CalmBeach Greece

Matala Beach, Heraklion

See practical info for Matala in Heraklion, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.

The carved caves and the hippies

A sandy bay framed by sandstone walls pierced by dozens of caves. They were carved as tombs in Roman and early-Christian times, but many have rooms, beds and steps that point to later use as dwellings.

Region
Heraklion, Greece
Beach type
Sand & pebbles
Access
Easy road access
Live webcam
matala.live ↗ (third-party camera, opens in a new tab)
Coordinates
34.99387, 24.74922

About this beach

Matala has partial shelter in the meltemi — calm some days, choppy on stronger ones. That comes from the measured shape of the coastline around it and our curated wind records — a seasonal picture, not a live forecast, so check live wind and waves before you go.

The bay at Matala opens to the west, so it usually has natural cover from northerly, north-easterly and north-westerly winds.

Matala has sand and pebbles underfoot with shallow, gently shelving water — handy for families with young children.

For amenities, Matala has an organised beach, sunbeds, natural shade, parking nearby and food nearby. There is a campsite nearby (Matala Camping, ~220 m).

Good to know

Does Matala beach get windy?

Matala has partial shelter in the meltemi — calm some days, choppy on stronger ones. That is based on the measured shape of its coastline against the meltemi; check live wind and waves before you go.

How do you get to Matala beach?

Access is easy road access. See the coordinates and map on CalmBeach.

What is Matala beach like?

A sand & pebbles beach with shallow water.

What facilities does Matala beach have?

It has an organised beach, sunbeds, parking nearby and food nearby.

Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.

View this beach in CalmBeach Greece

Heraklion beach guides

Beach guides across Greece

Nearby beaches oriented away from the Meltemi

Other beaches in Heraklion