Matala
A hippie town in the south with unique caves and a relaxed hippie vibe.
Neolithic Caves
Famous rock caves from the Roman period
Hippie Heritage
Centre of hippie culture in the 1960s and 70s
Red Beaches
Unique beaches with red sandstone cliffs
Breathtaking Sunsets
Some of the most beautiful sunsets in Crete
About Matala
Matala is a small and magical village on the southern coast of Crete, about 70 km south of Heraklion. The village is especially famous for its Neolithic caves carved into the red sandstone cliff above the beach.
In the 1960s and 70s, Matala became a famous gathering place for the hippie movement. Artists and travellers from around the world fell in love with the caves and lived in them freely under the blue skies.
Beyond the famous caves, the area also offers a visit to the nearby Minoan Palace of Phaistos, unique red beaches such as 'Red Beach' and stunning sunsets over the Libyan Sea.
