Matala is a seaside village on the north coast of Crete, in the county of Heraklion, near the ancient city of Festos. Matala gained popularity during the hippie era in ’60’s and 70’s. Matala Beach attracted international media attention in the 1970s when Joni Mitchell included the song ‘Carey’ on her critically acclaimed ‘Blue’ album.  The song detailed her experience residing in the caves at Matala beach in the early 1970s.

“The night is a starry dome
and they’re playin’ that scratchy rock and roll
beneath the Matala Moon”

It was the time of the “Peace Man” moto and the two finger peace sign.

Matala is not a hippies’ residence anymore, they have given their place to many tourists who visit this seaside village in order to experience this legendary place and to taste the charm of the past that is left behind.

Matala is an ideal place for those who want to spend their holidays near picturestic villages, archeological places and crystal clear waters.