Matala holidays

Holidays to Matala are a showcase of hippie culture, history and nature in equal measures.

Small village, big personality

Matala might only take up a small patch of Crete’s south coast, but it’s got a lot going for it. This tiny village is home to only a few hundred residents, but also stocks famous caves, a picturesque beach and some of the most spectacular sunset views on the island. And when you’re not catching rays, there’s loads more to get stuck into. Visit the tiny church that’s partially carved into the rock, snap selfies in front of colourful street murals, or follow a short hiking trail up to a vantage point overlooking the sea.

Waves and caves

The beach here has been dubbed one of the prettiest in Crete. It’s nestled in a dramatic bay, complete with gently sloping pebbles and glass-clear water. And overlooking it is the village’s most famous attraction – Matala Caves. The caves, which are believed to have been carved out in Neolithic times, were first used for storage and as living quarters, and later as tombs for the wealthy. Nowadays, they’re a major tourist attraction, and you can still climb inside them for a first-hand look at how people lived here in ancient times.

A hippie past

In the 60s and 70s, Matala was a hippie hotspot. Spiritual people came from all over the world to live a simple life in the cliffside caves, and it’s rumoured that famous musicians Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens were among them. The bohemian flare and welcoming vibe that attracted them here can still be felt today, and the village’s buildings and pavements are dotted with brightly coloured murals celebrating its hippie past.

Swap scenery for sights

Matala’s surrounded by olive tree-covered hills as far as the eye can see, but despite its secluded feel, it’s within easy reach of some of Crete’s must-visit spots. The city of Heraklion, for example, is just over an hour’s drive away. If you’re into your history, don’t pass on the chance to spend a day here – you’ve got a pair of ancient palaces, an archaeological museum and an old town complete with the ruins of a castle to check out.