This location is #51 on our Best Travel Destinations In Greece & Greek Islands Map!
Matala Beach, located on the southern coast of Crete, Greece, is a stunning crescent-shaped beach stretching approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) along the Libyan Sea. The beach features golden sand mixed with small pebbles, offering a comfortable surface for sunbathing and walking. The water is crystal-clear, with depths that remain shallow near the shore, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is framed by dramatic sandstone cliffs, which rise about 30-50 feet high and contain the famous Matala caves. The area is well-equipped with facilities like umbrellas, toilets, showers, and lifeguard services, and tamarisk trees along parts of the beach provide natural shade. The calm, turquoise waters and gentle waves, occasionally stirred by westerly winds, create a picturesque and inviting coastal scene.
The Matala caves, carved into the cliffs, are a fascinating feature with a history dating back thousands of years. Originally hollowed out during the Neolithic Age, these man-made caves likely served as tombs during Roman and early Christian times, with some featuring rooms, stairs, and windows that suggest prehistoric habitation. In the 1960s and 1970s, the caves became a haven for hippies seeking a free-spirited lifestyle, drawn by the natural beauty and sense of freedom. Notable figures, including musicians, reportedly stayed in the caves, leaving behind graffiti and a bohemian legacy that still lingers in Matala’s laid-back vibe. Today, the caves are a protected archaeological site, open to visitors during daylight hours for a small fee, offering a glimpse into their ancient and countercultural past.
Historically, Matala served as a significant port for the Minoan palace of Phaistos, about 6 miles away, during the Minoan period (2700–1450 BC), and later for the Roman city of Gortyn. According to legend, it was on this shore that Zeus, disguised as a bull, swam ashore with the Phoenician princess Europa, giving the beach its mythical nickname, “the beach of Zeus.” The area’s strategic location made it a bustling harbor in ancient times, and remnants of this past, including underwater ruins, can still be explored by snorkelers. The hippie movement of the 1960s transformed Matala into a global symbol of peace and freedom, but by the 1970s, local opposition and political changes led to the eviction of the cave-dwellers, marking the end of that era. Today, Matala retains its charm as a blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and a relaxed, artistic atmosphere.
