In 2011 the Municipality of Phaistos decided to hold a festival on the beach in Matala village to present the book ΄The Myth of Matala΄. The book contained photographs from the 60s and 70s, when the hippies, the flower children, lived in the caves and on the beach in Matala and celebrated peace and love through music and art. 35,000 people flocked to the beach. In 2012 over 58,000 people gathered, 70,000 in 2013 and 80,000 in 2014. The festival had become an institution.
Nowadays, the Matala Beach Festival is one of the biggest and most famous festivals in Europe. For 3 days in July, big bands and well-known artists, local, Greek and foreign, get on one of the three stages and, with the background of the iconic caves and the most beautiful sunsets, they share the magic of music and dance. Admission is free.
The festival is appropriate for all ages, for people who want to escape from everyday life and enjoy three days full of music, dance and many activities. Also, parents with their children can enjoy music, games, stories, dance and many surprises in a colorful multi-purpose area made especially for them.
Matala Beach Festival hosts the busking project, which is the acceptance of all street artists into one big community. This initiative is directly related to the philosophy of the festival and the culture of Matala. During the festival and in various parts of the village, several artists participate actively.
For easy access to the festival, there is a large area available for parking vehicles, vans for the transportation of visitors and also regular transit by the intercity buses. The organizers ensure that visitors have an enjoyable experience.
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