inhabited during the prehistoric period. Initially, they were used as dwellings and places of worship. They were later used as tombs during the 1st and 2nd Century.
The tombs found here date back to the Greek, Roman and Early Christian Times. The 1960’s and early 70’s saw an increase in the number of foreigners who visited the caves. During the 70’s, the caves became home to an international hippie community. Great musicians like Cat Stevens and Joni Mitchell have lived here using the breathtaking beauty of the area as an inspiration to come up with equally beautiful songs.
 In fact, Joni’s 1971 song “Carey” talks of her experiences with the hippies in Matala. However, the locals never having seen tourists before, did not approve of the hippie settlement and wanted them out of there.
Eventually, they were successful in driving the hippies out. To the south of the caves there is a huge rock formation known as the rock of “Theosyni” offering a beautiful view of Messara Bay. The rock forms a marine cave under the sea called “Kouropi” that shelters wild pigeons and Mediterranean seals.
Today the Matala Caves are protected by the Archaeological Service. Entering the caves costs about two Euros but overnight stays are not allowed anymore. Although the people visiting the place are no longer free spirited hippies, the caves should be visited for their sheer beauty with the surrounding turquoise blue sea, the sand and the red sun setting into the horizon.
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