Matala Beach
A bay of coarse sand on Crete's south coast, closed at its north end by a cliff of soft porous rock cut with dozens of caves. The caves are the Roman cemetery of Matala, which was the port of Phaistos in Minoan times and of Gortys under the Romans.
WhatBeach, MatalaCrete
WhenMay to December21° in Nov
Getting there Car Bus
CostPublic shoreFree
AccessThe caves in the cliff are an archaeological site with its own ticket and opening hours
- 17°J
- 16°F
- 16°M
- 17°A
- 19°M
- 22°J
- 24°J
- 25°A
- 25°S
- 24°O
- 21°N
- 19°D
Expect the sea at about 25 °C in August and 16 °C in February, going by the 1991 to 2020 averages. The swimming season runs from May to December.
Getting in
- Access
- The beach is at the end of the road into Matala village. The caves in the cliff are the Roman necropolis of Matala, run by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion, and are entered with a ticket during opening hours only. The Region of Crete lists the beach as organised, with a lifeguard and access for people with disabilities.
- Public transport
- KTEL Heraklion-Lasithi runs buses from Heraklion bus station to Matala; Visit Greece gives about 1 hour 45 minutes
Cost and facilities
- Entry
- Free, public shore
- Official site
- incrediblecrete.gr
- Facilities
- Lifeguard in seasonRestaurantStep-free access