valley Village

3 stars

Situated near the beach of Matala, Valley Village provides swimming pools and a breakfast lounge among other facilities. The hotel's apartments, rooms and bungalows are minimal and comfortable, with complimentary amenities, and they open to private balconies or the hotel's lush green garden.

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Things to See & Do in Matala

Check out the things to see & do in Matala during your stay and explore what the area has to offer.

Sightseeing

Matala Map

Explore our interactive map of Matala.

Reviews

4/5.0
1 Review
  • franc45 03 Feb 2011
    The old paradise of hippies
    Matala is located very far away from the tourist places of northern Heraklion, we drove about 70 km and the weather was incredibly hot that day. However, the golden sand, the crystal clear waters and the mysterious rocks that stand right above you, are definitely a reward once you get there. Though, that day the beach was very crowded still I enjoyed the beauty of the place. It is worth to make a stop and enjoy a coffee. Matala was popular especially during the 1960s, the time of the hippies movement where they gathered inside the caves as a sign of rebellion. Today these caves are considered protected archaeological areas and they are fenced. If you are a fan of this era like me, you will soon feel the carelessness atmosphere of those years. Also from Matala, visitors can take the small boats for a tour around the area.

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