Red Beach Matala in Crete: Location and How to Get There?

The Red Beach in Crete is one of the island’s best-kept treasures. The Red Beach is coined as Kokkini Ammos, which are Greek words for “Red” and “Sand”, respectively. The Greek term alludes to a place or geographical feature distinguished by the beach’s sand that is red in hue. Red Beach is situated on the southern shore of the Heraklion district, just over a kilometre from the well-known hippie Matala Beach.

The beach is coloured red due to the iron hydroxide and iron oxide or hematite, present in the area. The precise minerals give the sand its reddish colour. The iron-rich minerals in the rocks disintegrated over time, forming rock fragments that were carried by the ocean, which left the shoreline red. The local geology and weathering processes, among other things, affect the sand’s hue.

Getting to Red Beach is either by foot or by boat. The trekking trail is manageable, but it becomes challenging if the tourists are not used to it, especially when done under the scorching heat of the sun. Visitors must travel down a path that starts north of the community of Matala and passes the hill Kastri to reach the beach through trekking. There are signs pointing the way to the beach, helping tourists reach the location safely and on time. The route requires rock climbing at the start and a sharp cliff drop in the last few metres, but neither task is particularly challenging.

Tourists need to walk for 15 to 25 minutes from Matala and cross a shepherd’s door. They are provided with a lovely top view of Red Beach after getting to the hill. The hill offers a fantastic outlook and is a terrific location to watch the sunset. The trek takes 25 to 30 minutes before getting a view of the beach. Some visitors need around 45 minutes since getting down the shore from the hilltop requires steady-slow steps. Visitors who opt not to hike take a boat ride from the Matala harbour to Red Beach. The ride normally costs 5 euros per journey.

There are dining options for tourists who visit Red Beach. Various restaurants, cafés and food taverns are situated within the beach’s vicinity. The options include the Bistronomy Matala, George’s Yard and SCALA Fish Bar Restaurant & Hotel Boutique, which are the top three most preferred dining locations in Matala, according to TripAdvisor. The restaurants serve seafood, Mediterranean and Greek cuisines to their customers.

Find below a table with the main features of Red Beach Matala.

Where is Red Beach located in Crete?

The image below shows where Red Beach is located in Crete.

The Red Beach is found in the village of Matala, which is a part of the Festos municipality in the Heraklion regional unit of Crete, Greece. The geographical location of Red Beach is convenient and accessible for travellers and local tourists. The beach is over 68 kilometres away from Heraklion and 900 metres from the Matala trailhead.

Parking spots are available for visitors of the beach. One is found at the entrance of Matala village and another is at the Malata trailhead. The parking space found at the Malata trailhead leads to a longer but less steep route with less captivating views. The parking lot available at the entrance of Malata Village yields a shorter trail, with spectacular sights along the way, but it is way steeper than the first one.

There are well-known destinations near Red Beach that travellers visit. One is the Phaistos Archaeological Site in the northeast of Matala. The beach is just 10 kilometres or 6 miles away from the Archaeological Site of Phaistos, which was home to the Minoan civilisation during the 15th century B.C. The other one is a beach community called Agia Galini which lies near Red Beach. The community is found around 12 miles or 20 kilometres west of Matala.

Red Beach is enclosed by renowned landmarks, which include the Matala Cave, the Roman Amphitheatre of Gortyrs and the Kommos Archaeological site. The Matala Caves are historic man-made caverns built into the cliffs that border Red Beach. The caverns have historical and cultural significance because they were inhabited throughout the Neolithic era and later became well-known among hippies in the 1960s and 1970s.

Another popular landmark near Read Sea Beach is the Roman Amphitheatre of Gortys which is located about 12 kilometres or 7.5 miles east of Matala. The Roman Amphitheatre of Gortys features the remnants of a Roman amphitheatre that was a part of the historic city of Gortys. The Roman Amphitheatre of Gortys is a prehistoric archaeological monument next to the community of Agioi Deka. The Roman Amphitheatre at Gortys is a major landmark in the ancient Cretan city of Gortys, which was the administrative centre for the Roman provinces of Crete and Cyrenaica.

The Kommos Archaeological Site is a renowned landmark near Red Beach, which is about 8 kilometres or 5 miles west of Matala. The Kommos Archaeological Site houses the ruins of a historic Minoan harbour town. It was a bustling port with links to the Near East that persisted until historical times. The priceless artefacts and ornate structures found in the Crete Landmarks, such as the Kommos, show how significant foreign trade was to the Cretan economy.

How is the Red Beach in Crete Described?

