On the trail of the Hippies to the seaside village Matala.
Matala is located at the south coast of Crete, 66 km from the Capital Heraklion and its airport. The small village of Matala became famous through the hippies in the 60s. They lived in caves on the edge of a beautiful west facing sandy beach. The caves are centuries old. According to legend, Zeus, the father of the gods, went ashore here with the king´s daughter, Europa. Today the caves are protected.
Matala the little south-coast village with the stunning sandy beach is surrounded by taverns and cafes.
If you are seeking for luxury hotels in Matala, you are going to be disappointed. Matala stands for simplicity, only simple guest houses, small family run hotels and small apartment hotels are offered.
Have a browse through our destination - decription and get yourself in the holiday mood with our video!
Actually a charming south coast location, if its attraction hadn't been doomed to it. All Crete visitors know the famous caves of Matala, where the flower children (hippies) once lived. Hippies from all over the world came in the 1960s in the Neolithic caves and a large community was founded in Matala. At times Joni Mitchell also lived here. The hippie caves have become a "state thing" today! They have been "restored" and are definitely a highlight for any Crete-visitor who lives on the east coast in combination as a day trip with the archaeological sites of Gortys and Faistos.
The seaside village Matala has something magical, despite the daytime tourists. Music events also take place here in summer. Matala is haunted by the recurring former "FLOWER CHILDREN". I like Matala in the evening when the day-tourists streams are gone by bus and the beach is quiet and the flower children are floating around in my brain.
It is obviously that the hippies had a breathtaking view from their caves on the Libyan Sea. The flower children already knew where the most beautiful places was.
Beach Highlight Matala:
Southwards of Matala is the beach Kokkini Ammos ("Red Beach"), a reddish, fine-grained sandy beach that can only be reached via a steep, narrow footpath.
hiking-suggestion
We recommend the hike to the southernmost Cape of Crete, "Cape Lithino", which is close to Matala.
You should take drinking water on this tour, because there are no water points on this trail.
Red marked path. Hiking boots and headgear are a MUST(no shade!) It is said that "Apostle Paul" landed here on this cape. The starting point for this hike is the "Odigitria Monastery". It is a circular hike, the path leads partly on unpaved driveway and in though a dry river bed. Marking: small red dots.
Great things come in small packages:
Get the most out of your vacation for discovering Crete: split your holiday -Time to 3 locactions:
Recommendation: this optimal self drive tour "Southern Crete"consists of 3 Hotel-Locations within two weeks,
it's excellent value for money, price per person(occupancy 2 guests)
from 736 €, daily arrival possible.
Our Self-Drive holidays include hotel accommodation and car hire (including taxes and car insurance) for the full duration.
After booking you ´ll get a personalized itinerary, trip Ideas, suggestions for your stay on Crete from us kreta.com the travel professionals for Crete.
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