The first tourists that ever came to Matala where hippies who stayed on the famous caves next to the beach. It is a colorful village (nothing like the little village that attracted hippies in the 60’s) with nice bars and lots of souvenir shops, book shops, restaurants, traditional tavernas, cafes. The place has a bohemian atmosphere and a nice beach to enjoy relaxed moments under the sun. It is worth to visit to get a taste of the hippie life of the past.

There are also nice beaches near by like Kokkini Ammos and Kommos.

It is wise to book a place to stay in advance, from a selection of hotels, rooms to rent, apartments, Airbnb or studios. As you enter Matala coming from Heraklion there is a big camping.

Since 2011 Matala is famous for the summer music festival which hosts music bands and singers from all around the country that is organized every year in the middle of June which attracts a lot of tourists as well as locals.