The Red Beach or Kokkini Ammos Beach, is commonly referred to as a distinctive and gorgeous coastal region. The Red Beach, which is located south of Matala, is accessible by boat from the Matala coast or by doing a strenuous climb from either the Matala trail area or Matala village.

The water depth at Red Beach is described as shallow, close to the coast and progressively getting deeper further out. The depth of the water changes depending on tides and currents. The water is characterised as clear or turquoise, clean and warm.

Red Beach has deep red sand, but it ranges from dark crimson to paler pink hues, from time to time. The sand has a fine to medium-grained texture, which makes it comfortable to walk on.

The size of Red Beach is described as small to medium-sized. The beach is stuck between cliffs or rocky outcrops, providing a more private and cosy atmosphere. It has little to no crowds in most seasons, making it a wonderful place to spend some time.

There are mesmerising views of the sea and the beach. Towering rocks, unusual stone formations, cliffs and tiny caves are found nearby. Nudists lie randomly along the red shore. The vegetation close to the coastline consists of low-growing plants, grasses or coastal shrubs.

What makes the Colour of the Red Beach that Way?

The colour of Red Beach is reddish due to the presence of iron minerals in the sand. Iron oxide, known as rust, is a prevalent component of red sand and is what gives it its distinctive reddish colour. Rocks and sediments contain iron oxide, a mineral that occurs naturally. The iron minerals in such rocks degrade over time, becoming microscopic particles that are carried by water and dumped on the beach.

Sunlight, weather and the presence of other minerals are examples of environmental elements that affect the intensity and shade of the beach’s red sand. Red Beach is a well-liked site for photographers and beachgoers due to the striking contrast that the red sand makes with the turquoise waters.

The fine- to medium-grained sand texture of the red beach has a mild exfoliating effect on the skin. Red sand is safe to walk on and touch, but since people’s skin sensitivity varies, some people feel a little skin irritation or discomfort. Dead skin cells are removed when walking and lounging in the sand for a longer span of time. The exfoliation makes the skin feel softer, but people with fragile or sensitive skin must be careful not to over-exfoliate as it results in skin irritation.

Tourists need to take precautions, such as wearing shoes or sandals, to reduce direct contact with the sand, especially when they have specific skin conditions. Visitors to the Matala Red Beach must rinse off any sand that has remained on their bodies, as sand particles occasionally irritate the skin if left on for too long.

How to Get to the Red Beach in Crete?

Listed below are the steps to get to Red Beach in Crete.

1. Identify the precise location. The first step to getting to Red Beach is to identify the precise location of the venue. Tourists must verify the address of the Red Beach to be visited. Visitors to the Matala Red Beach need to double-check their information and directions since there is another red beach in Greece, particularly situated in Santorini. They need to ensure they have booked the right location, as it causes confusion and additional costs if neglected.
2. Organise transportation. Second, one’s transportation must be determined. Visitors to Red Beach in Matala need to select a mode of travel depending on their interests and options. They have the choice between using public transportation, a cab or hiring a car. Driving in Crete is quite popular in the region.
3. Navigate to Matala. The third step is to travel to the area of Matala in Crete. Visitors to Red Beach must get to the Cretan coastal village of Matala. They need to arrive at Heraklion, the closest large city to Matala, which has a port and an international airport. Tourists must drive or take a bus/taxi from Heraklion to Matala, which is located around 67 kilometres (42 miles) southwest of Heraklion.
4. Walk or hike to Red Beach. The fourth is to start trekking. Tourists need to walk or hike to get to Red Beach after arriving at Matala. Asking locals for instructions or paying attention to signs is advised because the exact path is anticipated to change. The beach is found along the coast west of Matala. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk from Matala to Red Beach.
5. Experience the Red Beach. Lastly, tourists need to experience the red beach firsthand. Tourists take some time to soak in the beach’s distinct beauty, unwind on the red sand and go swimming in the turquoise ocean. Visitors to the red beach must observe all safety instructions and treat the surroundings with respect.

What Community is Near the Red Beach?

The Red Beach or Kokkini Ammos Beach, in Matala is an easy and well-liked option for visitors looking for lodging close to the beach. The interesting Matala Caves, which were previously inhabited by hippies in the 1960s and 1970s and the picturesque seaside community of Matala are both well-known for their stunning beaches.

A variety of lodging options are available in Matala, including hotels, guesthouses and flats. There are several neighbourhood businesses that rent out rooms, making it convenient for guests to stay close to Red Beach. Many adjacent villages and municipalities provide lodging choices for visitors along with Matala.

