Matala, Heraklion - Crete | 07 Aug 2014
35.0000° N | 24.7500° E
Matala is a coastal village located 75 km south-west of Heraklion in Crete. The distinctive characteristic of the area are the dozens of caves in the cliff of the Matala bay that were created in the Neolithic Age and became the home of many hippies from all over the world in the 1960s.
In antiquity, Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period. In the year 220 BC. Matala was occupied by the Gortynians and during the Roman period Matala became the port of Gortys. In the 1st and 2nd centuries the caves were used as tombs by the Romans. Just below the characteristic caves one of Crete’s most beautiful sandy beaches is spread out. Matala is a convenient base to visit the ancient site of Phaestos and Agia Triada and a great place to watch many beautiful sunsets.