房源位置

The artificial caves in the cliff of the Matala bay were created in the Neolithic Age. 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. One of the caves is called "Brutospeliana" because according to the legend it was frequented by the Roman general Brutus. Matala was then a fishing village. In the 1960s, the caves were occupied by hippies who were later driven out by the church and the military junta.
Now Matala is a small village living mainly from tourism. The legendary Matala festival reunites the hippies from around the world and brings thousands of people in the area. Canadian folk singer Joni Mitchell's experiences with the Matala hippies were immortalised in her 1971 song "Carey".
Matala is one of the few beaches in Greece that have been awarded a Blue Flag. Komo beach is famous for the protection of careta-careta turtles. Red beach is a little known discreet naturist beach that is reached only by foot . Matala was the port of Phaistos during the Minoan period, following the destruction of Kommos, and the port of Gortys during the Roman period when Gortys was proclaimed capital of Crete by the Romans. The Gortynians occupied Matala at 220 B.C. Ruins of the ancient city are still visible on the seabed as the ancient city was sunk in the sea. The archaeological pick has unearthed some traces of the palaces built by the nobles from the ancient cities of Phaistos and Gortys. There is also a cave known as "Brutospeliana" and legend has it that it was frequented by the Roman general Brutus. Owing to its exceptional natural beauty, Matala became the meeting place of the "Flower Children" in 1968. Although their conference failed to realize, yet they were compensated by the incomparable beauty of the area, which so much contrasts with the concept of destruction and war.

The local bus stops in Matala.
A rental car is recommended if you want to explore the beauty of the island.