The sun-soaked fishing village of Matala was a favourite haunt of the hippie generation in the 1960s. Today the hippies are long gone, but you can still see why they thought the place was paradise on Earth. With gorgeous beaches, picturesque streets and a truly laid-back feel, Matala is one charming town.
Matala is well known for the man-made caves in the cliffs that rise above the northern side of the bay. Make sure you pay a visit to these spectacular formations, the history of which remains unclear. It is thought the caves may be tombs from early Christian or Roman times, but the presence of carved beds and windows in some of them suggest they may have been used as homes long ago.
When free-living foreigners made their way to Matala in the ’60s, they based their fledgling community in the caves. These pre-made natural dwellings were a perfect locale for the visitors’ alternative lifestyle. The legendary folk singer Joni Mitchell even spent some time here, writing about her experiences in her song Carey. Eventually, however, the Bishop of Gortys led a protest that ended in the hippies being removed from the caves.
After you have seen the iconic cliffs, walk down towards the lovely Red Beach. The beautiful sand and tranquil waters of this beach make it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. Keep in mind that the beach is clothing-optional.
Finish a perfect beach day by heading into town to explore the galleries and shops that line its narrow streets. Choose a local taverna in the evening to try delicious traditional food and drink. Start with dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and tsatziki (yoghurt sauce) then opt for super-fresh seafood and local vegetables. The speciality wine retsina, with its unique pine smell, is worth a try as well.
While you’re in the area, take a short trip north to nearby Kommos. This archaeological site is home to ancient Minoan ruins along with a pleasant local beach. The Monastery of Odigitria is also an easy drive away, and it borders on a noteworthy Minoan cemetery.
Reach Matala by driving the 67 kilometres (42 miles) southwest from Heraklion. All the sights in town can be seen in a single day, but it is advisable to slow down and stay the night. A variety of accommodation options are available in Matala, but know that it is now illegal to sleep in the caves overnight.
