Direct flight about 3 h 40
Matala from London Gatwick
Published 4 October 2026 · HolidayWow editors · Written with AI, numbers checked against our data ·
From London Gatwick, a nonstop flight gets you in Matala in about 3 h 40. You land at Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER), 34 miles from the destination, after 1,665 miles of flight. You can also fly nonstop to CHQ (about 3 h 35).
In Matala, the best time for a trip is June to October, with daytime highs up to 31 °C and the sea up to 26 °C.
7 days in Matala in August, Beach and hiking, from London Gatwick on your own
Plan a trip- Flight time from London Gatwick
- about 3 h 40
- Flight distance LGW to HER
- 1,665 miles
- Nonstop from LGW to 2 airports
- Direct flight
- Best time to go
- June to October
Flight times estimated from the distance, nonstop routes according to OpenTravelData.
Starting your journey from London Gatwick
Matala is a destination best treated as the final part of a wider journey through Crete.
CreteiPhoto: Taxiarchos228 · FAL · Wikimedia Commons
LondoniPhoto: Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsThe route can be organised around one base in Matala, with the arrival day kept simple and the next days used for beaches, caves, walks and nearby villages. A relaxed pace gives you time to settle in after travelling and makes the coastal setting the centre of the trip.
HolidayWow can place the airport connection, transfer and first stay into one map based plan. You can describe the holiday in a sentence or by voice, then adjust the route as your flights, dates and preferred pace become clear.
CreteiPhoto: Taxiarchos228 · FAL · Wikimedia CommonsLondoniPhoto: Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsChoosing the right time for a Matala holiday
The best month depends on whether you want warm sea conditions, long days outdoors or a quieter pace. Matala has mild winter temperatures, while July and August bring the highest daytime and sea temperatures across the year.
For beach time, July, August, September and October are especially practical choices because the sea is warm during these months. Spring also suits walking and sightseeing, with longer daylight hours and a fresh feel to the coastal paths.
The climate figures can guide your choices without turning the holiday into a weather forecast. Compare temperatures, sunshine and rain patterns before choosing dates, then use the live planner tools to check current travel and stay information.
What to do once you reach Matala
Matala is well suited to a holiday that alternates between the sea and the surrounding coast. Begin with the beach and the village, then allow time to explore the famous caves, natural coves and coastal paths during the cooler parts of the day.
A day can include swimming, a walk above the village, lunch in Matala and a later visit to a nearby beach. The village makes a good base because the main activities are close by and the pace can remain flexible when the weather or energy calls for a change.
For a broader island itinerary, add days for southern Crete and organise each area around one or two main experiences. This gives the trip a clear shape while leaving room for beach hours, local food and unplanned time beside the water.
Matala from London Gatwick
Matala lies {{dist.home:LGW}} from London Gatwick in a straight line. London Heathrow lies {{dist.home:LHR}} away. Manchester lies {{dist.home:MAN}} away. From London Gatwick, the months that pay off most are May, June, September and October.
EdinburghiPhoto: W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
ManchesteriPhoto: mattbuck (category) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsFrom London Stansted it is {{dist.home:STN}}. Edinburgh lies {{dist.home:EDI}} away. The plan adds the ride to the airport, the flight with live fares from our partners, and the transfer to your first stay.
EdinburghiPhoto: W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsManchesteriPhoto: mattbuck (category) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsAirports at the destination
From London Gatwick you fly nonstop to 2 airports nearby. Closest to the destination is Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, at 34 miles.
- HERHeraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport34 miles to the destination, about 3 h 40 from LGW, 1,665 miles of flightDirect
- CHQChania International Airport50 miles to the destination, about 3 h 35 from LGW, 1,617 miles of flightDirect
Best time to travel in Matala
In Matala, the best time for a trip is June to October, with daytime highs up to 31 °C and the sea up to 26 °C. The sea reaches 26 °C in August.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day °C | 14 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 31 | 28 | 24 | 20 | 16 |
| Night °C | 10 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 15 | 12 |
| Sea °C | 17 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 19 |
| Sun h/day | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Rain days | 14 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 13 |
Matala through the year
The warmest month is July with 31 °C, the coolest January with 14 °C. July is the driest with 1 rain days and January the wettest with 14. July brings the most sun, around 13 hours daily.
Swimming season runs through July, August, September and October; the water tops out at 26 °C in August. Comfortable sightseeing weather, with highs between the low twenties and about thirty degrees, comes in May, June, September, October and November.
- January: 14 °C, sea 17 °C, 14 rain days, 4 h of sun
- February: 14 °C, sea 16 °C, 11 rain days, 5 h of sun
- March: 16 °C, sea 16 °C, 8 rain days, 7 h of sun
- April: 19 °C, sea 17 °C, 5 rain days, 9 h of sun
- May: 24 °C, sea 19 °C, 5 rain days, 10 h of sun
- June: 28 °C, sea 22 °C, 2 rain days, 12 h of sun
- July: 31 °C, sea 24 °C, 1 rain day, 13 h of sun
- August: 31 °C, sea 26 °C, 1 rain day, 11 h of sun
- September: 28 °C, sea 25 °C, 4 rain days, 9 h of sun
- October: 24 °C, sea 24 °C, 7 rain days, 7 h of sun
- November: 20 °C, sea 21 °C, 9 rain days, 5 h of sun
- December: 16 °C, sea 19 °C, 13 rain days, 4 h of sun
A day in Matala in May
Begin with a long walk while the light is soft. Around midday it reaches 24 °C, ideal for the outdoor highlight of the day. By night it is 17 °C: a cosy restaurant suits the evening.
