Event Details
Welcome to the Matala Beach Festival 2026
From 19 to 21 June 2026, the legendary bay of Matala on Crete's south coast turns once again into a lively open air stage. The Matala Beach Festival is one of Europe's largest free entry music festivals, drawing around 80,000 visitors every year to celebrate right on the beach, framed by the world famous cave cliffs once inhabited by hippies in the 1960s and 1970s.
Highlights
- Completely free entry, unchanged since the festival began in 2011
- Multiple stages spread across the beach and the village
- Live concerts by Greek and international artists
- DJ sets running late into the night
- Art installations and creative workshops
- Matala Street Painting and the Matala Busking Project
- Illumination of the cave cliffs on the opening evening
Find Accommodation in Matala / Kreta
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Free cancellation on most hotels
Program
The festival runs for three days with continuous programming from afternoon until late at night. Several stages spread between the main beach and the village of Matala host live bands, DJ sets and acoustic performances, spanning genres from rock and reggae to pop and traditional Greek music. During the day, yoga, zumba and activities for children round out the schedule, while the illuminated cliffs set the mood after dark. The full artist lineup is typically announced four to six weeks before the festival.
Tickets
Entry to the Matala Beach Festival has been completely free since its first edition in 2011; no registration or ticket purchase is needed. Food, drinks and camping options are available on site; bring cash for the food stalls, as card payment is limited in many spots.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early, especially on Saturday, traditionally the busiest day with the biggest acts.
- Visit the caves in the quiet morning hours before the main program begins for the best experience.
- Pack light, warm layers for the evenings, as the cliff area can turn breezy even in June.
- Book accommodation in Matala or nearby Pitsidia early, as rooms fill up quickly.
- Travel from Heraklion or Chania by rental car, bus or transfer.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the Minoan palace of Phaistos, about 30 minutes away.
