- Matala
- Cliff caves, village beach
- Kommos
- Long wild sand, dunes, often wavy
- Kalamaki
- Quiet resort, long beach
- Distances
- All within about 5 km
Matala
Matala's sandy bay is framed by sandstone cliffs carved with caves that were Roman and early Christian tombs and, in the 1960s, homes for hippies. The caves are a fenced site with a small fee. The village has tavernas, bars and sunsets over the bay, and Red Beach is a short hike south.
Kommos
Kommos is long and open, with dunes, nesting turtles and a fenced Minoan harbour site. Only the southern end is organised. It gets waves when the west wind blows.
Kalamaki
Kalamaki is a small resort at the northern end of the same long beach, with tavernas by the sand and a relaxed, family atmosphere. You can walk south along the beach to Kommos.
How to choose
For a first visit, Matala. For space and nature, Kommos. For a quiet base near Phaistos, Kalamaki.
Questions before you go
Which is the busiest, Matala, Kommos or Kalamaki?
Matala, especially in July and August.
Can you walk from Kalamaki to Kommos?
Yes, along the beach.
Do you pay to see the Matala caves?
Yes, there is a small entrance fee to the fenced site.
