If you were a hippie in the 60’s, seeking to live a life full of freedom and simplicity away from the stress and the duties of the big city life, then you would have definitely heard of Matala as if it were some kind of faraway wonderland. The hippies used to spend entire winters in those holes carved on the rocks.

This was soon to end, as the US government collaborated with the Greek junta dictatorship in the early 70’s in order to drive the hippies away and put an end to this. The US government under Nixon believed that among the American hippies in Matala were many US soldiers who had escaped the atrocities of the war in Vietnam.

Today, the holes on the rocks of Matala are a site of historical interest and there’s a 4€ entrance fee that allows you to roam around and visit them. They were carved during the Neolithic period and were used as tombs by the Romans during the Roman era. Definitely an interesting visit. Tip: Once in Matala, I recommend taking the short hike to nearby Kokkini Ammos beach, which is south of Matala. You can park your car in Matala and walk to Kokkini Ammos via the 25 mins trail. It’s a nudist beach with a small cafe. Oh, and there is very little shade! But the sea is just stunning.