#331 European Rank
Matala Beach
Matala, Crete, Greece•Libyan Sea• Best Season: May, June, July, August, September, October
Photo: Rigorius (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.54/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
25.4°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€42/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Matala, Crete · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Warm Bathwater
Jan
16.6°C
Air 22°C
Feb
16.0°C
Air 23°C
Mar
16.1°C
Air 25°C
Apr
17.0°C
Air 28°C
May
19.1°C
Air 31°C
Jun
22.1°C
Air 34°C
Jul
24.4°C
Air 36°C
Peak
Aug
25.4°C
Air 36°C
Sep
25.0°C
Air 34°C
Oct
23.5°C
Air 31°C
Nov
21.1°C
Air 27°C
Dec
18.5°C
Air 24°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 4 Jun – 16 Nov (>21°C) · 166 days
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Greece Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.5 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.5 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Matala Beach
A golden bay walled by honeycomb cliffs of Roman-era caves, once a famous 1960s hippie commune on Crete's south coast.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Direct road access into Matala village with parking lots, located ~70 km south of Heraklion.
•Protected Status / Environment: Enclosed bay in southern Crete bordered by Natura 2000 Asterousia Mountains.
•Notable Feature: Enclosed natural bay with sandstone cliffs honeycombed with Roman/early Christian carved caves famously inhabited by international hippies in the 1960s.
Official Tourism Authorities:visitgreece.gr
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
NoGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
NoLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
YesNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
NoNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Matala, Crete. Accessible via regional coastal roads (34.995°N, 24.750°E).
•Clear and gently shelving.
•A bay walled by soft cliffs riddled with ancient caves, a 1960s hippie haven.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
CHQ / HER · 40m driveScenic drive along the Northern Crete coastal highway.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Matala Beach?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Matala Beach
What is the water temperature at Matala Beach?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Matala Beach averages 25.4°C (78°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Matala Beach?
Matala Beach is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Matala, Crete, Greece.
Is Matala Beach good for families with kids?
Matala Beach has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Matala Beach?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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