The best hikes from bus stations in Δυτικά Αστερούσια - Αγιοφάραγγο Του Δήμου Μοιρών

The fantastic views and the sea right on their doorstep were certainly further compelling arguments for settling in the caves. When you consider that even famous musicians like Bob Dylan lived in these caves, it quickly becomes clear that Matala must have been a very special place back then. Today, parts of the protected caves can be visited. For a small entrance fee of around €5, you can see these impressive cave dwellings for yourself.

Matala is a small village in the south of the Greek island of Crete, which you can reach after a roughly 1.5-hour drive from the island's capital, Heraklion. If you're traveling on the largest of the Greek islands, Matala makes a wonderful stop on your tour. Besides the world-famous hippie caves, Matala also boasts a beautiful beach and typical Greek tavernas where you can relax and enjoy the end of the day. A visit is definitely worthwhile! Here you can book tickets for a day trip to southern Crete – including Matala.

Matala, in the south of Crete, Greece's largest island, is a mystical place. Legend has it that Zeus, the father of the gods, rose from the sea here in the form of a bull, with the beautiful princess Europa on his back. It's no wonder, then, that this place possesses such a magical allure. Besides the beaches supposedly tested by Zeus, there's another very special highlight: the caves of Matala. Music legends like Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens lived in these caves in the 1960s. For dropouts and flower children from all over the world, they were a symbol of freedom and individuality. Today, you can visit these famous cave dwellings. We'll show you what else you can discover in the fishing village of Matala in Crete.

Matala, in the south of Crete, Greece's largest island, is a mystical place. Legend has it that Zeus, the father of the gods, rose from the sea here in the form of a bull, with the beautiful princess Europa on his back. It's no wonder, then, that this place possesses such a magical allure. Besides the beaches supposedly tested by Zeus, there's another very special highlight: the caves of Matala. Music legends like Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens lived in these caves in the 1960s. For dropouts and flower children from all over the world, they were a symbol of freedom and individuality. Today, you can visit these famous cave dwellings. We'll show you what else you can discover in the fishing village of Matala in Crete.

When Zeus, in the form of a white bull, seduced Princess Europa, he crossed the sea and brought her to the beach of Matala. There he transformed himself into an eagle and flew her to Gortys, where he had sex with her.

Matala was once a fishing village. In the 1960s, the caves were occupied by hippies[1] who were later evicted by the church and the military junta. Today, Matala is a popular tourist destination, relying on bus tours and summer visitors. There are many gift shops and bars. Matala's hippie history is celebrated during the three-day Matala Beach Festival, which has been held every June since 2011.

The artificial caves in the cliffs of Matala Bay were created in the Neolithic period. During the Minoan era, Matala was the port of Phaistos. In 220 BC, Matala was occupied by the Gortynians, and during the Roman period, it became the port of Gortys. It is thought that the caves once served as tombs, but it is more likely that they were used as dwellings due to their size (corpses don't require much space to move around). One of the caves is called "Brutospeliana" because, according to legend, it was frequented by the Roman general Brutus.

Matala (Greek: Μάταλα) is a village located 75 km southwest of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Matala belongs to the municipality of Pitsidia within the municipal unit of Tympaki, municipality of Faistos, Heraklion region.