Crete, Greece

Red Beach

Red Beach is a picturesque sandy beach located near Matala. It is known for its unique red sand, which gives the beach its name. The beach is accessible via a well-marked hiking trail from Matala, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes to traverse. The path is rocky and steep, requiring good footwear for safe travel. Despite the challenging path, the breathtaking view of the beach from the top of the mountain makes the journey worthwhile.

The beach is marked as a nudist beach, but it is open to everyone. Sunbathers can be found settled in all areas of the beach. In addition to its natural beauty, the beach offers amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas, available for a fee. There are also two small bars on the beach, providing a relaxed atmosphere with chill music.

Discover places to stay near Red Beach and enjoy its tranquil ambiance and unique red sand.

The beach is not typically crowded, with only a few dozen people present at a time. This, along with the warm water and the vibrant energy of the place, contributes to its reputation as an amazing hippie beach. Visitors are advised to bring their own shade and water, especially during the hot months. A unique feature of the beach is the presence of mud sculptures, created by a talented couple, adding to the beach's charm.

What to do at Red Beach?

Amenities

Red Beach amenities include loungers.

Bars

You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the unique charm of the beach, with its fine sandy shores and warm water, which can be reached after a short, well-marked hike. The beach's relaxed atmosphere, complete with chill music from small bars and the presence of mud-sculptures, is particularly appreciated by visitors. However, some visitors have expressed concerns about the challenging path to the beach and the unexpected presence of nudist sunbathers.

Where to Stay near Red Beach?

Visitors to Red Beach often stay in the nearby town of Matala, known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to the beach. Many choose accommodations in Matala due to its range of options and easy access to the hiking trail leading to Red Beach.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Red Beach?

Latitude: 34.9858903 / Longitude: 24.7494938

Red Beach is located in Crete. The following map of Red Beach shows the exact location.

Red Beach: Weather Today

📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026
It is an absolutely fantastic day to head down to Red Beach for a perfect summer outing. You can expect endless sunshine from start to finish, with clear blue skies and zero chance of any rain ruining your plans. The air temperature will reach 34.5 °C, making it a very warm day, so remember to seek shade during the midday hours as the UV Index is quite high at 8.55. With only a light breeze expected, the conditions on the sand will be very comfortable. The water is pleasantly warm at 26.6 °C and very calm, creating ideal conditions for a refreshing swim or a relaxing dip. It is truly an excellent day to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
🌬️

Air

Low / High22.4°C/34.5°C
Feels Like (High)37.3°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature26.6 °C
Wave Height0.6 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:20/20:33
Sunshine Hours13.1 hrs
UV Index8.55
Cloud Cover0%
💨

Wind

Speed13.2 km/h
Gusts21.6 km/h
DirectionS

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