Matala Caves, a former hippie paradise
Matala is one of the most popular places in Crete, known for its sandy beach, crystal clear water and unique white-yellow caves from the Neolithic Age.
During the 1960s and 1970s, hippies from all over the world lived in Matala caves, searching for free love, music, and peace ❤️🌸🌻🏵🌷
How to get to Matala
Matala is a village located in the southern part of Crete, in the Bay of Messara, surrounded by the deep blue Libyan Sea. It is about 80 km away from Rethymno and 70 km from Heraklion, and it takes approximately 1 and a half hours of driving.
Even though our hotel was in Chania (140 km away from Heraklion plus a road to Matala), we wanted to visit this interesting beach and climb the caves. Oh yes, it was a long one-day trip over the mountains, from north to the south, but it was worth it😀 Matala is a marvellous reminder of history and an exciting place to enjoy the beach, sea and food.
Close to the beach, there is a parking lot, and the fee is 3 EUR per day. It can be very crowded during the peak season, so it is better to come earlier.
If you don’t rent a car during the vacation, you can go there by bus from Rethymno or Heraklion. Bear in mind that the bus will take approximately 2 hours to drive in one way, but first check the KTEL schedule.
Also, there are organized day tours to Matala from Heraklion or Rethymno, check here 👇.
Ancient history of Matala and mythology
The caves of Matala date back to the Neolithic Age.
According to mythology, the god Zeus seduced Europe, a beautiful Phoenician princess, and brought her to Matala Beach. They had three sons, and one of them was Minos, the King of Crete.
In ancient times, Matala was the port of Phaistos, one of the most important cities of the Minoan civilization. It is located 11 kilometres from Matala, and even today could be seen the ruins of the Palace of Phaistos.
This archaeological site is known by the famous Phaistos Disc, a disk of fired clay with still an unknown script and language, and a Linear A tablet, a writing system used in Crete from 1800 BC to 1450 BC. By the way, you can see the Phaistos Disc in the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion. So, if you have enough time, Phaistos is a perfect place to see the original excavations, and it is not as crowded as Knossos.
Then, Gortynians occupied the Matala area in the year 220 BC, and Matala became the port of Gortys during the Roman period.
It is believed that the caves were used for various purposes, such as homes, and a place for worship. During the Roman period, they were used as burial crypts, as well.
Hmm, I have to say that Matala Caves reminds me of caves and catacombs on the beautiful Milos Island, which we visited in 2016.
Matala Caves
The fantastic nature and man’s hands made these carved caves so unique and impressive.
Well, it was an interesting experience, climbing the slippery rock and seeing various caves. Most of them have one room, but some have more. But all of them are pretty small, with small entrances, beds or windows as well.
From the caves, there are stunning views of the beach and blue sea.
Today, the Matala Caves are one of the main tourist attractions in Crete. The Greek government protects the archaeological site, but you can climb up the caves and walk around them.
The entrance fee is 4 EUR for adults. The reduced price is 2 EUR for children from 6 to 25 years who are not from the EU, and old citizens over 65 from EU. Free entrance is for children and young people up to 25 years.
Opening time: every day from 10 AM – 7 PM.
Note: the rock with Matala Caves is sandstone and it is very slick. There is no carved path which leads to the caves. So wear good shoes and be very careful while you are climbing. Also, it could be dangerous to climb with small children.
In the present time, it is not allowed to live or to sleep in caves during the night.
“The Flower Children” on Matala
Matala was a small fishing village when the hippies from the USA and Europe came there in the 1960s.
They lived in caves, looking for free love, freedom, and a different life. Some famous musicians also spent some time there, such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Cat Stevens, and Joni Mitchell. This Canadian-American singer-songwriter wrote the song “Carey” in 1971, inspired by her boyfriend Cary Raditz who worked in a local taverna, and a hippie community.
Matalla today
Even though the hippie time is gone, its spirit can be seen and felt, especially on the opposite side of the rock and in the village.
The white-washed wall is decorated with colourful flowers, and words such as:
“Welcome to Matala, George. Today is life. Tomorrow never comes…”
Some think that this welcoming message was dedicated to George Harrison of the Beatles. And others think that it is for George, one of the most popular hippie guys who lived there.
Near the bars and restaurants, and in the village, you can see colourful street paintings, with various symbols and messages about love and peace.
“Every day is a miracle. Make today amazing”.
“Some people want material things. ME: I just want peace, happy times and people that love me”.
Since 2011, every year, usually in June, the Matala Beach Festival has been held to celebrate hippies’ history and life. It is a three-day event on the beach filled with concerts, dance, and art exhibitions, and workshops which attract both locals and tourists from all over the world. This year, the festival was held from 5th to 7th July.
Matala beach
The beach is about 300 meters long and 40 meters wide, and it is covered with light golden sand.
Today it is a well-organised beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, but there is also enough space to bring your umbrella or to stay in the shadow of trees. The set of 2 sunbeds and umbrella costs 10 EUR, and the additional sunbed is 4 EUR.
The water is cool and crystal clear, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is awarded by a Blue Flag. But there is a rock slab at the entrance to the sea, so take on your water shoes because it is very slippery. If you like, you can play volleyball on the beach, or rent a kayak, jet skis, or pedal boats.
Toilets, showers, changing cabins, a lifeguard and first aid facilities are available on the beach.
Bars and restaurants
Along the beach, there are many cafes, snack bars and restaurants.
Some of them are Zafiria restaurant, Boho bar, Anemi restaurant & wine bar.
On the left side of the beach, opposite the caves, you can find restaurants such as Skala (fresh seafood and local dishes), Sunset, 2 Friends, Marinero Bar, Plaka, Hakuna Matala, and Hippies Bar.
Then, there are Port Side, Sirtaki, George’s Yard, Bistronomy Matala, the Lions Cafe restaurant, and a few more.
If you like to stay there, there are different types of accommodations, from 2* to 4* budget-friendly and family-run hotels and apartments, but there are no big resorts.
Around the beach, there is a supermarket and small shops where you can buy local crafts, arts, jewellery, clothes, souvenirs, and various beach accessories.
Matala, the symbol of love and peace
If you like an active vacation and have an adventurous spirit, you must include Matala in your Crete itinerary.
The sandy beach, blue sea, an amazing rock with ancient caves, and the hippie spirit are perfect reasons to spend one or more interesting days there. And to take many photos as well 😎
Depending on your time and interests, near Matala, you can visit the ancient Minoan Palace of Phaistos, an archaeological site of Gortyn, or the secluded Red Beach.
So, smile, you are alive and visit one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in Greece.
And as hippies said, the life is today, so enjoy every moment ✌️❤️🏵️🌸🌹
Trackbacks & Pingbacks
[…] and transformed himself into the beautiful white bull. He took her on his back, ran and swam to the Matala beach on the island of Crete. Then, he revealed his true identity, and Europa became the first queen of […]
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!