The lovely Cretan village of Pitsidia is situated about 5 kilometres east of Matala and is renowned for its warm hospitality and ancient charm. The town of Kamilari is another destination that offers a calm setting and a variety of lodging options, which lies about 6 kilometres to the east of Matala. Sivas offers tourists accommodations and traditional architecture, which is located around 8 kilometres northeast of Matala.

Tourists frequently find accommodations in such communities on websites like Airbnb, Booking.com and other sites that specialise in vacation rentals. The websites enable visitors to look for and reserve lodging according to their needs and financial constraints. Checking such platforms for availability, cost and particular features that suit one’s needs is advised. Taking Matala and the surrounding villages’ accessibility and amenities into account makes their trip to Crete both enjoyable and practical when organising their stay close to Red Beach.

Is the Red Beach Open for Nudists?

Yes, the Red Beach or Kokkini Ammos Beach, in Matala, Crete, has allowed nudists in the past. Red Sand has a reputation as a beach where tourists feel free to sunbathe and swim while wearing nothing but their underwear. Laws and attitudes around nudity are expected to evolve over time, particularly within the vicinity of Red Beach.

Visitors need to verify with local authorities or with recent guest reviews to understand the prevailing rules and cultural norms because the present situation of nudism on Red Beach is anticipated to have changed. Respect the local traditions and fellow beachgoers when thinking about participating in nudism or other clothing-optional activities.

How Much Would I Pay for Red Beach Tour in Crete?

There is no available tour that is exclusive to Red Beach. There is instead a tour package bound for southern Crete specifically dedicated to visiting Matala Hippies Beach and Gortys Archaeological Site, according to TripAdvisor. The tour package is offered by Cretan Odyssey and amounts to €43.74 for every tourist.

Tourists aged from 1 to 99 are permitted to join the tour, with a maximum of 50 people per batch. The amenities included in the tour package are an air-conditioned vehicle, a tour guide and a professional driver. Tourists are covered by liability insurance from Allianz, including all travel fees and taxes. The entrance fee to the Gortys Archaeological Site, amounting to €6, a meal for lunch and the entrance fee to the Matala hippies caves, which costs €4, are not included in the package.

The company offers the lowest tour package to Matala hippies beach, where Red Beach is included. The Cretan Odyssey allows early reservations and late payments. They use mobile tickets available in various languages, such as Italian, French, German and English. The company approves of giving refunds to travellers who wish to cancel their tickets. Tourists must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour’s start date to receive a complete refund.

The duration of the tour takes about 8-9 hours and the start time depends on the availability of resources. The Cretan Odyssey requires that the tourists have no major medical ailments, including cardiac issues. The travellers must be in reasonable physical condition.

Tourists are given the opportunity to spend the day discovering southern Crete with the full-day guided trip of Matala and Gortys (Gortyn). Visitors travel on an air-conditioned bus to the Gortys archaeological park, the old Roman capital of Crete, after being picked up from predetermined points throughout Crete. They proceed to Matala and the coast after that, where they have four hours to enjoy the beaches and do as they want.

How Difficult Is the Road for Hiking Tourists Going to the Red Beach?

The road for hiking tourists going to Red Beach is partly difficult for hikers and is not accessible by car. It takes a maximum of a 45-minute hike or a boat journey costing €5 to get to the beach, which is in a remote part of southwest Crete.

The fairly challenging Red Beach hiking trek requires travellers to negotiate rocky terrain and sheer cliffs. A certain level of physical condition and the right footwear are required due to the path’s narrowness and uneven terrain. Visitors new to hiking must be prepared for some uphill and downhill stretches, which are expectedly difficult.

The good thing about the trail is that it is well-signposted. There are signs visible at every turn that hikers need to take along the trail, but t is recommended to get precise directions or travel with a local guide who is thoroughly acquainted with the area. Hikers must bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent because there are not many amenities along the route.

Red Beach is unreachable by automobile, but there are other ways to get there. A few boat trips or water taxis run from adjacent towns, offering a quick and beautiful approach to the beach. Tourists need to confirm the scheduling and availability of such services in advance, as the volume of visitors to the Red Beach changes from time to time.

Moderate endurance and caution are required to hike to Red Beach. Hikers must be prepared and consider their level of fitness into account before starting the hike to have a safe and pleasurable experience.

Where to Eat in the Red Beach Crete?

The Red Beach in Crete, often referred to as Kokkini Ammos, is a stunning natural landmark close to the community of Matala. There are not any dining establishments or restaurants right on the beach, but there are a lot of alternatives in the neighbourhood. The restaurants that are situated nearby Red Beach include George’s Yard, Grill House Giannis Family, Sirtaki, Bistronomy Matala, SCALA Fish Bar restaurant and Hotel Boutique, Alexis Zorbas and many more.

