Matala Caves: Crete's Legendary Hippie Haven Now Protected

Saturday, 2 May 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Matala is a small beach village on the southern coast of Crete, located about 75 kilometers southwest of Heraklion. It gained international fame in the 1960s and 1970s when a community of hippies settled in ancient cave dwellings carved into the sandstone cliffs overlooking the beach. Artists and musicians, including Joni Mitchell and Cat Stevens, spent time here, cementing Matala's place in counterculture history. Today the caves are a protected archaeological site open to visitors during daylight hours. The village remains a popular day trip or overnight stop, offering a sandy beach, tavernas, and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can reach Matala by car from Heraklion in about one hour, or by organized day tours departing from major resort areas. The annual Matala Beach Festival, held each summer, celebrates the village's musical heritage with live performances.