Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of a truly exceptional destination in Crete. Amidst the island’s numerous awe-inspiring landscapes, this particular location is an absolute must-see for every traveler. Matala is a popular tourist destination located 68 km southwest of Heraklion in Crete. It is known for its beautiful beach, which offers stunning views of nearby islands and features golden sand and blue-green waters. The most distinctive feature of Matala is its carved caves, which have played a significant role in the history of the hippie movement and its pursuit of freedom.
At the top of the beach, there are caves that were carved by human hands thousands of years ago. These caves were originally tombs from the Roman and Christian periods, but many of them are observed to have rooms, stairs, beds, or windows, leading us to believe that they may have been used as homes at some point in time. Imagine waking up in the morning and looking out from one of these caves – the view would be breathtaking!
In the 1960s and 1970s, a group of hippies discovered a haven in the caves of Matala. Disillusioned with the modern way of life, they decided to leave the cities and live in harmony with nature. They relied on what they could catch by fishing, worked to take care of the land, and often went around wearing minimal or no clothing. They promoted world peace and unity, fell in love, and expressed their creativity. They spent their days singing and playing music, and their signature gesture was the victory sign with two fingers. It was the perfect place for these free-spirited individuals to live, surrounded by the beauty of the earth.
Over time, the caves in Matala became famous worldwide, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Even famous personalities like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, and Cat Stevens found themselves spending time on Cretan soil, which even inspired them to write songs. The hippie movement also had an impact on Greek cinema, as Finos Film, the largest Greek film production company at the time, shot one of the best Greek films of all time in Matala.
In the late 1970s, the hippie community in Matala was disbanded due to political oppression. The flower children then moved to other areas of Crete and the island of Ios to continue their free-spirited lifestyle. As a result, Matala became less crowded and the archaeological service sealed the caves, declaring the area protected.
In recent decades, Matala has rapidly evolved and no longer resembles its past atmosphere. If you visit this seaside place now, you will find that it is flooded with visitors from all over the world who come to see this legendary place and imagine being transported to the hippie philosophy of the past while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The caves are the main tourist attraction in the area – a must-visit to admire the view from above the rock. The crystal-clear waters and fine golden sand invite you to take a dip and stay on the beach until the afternoon to watch the sunset.
Numerous caves along the coast can be visited by boat, and Matala is undoubtedly the place to be for sports and cultural events. The Matala Beach Festival is the most popular of them all and takes place annually for four days, featuring a plethora of exciting events. If you’re looking for a destination that combines stunning shores with rich historical significance, Matala is the place to be! Don’t miss the chance to explore the breathtaking caves and admire the beauty of the coastline.