What to pack for Matala
For July, plan for heat: 31 °C in the day, 23 °C after dark, 1 days of rain. The packing list in your plan adjusts itself to the month and the days you pick.
- Light, breathable clothes for the day
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle
- A warm layer for the evenings
- Swimwear and a beach towel
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A travel adapter for your chargers
Live prices for Matala
The cards below pull today's partner prices for Matala in your currency, so the number you see is the one you pay.
Weather in Matala month by month
- January14 °C
17 °C - February14 °C16 °C
- March16 °C16 °C
- April19 °C17 °C
- May24 °C19 °C
- June28 °C22 °C
- July31 °C24 °C
- August31 °C26 °C
- September28 °C25 °C
- October24 °C24 °C
- November20 °C21 °C
- December16 °C19 °C
Nonstop flights in Matala from other airports
Besides London Gatwick, nonstop flights in Matala leave from 8 other airports; the closest to London Gatwick is London Heathrow, with a flight time of about 3 h 37.
- LGWMatala from London Gatwickabout 3 h 40 to HER, nonstop
- LHRMatala from London Heathrowabout 3 h 37 to CHQ, nonstop
- LTNMatala from London Lutonabout 3 h 44 to HER, nonstop
- STNMatala from London Stanstedabout 3 h 36 to CHQ, nonstop
- BRSMatala from Bristolabout 3 h 46 to CHQ, nonstop
- BHXMatala from Birminghamabout 3 h 46 to CHQ, nonstop
- MANMatala from Manchesterabout 3 h 52 to CHQ, nonstop
- EDIMatala from Edinburghabout 4 h 12 to HER, nonstop
- GLAMatala from Glasgowabout 4 h 11 to CHQ, nonstop
Flight times estimated from the distance, nonstop routes according to OpenTravelData.
A relaxed Matala itinerary for a short break
On the first day, arrive in Matala, check in and spend the remainder of the day near the beach. Keep the first evening simple with a walk through the village and a dinner overlooking the coast.
On the second day, explore the caves and the coastal scenery, then settle beside the sea for the afternoon. A third day can combine a morning walk with a beach outing and a final evening in the village, creating a balanced rhythm without placing too much into one day.
HolidayWow can set the trip to a relaxed pace with one or two stops per day. Drag a stop to another day, swap an activity or lighten a schedule after you see how the village feels in practice.
Building a longer Greek holiday around Matala
A longer journey gives you room to combine Matala with other parts of Crete. Use the first part of the holiday for arrival and the village, then add selected days elsewhere for history, landscapes, food or additional coastlines.
Rather than changing bases too often, choose a small number of places that work well together. Matala can anchor the coastal portion, while another base supports inland sightseeing or a different part of the island.
The planner can display each day as a route, with stops placed on the map and travel legs shown for the plan. Dates are optional at the beginning, so you can shape the route with a month first and add the exact days later.
Matala from London Gatwick: frequently asked questions
How far is Matala from London Gatwick?
A flight search should include the connection from Matala to your final Cretan base, as the airport itself is not the whole journey.
Which months are best for visiting Matala?
July, August, September and October are strong choices for warm sea temperatures. Spring offers comfortable walking weather and useful daylight for exploring the coast, while the warmest summer months suit travellers who want the fullest beach holiday.
Can I plan a Matala trip with children?
Yes. A relaxed plan can combine beach time, short walks and village outings without filling every day. Choose a family pace, keep transfers straightforward and add a packing list and checklist in HolidayWow based on the month and the planned activities.
Can HolidayWow plan the whole journey from Gatwick?
HolidayWow can start with a home-to-airport journey, a flight and a transfer to the first stay, then place the rest of the holiday on a map. You can describe the trip in one sentence or by voice and edit the plan as bookings develop.
Does Matala suit a holiday with a relaxed pace?
Matala works well for a relaxed holiday because the beach, village and coastal walks can share the same base. The planner offers relaxed, balanced and packed travel paces, so you can set one or two stops per day and keep room for swimming.
More nonstop destinations from London Gatwick
GreeceCrete- about 3 h 40 flight
- Sea 23 °C in October
iPhoto: Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsGreeceCorfu- about 2 h 55 flight
- Sea 22 °C in October
GreeceRhodes- about 3 h 46 flight
- Sea 24 °C in October
GreeceZakynthos- about 3 h 09 flight
- Sea 23 °C in October
GreeceCephalonia- about 3 h 02 flight
- Sea 23 °C in October
iPhoto: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsGreeceSantorini- about 3 h 35 flight
- Sea 22 °C in October
Plan your trip in Matala from London Gatwick
Describe your trip in one sentence. When, who with and what matters to you.
