Matala is not far from Red Beach and Komos Beach, but the way you reach each one is completely different. Red Beach is close enough to feel like a Matala side trip, yet it requires a real walk over exposed terrain. Komos is an easy drive north, with a long sandy shoreline and more room to spread out. Plan for the access, not just the distance, and you will have a much easier beach day on Crete’s south coast. Hire a car and drive!
Is Matala Far From Red Beach and Komos Beach?
From central Matala, Red Beach is roughly 1 to 1.5 miles away as the crow flies. You cannot drive straight to the sand. Most visitors start from the signed trail near the south side of Matala, then hike over the hillside. Allow around 25 to 40 minutes each way, depending on your pace, heat, footwear, and how long you spend finding the correct path.
Komos Beach, often shown on maps as Kommos Beach, is around 2.5 to 3.5 miles north of Matala by road, depending on which access point you choose. With a rental car, the trip normally takes 8 to 12 minutes. It is a simple drive through the area around Pitsidia, although the final approach can be narrow and dusty in places.
So, no, neither beach is far from Matala. The practical difference is this: Red Beach needs walking and preparation, while Komos needs a car and a sensible parking plan.
Red Beach From Matala: Close, but Not an Easy Walk
Red Beach is known for its rusty red cliffs, clear water, and a more remote feel than Matala’s main bay. That appeal comes with a trade-off. The route is uphill, uneven, and largely unshaded. It is not a difficult mountain hike, but it is not a flip-flop walk either.
Wear closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals with grip. Bring water before you start, especially from June through September, when midday heat can make the trail feel much longer. A hat, sunscreen, and a charged phone are sensible basics. There may be limited services at the beach, and conditions can change by season, so do not assume you will find food, drinks, umbrellas, or reliable shade.
The trail is generally accessed from the Matala side, but paths can split and markings are not always clear. Ask locally about current conditions if you are unsure. Strong winds, intense heat, or limited mobility are good reasons to choose a different beach that day.
Red Beach also has a relaxed, unofficial reputation, and some visitors may be nude. Families should simply know this before arriving. If you want a conventional organized beach with easy facilities and no walk, Matala town beach or Komos will usually be the better choice.
Can You Drive to Red Beach?
Not directly. Parking in Matala puts you near the trailhead, not at Red Beach itself. Some boat trips may visit the area in season, but schedules, sea conditions, and landing arrangements vary. Do not build your day around a boat transfer unless you have confirmed it locally.
A rental car still helps because it gives you the freedom to park in Matala, complete the hike early in the morning, and then move on to another beach when the sun is strongest. Just avoid leaving valuables visible in the vehicle. Beach parking is convenient, but it is not a place to leave passports, electronics, or luggage unattended.
Komos Beach From Matala: The Easier Drive
Komos is the practical choice when you want wide sand, an easy arrival, and the flexibility to come and go without a hike. The beach stretches along the Messara Bay, so it feels much less enclosed than Matala. It is popular, but its size means it can still feel calm outside the busiest sections.
Drive north from Matala toward Pitsidia and follow signs for Komos or Kommos. Your exact driving time depends on traffic, the parking area you select, and road conditions. During peak summer hours, drive slowly through villages and expect pedestrians, scooters, and parked cars near the beach entrances.
Komos has a mix of organized and quieter sections. You may find sunbeds and beach bars in some areas, while other parts are more natural and undeveloped. This makes it a good option for couples, families, and groups who do not all want the same type of beach day.
The sea can be rougher here than in sheltered coves, particularly when winds pick up. Check the water before heading in, supervise children closely, and do not assume calm conditions just because the weather looks sunny. There are also protected areas and archaeological sites nearby. Respect barriers, signs, and nesting areas, and park only where it is permitted.
Where Should You Park at Komos?
Use designated parking areas near the beach access rather than forcing your car onto soft sand or narrow roadside shoulders. The closest spaces fill first in July and August. Arriving before late morning gives you more choice and a less stressful start.
If you are traveling with a child seat, cooler, beach bag, or mobility concerns, Komos is far more convenient than Red Beach. The walk from most parking areas to the shoreline is short and mostly flat. That difference matters after a long drive from Heraklion or a morning of sightseeing.
A Simple Matala Beach Plan With a Rental Car
A car gives you the best way to enjoy both places without rushing. Start with Red Beach early, when the trail is cooler and Matala parking is easier. Return before the hottest part of the afternoon, have lunch in Matala or Pitsidia, then drive to Komos for a slower swim and sunset.
This plan works best if you are comfortable walking and you pack light for Red Beach. If you are traveling with young children, older relatives, or anyone who dislikes uneven paths, reverse the priority. Spend the day at Komos, then visit Matala in the evening for the caves, waterfront, and dinner.
Do not underestimate the advantage of a straightforward rental arrangement when your plans depend on weather. South-coast days are better when you can change direction without worrying about a rigid excursion schedule, hidden charges, or a complicated return process. AthensCars offers direct Crete rentals with payment at pickup and comprehensive coverage options designed to keep the practical side of your trip clear.
Which Beach Is Better for You?
Choose Red Beach if you want scenery, a short adventure, and a beach that feels removed from town. It is best for active travelers who are prepared for the heat and do not need many facilities. Go early, carry water, and accept that the access is part of the experience.
Choose Komos if you want the simplest beach day from Matala. It is better for families, beach gear, longer stays, and travelers who want to drive close to the sand. It also gives you more flexibility if one person wants a beach bar while another wants a quieter stretch of shoreline.
You do not need to choose only one if you have a car and a full day. Red Beach rewards an early start; Komos is where you can slow down afterward. Leave enough water in the car, keep the route downloaded before setting off, and let the heat and sea conditions decide the final order of your day.
