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No deposit with Full Cover

Car Rental in Matala – caves, south-coast beaches, and Minoan sites

Pick up your car in Matala, Tymbaki, or Heraklion and explore the hippie caves, Red Beach, Phaistos Palace, and Agiofarago gorge without waiting for buses. Local partners, clear pricing, and flexible payments for relaxed south Crete drives.

  • Pick-up/drop-off in Matala, Heraklion (HER), Phaistos/Tymbaki, or nearby resorts
  • Cash, debit, or credit card accepted – no credit card needed with full insurance
  • Transparent contracts and 24/7 local support
  • Perfect for Matala & Red Beach, Phaistos, Kommos, Kamilari, and Agiofarago
Book a car in Matala
Book in minutes, choose flexible insurance, and pick up where you land or stay.
Matala Beach, South Crete, with sandy shore and famous prehistoric caves carved into the limestone cliff

Why book your Matala car with Karpadu

Local rates, no surprises

Direct prices from south-crete partners; no hidden extras at pickup.

Flexible handover

Airport, port, village, or hotel delivery — start your road trip immediately.

No credit card required

Full Cover lets you pay on arrival with cash, debit, or prepaid card — zero deposit.

Insurance that fits the terrain

Protected for tight village lanes, beach parking, and gravel access to coves.

Fleet for coast & hills

Economy for short hops, SUVs for gorges, automatics for easy hill starts.

Matala highlights by car

See the caves, palaces, and beaches on your own schedule.

Panoramic view of Matala Beach and town through the opening of a prehistoric cave, South Crete, Greece

Matala Caves & Beach

5–10 min

Swim under the carved cliffs and explore the iconic caves.

Secluded Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos) near Matala, South Crete, featuring unique reddish sand and crystal-clear blue-green water

Red Beach (Kokkini Ammos)

10–15 min hike

Short hike from Matala; go early for calmer seas and shade.

The Grand Staircase and Central Court ruins at the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, South Crete, Greece

Phaistos Palace

15–20 min

Minoan site with valley views; combine with lunch in nearby villages.

Wide, unspoiled sandy Kommos Beach with clear turquoise water and archaeological site in the background, South Crete, Greece

Kommos & Kamilari

10–15 min

Long sandy beach and a quiet village with great tavernas.

Road trips from Matala

Blend archaeology, hidden coves, and mountain air.

Secluded Agiofarago Beach (Gorge of the Saints) with clear turquoise water and high rocky cliffs, South Crete, Greece

40–55 min one way

Agiofarago Gorge & Beach

Short hike through a narrow gorge to a sheltered bay — bring water and shoes.

Calm, crystal-clear water of Lake Votomos (Zaros Lake) near Zaros village, Heraklion, Crete, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains

45–60 min one way

Gortyna & Zaros Lake

Roman ruins at Gortyna, then cool off by the lake with trout tavernas.

Panoramic view of the picturesque resort village of Agia Galini, South Crete, with harbor and traditional white houses built into the hillside

45–60 min one way

Matala → Agia Galini coast

Scenic drive west for quieter beaches and seaside cafes.

Historic Venetian sea fortress Koules (Castello a Mare) guarding the Heraklion Old Harbor, Crete, Greece

60–70 min one way

Heraklion day loop

Combine city museums with a sunset return via Phaistos or Agia Varvara.

Driving tips for Matala & south Crete

Arrive early for parking

Matala and Red Beach lots fill up; early morning = easier spots and calmer water.

Cash for small tavernas

Many take cards, but some beach kiosks still prefer cash.

Watch gravel sections

Access to Agiofarago and some coves includes gravel — drive slowly and avoid sharp turns.

Hydrate in summer heat

Carry water for hikes to Red Beach or Agiofarago, especially in July–August.

No tolls, but allow time

South-coast roads are free but slower; enjoy the scenery and pull over for views.

Combine sites smartly

Pair Phaistos with Matala/Kommos in one day; leave Agiofarago for an early start.

Matala car hire FAQs

Can I rent without a credit card?+

Yes. With Full Cover you can pay at pickup with cash, debit, or prepaid card — no credit card or deposit required.

Where can I collect the car?+

Heraklion airport/port, Matala, Phaistos/Tymbaki, or your hotel/villa — add details in your booking.

Is parking easy in Matala?+

Paid and free lots sit at the village entrance. Arrive before 10:00 in summer for easier spaces.

How do I reach Red Beach safely?+

Park in Matala and hike 10–15 minutes; wear shoes with grip and bring water.

Ready to explore Matala, Phaistos, and the south coast by car?

Book in minutes, choose flexible insurance, and pick up where you land or stay.

Car Rental in Matala – No deposit car hire for caves & Red Beach | Karpadu