Kommos Beach


Located 2km north of Matala near Pitsidia and reached by a steep and winding road, the sun-kissed sands of Kommos hug Messara Bay in one of the region's most idyllic settings (especially when viewed from above). Significant remnants of Minoan settlement, though off limits, can be seen here from various vantage points. The municipality hires out beach chairs and umbrellas (€2 each) in front of the two tavernas by the towering sandstone cliffs at the far southern end.

Some beach sections further north are popular with nudists. You'll pass through them if you're walking to the laid-back beach resort of Kalamaki.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Kommos

0.21 MILES

The Minoan site of Kommos, 3km north of Matala above a fantastic wide and sandy beach, is believed to have been the port of the mighty palace-city…

2. Matala Caves

1.19 MILES

Matala’s sightseeing credentials are limited to these famous caves where hippies camped out in the 1960s and 1970s (Joni Mitchell immortalised the scene…

3. Church of Our Lady

1.39 MILES

Easily overlooked, this pint-sized chapel was carved straight out of a cliff, apparently during Venetian times. It contains some lovely icons and a carved…

4. Red Beach

1.76 MILES

Matala’s main beach below the caves is a lovely crescent but often gets uncomfortably crammed. To escape the crowds, follow signs to Red Beach, reached in…

5. Minoan Tomb

2.86 MILES

Amid fields just outside Kamilari stands a fenced-in, extraordinarily well-preserved circular Minoan tomb with 2m-high stone walls. Side rooms were used…

6. Moni Odigitrias

3.4 MILES

About 6km south of Sivas, Moni Odigitrias is a historic monastery with a tower from which the monks fought off the Turks, the Germans and the odd pirate…

7. Agia Marina Donkey Sanctuary

3.51 MILES

This place is for animal lovers. The passionate folk at Kiwi-run Agia Marina Donkey Sanctuary feed and care for abandoned donkeys. At research time, 22…

8. Agia Triada

3.84 MILES

In an enchanting spot 3km west of Phaestos, Agia Triada encompasses vestiges of an L-shaped royal villa, a ramp once leading out to sea, and a village…