Hello fellow travel lovers 👋 !
Excited to share my first-ever blog with you! I want to introduce you to Matala, a captivating little village in Crete that I visited this summer. I hope you'll enjoy reading about my experience!
Matala is a picturesque place on the southern coast of Crete that I fell in love with at first sight.
In the center of Matala lies a sandy beach kissed by the Libyan Sea, inviting relaxation and play. You can rent sunbeds or enjoy the nearby natural shade. To the right, intriguing caves add an air of mystery, while the village stands to the left.
The Matala caves bear witness to a unique chapter in Matala's history. It's said that these rocky chambers were shaped by the Minoans, ancient inhabitants of Crete, serving as tombs that whispered of lives lived long ago. Over the centuries, the caves evolved, taking on new roles as homes and sanctuaries. In the 20th century, Matala became a haven for free spirits. The 1960s and '70s brought waves of hippies from around the world, seeking refuge in the caves' sheltered embrace.
While the caves are fenced off, adventurous souls can choose to swim and catch a glimpse of the lower parts of the caves. However, if you wish to explore further, you can do so at specific times by purchasing tickets from the attendants at the cave entrance. Unfortunately, we missed the opportunity and were left without this experience, but someone mentioned that there's a slight smell inside the caves, so maybe it's for the best 😉 .
And then there's the village itself. As I walked through the narrow streets, I could sense that distinct essence of the hippie spirit and carefree way of life. With every step I took, a sense of freedom, carefreeness, and creativity grew within me. I felt so relaxed .
And as the perfect finale to the day, a treat awaited: witnessing the sun sink below the horizon over the Libyan Sea. So tranquil and beautiful !
Matala is a destination that caters to the soul's longing for beauty, history, and simplicity. It reminded me to slow down, connect with nature, and savor every moment.
I invite you to join me 🤗 !