Matala Beach

Summary

Beach Type

Sandy

Wave Conditions

Calm Waters

Organization

Organized

Parking

Large Parking Lot

Description

Matala lies on the southern coast of Crete in Heraklion region, set in a small bay framed by sandstone cliffs riddled with Roman-era burial caves. The site became internationally famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s when hippies — Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens and others — lived in the cliff caves, and the village still trades on that history.

Amenities