Matala

Discover Matala Beach: A Fusion of History, Nature, and Counterculture

A Beach Steeped in History and Legend

Matala Beach lies at the meeting point of the Messara Plain and the Asterousia Mountains, 68 km southwest of Heraklion. This enclosed bay, adorned with a 300-meter sandy beach, offers breathtaking views of the Paximadia Islands and is shaped by the flow of the Grand River (Megalos Potamos). The turquoise waters and fine gravel invite visitors to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing along this spectacular coast.

Ancient Heritage and the Hippie Movement

The famous carved caves of Matala, sculpted into the limestone cliffs, were originally used as Roman and early Christian tombs. By the 1960s and '70s, however, they became a sanctuary for the free-spirited hippie movement. The "flower children" flocked to these caverns, expressing love and creativity amidst a backdrop of untouched fishing villages and endless horizons.

Celebrities like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Janis Joplin visited the caves, drawn by the promise of peace and artistic freedom. Despite their abrupt expulsion during the Greek dictatorship of the '70s, the legacy of the hippie movement remains, commemorated annually by the internationally renowned Matala Festival in June.

Modern Matala

Although the caves are now preserved as an archaeological site, and overnight stays are not allowed, visitors can still explore their mysterious interiors. Modern Matala is a bustling destination filled with seaside taverns, entertainment venues, and accommodations while still preserving the natural beauty that first captivated its early residents. The beach remains well-organized with amenities such as umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, beach volleyball courts, and more.

Surrounding Wonders

Beyond the main beach, visitors can access additional natural caves by boat and explore archaeological ruins that lie nearby. South of Matala, Cape Nysos is believed to be the site where Menelaus's ships were wrecked in Homer's Odyssey. Ruins of an ancient temple, sunken city remains, and mansions tell stories of Matala's past as the port of Phaestus and Gortyn.

Further archaeological gems include the Kastri hill fort and beacon, and the cave church of the Virgin Mary, once a catacomb during Christian persecutions. The entire region, with its historical richness and natural beauty, is protected under the Natura 2000 program.

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