Matala Caves

In the Neolithic period, numerous dwelling caves were dug into the soft, porous rock of the bay, which were used as burial sites during the Roman occupation of Crete. To date, they have remained the most famous attraction of Matala. In the Minoan era this was probably the port of Phaistos; in Roman times Matala was the port of Gortyn. The Saracens under Abu Hafs Omar, who conquered Crete in 824, first landed in Matala.

In the 1960s, hippies from around the world (including many young Americans who refused to take part in the Vietnam War) settled in the Neolithic cave dwellings and established a large commune there. Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell also lived here at times.

Source: Wikipedia.

When I was here for the first time almost 30 years ago, you could still smell the remains of the hippies in some caves, that's better now, but there's an entrance fee.

In the Neolithic Age, numerous caves were dug into the soft, porous rock of the bay, which were used as burial sites during the time of the Roman occupation of Crete. To this day, they have remained Matala's most famous attraction. In the Minoan era the port of Phaistos was probably located here; in Roman times Matala was the port of Gortyn. The Saracens under Abu Hafs Omar, who conquered Crete in 824, first went ashore in Matala.