After a deep immersion in hippies culture in Matala and in the beauty of the surrounding area, it seems fair to dedicate few hours for some more serious stuff. Archeology of course! Two of the most important Minoan sites of southern Crete are located just few kilometres north of Matala: the Palace of Phaistos (also spelled Phaistos, Phaestos, Phaistos or Phaestus) and the Royal Villa of Agia Triada (also written Hagia Triada or Ayia Triada).
Category Archives: Crete
Crete: Wild Matala
Matala, the ex isolated “hippie-paradise”, became one of the top tourist destinations of southern Crete filled with crowds of tourists from all over the world. They are everywhere; they climb to the remote caves, they play with the big waves ignoring the red flag warning, they flood the narrow streets of the village, they seek to breathe, for one day or two, the air of freedom. Is there any space left for those who want the whole package without the crowds factor? Yes there is!
Crete: Matala and flower children
Matala has remained famous for its hippy past and for having hosted during its glory years, celebrities such as Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell. Location, climate and its famous caves, were perfect for those who wanted to live in freedom. Today, more than 40 years later, you can still see around some original flower child and the atmosphere has kept something special and positive.