Matala

Matala in Crete is now a place of tourism, but in the 1960s and 1970s it became a haven for hippies. What was different about Matala from other hippie hangouts were the places where they lived. Matala has a series of manmade caves on the beach, which these sometimes unwelcome visitors occupied for a time, until they were compelled to leave. The caves were created in the Neolithic age, and visitors still come to see them. One of the caves is known as ‘Brutospeliana’, because of a legendary connection with the Roman General, Brutus.

During the Minoan period Matala was known as Phaistos; the Romans knew it as Gortys, and made it the capital of Crete. Matala was occupied by the Gortynians in about 220 BC, and ruins of the ancient city can still be seen on the sea bed. Archaeological digs have found traces of palaces built by prominent citizens of Phaistos and Gortys.

Matala is four kilometres southwest of Pitsidia, and seventy five kilometres from Heraklion (Iraklion). Built on an inlet of a western facing coast, in Messara Bay, it is an ideal vantage point to see the wonderful sunsets.

Although Matala only had ten or so houses until the hippie invasion, it now has many hotels, shops, taverns and apartments, and the caves are cared for as ancient monuments.

The scythe shaped beach of fine pebbles is ideal for relaxing and swimming. Matala is a convenient starting point to visit nearby archaeological sites, and pleasant evenings can be spent in the beachside tavernas. Matala’s bazaar like atmosphere, with shops opening straight onto the street, is great for browsing, and for buying the perfect souvenir of your holiday.