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.
These tombs are now an important archaeological site and managed by the Archaeological Service. There is a small entrance fee and the caves are closed during the night-time.  The village served as the port town for the Minoan palace of Phaistos 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 Phaistos. Hence the caves and tombs here 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 Matala 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 Matala beachside accommodation. The wind is in from Africa Oh Carey get out your cane Come on down to the Mermaid Café and I will Come on Carey get out your cane Maybe I'll go to Amsterdam The night is a starry dome Come on Carey get out your cane The wind is in from Africa Maybe it's been too long a time Oh Carey get out your cane Of course, you are very unlikely to hear this music in Matala. Much more likely you will hear Cretan music, which you can hear more about on our music pages. Return from Matala to We Love Crete Homepage |