George’s Yard is rated as the 2nd most preferred restaurant in Matala, as per TripAdvisor. George’s Yard is 0.4 miles away from the red beach, offering seafood and various delectables such as Mediterranean, Greek, Healthy and Contemporary cuisines. Grill House Giannies Family and Sirtake are both 0.4 miles away from Red Beach, serving Seafood, Mediterranean and Greek cuisines. They are ranked as the fifth and seventh most popular dining options in Matala, respectively.

Bistronomy Matala is one of the closest restaurants to Red Beach and offers delightful cuisines to tourists, such as seafood, Greek, Mediterranean, Fusion and European meals. Bistronomy Matala is 0.5 miles away from the red beach. SCALA Fish Bar restaurant and Hotel Boutique and Alexis Zorbas are both 0.5 miles from Red Beach. They both serve Seafood, Mediterranean and Greek cuisines. Some other Matala Restaurants include Mad Irie, Petra & Votsalo, Hakuna Matata and many more.

How Far is the Red Beach from the Parking Area?

The distance from the parking area to the red beach varies depending on the specific parking spot chosen and the path that hikers want to take. The distance from the parking lot to the red beach is normally not very far. Red Beach in Crete is close to the community of Matala.

Guests are permitted to leave their cars at the authorised parking space adjacent to Matala Village, which is the closest location to the beach. The guests have to walk from there to get to Red Beach, which usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes at least, depending on their pace. The use of the parking lot near Matala Village costs €2 per day.

Other travellers prefer to park near the foot of the trail. Parking in such an area leads trekkers to begin their hike along a little longer path compared to the one near Matala Village, but it is less strenuous. The paring spots in both areas eventually come together at the same destination, Red Beach.

Is the Red Beach in Crete Safe for Children?

Yes, Red Beach in Crete is safe for children. The Red Beach is kid-friendly, but there are a few things to be aware of. The beach itself is remote and accessible by just boat or a strenuous climb. The mode of the journey is sometimes anticipated to be inappropriate for little children or families with buggies. The hike entails negotiating rocky terrain and sheer cliffs, so caution and appropriate boots are needed.

The sand and water are a little coarser than what kids are used to on typical sandy beaches. Parents must make sure that their kids are wearing the proper footwear to minimise pain while playing on the beach. The water occasionally becomes deep and has powerful currents depending on the movement of tides brought by specific seasons in the area.

The Red Beach does not have lifeguards on duty. Parents must take extra care and watch out for their kids constantly. It is vital to keep an eye on young children at all times to keep them safe while swimming.

Red Beach provides an amazing experience for kids with the right supervision and by following the required safety precautions. Parents need to evaluate their children’s skills and limitations before starting the adventure. They must always put their children’s safety and well-being first.

Can you Camp on the Red Beach in Crete?

No, camping at Red Beach in Crete is prohibited, but campers are still numerous in the area. There are tents set up all over the sand dunes, despite the fact that it is prohibited to do so. Several tourists from all around Europe who are pleasant and amiable are found on the beach for vacation. There is a section of the beach reserved for families who do not want to go nude.

Camping disturbs the delicate ecosystem and harms the surroundings at Red Beach, a remote and unspoiled natural setting. There are few amenities or designated camping areas on the beach as a result.

There are other unprohibited areas dedicated to camping in Crete, including approved camping areas and private campsites that are spread out around the island. The campgrounds provide the necessary amenities, such as bathrooms, running water and even power, to make camping more enjoyable while protecting the environment.

Respecting the area’s natural beauty and adhering to local laws is vital. Visitors to Red Beach are always advised to prioritise environmental conservation and appropriate tourism activities. Illegal camping results in fines or other legal repercussions.

Are there Near Hotels in Red Beach in Crete?

No, there are no nearby hotels in Red Beach, Crete. The Beach is not directly adjacent to any hotels or lodging options. It is because the beach is located in a remote and unspoiled natural setting.

There are a number of hotels and resorts that provide easy access to Red Beach in the adjacent cities and villages of Crete. The distance between Matala and the seashore is just about 6 kilometres. There are numerous hotels, guesthouses and resorts in Matala that accommodate different spending plans and tastes.

There are lodging alternatives near Red Beach in other well-liked tourist spots in the area, including Agia Galini and Plakias. The communities provide more lodging options, including five-star resorts, seaside hotels and accommodations suitable for families.

Red Beach itself does not have any hotels, but staying in one of the adjacent towns, allows tourists to make use of the beach during the day and have a cosy place to stay at night. Tourists must look into lodging alternatives at Agia Galini, Plakias or Matala Hotels when organising a trip to Crete’s Red Beach.