Matala Village ~ Μάταλα

Here is a beautiful sand beach; see our Matala Beach page. The village has an interesting history and plenty to explore in addition to the gorgeous beach. Of course one of the beautiful things about staying here is watching the sunset over the Libyan Sea, looking out over the islands towards Africa. Sometimes the wind blows hot and sandy from Africa.

The village served as the port town for the Minoan palace of Festos between the ages of 2000BC and 200BC. Then the Romans took over and built the town of Gortys, also in the centre of the fertile Messara valley, but not on the same site as Festos. Hence the caves and tombs in Matala were used by Minoans, Romans and later by Christians.

In the early part of the 20th century this was a quiet fishing village. As a safe natural harbour on the bay of Messara, the waters are clean and abundant with fish life.

Beatnics stayed in the caves in the 50’s. Hippies lived a simple and natural life here in the 60’s and 70’s. They kinda took over the caves and lived there for free, the air tingled with free love and pot. Famous singers such as Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell hung out there. Don’t forget that in 1967 a military coup occurred in Greece and oppression of free speech was serious all over the country. Today the camp ground still offers very good value accommodation but the hippies have moved on.

Below you can see the words of the song Carey from 1971 where Joni Mitchell sings of her experiences in Matala.

An atmosphere of freedom still exists, not only in Matala, also in much of Crete and Greece. The combination of the blue, blue Mediterranean and the unusual bright white light is very condusive to metaphysical thinking and philosophy. That is why there exists a philosopher in every Greek, without the need for transcedental music or pot. And the sunsets are just as poetic today.

The beginning of the 21st century has seen Matala develop its services for its growing population and ever-increasing overseas visitors, however it is still a small place with a relaxed pace.

Half the beach is fringed by tamarisk trees, a casual masseuse sets up a tent on the beach, some of the cafés now have terraces built up overlooking the beach.

Here is our selection for beachside accommodation in Matala.

Carey by Joni Mitchell

The wind is in from Africa
Last night I couldn't sleep
Oh, you know it sure is hard to leave here Carey
But it's really not my home
My fingernails are filthy, I got beach tar on my feet
And I miss my clean white linen and my fancy French cologne

Oh Carey get out your cane
And I'll put on some silver
Oh you're a mean old Daddy
But I like you fine

Come on down to the Mermaid Café and I will
Buy you a bottle of wine
And we'll laugh and toast to nothing and smash our empty glasses down
Let's have a round for these freaks and these soldiers
A round for these friends of mine
Let's have another round for the bright red devil
Who keeps me in this tourist town

Come on Carey get out your cane
I'll put on some silver
Oh you're a mean old Daddy
But I like you

Maybe I'll go to Amsterdam
Maybe I'll go to Rome
And rent me a grand piano
And put some flowers 'round my room
But let's not talk about fare-thee-wells now

The night is a starry dome
And they're playin' that scratchy rock and roll
Beneath the Matala Moon

Come on Carey get out your cane
I'll put on some silver
We'll go to the Mermaid Café
Have fun tonight

The wind is in from Africa
Last night I couldn't sleep
Oh you know it sure is hard to leave here
But it's really not my home

Maybe it's been too long a time
Since I was scramblin' down in the street
Now they got me used to that clean white linen
And that fancy French cologne

Oh Carey get out your cane
I'll put on my finest silver
We'll go to the Mermaid Café
Have fun tonight
I said, Oh, you're a mean old Daddy but I like you
But you're out of sight