The beach is near the village of Pitsidia, in a bay where the Asterousia mountains meet the fertile plain of Mesara.

It has a long sandy beach of 300m, clear blue waters and impressive rocks with caves. These caves are part of the archaeological site of Matala, which was the seaport of Phaistos and Gortys during the Minoan and Roman periods respectively. During the 60s and the 70s, Matala became a popular destination for the hippie movement.

Today the beach is not an isolated seaside destination; it is fully organised with cafes and taverns.