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Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου

Matala Cave Dwellings

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Places to see

Caves

Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου

Matala Cave Dwellings

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Matala Cave Dwellings

Recommended by 152 hikers out of 161

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Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου, Greece

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Best Hikes to Matala Cave Dwellings

4.7

(140)

517

hikers

1. Matala Rock Formations – View of Matala Bay loop from Kalamaki

9.06km

02:39

230m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

4.8

(11)

hikers

2. Matala Caves – Matala Caves loop from Kalamaki

2.08km

00:35

30m

Intermediate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

4.9

(9)

hikers

3. View of Matala – Minoan Harbour of Kommos loop from Kalamaki

7.51km

02:14

210m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Intermediate

Tips

Marco

September 2, 2015

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.

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Marco

February 7, 2017

In the past, this place was very popular with hippies. The image is preserved until today. Definitely worth a visit.

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Turbo

January 8, 2019

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.

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Elevation 30 m

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Wednesday 22 October

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Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηρακλείου, Greece

Other Popular Places to Check Out

View of Matala Bay

View of Kommos Beach and Psiloritis Mountains

Matala Painted Streets

Kommos Beach and Archaeological Site

Matala Hippie Cave

Janis' Beach Bar Red Beach

Kuna Muta Refreshment Bar

Fossil Limestone Plates at Kommos Beach

View of Sunset Beach Kalamaki and Parking Area

Blue Stairs of Matala

Scala Restaurant

Bunga Bunge Beach Bar

Matala Cave Dwellings

1. Matala Rock Formations – View of Matala Bay loop from Kalamaki

2. Matala Caves – Matala Caves loop from Kalamaki

3. View of Matala – Minoan Harbour of Kommos loop from Kalamaki

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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