Kommos Beach, Crete: The Sandy Bay near Matala

Kommos Beach

Kommos Beach lies 71 kilometres south-west of Heraklion, just north of Matala and 2 kilometres from the village of Pitsidia. Coming out of Matala, you round a curve and, after the campgrounds on the hill and before Pitsidia, dirt tracks turn left towards the beach; from there it is a 15-minute walk, or you can drive down. The beach is large and quiet, with umbrellas, sunbeds and tavernas near the start, and a nudist stretch further along, so bring your own water if you head that way. Kommos is one of the places where the caretta-caretta turtle lays its eggs, and nesting spots are marked so they are not disturbed. Visitors staying in Matala often prefer the quieter Kommos.

The excavations at Kommos

Kommos is the site of ongoing excavations of a Minoan settlement on the sandy beach east of Matala. It was a Minoan harbour from the early period of the civilization, probably the major port of entry to the Messara Plain; monumental buildings near the shore and paved roads towards Messara suggest a customs house. Remains from the Greek era have also been found. A temple built here in the tenth century BC is one of the oldest known in Greece, and later temples from the fourth to the first century BC are now visible.

Where to stay near Kommos

A few hotels, apartments and studios stand not far from Kommos Beach, with a campsite in nearby Pitsidia.

Irene Apartments, Komos

Irene Apartments stands between Pitsidia and Matala, 800 metres from Komos Beach, in a large garden of trees and flowers. The air-conditioned apartments open onto a balcony with straight or side views of the Libyan Sea, and each has a kitchenette with a mini fridge and cooking hobs. Free Wi-Fi is provided, with a restaurant and bus stop 100 metres away and a mini market 1 kilometre away. Matala is 2 kilometres away and the archaeological site of Phaistos 10 kilometres. Free private parking is on site.